"American Child," Phil Vassar (2002)

Sentimental patriotism that gets me every time

Peak: #5 on the country chart (#48 on the Hot 100)
Streams: 2.7 million

Even in 2002, I liked “American Child.” The melody is beautiful, and Phil Vassar’s vocal is out of this world, especially when he hits those crystal clear high notes in the final chorus. Plus, I am an absolute sucker for songs that build this way, adding more and more orchestral elements until the sentiment at hand has reach an ecstatic crescendo.