With March being a month full of green, there is no better time to highlight the most fitting album for the occasion: Lucky. Megan Moroney’s debut album displays some of the best music she has ever put out, including the song that blew her up, “Tennessee Orange.” Despite one of the bigger tracks featuring orange, Lucky is all about the color green. There is a nice but subtle touch of gold and, of course, shamrocks. Even though Lucky dropped on May 5, 2023, it’s impossible to get through this time of year without revisiting it. To honor that (and the St. Paddy’s Day season), we’ve ranked every song on Lucky (Deluxe) from bottom to top.
16. Kansas Anymore
Kicking things off as the “worst” song on the project is “Kansas Anymore.” The song may technically fall at the bottom of the list, but it isn’t bad by any means. Part of what makes this list so tricky is that there isn’t a bad song from start to finish. However, there had to be a song to take this spot, and the main reason it was “Kansas Anymore” is that it’s just the most forgettable track. Few people associate this song with the album because it ultimately falls into the background and doesn’t quite hold a candle to the others.
15. Mustang or Me
“Mustang or Me” has become a fan favorite in these 16 songs. The metaphor comparing her life to the old Mustang, wondering which will break down first, is clever and allows the listener to visualize the exact feeling she is trying to express. Unfortunately, much like “Kansas Anymore,” it’s up against a stacked tracklist and inevitably falls because it is much easier to forget than some heavy hitters.
14. Reasons To Stay
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“Reasons to Stay” captures everything that the “emo-cowgirl” is about. It is a slow song about a struggling relationship where the protagonist finds herself looking for reasons to stay. The reasons are incredibly bleak, like making it to 2 pm without crying. You learn he isn’t the best boyfriend, and he no longer makes the effort he used to when they were happy. This is a classic Megan Moroney song, and it fits her brand very well. The narrator explains how she does not have a good boyfriend, but she doesn’t see a way out and desperately tries to make it work. As this is right up her alley, she has done many songs with the same idea that stand out more than this one.
13. Nothin’ Crazy
#13 is the first collab on the list, “Nothin’ Crazy.” It’s a duet with her long-time writing counterpart, Mackenzie Carpenter. This song is unquestionably one of the more fun songs on the record, with an upbeat tempo. Its lyrics are also pretty mindless, making it easy to listen to without overthinking. This is another one that fits right into her classic style of music about being the “crazy girlfriend,” as she is already thinking about baby names with a guy she just started seeing. As fun as the song is, the level of depth doesn’t compare to the other songs which is why it landed where it did, but it is still a great tune.
12. Girl in the Mirror
As much fun as some of Meg’s songs are, she can also tackle some important messages. “Girl in the Mirror” is the perfect example of that as she sings about the importance of loving yourself before loving a significant other. It’s a profoundly emotional track about self-reflection, forcing the listener to dig deep into their personal lives. This is also a fantastic song for Moroney to put out, given that her primary audience is younger women and girls who may need to hear it. While the message is fantastic, the song isn’t necessarily a go-to on this project, especially compared to the ones ahead.
11. Tennessee Orange
By far the most popular song on the record is “Tennessee Orange.” It is the song that broke Moroney and catapulted her to stardom. However, the fact that the song is #11 on the list is a testament to Moroney’s talent. It may be her most popular song, but the album undoubtedly has better music. This song has the stats it does for a reason; it has the aspect of southern charm to take it to the next level, but it just misses the top ten on Lucky.
10. Fix You Too
Kicking off the top 10 is the second collab on the list, “Fix You Too,” with Kameron Marlowe. This is a re-recording, as she dropped a solo version on her Pistol Made of Roses EP, but the addition of Marlowe only elevates the track. His powerful vocals perfectly match Moroney’s, creating a fantastic sense of chemistry. It’s another relationship song talking about how the other is a “fixer-upper,” and they don’t want to add that to the list of the things needing to be fixed. It is another one that isn’t necessarily a go-to, but when it comes on, it rarely gets skipped.
