Colt Ford is an artist that has an uncanny ability to know what his audience wants and expects from him, and he’s done quite well with that approach. In spite of never having a top 30 hit at Country Radio, the singer has watched as his past five albums all hit the top 10 on the Country Albums list.
On those albums, the singer has developed a sterling reputation among his fans for coming up with a narrative that they truly identify with. These ten Colt Ford songs will no doubt be familiar to his loyal base, but also can serve as an introduction to how versatile this former professional golfer actually is. To paraphrase the name of his record company, he definitely is no “Average Joe.”
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10. Colt Ford feat. JJ Lawhorn – “Answer To No One”
The lead track from 2012‘s Declaration of Independence, this track is not only Ford’s personal philosophy, but also his business one, as well. Among the collaborators listed on the song is Shannon Houchins, his partner at his label, Average Joe’s Entertainment.
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9. Colt Ford feat. James Otto – “Chicken and Biscuits”
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Granted, this song comparing the charms of a woman to the culinary appeal of one of the best-selling breakfast items out there wasn’t going to notch any song of the year victories for Ford, but this track from his 2010 project of the same name doesn’t need to be over-thought too much. Rather, the song is just pure fun — featuring a dynamite vocal from the underrated James Otto.
8. Colt Ford feat. John Michael Montgomery – “Ride Through The Country”
The title track from his 2008 debut album, Ford tips his hat to the Georgia upbringing that he enjoyed. This song served as the perfect introduction to a man and his sound — featuring (depending on which version you hear) John Michael Montgomery, Colt Ford, and the legendary Ronnie Dunn.
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7. Colt Ford feat. Tim McGraw – “Twisted”
A Colt Ford song that stands as one of his most musically diverse moments is this collaboration with Tim McGraw, which allows both artists to fit in a decidedly R&B groove. The lyrics stand as some of the most honest in his arsenal, with a man standing at a crossroads in life, praying to God for direction on his next move.
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6. Colt Ford feat. Rizzi Myers – “Bad Day”
Critics will tell you that Colt Ford isn’t exactly what one would call a singer — and perhaps more of a personality than a vocalist. However, that statement is far from the truth. This standout break-up track from 2017’s Love Hope Faith is a great example of just what Ford is capable of as an artist. The track also includes a soulful performance from pop singer Rizzi Myers. If you think you “know” Colt Ford, listen to this one. You might be surprised!
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5. Colt Ford feat. Keith Urban – “She’s Like”
This 2014 Colt Ford song from Thanks For Listening is aided greatly by a bouncy and infectious guest cameo from Keith Urban on the chorus. At one time, Ford sounded like a renegade compared to everything that was on the radio, but with Sam Hunt taking the business in a new direction, Ford today sounds as old school as anything on the radio today.
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4. Colt Ford feat. Craig Morgan – “She Likes To Ride In Trucks”
There’s a sentimental side that comes out in many of Colt Ford’s songs over the years. That is very much true on this track from 2011‘s Every Chance I Get, an emotional tip of the hat to a daughter who is growing up way too quick. The song was the perfect one for Craig Morgan — a fellow devoted father — to make an appearance on, with its heartfelt lyrics.
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3. Colt Ford feat. Charles Kelley & Josh Kelley – “Young Americans”
Brothers Charles and Josh Kelley lend their considerable talents to this track rooted in nostalgia and adolescent dreams of living big in a small town. Just recently released to country radio, this track deserves a shot from programmers. Ford has the sales, and he has the fans. He should also get the airplay to match.
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2. Colt Ford feat. Jerrod Niemann – “Crickets”
One of the more enjoyable songs in the Colt Ford song catalog, this light and breezy song about a couple sharing a special moment together stands as one of his career highlights. Guest-starring on the track is Jerrod Niemann, who sounds like he is having a blast in describing the perfect night.
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1. Colt Ford feat. Jake Owen – “Back”
Perhaps the best Colt Ford song out there is this track, which features Jake Owen as a guest performer. As much as his sound and business model represents a new direction, if you listen to the majority of his lyrics, there’s a sense of looking back to the past for a simpler time as this song does — a time-honored tradition in country music.
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