Katie Peterson
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Last updated on August 4th, 2023 at 06:46 am
Tim McGraw is one of country music’s biggest, most iconic superstars who is still going strong. He’s graced radio stations, the big screen, and made his way deep into our hearts.
Throughout his multi-decade career, he has sold over 75 million records worldwide and consistently taken over the charts with 44 No. 1 singles and 19 No. 1 country albums worldwide.
It’s hard to choose our favorites, but alas, here’s our list of the best Tim McGraw songs.
Did your favorite make the list? Find out below.
The 25 Best Tim McGraw Songs
25. “Indian Outlaw” (1994)
When it comes to the earliest Tim McGraw songs to make a splash, “Indian Outlaw” is one of the first songs that comes to mind for most people. It was McGraw’s first Top 40 hit.
Although it’s been considered controversial because of its stereotypical themes about Native Americans, it was undeniably a critical point in the singer’s budding career.
24. “Angry All the Time” (2001)
There’s nothing like a haunting power ballad that tells the trials of an unraveling relationship.
“Angry All the Time” is a relatable song to so many that it has to be considered one of the best Tim McGraw songs.
23. “She Never Lets It Go to Her Heart” (1996)
There’s nothing like the security of the kind of relationship Tim McGraw sings about in his 1996 single “She Never Lets It Go to Her Heart.”
What guy didn’t want to know that he had a beautiful woman that would remain faithful to him despite the attention she constantly received from others?
Related: Tim McGraw’s Net Worth, Wife, Children, and More
22. “Please Remember Me” (1999)
Although he wasn’t the original recording artist of the power ballad, Tim McGraw’s 1999 version of “Please Remember Me” is undoubtedly the most remembered.
His cover of the Rodney Crowell 1995 song hit the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks charts for five weeks.
If you’re looking for the best Tim McGraw songs written by a legend, you can’t go wrong with “Please Remember Me.
21. “Southern Voice” (2009)
Hear Tim McGraw pay tribute to all the influential natives of the south in his 2009 single, “Southern Voice.” The up-tempo hit peaked at No. 1 on the U.S. and Canada charts.
We can see why. It’s one of many Tim McGraw songs that has an infectious chorus.
20. “Something Like That” (1999)
“Something Like That” takes us “Back When”… see what we did there?
Anyway, the nostalgia is real. Relive the fun of summers at the county fair, the food, the rides, the young love with this 1999 hit from McGraw’s A Place in the Sun album.ur hearts will certainly never forget “something like that” Tim McGraw song.
19. “Not a Moment Too Soon” (1994)
It’s an uplifting song about finding love in the most unexpected and needed times.
“Not a Moment Too Soon” reminds the listener of the preciousness of love and how it can bring us out of our darkest moments.
The song reached No. 1 on the country charts and has remained in our hearts ever since.
Related: The 50 Best Country Songs from Jimmie Rodgers to Morgan Wallen
18. “Back When” (2004)
Who doesn’t miss the good ole days? Well, Tim McGraw’s 2004 single “Back When” off his eighth studio album, Live Like You Were Dying, does just that for us.
It’s the perfect sentiment of when life just seemed simpler.
We miss “back when,” too, Tim, but we’re glad to have your song to help remind us.
17. “My Best Friend” (1999)
Next up on our best Tim McGraw songs list is “My Best Friend.”
The popular track was the third single off his A Place in the Sun album and eventually added to his string of No. 1 hits.
Critic Ben Foster noted at its release: “Sometimes it just takes the right vocalist to find the layers of emotion woven into a lyric that could scan as pedestrian in the hands of another performer. In this instance, Tim McGraw indeed proves to be the right vocalist” as he delivers “a heartfelt performance.”
16. “Real Good Man” (2003)
“Real Good Man” is about the kind of man any girl wants, “A Real Good Man,” even if he is “a real bad boy” at times.
We love the unique melody and the fun way that it reminds us that there’s never one side to any of us, and you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
15. “Things Change” (2001)
When it started hitting airways, it was called the “battle cry against country music purists,” as Tim McGraw poetically reminded the world that it’s OK that things change.
The world evolves. It doesn’t mean it’s bad.
The verses take listeners through the stories of Hank Williams, Elvis, and the new age of the singers of the 60s.
Then, it speaks the truth in one line that will forever be solidified in our hearts as one of the best lyrics we’ve ever heard.
“Some say it’s too country, others say it’s too rock’ n roll. But it’s just good music if you can feel it in your soul.”
Isn’t that what music is ultimately supposed to be about? It’s definitely one of the best Tim McGraw songs we’ve ever heard.
Related: How did Hank Williams Die? A Not-So-Happy New Year
14. “I Called Mama” (2020)
It was the perfect single to release just before Mother’s Day in 2020 and reminded listeners to appreciate the human being that probably loves us all more than anyone.
“I Called Mama” was released in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and reminded us to take that time to call those we love.
McGraw called the song “a sort of catharsis during this time.” “I Called Mama” is definitely one of the most heartwarming Tim McGraw songs.
13. “I Like It, I Love It” (1995)
This high-energy single off Tim McGraw’s third studio album All I Want is one big party.
The Nashville Predators certainly agree since it’s their goal song, bringing this classic No. 1 hit into the 21st century.
“I Like It, I Love It” is perhaps the first of many classic Tim McGraw songs.
