Ray Fulcher's precise, concise songwriting shines during "Girl in It," his debut single on Black River Entertainment. The uptempo country observation is radio-ready, which should surprise no one, given his resume.

Songs that praise a woman's worth in this world are hardly rare in country music. Longtime fans of the format may recall Brooks & Dunn's late career hit "Put a Girl in It" (2008), a Peach Pickers-penned rocker that celebrated (and slightly objectified) females. Fulcher, along with co-writers Erik Dylan and James McNair, are a bit more romantic. Producer Jonathan Singleton's banjo-driven shuffle also adds softer strokes to a message that remains true to a more chivalrous time. A vague nostalgia anchors the song in tradition.

The singer doesn't get a chance to prove himself a dynamic vocalist during "Girl in It." The song doesn't quite tell a well-rounded story, either, but like some of Easton Corbin's early singles, this new song feels effortless while speaking to Fulcher's potential in both areas. A unique final chorus and third verse prove this track more of a songwriting showcase than anything. That's certainly not a bad thing to be known for as a new artist.

Did You Know?: You can't talk Ray Fulcher without talking Luke Combs. Fulcher co-wrote eight songs on each of his friend's first two albums, including four No. 1 hits.

attachment-Girl In It Cover
Black River Ent
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Ray Fulcher's "Girl in It" Lyrics:

At the car wash on the corner / There's a boy about 17 / Spending every ashtray quarter / Trying to get that Chevy clean / If he plays his cards right / By 8 o'clock tonight / There'll be a girl in it / And he'll put on a slow one / She'll play hard to get / Make him work all night / For that front porch kiss / When he goes home to sleep / And drifts into a dream / There'll be a girl in it.

Chorus:
They're why they make porch swings and half carat rings / Carolina sunsets and California Kings / If your heart's on fire / If everything's spinning / If you're going out of your mind / I bet there's a girl in it.

There's a Romeo in an airport / Dozen roses in his hand / Waiting by the window /For that big ol' bird to land / 'Cause that 737 / Dropping down from heaven’s Got a girl in it.

Repeat chorus

There's a fool on a bar stool / Soaking up regret / Knows he oughta slow down / But he ain't done it yet / 'Cause there's something in that glass / That makes him forget the past / With that girl in it.

They're why they make JD and neon lights / Smoke rolling slow while that sad steel slides / If your heart's on fire / If everything's spinning / If you're going out of your mind / I bet there's a girl in it (whoa) / Girl in it (whoa).

Top Country Songs of 2021, Ranked

You'll find much more than just the Top 10 Country Songs of 2021 on this list.

Our team has sourced fans to create 10 superlatives for this mid-year version of the year-end songs list. Best Country Tearjerker? Best Country Baby-Maker? Best Country Breakup Song of 2021? Keith Urban, Carly Pearce, Chris Bandi and more help make up this portion of the Top Country Songs list, while hitmakers like Thomas Rhett and Little Big Town lead the 10 best songs portion.

Did your favorite song of 2021 make this list? 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, Breland and Triston Marez crack the Top 10. Let us know your favorite song of 2021 at Twitter or email, at staff@tasteofcountry.com.

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