Chris Stapleton is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his powerful voice, emotive songwriting, and blending of country, rock, and blues influences. Born on April 15, 1978, in Lexington, Kentucky, Stapleton initially gained recognition as a songwriter, penning hits for artists like Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, and Adele.
In 2015, Stapleton released his debut solo album, “Traveller,” which became a critical and commercial success. The album’s raw and soulful sound earned Stapleton widespread acclaim, and it won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album. Stapleton’s debut single “Nobody to Blame” also received significant attention and established him as a solo artist.
Stapleton continued to build on his success with subsequent albums, including “From A Room: Volume 1” (2017) and “From A Room: Volume 2” (2017), both of which topped the Billboard Country Albums chart. His music often explores themes of love, heartache, and redemption, delivered with his distinctively gritty and soulful voice.
Throughout his career, Stapleton has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and Country Music Association Awards. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and authentic voices in contemporary country music, and his music resonates with audiences across genres.
1. Either Way
“Either Way” is a poignant country song by Chris Stapleton, featured on his debut solo album “Traveller,” released in 2015. The song showcases Stapleton’s powerful and emotive vocals, accompanied by acoustic guitar and subtle instrumentation. “Either Way” is a heart-wrenching ballad that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The lyrics depict the raw emotions of heartbreak and uncertainty, as the protagonist grapples with the decision to stay in a troubled relationship or walk away. Stapleton’s soulful delivery and honest storytelling captivate listeners, making “Either Way” a standout track on the album and highlighting his skill as a songwriter and vocalist.
2. Midnight Train to Memphis
“Midnight Train to Memphis” is a song by American singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton, featured on his debut studio album “Traveller,” released in 2015. The song blends elements of country, blues, and rock, showcasing Stapleton’s powerful vocals and raw, emotive style.
“Midnight Train to Memphis” tells the story of a man who is leaving town on a midnight train after a troubled past and a run-in with the law. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of longing and redemption, with Stapleton’s soulful delivery adding to the emotional depth of the song.
Musically, “Midnight Train to Memphis” features a bluesy guitar riff and a driving rhythm section, creating a gritty, rootsy sound that complements Stapleton’s vocals. The song’s arrangement highlights Stapleton’s skill as a musician and songwriter, setting the stage for his critically acclaimed career in country music.
“Midnight Train to Memphis” has been praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance, solidifying Chris Stapleton’s reputation as one of country music’s most compelling artists.
3. Fire Away
“Fire Away” is a soulful country song by Chris Stapleton, featured on his album “Traveller,” released in 2015. The song is characterized by Stapleton’s emotive vocals and raw lyricism, accompanied by a stirring melody and subtle instrumentation. “Fire Away” delves into themes of love, pain, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The lyrics depict a relationship plagued by struggles and hardships, yet the protagonist remains committed and willing to endure anything for their partner. Stapleton’s impassioned delivery and heartfelt sincerity elevate the song, resonating deeply with listeners and showcasing his talent for storytelling through music. “Fire Away” has become a fan favorite and a testament to Stapleton’s prowess as a singer-songwriter in the country music genre.
4. Millionaire
“Millionaire” is a song by Chris Stapleton, featured on his debut studio album “Traveller,” released in 2015. The song is a bluesy country track that showcases Stapleton’s soulful vocals and songwriting skills.
In “Millionaire,” Stapleton sings about finding true wealth and contentment in love, rather than material possessions. The lyrics convey a message of gratitude for the simple joys in life, with Stapleton expressing that he feels like a millionaire when he’s with his loved one.
Musically, “Millionaire” features a stripped-down arrangement, with acoustic guitar and understated instrumentation that allows Stapleton’s vocals to take center stage. The song’s melody is catchy and memorable, making it a standout track on the album.
“Millionaire” has been praised for its heartfelt lyrics and Stapleton’s soulful delivery, solidifying his reputation as one of country music’s most talented and authentic artists.
5. Starting Over
“Starting Over” is the title track of Chris Stapleton’s fourth studio album, released in 2020. The song is a heartfelt ballad that reflects on new beginnings and second chances in life and love. With its soulful melody and Stapleton’s emotive vocals, “Starting Over” captures the hope and optimism of embarking on a fresh chapter after facing challenges and setbacks. The lyrics express a sense of renewal and determination to move forward, accompanied by acoustic guitar and gentle instrumentation that accentuates the song’s emotional depth. “Starting Over” has resonated with audiences, becoming a standout track on the album and reaffirming Stapleton’s reputation as one of country music’s most compelling storytellers.
