Scotty McCreery songs have captivated country music fans since his American Idol victory in 2011, showcasing his distinctive baritone voice and heartfelt storytelling. From his breakthrough debut to his latest releases, the North Carolina native has delivered chart-topping hits that resonate with listeners across generations. This comprehensive guide explores the best Scotty McCreery songs that have defined his remarkable career and solidified his place in contemporary country music history.
Five More Minutes
Five More Minutes stands as Scotty McCreery’s most impactful and emotionally resonant song, written with Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell just two weeks after losing his grandfather in 2015. The deeply personal ballad takes listeners on a journey through life’s precious moments, from childhood memories to those final goodbyes we never want to say. This historic track became the first song ever to reach number one on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart without major label backing, earning triple platinum certification and marking McCreery’s breakthrough as an independent artist who prioritized authentic emotion over commercial trends.
Damn Strait
Damn Strait pays homage to country music legend George Strait while telling a story about a man trying to win back his love with classic country songs. Released from the Same Truck album in 2021, this platinum-certified single climbed to number one on the country charts and showcased McCreery’s appreciation for traditional country music influences. The song’s clever wordplay and nostalgic production resonated with fans who appreciate both modern and classic country sounds, proving that McCreery could balance contemporary appeal with traditional country values.
This Is It
This Is It chronicles the moment McCreery proposed to his wife Gabi, capturing the nervous excitement and overwhelming joy of asking someone to spend forever together. The platinum-certified wedding anthem from his Seasons Change album reached number one on multiple country charts and became a favorite at weddings across America. Written from personal experience, the song’s authentic vulnerability and romantic sincerity connected with listeners who saw their own love stories reflected in McCreery’s heartfelt lyrics.
You Time
You Time celebrates the simple pleasure of quality moments with a loved one, emphasizing that the best times are those spent together regardless of location or activity. This gold-certified single from 2021 reached number one on the country charts and demonstrated McCreery’s ability to craft relatable feel-good anthems. The mid-tempo groove and positive lyrics made it a summer favorite that captured the post-pandemic appreciation for spending meaningful time with those who matter most.
In Between
In Between reflects on finding contentment in life’s everyday moments rather than constantly chasing the next big milestone or achievement. The gold-certified hit from Seasons Change reached number one and showcased McCreery’s maturity as both a songwriter and performer. The song’s message about appreciating where you are in life’s journey resonated particularly with young adults navigating the uncertainties of their twenties and early thirties.
Cab in a Solo
Cab in a Solo emerged as McCreery’s sixth number one single and the lead track from his 2024 Rise and Fall album, telling the story of finding unexpected romance at a bar after being stood up. Released in August 2023, the upbeat track combines traditional country instrumentation with modern production values and demonstrates McCreery’s continued evolution as an artist. The song reached number two on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart before climbing to the top spot, proving his staying power in contemporary country radio.
I Love You This Big
I Love You This Big served as McCreery’s American Idol coronation song and debut single, introducing the world to his remarkably deep voice at just seventeen years old. The song peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 and number fourteen on the Hot Country Songs chart in 2011. Though often overlooked in discussions of his later work, this track launched the career of one of country music’s most consistent hitmakers and remains a nostalgic reminder of his humble beginnings.
See You Tonight
See You Tonight, the title track from his 2013 album, became McCreery’s first single to crack the top ten on Billboard’s Country charts and signaled his artistic growth beyond his teen idol image. The romantic ballad showcases his vocal maturity and ability to convey longing and anticipation through his performance. Written about those moments of yearning to be with someone special, the song connected with fans who appreciated its straightforward emotional honesty.
The Trouble with Girls
The Trouble with Girls, released from his debut album Clear as Day, earned McCreery a CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year in 2012 and reached the top twenty on country charts. The playful track lists all the ways girls complicate life while ultimately celebrating why those complications are worth it. The song’s lighthearted approach and catchy melody made it a fan favorite that showcased the young singer’s charm and charisma.
Feelin’ It
Feelin’ It captures those perfect moments when everything just clicks with someone special, combining upbeat production with McCreery’s signature baritone delivery. Released from the deluxe edition of See You Tonight in 2013, this energetic track demonstrated his ability to deliver fun, radio-friendly country pop without sacrificing authenticity. The song’s infectious energy made it a concert favorite that always gets crowds moving and singing along.
It Matters to Her
It Matters to Her emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the little things that are significant to your partner, even if they seem trivial to you. Featured on the deluxe edition of Same Truck in 2021, this tender ballad showcases McCreery’s growth as a husband and songwriter. The song’s message about selfless love and genuine care in relationships resonated with married couples and those in committed relationships who understood the value of emotional attentiveness.
