Since his 1999 debut album, Brad Paisley has proven to be one of the most successful artists in country music. In the ensuing years, he's sold more than 11 million albums and racked up armfuls of awards, all while recording a slew of hit songs.
Flip through the slideshow for 20 essential Brad Paisley tracks, from early favorites like "He Didn't Have to Be" to more recent hits like "Start A Band," his smash collaboration with fellow country star Keith Urban.
1 of 20
"I'm Gonna Miss Her"
Adele Starr/Getty Images
Alternatively titled "The Fishin' Song," this cheeky song appears on Paisley's 2002 album "Part II." It's a song about a woman who gives her man an ultimatum — go fishing again, and I'm leaving — that doesn't quite work out. It was a #1 hit on the Billboard charts and has since been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
2 of 20
"Whiskey Lullaby"
M. Caulfield/WireImage for Bragman Nyman Cafarelli
This 2004 duet between Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss is hauntingly enduring, the tale of an ill-fated, booze-soaked love. Co-written by Bill Anderson and Jon Randall, "Whiskey Lullaby" earned the Song of the Year trophy at the CMA Awards the following year.
3 of 20
"Waitin' On A Woman"
J.Sciulli/WireImage for CMT: Country Music Television)
Brad Paisley notched his eighth consecutive #1 hit with "Waitin' On A Woman," a tender love ballad about the ups and downs of marriage, in 2005.
Robert Knight Archive/Redferns
Co-written by Paisley for his debut album "Who Needs Pictures." The song was the album's third #1 hit and remains a beloved favorite among serious Paisley devotees.
5 of 20
"She's Everything"
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
Appearing on Paisley's 2006 album "Time Well Wasted," "She's Everything" remains one of his most memorable love songs. Fun fact: it's also the first song on which Paisley, a notably talented guitarist, used a Fender Stratocaster for the recording instead of his typical Telecaster.
Christopher Polk/Getty Images for CMT
Anyone who's ever gone through a party phase can appreciate the tongue-in-cheek wisdom of "Alcohol," a song that's all about the power of booze, both for good and for bad.
Christopher Polk/Getty Images for iHeartMedia
Brad Paisley is well-known for writing great love songs, but "Then" is perhaps his most tender. Co-written by Paisley, the song was a #1 hit and has since been certified Platinum four times by the RIAA.
8 of 20
"When I Get Where I'm Goin"
Robin Little/Redferns
You might recognize a familiar voice singing harmony on this inspirational 2005 tune: the one and only Dolly Parton. "When I Get Where I'm Going" is a song that's deeply rooted in Paisley's Christian faith and earned the duo a #1 hit.
9 of 20
"I'm Still A Guy"
Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)
Appearing on 2008's "5th Gear," "I'm Still A Guy" is a song about the age-old differences between men and women. You're probably thinking that you're gonna change me in some ways well, maybe you might," he sings. "Scrub me down, dress me up, but no matter what, remember: I'm still a guy."
Cooper Neill/Getty Images for UNICEF USA
Brad Paisley has written a whole lot of songs about beer, but "Crushin' It" is the definition of an iconic drinking song. It's an ode to the satisfaction that comes when you're "crushin' it," whether that means actually crushing a beer can or simply living your best life.
11 of 20
"Wrapped Around"
Paul Natkin/Getty Images
Paisley scored success on both the pop and country charts with "Wrapped Around," a sweet little song that's all about love at first sight.
12 of 20
"Start A Band," with Keith Urban
Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame
Teaming up with Australian country star Keith Urban, Paisley released "Start a Band" in 2008. It's a song that encourages everyone to "find a few good buddies and start a band," which is pretty solid life advice.
13 of 20
"He Didn't Have to Be"
Skip Bolen/WireImage
This 1999 Paisley tune is a real tear-jerker, especially for anyone who grew up with a step-dad or other male role model who chose to step up and be in their life. It was Paisley's first #1 single, appearing on his debut album "Who Needs Pictures."
14 of 20
"Little Moments"
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
Paisley credits his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, for the inspiration for "Little Moments," a song actually inspired by the first time he ever heard his prim spouse say a curse word. It was a song that immediately resonated with fans, peaking at #2 on the country chart.
Jerod Harris/ACMA2013/Getty Images for ACM
Widely considered to be one of Paisley's most impressive efforts as a songwriter, "Letter to Me" is a deeply personal song about the artist thinking back on all the good and bad experiences of his youth. It was a crossover success, hitting #1 on the country chart and making an entry on the all-genre Billboard 100, that's since been certified Gold by the RIAA.
Kevin Kane/Getty Images
Brad Paisley gets cheeky on "Celebrity," a 2003 hit about the creeping influence of reality TV and what it's like to live in a world where literally anyone can be a celebrity. The music video for the song, which features cameos from actual celebs like William Shatner, James Belushi, and Little Jimmy Dickens, is definitely worth a watch.
Rick Diamond/Getty Images
Yet another of Paisley's sweet little love songs, "The World" is a track about finding a person who completes your world. It was panned by the critics for being a little trite, but fans didn't care — they propelled the song to a #1 hit in 2005.
Dr. Billy Ingram/WireImage
Brad Paisley turns his cheeky brand of satire on social media in "Online," a 2007 hit about people pretending to be someone they're not on sites like MySpace. Some found it to be a little mean-spirited, while others simply laughed at Paisley's characterization of online trolls. Listen closely, and you'll hear background vocals from his fellow country superstar Carrie Underwood.
19 of 20
"This Is Country Music"
Taylor Hill/WireImage
Paisley debuted "This Is Country Music," a tribute to the genre's roots, at the 2010 CMA Awards. It's a nod to country legends like Merle Haggard and George Jones and hit #2 on the country charts that year.
20 of 20
"Two People Fell In Love"
Taylor Hill/WireImage
Inspired by a couple's real-life love story, "Two People Fell In Love" is a song about the legacy of love. "Every single choice we make, every breath we get to take," Paisley sings on the chorus. "Is all because two people feel in love."