Chase Rice’s journey from college football linebacker to country music maverick has produced some of modern country’s most visceral, emotionally honest tracks. The North Carolina native burst onto the scene with songs that blend traditional country storytelling with rock-influenced production, creating a sound that resonates with listeners seeking authenticity over polish. His catalog spans rowdy anthems perfect for summer nights, vulnerable ballads that showcase surprising depth, and everything between. These twenty tracks represent the best of Chase Rice—songs that capture his evolution from songwriter-for-hire to artist with a distinctive voice and perspective worth hearing.
Eyes On You
“Eyes On You” stands as Chase Rice’s commercial breakthrough and career-defining moment. Released in 2019, this tender ballad showcased a vulnerability Rice hadn’t fully explored in earlier radio singles, with production by Corey Crowder that strips away the bombast for intimate acoustic guitar and subtle strings. Rice’s vocal delivery here is remarkably restrained—he resists the urge to over-sing, letting the simple melody carry emotional weight while his distinctive rasp adds character to lines about finding unexpected love. The song’s structure builds gradually, adding layers of instrumentation as the narrative intensifies, mirroring the experience of falling deeper into connection with someone. This track reached number one on multiple country charts and earned Rice significant crossover attention, proving he could deliver radio-friendly material without sacrificing the authenticity that defined his earlier work.
Ready Set Roll
“Ready Set Roll” introduced many listeners to Chase Rice’s party-ready energy and storytelling specificity. The 2013 track features production that blends country instrumentation with rock attitude—electric guitars punch through the mix alongside banjo, creating sonic tension that matches the lyric’s narrative of spontaneous adventure. Rice’s vocal performance captures youthful excitement without tipping into cartoonishness, his delivery suggesting genuine enthusiasm rather than manufactured energy. The song’s genius lies in its specific details—mentioning putting the seat back and rolling the windows down—creating vivid imagery that makes listeners feel present in the moment. This became Rice’s first major radio hit, establishing him as an artist who could craft hooks that stuck while maintaining country credibility.
Lonely If You Are
“Lonely If You Are” showcases Rice’s ability to write contemporary country that honors traditional songcraft. Released in 2017, the track features production by Rice and Chris DeStefano that balances modern country-pop sheen with organic instrumentation—real drums anchor electronic elements, preventing the song from feeling overly processed. Rice’s vocal here has a conversational quality that makes the pickup line at the song’s center feel charming rather than cheesy, his delivery suggesting genuine interest rather than player posturing. The chorus hook is immediately memorable, with a melodic contour that begs for sing-along participation. This track demonstrated Rice’s growth as a vocalist, showing increased control and nuance compared to his earlier, more aggressive performances.
Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.
This collaboration with Florida Georgia Line captures small-town Saturday night authenticity that resonates whether you’re listening through quality earbuds or truck speakers. Released in 2020, the track features production that leans into modern country’s bigger-is-better aesthetic while maintaining lyrical specificity about rural American life. Rice’s chemistry with FGL is palpable—their voices blend naturally during harmonies while maintaining distinct identities during individual lines. The song’s structure is deliberately anthemic, with a pre-chorus build that explodes into a fist-pumping declaration of values. What saves this from feeling preachy is Rice’s delivery—there’s no judgment in his voice, just celebration of the lifestyle he knows. The track became a fan favorite and streaming success, connecting with listeners who saw their own experiences reflected in its detailed imagery.
Gonna Wanna Tonight
“Gonna Wanna Tonight” featuring Florida Georgia Line captures spontaneous romance with production energy that matches its lyrical urgency. The 2014 collaboration features layered guitars and driving percussion that creates relentless forward momentum, pushing the narrative toward its inevitable conclusion. Rice’s vocal blends seamlessly with Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, the three voices creating textural variety that keeps the track interesting across its runtime. The song’s production incorporates subtle electronic elements—synth pads that fill space without drawing attention to themselves—showing Rice’s willingness to embrace contemporary country sounds. This track demonstrated Rice’s value as both solo artist and collaborator, his distinctive voice complementing rather than competing with FGL’s established sound.
