October has been nothing short of extraordinary for Luke Combs, and just when it seemed like the country star’s momentum couldn’t get any bigger, he proved everyone wrong. After a series of significant milestones, including releasing his three-song EP The Prequel, becoming the highest-selling country artist of all time, and announcing an expansive 2026 international tour, Combs capped off the month with yet another triumph—his 19th career #1 hit on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. “Back In The Saddle” reached the top spot just three months after its release on July 25th, making an impressive leap from number four with 30.8 million impressions, according to Billboard.
For Combs, this achievement is a testament to his unrelenting drive and musical consistency, qualities that have made him one of country music’s biggest stars. “Back in the Saddle” isn’t just another hit—it marks his return to the sound that originally captivated his audience. The track, written by Combs, Dan Isbell, and Jonathan Singleton, features sultry guitar riffs and rockin’ production that recall the energy of his earlier hits like “She Got the Best of Me” and “Forever After All.”
In a year that saw him shatter records, announce a world tour with stars like Dierks Bentley and Thomas Rhett, and even confirm a second Category 10 bar opening in Las Vegas, Combs shows no signs of slowing down. The 33-year-old North Carolina native has quickly solidified his place in country music history, now surpassing the likes of Garth Brooks in sales, with 168 million units sold according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Yet, despite the accolades, Combs remains grounded, and his mindset is as fierce as ever. In a candid interview with Apple Music’s Kelleigh Bannen, he revealed the mentality behind his success: “It’s not an arrogance thing. It’s this mindset you need; you have to have this unwavering confidence in yourself to just keep going and to succeed. My mindset is, ‘Let me make you remember if you can’t.’” With “Back in the Saddle,” Combs did exactly that—he reminded fans and the industry that he’s still the artist who can deliver exactly what the audience wants to hear, no gimmicks, no distractions.
The song, which marks Combs’ first release since Fathers & Sons in 2024, has proven to be more than just a prelude to his next album—it’s a powerful statement that Luke Combs is a force to be reckoned with in country music. As he prepares to release his highly anticipated full-length album next year, “Back in the Saddle” shows that Combs isn’t just continuing his reign; he’s raising the bar once again.
For fans and newcomers alike, this latest #1 hit proves that Combs’ staying power in country music is far from a fluke. It’s the product of hard work, unwavering confidence, and a deep connection with his fans, who have stood by him every step of the way. With a new album on the horizon, a world tour to look forward to, and now a 19th career #1 hit, Luke Combs is continuing to set the standard for country music in 2024 and beyond.
The full list of Combs’ #1s on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart is as follows:
- “Hurricane”
- “When It Rains It Pours”
- “One Number Away”
- “She Got the Best of Me”
- “Beautiful Crazy”
- “Beer Never Broke My Heart”
- “Even Though I’m Leaving”
- “Does to Me” feat. Eric Church
- “Cold Beer Calling My Name” (Jameson Rodgers)
- “Lovin’ On You”
- “Better Together”
- “Forever After All”
- “Cold As You”
- “Doin’ This”
- “Going, Going, Gone”
- “Love You Anyway”
- “Fast Car”
- “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma”
- “Back in the Saddle’
“Back in the Saddle”
My Kinda Saturday Night Tour Dates
March 21 Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, NV
April 4 Scott Stadium – Charlottesville, VA
April 11 Jack Trice Stadium – Ames, IA
April 18 Notre Dame Stadium – South Bend, IN
April 25 Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
May 2 Neyland Stadium – Knoxville, TN
May 9 Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium – Norman, OK
May 15 Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI
May 16 Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI
May 30 Parc Jean-Drapeau – Montreal, QC
June 5 Rogers Stadium – Toronto, ON
June 6 Rogers Stadium – Toronto, ON
July 4 Ullevi – Gothenburg, Sweden
July 7 Accor Arena – Paris, France
July 11 Johan Cruijff ArenA – Amsterdam, Netherlands
July 18 Slane Castle – Slane, Ireland
July 19 Slane Castle – Slane, Ireland
July 25 Scottish Gas Murrayfield – Edinburgh, UK
July 31 Wembley Stadium – London, UK
August 1 Wembley Stadium – London, UK
