10 Essential Chase Rice Songs That Define His Country-Rock Evolution (2025 Update)

Chase Rice's musical journey has always been about evolution, grit, and a refusal to be pigeonholed, and as of December 11, 2025, his career is hitting a new peak with the release of his latest projects. From his early days co-writing one of country music's biggest hits to his recent deep-dive albums like 2024’s Go Down Singin' and the highly anticipated 2025 release, ELDORA, Rice continues to prove that his sound is as dynamic as his life story.

This article provides an in-depth look at the top songs, deep cuts, and newest tracks that define the Diamond-certified songwriter’s unique blend of country, rock, and heartfelt storytelling. We're exploring the tracks that propelled him from a reality TV contestant to a global touring artist, including the singles from his new album, which dropped just months ago.

Chase Rice: Full Biography and Career Profile

Chase Rice is more than just a country music star; he is a multifaceted personality whose life has been defined by high-stakes competition, athletic rigor, and creative ambition. His journey began far from the Nashville spotlight, rooted in the fields of college football and the remote jungles of Nicaragua.

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• Full Name: Chase Rice
• Date of Birth: September 19, 1985
• Hometown/Origin: Born in Florida, raised in North Carolina.
• Education/Athletics: Attended the University of North Carolina, where he played Division I college football as a linebacker until a career-ending injury.
• Reality TV Career: He gained initial public prominence as a contestant on the 21st season of the CBS reality show Survivor: Nicaragua in 2010, where he finished as the runner-up to Jud "Fabio" Birza.
• Songwriting Breakthrough: Prior to his solo success, Rice co-wrote the 2012 multi-platinum, Diamond-certified hit "Cruise" for the duo Florida Georgia Line, establishing his credentials in Nashville.
• Major Labels: Over his career, he has been signed to Columbia Nashville and later to Broken Bow Records (BBR Music Group).

The Definitive List: 10 Essential Chase Rice Songs

Rice’s discography spans the spectrum from high-energy, "bro-country" anthems to introspective, acoustic-driven ballads. This list highlights the essential tracks that showcase his evolution as a singer and songwriter, including his biggest hits and recent critically acclaimed work.

1. Eyes On You (2018)

This track remains his signature song and his first number-one single on the country charts in 2019. "Eyes On You" is a smooth, romantic mid-tempo ballad that showcases Rice’s vocal range and his ability to craft a mainstream, radio-friendly hit, cementing his place as a major player in contemporary country music.

2. Drinkin' Beer. Talkin' God. Amen. (feat. Florida Georgia Line) (2020)

A collaboration that brought Rice back together with his "Cruise" co-writers, this song is a reflective, acoustic-led track that explores the simple pleasures of life and deep conversations. It highlights a pivot toward more mature, thoughtful themes in his music.

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3. Ready Set Roll (2014)

From his Ignite the Night album, this is the quintessential high-octane party anthem that defined his early sound. "Ready Set Roll" is a driving, energetic track that helped build his reputation as a formidable live performer and a key figure in the country-rock crossover scene.

4. Gonna Wanna Tonight (2014)

Another major hit from the Ignite the Night era, this song is a romantic, catchy tune that became a staple on country radio. It balances the party atmosphere of his early work with a softer, more intimate lyrical focus.

5. Ride (2014)

Featuring the duo Lanco, "Ride" is a powerful track that blends modern production with traditional country storytelling. It’s a fan favorite known for its compelling narrative and infectious rhythm.

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6. Circa 1943 (2025)

Released in August 2025 as a taste of the upcoming ELDORA album, "Circa 1943" marks a creative reset for Rice. The song offers a narrative-driven, Western-themed sound that leans into traditional country roots, showcasing a new depth and maturity in his songwriting.

The New Era: Go Down Singin' and ELDORA (2024-2025)

The period between 2024 and 2025 represents a significant creative shift for Chase Rice, moving away from his mainstream hits to focus on albums that are more personal and cohesive. This new direction has been embraced by critics and fans who appreciate the genuine storytelling.

Go Down Singin' (2024)

The 2024 album Go Down Singin' is a collection of songs that Rice described as "running deep," touching on his journey through the Nashville music industry and featuring genuine, heartfelt storytelling. Tracks like the title song and "Hey God" exemplify this new, introspective style. The album was successful enough to launch his 2025 Go Down Singin' International Tour.

ELDORA (2025): A Creative Reset

The highly anticipated album ELDORA, released on September 19, 2025, is perhaps his most ambitious project yet. The album, which features 12 tracks, is heavily influenced by Western themes, narrative-driven songs, and traditional ballad structures. The project includes collaborations with artists like Kashus Culpepper and Elvie Shane, further diversifying his sound and solidifying his independent artistic vision.

This album is a culmination of a period of self-reflection and exploration, with Rice spending the summer of 2025 traveling the back roads out West. The single "Circa 1943" perfectly captures the cinematic, story-focused atmosphere of the entire ELDORA project.

Deep Cuts and Underrated Gems

While the major singles get the radio play, some of Rice’s most compelling work can be found in his deep cuts, which offer a truer glimpse into his songwriting heart. These tracks are essential listening for any fan seeking topical authority on his discography.

• While He's Still Around: A powerful, emotional track that stands out for its raw, personal lyrics. It’s often cited by fans as one of the best songs he has ever released, dealing with themes of family and legacy.
• Grow Old: Another highly praised deep cut, "Grow Old" is a tender, reflective ballad about finding lasting love and commitment. It showcases his ability to deliver vulnerable, mature content.
• Lonely If You Are: This track, found on the Lambs & Lions album, is a catchy, mid-tempo song that bridges the gap between his party anthems and his more serious work, becoming a fan-favorite for its relatability.
• I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell (2023): The title track from his 2023 album, this song is a solid example of his commitment to creating cohesive, start-to-finish country albums rather than just a collection of singles.

Chase Rice's career, highlighted by the success of "Eyes On You" and the creative depth of his 2024-2025 albums, Go Down Singin' and ELDORA, demonstrates a continuous artistic evolution. He has successfully navigated the pressures of the Nashville machine, establishing himself as a Diamond-certified songwriter and a compelling solo artist whose music is essential listening for any country-rock enthusiast.