Miranda Lambert has established herself as one of country music’s most powerful voices, combining raw emotion with masterful storytelling. From her breakthrough on Nashville Star to her latest releases, Lambert’s catalog showcases the evolution of a true country music icon. This comprehensive guide explores the best songs that define her remarkable career.
Wranglers
Released as the lead single from Lambert’s tenth studio album Postcards from Texas in 2024, this track marked her return to traditional country roots. The song embodies classic Texas honky-tonk style while celebrating her authentic cowgirl lifestyle. Lambert co-wrote this anthem that resonated with fans who appreciate her unapologetic embrace of Western culture and values.
The House That Built Me
This career-defining ballad became Lambert’s first number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2010. Written by Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin, the song tells a universal story about returning to one’s childhood home seeking closure and identity. Lambert’s emotional delivery earned her the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and the ACM Song of the Decade award, cementing its place as one of country music’s most beloved tracks.
Gunpowder & Lead
From her 2007 album Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, this fierce anthem became Lambert’s first Top 10 hit on the country charts. Co-written by Lambert and Heather Little, the song addresses domestic violence with powerful imagery and defiant attitude. The track’s moderate up-tempo beat backed by resonator guitar creates an ominous atmosphere that perfectly matches its confrontational lyrics about standing up to an abusive partner.
Mama’s Broken Heart
This 2013 single showcased Lambert’s ability to blend traditional country themes with modern attitude. Co-written by Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, and Kacey Musgraves, the song explores the pressure women face to maintain composure after heartbreak. Lambert had to personally request the song from Musgraves, who agreed on the condition she could sing harmony, resulting in a platinum-certified hit that reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Bluebird
Released in 2019 from the Wildcard album, this hopeful anthem became Lambert’s first solo number one hit in eight years. Co-written just three days after Lambert’s quiet marriage to Brendan McLoughlin, the song balances darkness with hope and resilience. The track won the CMA Award for Video of the Year and earned Grammy nominations, showcasing Lambert’s continued artistic growth and commercial success.
Kerosene
The title track from Lambert’s 2005 debut album introduced the world to her fiery personality and songwriting talent. Written by Lambert with Steve Earle producing influence, the song peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Country Chart. This revenge anthem about burning down an ex’s house (metaphorically) established Lambert’s reputation for channeling anger and heartbreak into powerful country music statements.
White Liar
This 2009 single from the Revolution album demonstrated Lambert’s versatility with its upbeat tempo and catchy melody. The song addresses dishonesty in relationships with clever wordplay and infectious energy. Reaching the top 5 on country charts, it showcased Lambert’s ability to craft radio-friendly hits while maintaining her authentic voice and sharp-edged perspective.
Over You
Co-written with then-husband Blake Shelton, this 2011 ballad tells the deeply personal story of Shelton’s brother who died in a car accident. Lambert’s tender vocal performance transformed the song into an emotional masterpiece that topped country charts in 2012. The track earned Song of the Year at both the CMA and ACM Awards, demonstrating Lambert’s gift for conveying profound emotional depth.
Tin Man
From her 2016 double album The Weight of These Wings, this introspective ballad showcases Lambert’s mature songwriting. Co-written with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall, the song uses the Wizard of Oz character as a metaphor for emotional protection after heartbreak. The acoustic-driven track won ACM Song of the Year in 2017, highlighting Lambert’s ability to create poignant, literary country music.
If I Was a Cowboy
Released in 2022 from the Palomino album, this modern Western anthem embraces Lambert’s Texas roots with contemporary production. The song explores themes of freedom and independence through cowboy imagery. Lambert’s confident vocal delivery and the track’s infectious melody made it a standout on country radio, proving her continued relevance in evolving country music landscape.
Vice
This raw and honest 2016 single addresses personal struggles with addiction and coping mechanisms. Written by Lambert with Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally, the song’s stripped-down production lets her vulnerable lyrics take center stage. The track resonated with audiences for its unflinching look at using vices to numb emotional pain, showcasing Lambert’s willingness to explore darker personal territory.
