Willie Nelson Calls Two Songs the Best Country Hits

AUSTIN, Texas – Willie Nelson recently expressed his views on the greatest country songs in a revealing interview. He highlighted two classics that stand out in the genre. Nelson praised Rodney Crowell‘s work, stating, “One of the greatest country songs ever written, Rodney wrote, it’s called ‘Till I Gain Control Again.’ He’s a great writer.”

The second song he noted is George Jones’s iconic hit, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Nelson stated, “Those are, in my opinion, the two greatest country songs.”

In April 2025, Nelson released a new album titled “Oh What a Beautiful World,” which marks his 77th solo studio album. The album is special because it exclusively features songs written by Crowell. Nelson first recorded a song by Crowell in 1983, but this album spans the songwriter’s entire career.

The title track of the album showcases a duet between Nelson and Crowell, which Nelson described as a joyful experience. “It’s nice being able to do things with old friends. Like they say, they don’t make old friends,” he told Forbes.

Both Nelson and Jones are icons of country music and have collaborated numerous times before Jones’s passing in 2013. In a memorable performance, they, along with Kris Kristofferson, honored Johnny Cash together.

In 1979, Nelson featured on Jones’s album “My Very Special Guests,” contributing to the duet “I Gotta Get Drunk.” Jones reciprocated by singing with Nelson on the track “Half a Man” for the 1985 album “Half Nelson.”