12. “The Cowboy in Me” (2001)
It’s important to acknowledge our faults, and that’s what Tim McGraw does in his 2001 hit, “The Cowboy in Me,” the third single off his Set the Circus Down album.
As the song progresses, McGraw’s captivating vocals remind us we have a little “cowboy in us all,” marking another lesson learned from the beloved star.
The song marked another No. 1 single for McGraw on the charts, beating out his duet with Jo Dee Messina, “Bring on the Rain,” which previously held the spot.
11. “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” (2014)
As Dorothy says, “There’s No Place Like Home,” and Tim McGraw, along with featured vocals from Faith Hill, captures that essence in the 2014 single “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s.”
When life gets hard, it’s nice to know and remember where things never change, and that’s “back at Mama’s.”
This is our go-to for Tim McGraw songs that give you all the feels.
10. “My Next Thirty Years” (2000)
It’s the daunting 30th birthday that those in their 20s dread, but we all want to continue becoming the absolute best version of ourselves. That’s what Tim McGraw is promising himself in “My Next Thirty Years.”
The song received rave reviews upon its release, with critic Kevin John Coyne noting that McGraw “captures that feeling of settling into who you’re going to be, and the growing confidence that you’re really an adult.”
9. “Where the Green Grass Grows” (1998)
As many sayings go, “you can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.”
Tim McGraw’s “Where the Green Grass Grows” is the perfect example as the singer tells the story of leaving the big city to return to country living.
The certified platinum single is one of Tim McGraw’s best songs and only makes us want to return to “Where the Green Grass Grows,” too.
8. “Better Than I Used to Be” (2012)
As Tim McGraw furthered in his career, he was open about his flaws and vices, and his songs have reflected his desire to grow.
This Sammy Kershaw cover, which McGraw recorded for his Emotional Traffic album, was another example of that as he reminds himself that he has been able to shed some of those burdens.
Taste of Country praised the song as McGraw’s “most country song to date with strong lyrical imagery and one of Tim’s best vocal performances in years.”
7. “If You’re Reading This” (2007)
It’s one of the best tributes to the struggles of family life in the military, highlighting the most heartbreaking part when a loved one doesn’t return home.
“If You’re Reading This” tugs at our heartstrings as it takes the shape of a letter that will only be sent to a soldier’s family if they die in battle.
The hook line, “If you’re reading this, I’m already home,” makes us tear up every time. It is undoubtedly one of Tim McGraw’s best and most memorable songs.
6. “Highway Don’t Care” (2013)
Tim McGraw pulled out all the stops for this mid-tempo ballad as he teamed up with fellow superstars Taylor Swift on vocal and Keith Urban on guitar to record “Highway Don’t Care” for his Two Lanes of Freedom album.
If the song weren’t enough, the accompanying video reminds viewers of the dangers of distracted driving and highlights healthcare workers’ care and life-saving efforts.
The video, made in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, earned McGraw the Music Video of the Year and Musical Event of the Year Awards by the Country Music Association in 2013.
5. “It’s Your Love” (1997)
Just as famous as Tim McGraw’s singles are his duets with his wife, Faith Hill. And while we love them all, this 1997 hit “It’s Your Love” has to be our favorite from the two lovebirds.
The song and accompanying video have received numerous accolades by the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, becoming the first duet by a married couple to top the country charts since Nielson BDS.
It kept that streak for 26 years until Kane and Katelyn Brown’s “Thank God” reached the feat in February 2023.
4. “Live Like You Were Dying” (2004)
This 2004 title track off Tim McGraw’s eighth studio album has been certified platinum four times, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Hot Country Songs chart on July 17, 2004.
“Live Like You Were Dying” says it all, reminding listeners to never take life for granted, don’t put off until tomorrow the things you want to do today, and live each day as though it were your last.
3. “Humble and Kind” (2016)
“Humble and Kind” seemed to be the anthem of the times and became a career-defining song for Tim McGraw.
The second single from his Damn Country Music album, this quintessential Tim McGraw song encourages mankind to return to the old ways of just plain common decency toward our fellow human beings.
The song, which has also been released in Spanish to reach more audiences, has received many accolades since its release.
We’re not complaining, but while Tim McGraw is “feeling the pride,” we’re sure he’s remaining “Humble and Kind.”
2. “Just to See You Smile” (1997)
If you want to know what Tim McGraw’s best-selling song is, queue up this third single off his fourth studio album, Everywhere.
“Just to See You Smile” was McGraw’s third consecutive No. 1 throughout his early career, spending 42 weeks on the charts.
From the time it hit the airwaves, it has been praised, and that certainly is all it takes to make us smile.
1. “Don’t Take the Girl” (1994)
What was Tim McGraw’s first No. 1 hit? That would be “Don’t take the Girl,” and we can certainly understand why.
This “same ole boy” sure loves this “same sweet girl.”
McGraw takes us through a whirlwind of emotions.
From laughing at the little boy who doesn’t want the girl to come fishing to heart-pounding fear when he begs the man to take whatever material things, they have to tears as he pleads with God to spare her life and take his.
The song takes us along the journey with Johnny as McGraw’s smooth vocals accompany the emotional track.
You always remember your first, and we certainly will, too.
In our humble opinion, this is clearly the best Tim McGraw song.
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