American Songwriter has picked out three country songs from 2002 that it argues have stood the test of time. The article highlights tracks from established stars of the genre, noting how each captured a different mood, from sentimental reflection to light-hearted domestic squabbling to bittersweet nostalgia.

The songs featured are Toby Keith's "My List," a rare song he didn't write himself, praised for showing his softer side; Terri Clark's "I Just Wanna Be Mad," a Top 5 hit and playful relationship tune; and Kenny Chesney's "The Good Stuff," a seven-week number one written by Craig Wiseman and Jim Collins, reportedly inspired by a friend of Wiseman's who had recently lost his wife.

– Toby Keith's "My List" showcased a rare sentimental side, written by Tim James and Rand Bishop
– Terri Clark's "I Just Wanna Be Mad" was a Top 5 hit from her Pain To Kill album
– Kenny Chesney's "The Good Stuff" topped the charts for seven weeks, inspired by personal loss