10 Hit Songs You May Not Know Were Written by Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton is known around the world for his powerful voice, emotional performances, and modern country classics. However, long before he became one of country music’s biggest stars, he was already making a name for himself as a songwriter.
Over the years, Stapleton helped create songs recorded by some of the biggest names in music. His songwriting credits include artists such as Josh Turner, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Luke Bryan, Adele, and Alan Jackson.
Some of these songs became major hits. Others became fan favorites. And many listeners may be surprised to learn that Stapleton helped write them.
Here are 10 popular songs that showcase his talent as a songwriter.
1. “Your Man” – Josh Turner
One of Chris Stapleton’s best-known songwriting credits is Josh Turner’s hit “Your Man.”
Released in 2005, the romantic country song became Turner’s first No. 1 hit. Stapleton co-wrote it with Jace Everett and Chris DuBois.
The song helped establish Turner as a major country star. It also became an important early success in Stapleton’s songwriting career.
2. “Never Wanted Nothing More” – Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney scored another major hit with “Never Wanted Nothing More.”
The song appeared on his 2007 album Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. It quickly climbed the country charts and became a No. 1 single.
Stapleton co-wrote the track with Ronnie Bowman. Its upbeat sound and memorable message made it one of Chesney’s recognizable songs from that era.
3. “Come Back Song” – Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker’s “Come Back Song” became a major country radio success in 2010.
Stapleton co-wrote the song with Rucker and Casey Beathard. It appeared on Rucker’s album Charleston, SC 1966 and eventually reached No. 1 on the country charts.
The song showed how well Stapleton could write for another artist while creating a track that still felt personal and authentic.
4. “If It Hadn’t Been for Love” – Adele
Perhaps one of the most surprising songs on this list is Adele’s recording of “If It Hadn’t Been for Love.”
Stapleton originally recorded the song with his bluegrass band, The SteelDrivers. Adele later included her version as a bonus track on her hugely successful album 21.
The song introduced Stapleton’s songwriting to an even wider audience. It also showed that his work could cross musical genres without losing its emotional power.
5. “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” – George Strait
George Strait recorded “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” for his 2011 album Here for a Good Time.
Stapleton co-wrote the song with Al Anderson. It was released as a single and climbed to No. 3 on the country chart.
With its traditional country sound, smooth fiddle, and steel guitar, the song fit naturally into Strait’s legendary catalog.
6. “Something to Do With My Hands” – Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett worked with Stapleton on “Something to Do With My Hands,” the lead single from his debut album It Goes Like This.
Released in 2012, the song helped introduce Rhett as a rising country artist.
It reached the Top 20 on the country charts and marked one of several songwriting collaborations between Rhett and Stapleton.
7. “Talk Is Cheap” – Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson included “Talk Is Cheap” on his 2012 album Thirty Miles West.
Although it was not released as a single, the song remains an interesting part of Stapleton’s songwriting history.
Working with an artist like Jackson also highlights the range of performers who have recorded songs connected to Stapleton.
8. “Drink a Beer” – Luke Bryan
“Drink a Beer” is one of the most emotional songs in Luke Bryan’s catalog.
Stapleton co-wrote the song with Jim Beavers. Bryan released it in 2013, and it became a major hit.
Despite its simple title, the song carries a powerful message about grief, remembrance, and losing loved ones. Bryan has spoken about the personal meaning behind its lyrics, making the track especially important to him and many listeners.
9. “Crash and Burn” – Thomas Rhett
Stapleton teamed up with Thomas Rhett again for “Crash and Burn.”
Released in 2015, the energetic song became the lead single from Rhett’s album Tangled Up.
It reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart and showed another side of Stapleton’s writing ability. Unlike the emotional ballads he is often associated with, this track brought a more upbeat and modern sound.
10. “Lonely Girl” – Charles Kelley
Charles Kelley, best known as a member of Lady A, explored his solo career with the album The Driver.
Stapleton helped write “Lonely Girl,” a song featured on that 2015 release.
The collaboration highlighted his ability to work with artists outside the traditional country music spotlight while still delivering a strong country influence.
Chris Stapleton Was a Hitmaker Before Becoming a Superstar
Chris Stapleton’s success as a solo artist did not happen overnight.
Before his breakthrough in 2015, he had already spent years writing songs for other performers. His work reached country radio through artists with very different styles and audiences.
From Josh Turner’s romantic “Your Man” to Luke Bryan’s emotional “Drink a Beer,” Stapleton has helped create songs that became important moments in other artists’ careers.
His songwriting journey is a reminder that some of country music’s biggest stars have been shaping the industry behind the scenes long before the spotlight found them.
And for many fans, discovering that he helped write these familiar hits makes listening to them even more interesting.
