From Men’s Journal: 2003 No. 1 Hit Voted the ‘Best Country Song About Summer’
Jimmy Buffett appears on 3 songs in the list of Best Country Songs About Summer
No. 9 – Jimmy Buffett — “Margaritaville” (1977)
No. 6 – Zac Brown Band (featuring Jimmy Buffett) — “Knee Deep” (2011)
No. 1 – Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett — “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” (2003)
Why ‘It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere’ by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett Was Voted the ‘Best Country Song About Summer’ In September 2025, Ranker updated its article that allows fans to vote on the “Best Country Songs About Summer.” The article featured songs from a slew of major stars, including Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Tracy Byrd, Travis Tritt, Blake Shelton, and more. Based on votes from the kind of country fans who care enough to seek an article like that out, Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett’s “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” deserved to top that ranking at No. 1.
As anyone who has heard “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” will likely attest, the song being chosen to top the list makes sense. Performed by two icons who have been beloved by fans for decades, it is a piece of musical escapism that perfectly played off both artists’ images. The fact that it pairs laid-back music with lyrics focused on getting away from work frustrations was also genius. Other factors, including that it feels like it was crafted to be sung by large groups, have also helped it create a lasting legacy.
Released in June 2003, calling “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” a huge hit actually feels like an understatement. The song charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for a total of 28 weeks and hit No. 1 on August 9, 2003, where it stayed for a staggering eight non-consecutive weeks.