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The essential Miranda Lambert playlist 
Erika Goldring/Getty Images for CMT

The essential Miranda Lambert playlist 

An East Texas native who got her start on the singing competition "Nashville Star," Miranda Lambert has grown into one of the genre's biggest — and most musically compelling — stars. 

Flip through the slideshow for 20 essential Miranda Lambert songs to add to your country playlists, from the heart-wrenching ballad "Over You" to cheekier tracks like "Platinum" and "Only Prettier." 

 
1 of 20

"Kerosene"

"Kerosene"
Rusty Russell/Getty Images

This barn-burner of a song was the title track of Lambert's 2005 major-label debut. It introduced the world of country music to one of its fiercest new voices and remains one of her feistiest anthems to date. 

 
2 of 20

"Me And Charlie Talkin'"

"Me And Charlie Talkin'"
R. Diamond/WireImage

Lambert's debut single "Me and Charlie Talking" was co-written by the singer and her father, Rick Lambert. It was also a minor hit, peaking at #27 on the country charts and staking Lambert's claim as one of the genre's most compelling new artists. 

 
3 of 20

"Gunpowder and Lead"

"Gunpowder and Lead"
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

Even though this song is uptempo, its subject matter is decidedly serious. Its protagonist is a domestic violence victim seeking revenge on her abuser in the most permanent way possible. It marked Lambert's first #1 hit in 2008 and has since been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. 

 
4 of 20

"The House That Built Me"

"The House That Built Me"
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

This tearjerker of a tune hit the airwaves in 2010, earning Lambert her first Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. For anyone who's ever moved away from their childhood home, it's a perfect nostalgic tune — just don't forget the tissues. 

 
5 of 20

"Over You"

"Over You"
Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Co-written by Lambert and her ex-husband Blake Shelton, "Over You" is rooted in tragedy. The song was written by the duo after the loss of Shelton's beloved brother in his youth. Even though the two have long parted ways, Lambert still considers it one of her most special songs. 

 
6 of 20

"Platinum"

"Platinum"
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Essential Broadcast Media

"What doesn't kill you only makes you blonder" is the exact kind of life advice you'd expect to hear from Miranda Lambert, and it's the gospel on "Platinum." An ode to both bright-blonde hair and Lambert's own success in the music industry, the song served as the title track for Lambert's fifth full-length album in 2014. 

 
7 of 20

"Vice"

"Vice"
Tibrina Hobson/WireImage

Appearing on "The Weight of These Wings," the double-album Lambert dropped after her divorce from Shelton was finalized, no song accurately captures the album's lonesome, plaintive vibe than "Vice." 

 
8 of 20

"Geraldine"

"Geraldine"
Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Appearing first on "The Marfa Tapes," Lambert's stripped-down 2021 song collection, "Geraldine" is reminiscent of Dolly Parton's iconic "Jolene," but with energy — and snark — that only Miranda Lambert could bring to the table. 

 
9 of 20

"Tequila Does"

"Tequila Does"
Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Whether it's Jose Cuervo or Casamigos, Miranda Lambert's convinced of one thing: there's no man who could love her like her favorite tequila. Appearing on the 2019 album "Wild Card," it's a perfect drinking song for the modern era. 

 
10 of 20

"Tin Man"

"Tin Man"
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Showcasing Lambert at perhaps her most vulnerable ever, 2016's "Tin Man" is a song that's all about heartbreak — and wishing that you didn't have to feel that unrelenting pain. "If you ever felt one breaking," Lambert sings. "You'd never want a heart." 

 
11 of 20

"White Liar"

"White Liar"
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Lambert turns the tables on a cheater in "White Liar," a song that's all about the cumulative effect of lying to the person that you're supposed to love. But as it turns out, Lambert might be dishing out exactly what she's getting. "Here's a bombshell just for you," she sings. "Turns out I've been lyin' too." Scandalous! 

 
12 of 20

"Mama's Broken Heart"

"Mama's Broken Heart"
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

Co-written by Kacey Musgraves before she hit country music superstardom, Lambert brings her characteristic plucky energy to this song about the arguably extreme lengths that some of us will go to to get over a heartbreak. And even if you don't have any interest in "hiding your crazy and acting like a lady," as Lambert sings, there's no denying the appeal of "Mama's Broken Heart" when you've just gotten dumped. 

 
13 of 20

"Only Prettier"

"Only Prettier"
Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

"We're just like you, only prettier" is one of those Southern slogans that convey just the right amount of snark without sounding too hateful. Co-written by Natalie Hemby and Lambert, the song was a minor crossover hit, and perfectly explores the dichotomy between "city girls" and "country girls," at least from Lambert's perspective. 

 
14 of 20

"Hell on Heels," with Pistol Annies

"Hell on Heels," with Pistol Annies
Jason Davis/FilmMagic

Teaming up with fellow country heavy-hitters Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe, the Pistol Annies give Lambert an opportunity to spread her creative wings. "Hell on Heels" is arguably the act's signature tune, an anthem to the ladies that are proud to be heartbreakers everywhere. 

 
15 of 20

"If I Was A Cowboy"

"If I Was A Cowboy"
John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

On the first single from her 2022 album "Palomino," Lambert fantasizes about an alternate universe where, instead of the biggest country star in the world, she's a free-rangin' cowboy who isn't afraid to break a few hearts along the way. 

 
16 of 20

"Automatic"

"Automatic"
Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Most songs about "the good ole days" tend to be a little hackneyed, but Lambert makes it personal, drawing up experiences from her own East Texas childhood to make "Automatic" feel a little more personal. Released in 2016, the song remains a fan favorite and is a staple in Lambert's live performances. 

 
17 of 20

"In His Arms"

"In His Arms"
Jason Merritt/ACMA2018/Getty Images for ACM

"In His Arms," appearing on "The Marfa Tapes," offers a little bit more vulnerable look into the mind of Miranda Lambert, who's usually trying to play it tough. In the sweet, stripped-down tune, Lambert pines for a Texas man who might be "prayin' for rain down in West Texas" or "breakin' horses in San Antone." 

 
18 of 20

"Priscilla"

"Priscilla"
Jason Davis/WireImage

Miranda Lambert attempts to reconcile the chaos of managing a relationship while being one of the most famous singers in the world on "Priscilla." Addressed to Priscilla Presley, the one-time wife of Elvis, Lambert seeks advice on how to be the "queen of the king," referring to her then-husband Blake Shelton. 

 
19 of 20

"Somethin' Bad," with Carrie Underwood

"Somethin' Bad," with Carrie Underwood
Frederick Breedon IV/WireImage

The two most potent voices in country music right now teamed up in 2014 for "Somethin' Bad," a rowdy, rollicking duet that features Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert preparing to head to New Orleans for a wild weekend — complete with all the money in Lambert's mattress.

 
20 of 20

"Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)," with Elle King

"Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)," with Elle King
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM

Lambert's most recent collaboration with country-rocker Elle King has proven to be one of her most popular to date. "Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)" was a hit on both the Billboard country and rock charts, and hit #1 on the Country Airplay chart shortly after its release. If you're looking for the perfect going-out jam, look no further. 

Amy McCarthy is a Texas-based journalist. Follow her on twitter at @aemccarthy

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