4. Cody Jinks ‘ When You Can’t Remember”
Cody Jinks previously earned the Song of the Year title in 2024 with “What You Love” and again in 2015 with “David,” and he nearly completed a three-peat this year. While a less competitive field might have seen his poignant and emotionally raw tribute to his father-exploring the complexities of memory, regret, and enduring love-take the crown, it ultimately fell just short. “When You Can’t Remember” instantly draws listeners in. but it’s the song’s unspoken exploration of loyalty, financial hardship, and the compromises we all make-for ourselves and for each other-that truly resonates.
“Tony Logue” is a name synonymous with “Blue Collar Hero.”
1. Turnpike troubadours
“On The Red River”
and
“Heaven Passing Through”
It’s hardly a surprise that these two songs claimed the top positions. The strength of “On The Red River” and “Heaven Passing Through” also secured the Turnpike Troubadours the Album of the Year award, and Evan Felker the Artist of the Year title.
It feels almost unfair to single out one song over the other; both are transformative and deserve equal recognition.
Some might argue it’s skewed that one band dominates the year-end accolades,especially one already well-established. But the decision feels undeniably deserved, backed by strong opinions.
Evan Felker described “on The Red River,” co-written with Ketch Secor, as “Nothing says hot country like a 5 minute waltz about inter generational alcoholism and obscure dog breeds.” The meaning of “Heaven Passing Through” remains largely known only to Felker, but the message is clear: cherish beautiful moments and don’t let them slip away. The Turnpike Troubadours gifted us two such moments in 2025.
The Turnpike Troubadours were the defining act of 2025. But, like all great music, the victory is shared. “On The Red River” and “Heaven Passing Through” are songs for the ages,experienced in real time.
Nearly 20 years into their career, 2025 was the year of
