best of 2015

It's almost time to sing "Auld Lang Syne" and say goodbye to 2015 -- but not before we remember the Top 10 country songs of the year.

If, one year ago, we'd looked into the future of country music in 2015, we would have been shocked, excited, confused, heartbroken, encouraged and more.

Country music has seen a number of its most talented artists pass away this year, from singers who influenced the direction of the genre from its onset to artists who were influential in bringing country to the masses up to the point of their passing.

A number of country stars were victims of the love bug's bite this year!

Country fans, get ready for another legion of country music superstars in say ... oh, 18 years? Some of today's hottest country artists have had babies in 2015, which means their musical genes (and, okay, good looks) could very well have been passed down to their bundles of joy.

Throughout 2015, country artists have released music videos that have made us laugh, made us cry, made us sit back and think and made us get up and dance.

It's hard enough defining what exactly "country music" is nowadays, let alone trying to pinpoint who fits into its finer sub-genres. But when critics' brains fail to churn out worthy explanations, there is always a failsafe: Turn to the music.

The year 2015 has been a busy one, both bitter and sweet: New engagements and marriages, new babies and new artists rising to fame have made it a year filled with tears of joy, while a bevy of celebrity divorces, the deaths of legendary artists and worldwide tragedies have also filled the year with tears of sorrow. But whatever the occasion, whatever the mood, there's been a soundtrack.

Have you made your Christmas list yet? If you're struggling to come up with a wishlist or simply don't know what to get the important loved ones in your life, worry no more: The Boot's 2015 Holiday Gift Guide is ready to help you with all your holiday shopping needs.

Country music has its share of good-looking men, and they show off their studly looks on album covers, stages around the world, magazine pages, red carpets and more. From their chiseled biceps to their sexy vocals, their washboard stomachs to their outrageous senses of humor, country music's leading men are the whole package.