Water Tower Town
Water Tower Town celebrates small-town life and the sense of community that defines rural America, painting vivid pictures of Friday night lights and local landmarks. Released from Clear as Day in 2011, the song captured McCreery’s own North Carolina roots and connected with listeners from similar backgrounds. The nostalgic lyrics and traditional country arrangement made it a standout track that honored the values and experiences of small-town America.
Carolina To Me
Carolina To Me serves as McCreery’s love letter to his home state of North Carolina, expressing how no matter where life takes him, the Tar Heel State will always be home. Featured on the Same Truck album in 2021, this deeply personal track resonates with anyone who has strong ties to their birthplace. The song’s specific regional references and genuine affection for North Carolina’s landscape and culture made it especially meaningful for fellow North Carolinians.
Fall of Summer
Fall of Summer explores the bittersweet ending of a seasonal romance, using the changing seasons as a metaphor for love that couldn’t last beyond its perfect moment. Released as the second single from Rise and Fall in May 2024, the song showcases McCreery’s sophisticated songwriting and willingness to explore more complex emotional territory. The melancholic melody paired with reflective lyrics demonstrated his artistic maturity and ability to craft songs that resonate on multiple levels.
Bottle Rockets
Bottle Rockets featuring Hootie and the Blowfish represents one of McCreery’s most exciting recent collaborations, released in 2025 as part of his continued artistic evolution. The song reached number one on both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Canada Country chart, proving his enduring commercial appeal. This unexpected pairing brought together country and rock influences in a way that excited fans of both artists while showcasing McCreery’s willingness to experiment with different sounds.
Small Town Girl
Small Town Girl celebrates the authentic beauty and down-to-earth charm of women who grew up away from big city lights and metropolitan sophistication. Featured on the Same Truck album in 2021, the song combines traditional country themes with contemporary production values. The track’s appreciation for simplicity and genuine character over superficial glamour resonated with listeners who value substance and authenticity in both music and relationships.
Southern Belle
Southern Belle pays tribute to the grace, strength, and undeniable charm of women from the American South, combining romantic admiration with regional pride. Released as a single in 2015, this upbeat track showcases McCreery’s ability to write contemporary country love songs rooted in traditional Southern values. The song’s celebratory tone and specific cultural references made it particularly popular in Southern states where the characteristics it praises are deeply valued.
Wherever You Are
Wherever You Are explores the theme of finding your place in life and the people who make anywhere feel like home, regardless of physical location. Featured on the Seasons Change album in 2018, this introspective track demonstrates McCreery’s philosophical side and ability to address universal human experiences. The song’s message about belonging and connection transcended geographical boundaries and spoke to anyone who has struggled with questions of identity and purpose.
Christmas in Heaven
Christmas in Heaven offers comfort to those grieving loved ones during the holiday season, imagining what Christmas celebrations look like in the afterlife. Released on his 2012 Christmas with Scotty McCreery album, this gold-certified holiday track became a staple for families dealing with loss during the holidays. The song’s gentle approach to grief and hope provided solace while acknowledging that the holiday season can be difficult for those missing someone special.
Why You Gotta Be Like That
Why You Gotta Be Like That confronts the frustration of dealing with someone whose behavior is inconsistent or confusing in a relationship, blending humor with genuine exasperation. Featured on the Same Truck album in 2021, this track shows McCreery’s lighter side and ability to address relationship complications with wit. The relatable scenario and catchy chorus made it a favorite among fans who appreciated its honest take on relationship challenges.
Understanding Scotty McCreery’s Musical Journey
Scotty McCreery’s evolution from teenage American Idol winner to respected country music artist demonstrates remarkable artistic growth and commercial staying power. His six studio albums, including the recent Rise and Fall released in May 2024, showcase his progression from youthful covers to mature original compositions. Throughout his career, McCreery has achieved five consecutive number one hits, sold over four million albums, and earned multiple platinum and gold certifications. His 2024 induction into the Grand Ole Opry by Josh Turner and Randy Travis cemented his status as a respected member of the country music community. When exploring different genres of songs, McCreery’s catalog offers a masterclass in contemporary country music that honors tradition while embracing evolution.
The Impact of McCreery’s Songwriting
McCreery’s commitment to co-writing his material sets him apart in an era where many artists rely primarily on outside writers and professional songwriting teams. Starting with Seasons Change in 2018, where he co-wrote every track, McCreery has prioritized authenticity and personal connection in his music. His songwriting has earned him five BMI Awards for writing one of the top fifty country songs of the year, recognizing tracks like See You Tonight, Five More Minutes, This Is It, In Between, and You Time. The deeply personal nature of songs like Five More Minutes, written about his grandfather’s passing, and This Is It, documenting his proposal to Gabi, creates genuine emotional connections with listeners. For those interested in how artists capture authentic emotions in their work, McCreery’s approach offers valuable insights into the power of personal storytelling in country music.
