15 of the Best Original Songs From Nashville

Aside from classic tunes by icons like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams, I was never really drawn to country music . . . that is, until Nashville came along. After four seasons with this soapy-folksy drama, I felt like I could pen my own song of heartache when the series was canceled. (Thank heavens it's been revived!) In particular, I admire the show's use of music as a storytelling technique. Nashville uses original music to weave emotion into the cracks between spoken dialogue and visual expression, creating a richer narrative than you find in an ordinary TV drama. Although the series delivers plenty of great music, here are 15 songs that made Nashville one of my favorite shows from the past few years.

01
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"What If I Was Willing" by Chris Carmack (Will Lexington)

Remember when Gunnar wrote songs for Will to perform? I so loved this flirty, cheeky country-rock tune that I bought it as soon as it was available online. It evokes that feeling at the beginning of a relationship when everything is full of potential, and you can actually hear Chris Carmack's wry smile in his singing.

02
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"A Life That's Good" by Lennon and Maisy Stella (Maddie and Daphne)

Of all the sweet harmonies brought to us by Maisy and Lennon Stella, this loving song filled with gratitude for life's simple joys might be my all-time favorite. Without fail, it coaxes out smiles and tears at the same time. (This clip features Maddie and Deacon, but the downloadable version with Maddie and Daphne is the best.)

03
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"This Town" by Clare Bowen and Charles Esten (Scarlett and Deacon)

With all the tangled love stories and delicate friendships on Nashville, it's been a sweet relief to watch the relationship between Uncle Deacon and his niece Scarlett deepen over the years. This haunting duet lends an eerie sadness to the story of Nashville, the town. It's an ode to the dramatic power of the Music City — and a cautious warning to those who think they can take it.

04
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"When the Right One Comes Along" by Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen (Gunnar and Scarlett)

This tender tune promises that if you remain patient and open, joy can still bloom after heartbreak.

05
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"Ball and Chain" by Connie Britton and Will Chase (Rayna and Luke)

A classic sassy country-rock song in the old theme of "you're bad for me, but I still love you," this one is perfect for blasting while driving down a dusty country road.

06
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"Be My Girl" by Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, and Chaley Rose (Gunnar, Avery, and Zoey)

The full version of this jaunty and spirited tune isn't available to download, but the sweet little moment of Gunnar, Avery, and Zoey jamming out together is worth reliving.

07
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"Nothing in This World Will Ever Break My Heart Again" by Hayden Panettiere and Jonathan Jackson (Juliette and Avery)

Juliette's tragic relationship with her mother was one of the saddest storylines on Nashville and certainly worthy of a sad, tearful song. Interestingly, this song also hints at some relief after Juliette loses her mother, as she realizes that nothing could ever hurt her more.

08
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"Black Roses" by Clare Bowen (Scarlett)

While on the topic of mothers, Scarlett uses this song to mourn the abusive childhood she endured with her own mother. The bitterness and loss of innocence are palpable in her aching lyrics.

09
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"From Here on Out" by Charles Esten (Deacon)

A twangy ode to love and commitment, Deacon's wedding song for Rayna does more to pledge his loyalty to their relationship than any vows ever could.

10
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"Don't Put Dirt on My Grave Just Yet" by Hayden Panettiere (Juliette)

This kind of "dangerous woman" country-pop song is truly Juliette's specialty. See also: "Tell That Devil".

11
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"If I Didn't Know Better" by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio (Scarlett and Gunnar)

This sexy tune from season one (and repeated in one of the final episodes) gave us an early glimpse at the seductive spark between Gunnar and Scarlett — a chemistry that is never more palpable than when the two are weaving harmonies and making deep eye contact. The longing for naughtiness and the clear attraction between the two singers made this a beloved favorite.

12
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"Everything I'll Ever Need" by Hayden Panettiere and Jonathan Jackson (Juliette and Avery)

The song isn't necessarily the best from the series, but you gotta love this scene: Juliette goes out into Nashville in disguise, and she and Avery sing together as though they're just a couple of ordinary street performers.

13
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"Can't Stop a Heart" by Aubrey Peeples and Connie Britton (Layla and Rayna)

Once again, mama-bear Rayna helps a fellow female artist during her time of need. This melancholy collaboration between the wise queen of country and the powerfully talented-but-troubled Layla Grant helps Layla work through some of the heartache that seems to constantly find her.

14
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"Telescope" by Hayden Panettiere and Lennon Stella (Juliette and Maddie)

There are several versions of this song (including an oddly beautiful acoustic version by Lennon and Maisy), but this clip of Juliette and Maddie killing it on stage together is the most fun.

15
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"Plenty Far to Fall" by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio (Scarlett and Gunnar)

This is one of the most memorable moments of the whole series: when the power goes out during an Exes concert, Gunnar and Scarlett simply perform this sassy, flirty tune with nothing but an acoustic guitar, stomping boots, and a crowd of cell phones lighting up the stage.