If I’m Bein’ Honest
This vulnerable confession represents some of Rice’s most emotionally transparent writing. Released as a standalone single, “If I’m Bein’ Honest” features stripped-down production—primarily acoustic guitar and piano—that forces listeners to focus on the lyrical content and vocal delivery. Rice’s performance here is raw, his voice occasionally cracking with emotion in ways that feel genuine rather than manipulated for effect. The song addresses the aftermath of a public breakup Rice experienced, and that specificity makes it universally relatable—anyone who’s struggled to process a relationship’s end will recognize the emotional confusion captured here. The production wisely avoids adding layers that would diminish the intimacy, trusting that Rice’s voice and the song’s honest lyric can carry weight without studio trickery.
Three Chords & The Truth
“Three Chords & The Truth” celebrates country music’s fundamental appeal while demonstrating it through execution. The track features exactly what its title promises—simple chord progressions supporting honest storytelling—yet the production elevates these basic elements through careful arrangement choices. Rice’s vocal delivery has a knowing quality, as if he’s aware of the tradition he’s honoring while adding his own perspective. The instrumentation includes traditional country elements—steel guitar, fiddle—integrated with modern production techniques that give them clarity and punch. This track appealed to traditionalist fans who appreciated Rice’s nod to country music’s roots while showcasing his ability to make those roots feel contemporary and relevant.
Jack Daniel’s and Jesus
This spiritual-meets-secular anthem captures the contradictions many rural Americans live with. “Jack Daniel’s and Jesus” features production that emphasizes the contrast between its two titular elements—reverent verses that could soundtrack Sunday morning church transition into rowdy choruses celebrating Saturday night excess. Rice’s vocal performance navigates these tonal shifts convincingly, his voice conveying genuine faith without sanctimony and genuine fun without recklessness. The song’s bridge attempts to reconcile these seemingly opposed forces, suggesting they’re both part of the same honest life. Whether this philosophical reconciliation works is debatable, but Rice’s commitment to the concept makes it compelling listening, and the production’s dynamic range keeps the track engaging.
How She Rolls
“How She Rolls” showcases Rice’s knack for character-driven storytelling within radio-friendly frameworks. The track’s production features prominent acoustic guitar with electric elements that add edge without overwhelming the song’s melodic foundation. Rice’s vocal paints a specific picture of a small-town woman who knows exactly who she is and what she wants, his delivery suggesting admiration rather than objectification. The chorus hook is built for memorability, with a melodic contour that encourages audience participation while the verses provide narrative detail that gives the hook emotional context. This demonstrated Rice’s ability to craft songs that work both as casual radio listens and as deeper explorations of character and place.
Do It Like This
“Do It Like This” embraces arena-country bombast with self-aware confidence. The track’s production is massive—layered guitars, pounding drums, electronic flourishes—creating a sonic wall designed to soundtrack large venues and summer festivals. Rice’s vocal matches this energy, his delivery more aggressive here than on his ballads, conveying the party atmosphere the lyric describes. The song’s structure follows classic country-rock templates—verses that establish scene and mood exploding into choruses built for crowd participation. While some critics dismissed this as generic party country, the production quality and Rice’s committed performance elevated it above similar attempts, and audiences responded enthusiastically to its unabashed celebration of good times.
Messy
“Messy” tackles relationship complications with lyrical honesty that cuts through typical country love song clichés. Released in 2020, the track features production that balances intimacy with polish—the mix creates space around Rice’s voice during vulnerable moments while filling out during the chorus for emotional impact. Rice’s vocal performance conveys the confusion and frustration of navigating a relationship that defies easy categorization, his delivery suggesting someone genuinely working through complex feelings rather than performing them. The song’s bridge provides melodic variation that keeps the track interesting while the production’s dynamic range mirrors the emotional turbulence the lyric describes. This showcased Rice’s continued growth as a songwriter willing to explore complicated emotional territory.