McCreery’s Influence on Modern Country Music
Scotty McCreery’s career trajectory has influenced how young artists approach country music, proving that traditional sounds can coexist successfully with modern production techniques. His deep baritone voice, reminiscent of classic country singers like Randy Travis and Josh Turner, brought a mature vocal quality to a young artist in a genre increasingly dominated by pop-country crossovers. His independent success with Five More Minutes demonstrated that artists could achieve commercial success outside the traditional major label system, inspiring other country artists to consider alternative paths. When comparing audio equipment for experiencing music, McCreery’s recordings showcase production quality that highlights both his distinctive vocals and the nuanced instrumentation of modern country music. His consistent chart success across multiple albums proves that audiences still appreciate traditional country values and authentic storytelling.
Recent Releases and Future Direction
McCreery’s latest work, including the Rise and Fall album from 2024 and subsequent singles like Bottle Rockets featuring Hootie and the Blowfish, indicates his continued commitment to artistic growth while maintaining his signature sound. The album explores themes of faith, fatherhood following the birth of his sons in 2022 and 2025, and the complexities of adult life with electrified twang and rich baritone vocals. His recent collaborations, including the Scooter and Friends EP released in 2025, show his willingness to experiment with different voices and sounds. Songs like Once Upon a Bottle of Wine featuring Charlie Wilson demonstrate his interest in crossing genre boundaries while staying rooted in country music. For fans exploring various listening options for their favorite tracks, McCreery’s recent work offers sophisticated production that rewards close attention to detail. These new directions suggest an artist confident in his identity while remaining open to creative exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scotty McCreery’s most successful song?
Five More Minutes is Scotty McCreery’s most successful song, achieving triple platinum certification and becoming his first number one hit on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The song made history as the first track ever to reach number one without major label backing, and it earned McCreery numerous awards including a BMI Award. The deeply personal ballad about cherishing time with loved ones, written after his grandfather’s death, resonated so strongly with audiences that it has generated nearly 100 million views on YouTube and became the defining song of his career.
How many number one hits does Scotty McCreery have?
Scotty McCreery has achieved six number one hits on the country charts throughout his career, demonstrating remarkable consistency and commercial appeal. These chart-toppers include Five More Minutes, This Is It, In Between, You Time, Damn Strait, Cab in a Solo, and most recently Bottle Rockets featuring Hootie and the Blowfish. This impressive streak of consecutive number one singles showcases his ability to connect with audiences and country radio programmers while maintaining his authentic artistic voice.
When did Scotty McCreery win American Idol?
Scotty McCreery won the tenth season of American Idol on May 25, 2011, at just seventeen years old, making him one of the youngest winners in the show’s history. His victory was notable for introducing his distinctive deep baritone voice to a national audience and for being the first country artist to win and immediately launch a successful country music career. His coronation single I Love You This Big was released following his win and peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100.
Is Scotty McCreery a member of the Grand Ole Opry?
Yes, Scotty McCreery became a member of the Grand Ole Opry on April 20, 2024, fulfilling a lifelong dream and marking a significant milestone in his country music career. He was officially inducted by Josh Turner, with whom he had long admired, following an invitation from Garth Brooks in December 2023. This honor recognizes McCreery’s contributions to country music and places him among the genre’s most respected artists, validating his decade-plus commitment to traditional country values and authentic storytelling.
What albums has Scotty McCreery released?
Scotty McCreery has released six studio albums throughout his career, beginning with his platinum-certified debut Clear as Day in 2011, which made history by debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. His discography includes Christmas with Scotty McCreery in 2012, See You Tonight in 2013, Seasons Change in 2018, Same Truck in 2021, and Rise and Fall in 2024. Each album has charted in the top ten and showcases his evolution from teenage American Idol winner to mature country artist with a distinctive voice and consistent commercial success.
Who has Scotty McCreery collaborated with?
Scotty McCreery has collaborated with several notable artists, most prominently with Hootie and the Blowfish on the 2025 single Bottle Rockets, which reached number one on multiple country charts. He has also worked with Charlie Wilson on Once Upon a Bottle of Wine and with Jason Crabb on Red Letter Blueprint. His Scooter and Friends EP released in 2025 features multiple collaborations, and he has performed with Dasha on Says I Can. These partnerships demonstrate his willingness to work across genres while maintaining his country music foundation.