Top Songs of 2012 (So Far)

Shawna Thompson makes her entrance early on this third single from Thompson Square. It's the first that the female half of the duo dominates, and it leaves one wanting more. Her voice is commanding yet vulnerable. It feels as though if you don't finish the entire song, it's liable to break. Songwriters Ross Copperman and Jon Nite should have their first hit record with this track, currently No. 10 on the Top Songs of 2012 list.

Fans of Blake Shelton's Twitter page aren't surprised that even in his most tender love songs — or pick-up songs — he's putting back the booze. Musically, this song on our Top Songs of 2012 list has all the warmth that many of the singer's most memorable tweets lack, however. While 'Drink on It' may not be the most noble pursuit in country music, it's not the first pick-up line hidden in between three chords and a drum kit.

It's difficult for a ballad from a country newcomer — especially one as young as Hunter Hayes — to be recognized on the Top Songs of 2012 lists. There's this assumption that the artist hasn't lived enough to hurt like that. Maybe not, but Hayes sure convinces us otherwise on this emotionally charged hit from his self-titled album. It's already amongst the Top 20 digital singles at iTunes, despite relatively little radio airplay.

Reader response was overwhelmingly positive to Alan Jackson's latest single. The legend slows it down a bit and seduces the listener in a way he hasn't done since 'Like Red on a Rose.' The heartbreaking love song also features a music video, starring a mostly clean-shaven Jackson. Yep, no 'stache! Lip hair usually isn't a factor in ranking our top songs lists, but it certainly didn't push him down any slots.

Aldean's fifth single from 'My Kinda Party' is a smartly penned story about our country's heartland. Much like he did with 'Amarillo Sky,' the singer uses vivid imagery to get anyone who hasn't lived the life he described into this song. His style on ballads is becoming as unique as his willingness to rap on 'Dirt Road Anthem.'

Luke Bryan is the making a strong case to be the next new artist regularly included in major award nominations. His songs continue to strike the bullseye on the heart's of his fans. 'Drunk on You' is another that is soaring up the Billboard charts while selling just short of one gazillion singles. The No. 5 song on the Top Songs of 2012 list promises to be around for a long time.

This is vintage Kenny Chesney. It's the singer that built the biggest, loudest most high-energy tour in America over the last decade, returning to the sound that laid the first bricks. Tim McGraw's participation is a great way for the two to promote their Brothers of the Sun tour, but the collaboration never feels forced. Each man puts their soul into the No. 4 song on the Top Songs of 2012 list, as if they were starting his careers all over again.

Non-believers may learn why Church has so many disciples after listening to his third single from 'Chief.' 'Springsteen' is a memory song. He lists a few of his favorites that send him thinking about the “what if” girl, and even if you've never liked the Boss, you're likely to have your own greatest hits list that you can scroll through while listening to this ballad. Great songwriting and an understated delivery make this a Top 5 song on our Top Songs of 2012 list, for now.

Carrie Underwood's new song only makes fans more excited for the fourth album she's scheduled to release in May. 'Good Girl' feels like 'Before He Cheats' and 'Last Name,' but her passion is much more mature, and dangerous. The country-rocker is sure to be played well into the summer time and will no doubt sound great as she takes the stage on tour in 2012. It's sure to spend significant time on this list of the Top 10 Songs of 2012.

This song just keeps getting better and better. With the release of the music video, Miranda Lambert adds another layer to this already emotional ballad about husband Blake Shelton's late brother Richie. Country fans are a strange bunch in that we love a song that will make us cry. Suddenly our own ghosts appear as Lambert sings about the loved ones she is missing. It will take a powerful song to knock her off the top spot on this list of the Top songs of 2012.