6. Broken Halos
“Broken Halos” is a song by Chris Stapleton, released in 2017 as the lead single from his album “From A Room: Volume 1.” The song is a heartfelt ballad that reflects on loss, redemption, and the search for meaning in life.
In “Broken Halos,” Stapleton sings about how life’s struggles and hardships can lead to brokenness and pain, but he also finds hope in the idea that there are “angels” among us who guide and protect us. The song’s lyrics are poignant and introspective, with Stapleton’s soulful vocals adding depth and emotion to the message.
Musically, “Broken Halos” is a country ballad with a stripped-down arrangement that allows Stapleton’s vocals to shine. The song features acoustic guitar, subtle percussion, and understated instrumentation that complement the lyrical content and mood of the song.
“Broken Halos” has been praised for its honest and heartfelt lyrics, as well as Stapleton’s powerful performance. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 2018, further cementing Stapleton’s reputation as one of country music’s most respected artists.
7. Traveller
“Traveller” is the title track from Chris Stapleton’s debut studio album, released in 2015. The song serves as the opening track and sets the tone for the rest of the album, which was widely praised for its blend of country, blues, and rock influences.
In “Traveller,” Stapleton reflects on his life as a traveler, moving from place to place and searching for meaning and purpose. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of self-discovery, redemption, and the journey of life itself.
Musically, “Traveller” features Stapleton’s soulful vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar and a simple, yet effective, arrangement. The song’s stripped-down production allows Stapleton’s voice to take center stage, highlighting his vocal range and emotive delivery.
“Traveller” received critical acclaim and helped establish Stapleton as a major force in country music. The album won several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Country Album, and the title track remains one of Stapleton’s most popular and enduring songs.
8. Nobody to Blame
“Nobody to Blame” is a country song by Chris Stapleton, featured on his debut solo album “Traveller,” released in 2015. The track is characterized by Stapleton’s soulful vocals and traditional country instrumentation. “Nobody to Blame” is a reflective song that explores themes of regret, heartache, and personal accountability in the aftermath of a failed relationship. The lyrics depict a man grappling with the consequences of his actions and accepting responsibility for the pain he has caused. Stapleton’s powerful delivery and authentic storytelling resonate with listeners, making “Nobody to Blame” a standout track on the album and showcasing his talent as both a singer and songwriter in the country music genre.
9. Parachute
“Parachute” is a song by Chris Stapleton, featured on his second studio album, “From A Room: Volume 1,” released in 2017. The song is a bluesy country track that showcases Stapleton’s powerful vocals and storytelling abilities.
In “Parachute,” Stapleton sings about being there for someone who is going through a difficult time, serving as a metaphorical parachute to help them land safely. The song’s lyrics convey a message of support and reassurance, with Stapleton’s soulful delivery adding to the emotional depth of the song.
Musically, “Parachute” features a bluesy guitar riff and a driving rhythm section, creating a gritty, rootsy sound that complements Stapleton’s vocals. The song’s arrangement is relatively stripped-down, allowing Stapleton’s voice to take center stage.
“Parachute” has been praised for its heartfelt lyrics and Stapleton’s authentic delivery, solidifying his reputation as one of country music’s most talented and genuine artists.
10. Tennessee Whiskey
“Tennessee Whiskey” is a country song famously covered by Chris Stapleton on his debut solo album “Traveller,” released in 2015. Originally written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, the song was first recorded by David Allan Coe in 1981. However, Stapleton’s rendition gained widespread acclaim and commercial success, becoming one of his signature songs.
Stapleton’s version of “Tennessee Whiskey” is characterized by his powerful and soulful vocals, accompanied by a bluesy melody and rich instrumentation. The song’s lyrics compare the narrator’s love for his partner to the smoothness and depth of Tennessee whiskey, capturing the intoxicating allure of a deep and passionate connection.
Stapleton’s rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” received widespread praise for its authenticity and emotional resonance, earning him multiple awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance. The song’s success helped solidify Stapleton’s reputation as one of country music’s most compelling artists and introduced him to a broader audience outside of the genre.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