9. Another on the Way
“Another on the Way” is the most underrated track on Lucky. The production is downright electric, with the chorus coming in with an absolute kick. The idea is that there are always other men on the way; if you miss one, there will be more to follow. Megan Moroney shows a lot of attitude and confidence in this track, and she’s at her best when she does so. This track doesn’t get nearly enough love and deserves to be talked about much more.
8. Sad Songs For Sad People
“Sad Songs For Sad People” is one of the few love songs on the LP. Despite its misleading title, the song is about loving sad songs, but in this rare situation, she wants to write a love song for the boy. It is a harmless song, but you can’t help but smile when listening to it. The track feels super smooth and gets you bobbing your head without even realizing it. The catchy melody will get stuck in your head and loop for hours and won’t even get annoying. As good as this track is, it just couldn’t prevail over some of the others.
7. God Plays a Gibson
“God Plays a Gibson” is one of the more straightforward songs on the record, but it doesn’t go unnoticed. The lyrics to the song are fantasizing about what God is doing up there, whether he is spending his off days fishing, rooting for her alma mater, the Georgia Bulldogs, or playing a Gibson guitar. The song is a breath of fresh air on the record and in general. It allows the listener just to take a step back and clear their mind with those types of happy thoughts.
6. Georgia Girl
The production of “Georgia Girl” is second to none and a big reason it found its way to the sixth spot on the list. The steel guitar is an absolute standout, and the opening chords to the track immediately grab the listener’s attention. She sings about not messing with a Georgia girl because she won’t put up with the same stuff the other girls did. It’s a nice nod to her home state and shows off more of her confident side. It misses the top five, but “Georgia Girl” is one of the best overall songs on the album.
5. Traitor Joe
Kicking off the top five is “Traitor Joe,” one of the “poppier” songs on the LP. However, it’s not the type of pop country that gives you a headache. The guitar gets you up and dancing as Moroney sings about another crummy girl cheating on Joe. While the lyrics are blunt, the electric-based production makes it one of the most fun songs on the record.
4. I’m Not Pretty
“I’m Not Pretty” is one of Moroney’s absolute fan favorites, and deservedly so. This song screams Megan Moroney as she reflects on one of her ex-boyfriends. She shows more confidence in this track than any of her others, taking it to the next level. Her attitude of knowing how special she is and how her new girlfriend is in shambles makes the song work. She has plenty of sad songs, but it’s music like this where Moroney is at her best. It’s easy to get used to the “emo cowgirl” music, but this added flare that makes her great. She may have sad songs, but at the end of the day, she knows how good she really is.
3. Sleep on My Side
Similar to the last one, “Sleep on My Side” is on the podium for her witty song lyrics. She sings about the guy who sleeps around while she sleeps on her side. The writing is excellent because it’s funny and checks all the boxes, as it has a perfect balance of fun, light-hearted, and serious. There is also top-notch production relying on the steel guitar that elevates the song and prevents it from fading in the background. The opening instrumentals immediately get you tapping your feet and wanting more. Cracking the top three on this record is fantastic, and “Sleep on My Side” came up short of the final two songs.
2. Lucky
The title track of Megan Moroney’s debut album takes the silver medal. “Lucky” has almost everything, starting with a modernized traditional sound. It sounds exactly like it could thrive in the 90s just as well as it does now. It adds a little bit more of a modern flair through the lyrics that keep it compelling. It isn’t the most thought-provoking track, but it is undoubtedly one of the most fun songs and fits just about any mood. It highlights Moroney’s versatility and is, to this day, one of the best songs she’s put out.
1. Why Johnny
Finally, the best track on Megan Moroney’s Lucky album is “Why Johnny.” Lyrically, it is one of the best songs Morney has ever dropped, as the protagonist sees parallels between her relationship and June Carter and Johnny Cash’s relationship. She is asking June why she continued to stay with Johnny when he put her through the torment that he did. It’s not as fun as others, but it is exceptional writing from Meg and Conor Matthews. The whole concept is very clever, allowing the song to stand above the rest.
