The 10 Best Pistol Annies Songs of All-Time
Pistol Annies are an American country music group composed of Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley. The trio began to make regular appearances together in songwriting sessions and at fan events before releasing their self-titled debut album on October 11, 2011. All three members wrote on all the tracks and produced alongside Frank Liddell. The album’s lead-off single, “Hell on Heels,” was released in August 2011 and peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
In 2013, the group halted their tour, citing unforeseen circumstances. Until 2016, Pistol Annies has reformed to release their second album, Interstate Gospel. Critics praised the group’s first album for its traditional country sound and songwriting. Allmusic’s Thom Jurek gave it 4 out of 5 stars, writing that “this trio knows how to sing … They also know how to write songs about real life from a woman’s perspective that is sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and always true.” Jurek also praised Lambert’s, Monroe’s, and Presley’s vocal abilities, saying they “sing beautifully together.”
The group has received multiple nominations for Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and CMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year in 2012. And even though they haven’t won a single nomination yet, they have been praised by many country music artists such as Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban. Here are the 10 best Pistol Annies songs of all-time:
10. Hell of a Holiday (2021)
We start the list from this end with a song from the most recent Pistol Annies album, Hell of a Holiday. This upbeat track is about getting into the Christmas spirit and enjoying the holiday season. The catchy chorus will get stuck in your head and have you singing along in no time. The lyrics tell the story of all the festive activities happening around this time of year, from decorating to baking and everything in between. This song is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and get ready for all the fun.
9. Best Years of My Life (2018)
Next up is a song from the trio’s 2018 album, Interstate Gospel. “Best Years of My Life” is a beautiful reflection on growing older and taking stock of one’s life. The three singers harmonize beautifully on the chorus, singing about how the best years of their life “ain’t never been any crystal staircase.” It’s a poignant reminder that life is full of ups and downs, but the best moments are often the simplest ones.
8. Trailer for Rent (2011)
Few things are more quintessential than a good ole fashioned heartbreak song when it comes to country music. “Trailer for Rent” is sad but an ultimately relatable tale of a woman who’s been left by her man and is struggling to make ends meet. The Pistol Annies can perfectly capture the feeling of being at rock bottom but still holding on to hope that things will eventually get better. The song is heartbreaking and empowering, and it’s one of the best examples of the group’s exceptional songwriting.
7. Hush Hush (2013)
From the album Annie Up, “Hush Hush” is a haunting ballad about a woman’s struggle with addiction. The lyrics are written so that you can feel the desperation and darkness that the protagonist is going through. And yet, there’s also an element of hope present, as the woman pledges to “make it through alive.” It’s a powerful song that perfectly captures the complex emotions of addiction.
6. Got My Name Changed Back (2018)
Next on the list is a country single from the Pistol Annies’ 2018 album, Interstate Gospel. “Got My Name Changed Back” is a sassy anthem about a woman who’s finally gotten rid of her cheating ex and is ready to move on with her life. The song is full of attitude, and the chorus will get stuck in your head. It’s the perfect track to listen to when you’re feeling down about a break-up, and it’ll help you get over your ex in no time.
5. Boys from the South (2018)
When it comes to the Pistol Annies songs, “Boys from the South” is a classic. The track was released in 2018 as part of the group’s album Hell on Heels. “Boys from the South” is a fun and upbeat song celebrating southern life. The track peaked at number 27 on Billboard Country Digital Song Sales and 8 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. “Boys from the South” is an excellent example of the Pistol Annies’ fun and catchy songwriting.
4. Housewife’s Prayer (2011)
As you can probably tell from the title, “Housewife’s Prayer” is a more serious track than some Pistol Annies songs on this list. The song was released in 2011 as part of the group’s album Interstate Gospel. It is a moving and emotional track that deals with the struggles of being a housewife. The track is about a woman struggling to keep her family together and make ends meet. “Housewife’s Prayer” is a powerful track that showcases the Pistol Annies’ talent for writing emotive and relatable songs.
3. Takin’ Pills (2011)
Another one of the best Pistol Annies songs is “Takin’ Pills.” The track was released in 2011 as part of the group’s album Hell on Heels. After they released it, it was a hit, earning them a CMT nomination for Group Video of the Year in 2013. “Takin’ Pills” is a fun and catchy song that will get stuck in your head. The track is about a woman struggling with addiction and trying to find a way to cope. You can feel the desperation and darkness that the protagonist is going through.
2. I Feel A Sin Comin’ On (2013)
In the second place, we have “I Feel A Sin Comin’ On,” a song about a woman being drawn to someone she knows she shouldn’t be with. She’s trying to fight it, but she can’t help herself. Everything is put together to create this sense of a heady, intense relationship that’s also ultimately doomed.
1. Hell on Heels (2011)
In the first place is a somewhat more light-hearted, cheeky, and upbeat offering from the Pistol Annies. “Hell on Heels” is a song about a woman who is precisely that. She’s a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it; consequences are damned. It’s a fun and catchy song that perfectly encapsulates the trio’s sense of humor and ability to write a great country song.
Conclusion
Pistol Annies are a force to be reckoned with in the country music world. The trio has released some truly great songs over the years, and it’s hard to pick just 10 of them. But we’ve managed to do it. If you’ve never listened to the Pistol Annies before, we recommend checking out their music.
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