Somethin’ Bad
Lambert’s 2014 collaboration with Carrie Underwood created a powerhouse country-rock anthem. The song’s aggressive production and confident lyrics celebrate female friendship and rebellion. Reaching the top 20 on both country and pop charts, it demonstrated Lambert’s star power and ability to create memorable duets with fellow country music royalty.
Little Red Wagon
This 2014 single from the Platinum album became a fan favorite for its carefree attitude and infectious groove. Written by Audra Mae, Joe Ginsberg, and Cary Barlowe, the song encourages living authentically without caring about others’ opinions. Lambert’s playful delivery and the track’s party-ready energy made it a concert staple and radio success.
Famous in a Small Town
Released in 2007 as the second single from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, this mid-tempo ballad explores small-town life and legacy. Written by Travis Howard, the song reached number 14 on country charts while showcasing Lambert’s storytelling abilities. The track’s nostalgic quality and universal themes resonated with audiences who understood the complex relationship between leaving home and honoring roots.
Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)
Lambert’s 2021 collaboration with Elle King created a raucous celebration of female friendship and good times. Perfect for listening with quality headphones, this track blends country and rock influences with abandon. The chemistry between Lambert and King resulted in a chart-topping hit that became an anthem for letting loose and having fun.
Automatic
The lead single from her 2014 Platinum album earned Lambert another Song of the Year win at the 2014 ACM Awards. Co-written with Nicolle Galyon and Natalie Hemby, the nostalgic track contrasts simpler times with modern digital life. Lambert’s wistful vocal performance and the song’s steel guitar-laden production created a powerful meditation on how technology has changed daily life and relationships.
Only Prettier
This sassy 2010 single showcased Lambert’s sharp wit and Southern charm. The song’s clever lyrics address superiority with honey-coated insults delivered with a smile. Lambert’s confident performance and the track’s catchy melody made it a fan favorite, demonstrating her ability to craft songs that are simultaneously biting and entertaining.
Settling Down
From the 2019 Wildcard album, this track finds Lambert embracing domestic life and contentment. The song’s introspective lyrics reflect her personal growth and happiness in marriage. Lambert’s mature vocal delivery and the track’s warm production create an intimate portrait of finding peace after years of turbulence, showing her evolution as both artist and person.
Tequila Does
This fiery 2019 track from Wildcard explores how alcohol brings out hidden truths and emotions. Written by Lambert with Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby, the song combines confessional lyrics with driving production. Lambert’s powerful vocal performance captures the dangerous allure of tequila and the chaos that follows, creating another memorable entry in her catalog of songs about coping mechanisms.
Run
Featured on the 2024 Postcards from Texas album, this poignant ballad showcases Lambert’s emotional depth. The song’s lyrics address freedom’s cost and the complexity of relationships where one partner needs to escape. Lambert’s stunning music video, featuring desert landscapes and mirrors, brought the song’s themes to life while demonstrating her continued artistic vision and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Miranda Lambert’s most successful song?
The House That Built Me stands as Lambert’s most successful and acclaimed song. It became her first number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2010, holding the top position for four consecutive weeks. The track earned Lambert her first Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and was later named the ACM Song of the Decade. The song’s universal themes about childhood homes and personal identity resonated deeply with audiences, making it a career-defining moment that transcended typical commercial success to become a cultural touchstone.
How many number one hits does Miranda Lambert have?
Miranda Lambert has achieved multiple number one hits throughout her career, though the exact count varies by chart. Her first solo number one was The House That Built Me in 2010, followed by Bluebird in 2020. She has also topped charts as a featured artist on songs like We Were Us with Keith Urban in 2013 and Drowns the Whiskey with Jason Aldean in 2018. Additionally, her work with the Pistol Annies has produced chart-topping albums, demonstrating her success across multiple formats and collaborations.
What albums should new Miranda Lambert fans start with?