Ride
“Ride” captures rural youth culture with production energy that matches its subject matter. The track features driving percussion and prominent electric guitar that create forward momentum, while Rice’s vocal delivery suggests barely contained excitement. The production incorporates subtle electronic elements that give the track contemporary sheen without abandoning country instrumentation—steel guitar appears during the bridge, grounding the song in genre tradition while the beat keeps it radio-relevant. Rice’s performance here is confident without arrogance, his voice conveying genuine enthusiasm for the lifestyle he’s describing. The song’s structure builds effectively, each section adding intensity until the final chorus hits with maximum impact.
On Tonight
“On Tonight” demonstrates Rice’s evolution toward more nuanced romantic material. The production emphasizes melody over bombast, with acoustic elements providing warmth that complements Rice’s vocal delivery. His performance here shows increased control—he knows when to push and when to pull back, creating dynamic variation that keeps listeners engaged. The song’s lyric walks the line between confidence and vulnerability, suggesting someone interested in connection beyond just physical attraction. The arrangement supports this tonal balance, with instrumentation that adds layers gradually rather than hitting immediately with full-band force. This track proved Rice could deliver romantic material that felt genuine rather than calculated for radio play.
Look at My Truck
“Look at My Truck” showcases Rice’s sense of humor and willingness to subvert country music tropes. The track’s production is deliberately over-the-top—massive drums, prominent bass, electronic flourishes—creating a sonic landscape that matches the lyric’s tongue-in-cheek celebration of truck culture. Rice’s vocal delivery suggests he’s in on the joke without mocking the culture he’s representing, walking a fine line between celebration and parody. The production quality elevates what could have been throwaway novelty into a genuinely enjoyable listen that sounds impressive through quality headphones where you can appreciate the layered arrangement. This demonstrated Rice’s understanding that country music can be fun without being shallow, and that embracing stereotype doesn’t require abandoning intelligence.
Unforgettable
“Unforgettable” captures the magic of moments that define relationships. The production features lush arrangements—strings add sweep during the chorus while maintaining intimacy during verses through stripped instrumentation. Rice’s vocal performance here is tender without becoming saccharine, his delivery suggesting genuine emotion rather than manufactured sentiment. The song’s structure builds effectively, starting with just voice and acoustic guitar before adding layers that create emotional crescendo during the final chorus. The production choices demonstrate maturity—there’s restraint in knowing when not to add elements, trusting that space can be as powerful as sound. This track appealed to listeners seeking romantic material with substance beyond surface-level declarations.
Room 232
“Room 232” tells a specific story with narrative detail that creates vivid imagery. The production maintains energy while supporting the story—instrumentation punctuates key lyrical moments without overwhelming the narrative. Rice’s vocal delivery has a storytelling quality, his phrasing emphasizing important details while maintaining melodic interest. The song’s bridge provides perspective shift that adds depth to the narrative, while the production’s dynamic range mirrors the emotional journey described. This demonstrated Rice’s skill as a storyteller, showing he could craft narratives with beginning, middle, and end that justified their runtime. The specific details—room number, time of day—ground the song in reality, making the emotional content more relatable.
We Goin’ Out
“We Goin’ Out” captures the anticipation of weekend plans with infectious energy. The production features prominent beat and bass that create dance-floor friendliness while maintaining country instrumentation that prevents genre confusion. Rice’s vocal delivery suggests genuine excitement rather than forced enthusiasm, his performance conveying the mood shift that comes with Friday evening arrival. The song’s structure is deliberately simple—the goal is creating vibe more than showcasing complex musicianship—and the production supports this with consistent energy from start to finish. This track works as background music for the activities it describes while rewarding closer listening through production details that emerge in quiet listening environments.
Way Down Yonder
“Way Down Yonder” embraces Southern pride with production that balances regional authenticity with contemporary sound. The track features instrumentation that nods to country tradition—fiddle, banjo—integrated with modern production techniques that give them clarity and punch. Rice’s vocal delivery conveys genuine affection for the places and people he’s describing, his performance avoiding condescension while celebrating rural Southern culture. The song’s structure allows for dynamic variation, with verses that establish setting before choruses that celebrate it. The production quality ensures each element can be heard clearly while creating cohesive whole, and Rice’s vocal sits perfectly in the mix without overwhelming the instrumental arrangement.
