Top 10 Zach Top Songs; Country Music’s Most Important Modern Artists [No. 12]

For those looking for traditional country sounds with a fresh take, look no further than Zach Top.

Although the country crooner is just getting started in the world of country music, his music could easily fit into a 1990s catalog. From steel guitars to fiddle, Top is carrying the torch for old school country.

Who Is Zach Top?

Born in Sunnyside, Wash., Top comes from a musically inclined family. He and his family started a band called Top String. While attending college in Colorado, Top continued to pursue his passion in music while studying engineering.

It was in 2021 that the country hitmaker dropped out of college to chase after his music dream in Nashville. His career started with bluegrass music, but it wouldn't be long before his influences started trending more toward mainstream sounds.

In 2023, he signed with an independent label called Leo33 and released his first song, "Sounds Like the Radio," in 2024.

Zach Top's Success in Country Music

Although it's only been a few years since his debut single, Top has seen success with his work. His single "I Never Lie" reached No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, while his other three singles to country radio have made it into the Top 20.

Top also took home a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Country Album with his project Ain't In It for My Health in 2026. He won New Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards and New Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards.

Top's ability to break through the mainstream sounds of country music with his traditional stylings is why we've included him in on our list of the 25 Most Important Modern Country Artists.

Leon Bennett, Getty Images

Criteria: This list of the 25 Most Important Modern Country Artists was curated by Taste of Country staff, who considered hard data (charts, streaming numbers, ticket sales etc …), perceived influence, awards and recognition and (most important) recent releases. We zoomed in on who is shaping country music with popular releases today.

Artists who’ve not released an album or notched a hit song on airplay or streaming charts in the last three years need to show their influence in other ways. An example is Carrie Underwood, who’s not released a new album in four years but is the most influential voice on America’s most popular singing reality show.

No: 25 Riley Green's Top Songs | No. 24 Kelsea Ballerini's Top Songs | No. 23 Tim McGraw's Top Songs | No. 22 Blake Shelton's Top Songs | No. 21 Eric Church's Top Songs | No. 20 Jason Isbell's Top Songs | No. 19 Kenny Chesney's Top Songs | No. 18 Keith Urban's Top Songs | No. 17 Dan + Shay Songs | No. 16 Jason Aldean's Top Songs | No. 15 Megan Moroney's Top Songs | No. 14 Tyler Childer's Top Songs | No. 13 Carrie Underwood's Top Songs | No. 12 June 26 | No. 11 June 27 | No. 10 June 28 | No. 9 June 29 | No. 8 June 30 | No. 7 July 1 | No. 6 July 2 | No. 5 July 3 | No. 4 July 4 | No. 3 July 5 | No. 2 July 6 | No. 1 July 7