New listeners should begin with Revolution from 2009, which contains her biggest hit The House That Built Me and showcases her storytelling abilities. The 2014 album Platinum offers a great overview of her mature sound with hits like Automatic and Little Red Wagon. For recent work, Postcards from Texas released in 2024 demonstrates her return to traditional country roots while maintaining contemporary relevance. These three albums span her career evolution while highlighting the consistency of her artistic vision and vocal power.
Has Miranda Lambert won any Grammy Awards?
Yes, Miranda Lambert has won multiple Grammy Awards throughout her career. Her first Grammy came in 2011 for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for The House That Built Me. She has received numerous additional Grammy nominations and wins, including Best Country Album for Wildcard in 2021. Lambert’s Grammy recognition spans various categories, acknowledging both her vocal performances and songwriting contributions to country music, solidifying her status as one of the genre’s most decorated contemporary artists.
What makes Miranda Lambert’s songwriting unique?
Lambert’s songwriting stands out for its raw emotional honesty and refusal to conform to traditional female country stereotypes. She fearlessly explores themes of anger, revenge, heartbreak, and resilience with equal authenticity. Her Texas roots influence her storytelling approach, combining honky-tonk tradition with modern sensibilities. Lambert co-writes most of her material, ensuring personal authenticity in every track. Her willingness to address difficult topics like domestic violence, addiction, and emotional vulnerability sets her apart, making her music resonate with audiences seeking genuine expression rather than manufactured perfection.
What is Miranda Lambert’s latest album?
Miranda Lambert’s most recent studio album is Postcards from Texas, released in September 2024. This tenth studio album represents a return to her Texas roots, recorded at Austin’s Arlyn Recording Studios with producer Jon Randall. The 14-track collection features collaborations with Parker McCollum and includes both original songs and a cover of David Allan Coe’s Living on the Run. Following this release, Lambert dropped the single A Song To Sing with Chris Stapleton in 2026, demonstrating her continued creative productivity and commitment to traditional country music values.
Does Miranda Lambert write her own songs?
Yes, Miranda Lambert is an accomplished songwriter who writes or co-writes the majority of her material. On her debut album Kerosene, she wrote or co-wrote 11 of the 12 tracks. Throughout her career, she has maintained this commitment to personal songwriting, often collaborating with top Nashville writers like Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, and Luke Dick. Notable exceptions include The House That Built Me, which was written by Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin, though Lambert’s emotional connection to the material made it feel personally written. Her songwriting contributions have earned her multiple awards and recognition as one of country music’s premier singer-songwriters.
What awards has Miranda Lambert won?
Miranda Lambert has accumulated an impressive collection of awards throughout her career. She has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Album. At the Academy of Country Music Awards, she holds the record for most Female Vocalist of the Year wins with nine consecutive victories. She has won numerous CMA Awards, including multiple Female Vocalist of the Year honors. Lambert has also received Billboard Music Awards, CMT Music Awards, and ACM Song of the Decade for The House That Built Me, establishing her as one of the most decorated artists in contemporary country music.
Is Miranda Lambert still making music?
Yes, Miranda Lambert remains actively engaged in creating and performing music. Following her 2024 album Postcards from Texas, she released A Song To Sing with Chris Stapleton in 2026. Experience her latest tracks with quality audio equipment for the best listening experience. Lambert continues touring extensively, including joining Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem Tour. She also runs Big Loud Texas, a record label where she mentors emerging artists. Recent interviews confirm she’s already writing material for future projects, ensuring her fans can expect new music in the coming years.
What is Miranda Lambert’s connection to Texas?
Texas is fundamental to Miranda Lambert’s identity and artistic expression. Born in Longview, Texas, she grew up on a dairy farm where her parents worked as private investigators. This upbringing influenced her gritty, authentic approach to songwriting and performance. Her 2024 album Postcards from Texas explicitly celebrates her home state, recorded entirely in Austin. Lambert maintains homes in both Nashville and Texas, frequently referencing Lone Star State culture in her music. She collaborated with fellow Texans on The Marfa Tapes project and continues championing Texas country traditions while pushing the genre forward with contemporary sensibilities.