In the spirit of the great Sufjan Stevens, Paste is embarking on a journey to rank the best songs about all fifty American states. We are beginning this multi-month series in alphabetical order, starting with Alabama—a region defined by its rich heritage of fiddle, polka, gospel, country, and blues music. Before we dive into our top ten, we must acknowledge honorable mentions that narrowly missed the list: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” David Allan Coe’s “The Ride,” Eric Church’s “Talladega,” Alabama’s “My Home’s In Alabama,” and the Louvin Brothers’ “Alabama.”
10. Jimmy Buffett: “Saxophones” (1974)
Before achieving global superstardom, Jimmy Buffett was the kingpin of Gulf and Western music. On his 1974 album Living and Dying in ¾ Time, he included “Saxophones,” an underrated track that captures his roots in Mobile, Alabama. It serves as a poignant reflection on the struggle of a folk singer trying to find recognition in his hometown.
9. Dolly Parton: “Alabama Sundown” (1973)
Recorded just before her iconic Jolene era, Dolly Parton’s rendition of “Alabama Sundown” perfectly captures the ache of homesickness. Stationed in the bustle of New York City, the narrator yearns for the quiet beauty of Mobile Bay.
8. Alan Jackson: “Midnight in Montgomery” (1991)
Alan Jackson delivers a haunting narrative in “Midnight in Montgomery,” a song about a pilgrimage to Hank Williams’ grave. It is a powerful meditation on the enduring legacy of country music legends.
7. Jim Croce: “Alabama Rain” (1973)
Jim Croce’s “Alabama Rain” is a masterclass in atmospheric songwriting. Though he never lived in the state, he captures the essence of summer highways and the simple, sentimental joys of life in the South.
6. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit: “Alabama Pines” (2011)
Jason Isbell, a native of Green Hill, offers a deeply personal look at the state in “Alabama Pines.” The track explores the feeling of drifting through life while mourning the home you left behind.
5. Jerry Reed: “Guitar Man” (1967)
Jerry Reed’s “Guitar Man” is a road-weary anthem that finds its emotional center in a club in Mobile. It is a tribute to the life of a traveling musician seeking a place to play.
4. John Coltrane: “Alabama” (1963)
John Coltrane’s “Alabama” is a profound, somber jazz masterpiece composed in response to the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. It remains one of the most significant and emotionally charged pieces in jazz history.
3. Drive-By Truckers: “The Three Great Alabama Icons” (2001)
Patterson Hood and the Drive-By Truckers tackle the complex cultural history of the state in this spoken-word epic, examining figures like Bear Bryant and George Wallace with unflinching honesty.
2. John Prine: “Angel from Montgomery” (1971)
John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” is a timeless exploration of aging and longing. It is a song that has been covered by countless legends, yet it retains its original, aching beauty.
1. Emmylou Harris: “Boulder to Birmingham” (1976)
Emmylou Harris delivers the ultimate tribute in “Boulder to Birmingham,” a song born from the grief of losing Gram Parsons. It is a spiritual journey that remains anchored in the heart of Alabama.
