Bri Bagwell reveals her true country heart during her new song "Heroes," and a new music video finds the Texan finally letting her hair out, literally. The clip — premiering exclusively on Taste of Country on Thursday (Aug. 12) — shows how creators keep creating, even amid a pandemic.

The song is a pleasing, traditional country bop that leaves room for each string of the acoustic guitar to be heard, even as a pedal steel cries out around her. "Heroes" is a love story built around a shared love of great country music. "I asked you to play me 'Miami My Amy' / I found you love Whitley as much as I do," she sings to begin a song that goes far deeper than the oft-claimed influences. The chorus goes:

"You love Waylon and Petty and Willie and Redding / Loretta, Etta, Johnny and June / Oh, boy I fell for you / Because your heroes are my heroes too." 

Viewers of the new music video get a glimpse of Bagwell's record collection as the camera literally follows her home. She tells Taste of Country that she and director AJ Vallejo spread out a white screen with a projector to nab some clips.

"We truly had to take advantage of the limited resources available to us during COVID to film the video," she shares.

Much of the outdoor scenes were cut in Gruene, Texas, where award-winning and chart-topping singer now lives. "It's my first video with my natural hair color after letting it grow out during quarantine," Bagwell says. "AJ said I looked very happy at home and in my element. I agree!"

With seven No. 1 singles in Texas (including four from her most recent In My Defense album), Bagwell is on the cusp of nationwide success, if she chooses to chase it. This new song and music video prove she's got the talent, drive and creativity to obtain everything she dreams of.

Top Country Songs of 2021, Ranked

You'll find much more than just the Top 10 Country Songs of 2021 on this list. Enjoy the 21 best country songs of the year, based on Taste of Country staff and country music fan opinion, plus commercial data (sales, streaming, airplay).

To be considered, the song must have been released in 2021 or have actively charted for a portion of the year (see "Wine, Beer, Whiskey"). New artists including Lainey Wilson, Larry Fleet and Morgan Wade crack the top songs list, while hitmakers including Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean and Luke Combs make the Top 10.

Let us know your favorite song of 2021 on Twitter, or email us at staff@tasteofcountry.com.

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