Everybody We Know Does
This lifestyle anthem celebrates rural normalcy with production that emphasizes community over individuality. “Everybody We Know Does” features layered vocals during the chorus that create sense of collective experience, while verses maintain intimacy through stripped instrumentation. Rice’s delivery suggests he’s reporting rather than bragging, describing life as it is rather than performing an image. The production incorporates traditional country elements—steel guitar adds texture—while maintaining contemporary radio-readiness through clean mixing and balanced arrangements. This track resonated with listeners who recognized their own communities in the lyric’s descriptions, finding validation in hearing their normal lives celebrated rather than mocked or dismissed.
Country As Me
“Country As Me” functions as both self-definition and challenge to authenticity gatekeepers. The production supports this confident stance through robust arrangement—electric guitars provide edge while country instrumentation maintains genre credibility. Rice’s vocal performance walks the line between assertiveness and defensiveness, his delivery suggesting someone who shouldn’t have to prove anything yet feels compelled to state his case. The song’s structure builds toward declarative chorus that serves as both hook and thesis statement, while production choices emphasize Rice’s voice without sacrificing instrumental interest. This demonstrated Rice’s willingness to engage with ongoing debates about country music’s boundaries while maintaining focus on crafting compelling music rather than just taking sides in cultural arguments.
Beer With The Boys
“Beer With The Boys” celebrates male friendship with genuine affection rather than toxic masculinity. The production creates party atmosphere while the lyric emphasizes emotional connection—these aren’t just drinking buddies but genuine friends who support each other. Rice’s vocal delivery conveys warmth, his performance suggesting real appreciation for these relationships rather than performing bro culture for commercial appeal. The song’s structure alternates between verses that tell specific stories and chorus that provides thematic statement, while production maintains energy throughout without becoming exhausting. This track demonstrated Rice’s ability to write about male relationships with nuance, acknowledging that men can express affection for each other within traditionally masculine contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chase Rice’s biggest hit song?
“Eyes On You” stands as Chase Rice’s biggest commercial success, reaching number one on multiple country charts and earning Platinum certification from the RIAA. Released in 2019, the tender ballad showcased a more vulnerable side of Rice’s artistry, connecting with mainstream audiences who embraced its emotional honesty and stripped-down production. The song’s success marked a career turning point, establishing Rice as more than just a party-country artist and opening doors for more diverse material.
Did Chase Rice write “Cruise” for Florida Georgia Line?
Yes, Chase Rice co-wrote “Cruise” which became Florida Georgia Line’s breakthrough smash hit in 2012. Rice wrote the song with Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, and Joey Moi before FGL recorded it, demonstrating his songwriting prowess even before his own solo career took off. The song’s massive success—it became one of the best-selling country digital singles of all time—established Rice’s credibility within the Nashville songwriting community and helped launch his own performing career.
What genre is Chase Rice’s music?
Chase Rice operates primarily within contemporary country music, though his sound incorporates significant rock influences that distinguish him from more traditional country artists. His production often features aggressive electric guitars, prominent drums, and arena-rock energy alongside country instrumentation like steel guitar and banjo. This blend has positioned him within country music’s modern mainstream while appealing to rock-leaning listeners who might not typically gravitate toward country radio.
Has Chase Rice won any major awards?
While Chase Rice hasn’t won major industry awards like Grammys or CMA Awards, he’s received significant recognition through chart success, streaming numbers, and touring opportunities. His songs have achieved multiple Platinum and Gold certifications, indicating substantial commercial success and audience connection. Rice has built his career more through grassroots fan support and consistent touring than through industry award recognition, creating loyal following that values authenticity over mainstream validation.
What was Chase Rice doing before music?
Before pursuing music full-time, Chase Rice played linebacker for the University of North Carolina football team and briefly pursued professional football opportunities. He also appeared on the reality television show “Survivor: Nicaragua” in 2010, finishing as runner-up. These experiences outside music industry gave Rice broader life perspective that informs his songwriting, and his athletic background contributes to the high-energy performance style he brings to live shows and which translates into his recorded material’s visceral quality.