Emerging country singer Bailey Zimmerman’s songs, which delve into love, heartbreak, and small-town life, have quickly become country favorites. He first went viral on TikTok in 2021 with his song “Never Comin’ Home,” which he had co-written with Gavin Lucas. And now, he’s getting that bonafide “star” affixed right next to his name. With that, we’re listing 10 of our favorites from his discography!
1. “Fall in Love”
From Religiously. The Album. (2022) & Leave the Light On EP (2022)
Zimmerman’s debut single, “Fall in Love,” which he co-wrote with his go-to songwriting partner Lucas and producer Austin Shawn, was an outright number-one hit for him because of its authenticity.
The track started with what seemed like a ballad about losing someone and drowning your pain with beer. But then it surprisingly turns into a bite at the woman who he had done him wrong. Ultimately, it ends with a full-blown, unapologetic rebuke. Despite the missive approach, at its core, it was a tear-jerking, heartbreaking song.
Aside from topping the Country Airplay, it also hit Top 9 on the Hot Country Songs.
2. “Rock and a Hard Place”
From Religiously. The Album. (2022) & Leave the Light On EP (2022)
Following “Fall in Love” was “Rock and a Hard Place,” and it was an even bigger hit. In addition to topping Country Airplay and spending six weeks on it, it also nabbed runner-up on Hot Country Songs and a Top 10 position on the Hot 100.
Penned by Heath Warren, Jacob Hackworth, and Jet Harvey, this song continued Zimmerman’s lost love narrative in “Fall in Love,” and it was filled with grievances and hard truths. The newcomer wanted to connect with his audience more than make hits, and stories like this definitely hit that nail.
3. “Religiously”
From Religiously. The Album. (2023)
The singer’s first three singles were conceived as a trilogy, with the third single and title track, “Religiously,” as the conclusion.
Written by Zimmerman, Shawn, Marty James, Alex Palmer, and Frank Romano, the song reflected on a past relationship and described the painful heartbreak after ending it using religious imagery. It’s raw, emotional, and way too accurate for many who have had to let go of someone who gave them unwavering devotion and love.
The song hit number on Country Airplay and grabbed Top 4 on Hot Country Songs. It also made it on the Hot 100 at number 13.
4. “Change”
From Non-album Single (2021)
Before “Fall in Love,” “Rock and a Hard Place,” and “Religiously,” there was “Change.” It was his follow-up single after his viral and life-changing track “Never Comin’ Home,” which he had written with Austin Shawn, Chad Kroeger, Gavin Lucas, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake, and Ryan Vikedal. While it didn’t achieve the same chart success as his other hits, its emotional depth, and lyrical honesty made it a standout.
In this track, he discusses the inevitability and challenges of changes in life and relationships and the heartache and growth that come with them. Its relatability makes it an anthem for anyone experiencing significant shifts in their lives.
5. “Small Town Cr𝒂zy”
From Non-album Single (2021)
Zimmerman once again partnered with Lucas for this song and added Sean Rogers to the mix. It’s a Louisiana-represent kind of track, celebrating small-town life, the unique experience of living in one, and the cr𝒂zy memories he once shared with it.
This uptempo track is the perfect cut if you want to catch a break from all his tearjerkers. You’d be up on your feet, dancing and enjoying life. And if you’re like him, who grew up in a small town, there’d be an even stronger kick to it.
6. “Trainwreck”
From Leave the Light On EP (2022)
“Trainwreck” wrecked many listeners with its raw and honest feelings about the aftermath of a tumultuous relationship. Written by the songwriting trio Zimmerman, Lucas, and Shawn, it vividly portrayed the chaotic feelings of heartbreak and regret. It also captured the intense pain and confusion of navigating the wreckage of love gone wrong.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you should you decide to take a listen.
7. “Never Comin’ Home”
From Non-album Single (2021)
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the song that started it all: “Never Comin’ Home.”
This track, which he penned with Lucas, is a grungy kiss-off to his cheating ex. It became a viral TikTok hit overnight; after that, it didn’t take long for him to move to Nashville and sign a record deal. Now, he’s one of the biggest new artists in country music. As it turned out, his breakup song made him a breakout star.
8. “Never Leave”
From Leave the Light On EP (2022)
“Never Leave,” written by Zimmerman, Shawn, Lucas, Chris Sligh, and Mary Kutter, is that one song that could make a country music fan out of someone who’s not. In fact, its unfinished demo immediately attracted listeners to it, becoming an early fan-favorite.
The song is a complicated mix of heavy emotions associated with a breakup—a topic that Zimmerman is no stranger to—and the struggle of ultimately deciding whether to take that person back.
9. “From the Fall”
From Leave the Light On EP (2022)
Shawn worked on this track with Dylan Wolfe and Zimmerman’s songwriting partner, Lucas. Fans have noted its introspective lyrics on recovering and growing from the end of a relationship. Of course, the singer’s vocals masterfully delivered strong emotions, making it even more appealing to listeners.
10. “Where It Ends”
From Leave the Light On EP (2022)
We’re concluding this list with another breakup track penned by Zimmerman, Grant Averill, and Joe Spargur: “Where It Ends.” This release is a resignation to any attempt at reconciling a relationship that was clearly not working out for him.
Zimmerman’s a master of heartbreak lyrics, and this is honestly one of his peaks. The song debuted at number 7 (and peaked at 6) on Billboard Hot Country Songs, broke through the Hot 100 at 32, and became another number-one on Country Airplay.
If you’re into love, heartbreak, and small-town vibes, these 10 Bailey Zimmerman songs will definitely suit your taste.
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