20 of the Best '90s Country Songs
Country music is a huge part of American culture, and it’s been that way for a long time. The 1990s were a pivotal time for country music, with established musicians releasing some of their best work and new artists releasing fresh crossover tunes for the masses. In this article, we’ll look at 20 of the best country songs from this incredible decade. From Garth Brooks and Shania Twain to Tim McGraw and George Strait, it was a great time to be a country music lover.
Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks
This great track was released by Garth Brooks at the start of the decade. “Friends in Low Places” was the lead title from his No Fences album, with both the single and album going on to achieve great success. Not many people know the history of this track, which was given to Brooks by songwriters Earl Bud Lee and Dewayne Blackwell. The original recording of this song was made by David Wayne Chamberlain and released in 1989.
Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus
Back in the ’90s, this song was impossible to ignore — no matter how hard you tried. “Achy Breaky Heart” was written in 1990 by Don Von Tress and released one year later by the Marcy Brothers. It was originally called “Don’t Tell My Heart,” with Billy Ray Cyrus changing the name for his iconic version in 1992. This country earworm comes from his debut album, Some Gave All. You may not like it, but ’90s country hits don’t get any bigger than this.
The Dance – Garth Brooks
Another country classic by Garth Brooks, “The Dance” is an absolute smash. It was the 10th and final track from his self-titled debut album, and it was also released as the fourth single. This track came out in 1990, and it became Brooks’ signature song for much of the decade. The video for this number was also a sensation, featuring Lane Frost, John Wayne, Martin Luther King Jr., and other Americans who died for a dream.
You’re Still the One – Shania Twain
For many country music fans, this is the best song of the decade. Shania Twain really hit her stride with this release, a piano-driven ballad in a pop-country style. “You’re Still the One” features standard country instrumentation, including mandolin and organ. The song begins with a spoken introduction over a drumbeat before Twain comes in with her strong Southern accent. This track was loved by critics and fans alike, and it introduced her female country songs to a growing global audience.
Chattahoochee – Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson had a great decade in the ’90s, with lots of big hits and lively concerts. This would have to be his best, however, with the iconic country artist writing about his first childhood love — Georgia’s Chattahoochee River. This song is about regular working people trying to make a living and raise a family. These universal themes resonate with lots of listeners, which is why you still hear this song on the radio today. Other great Jackson songs from the ’90s include “Livin’ on Love” and “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”
Man! I Feel Like a Woman! – Shania Twain
This track was another massive hit for Shania Twain — everyone’s favorite country crossover artist. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” came out at the musical peak of the decade, released in 1997 on her Come On Over studio album. This country-pop number is all about female empowerment, and it was written with Twain’s long-time collaborator and then-husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange. With its authentic country twang and lyrical power, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” was one of the most popular ’90s country songs of them all.
Fancy – Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire released lots of great music over the ’90s, including this amazing track. “Fancy” was originally written and recorded by the artist Bobby Gentry way back in 1969. McEntire gave it new life in 1991, and country music fans were certainly appreciative. This emotional song is a rags-to-riches tale of a young woman sold into prostitution by her poverty-stricken mother. For a long time, this song featured heavily in McEntire’s live shows. During each concert, she sang the first half of the track in a ragged black coat and hat before removing them to reveal a stunning floor-length red gown.
Any Man of Mine – Shania Twain
When you’re talking about country music from the 1990s, you can’t have too much Shania Twain. “Any Man of Mine” was released in 1995 from the singer’s second studio album, The Woman in Me. This track is notable as Twain’s first number one hit on country radio, and it also reached the top 40 of the regular Billboard Hot 100. This was another fun-filled pop crossover number, with one critic even calling it a “hi-tech hoedown.” When it comes to top ’90s country songs, this is among the very best.
Wide Open Spaces – Dixie Chicks
This comes from a more innocent/ignorant time in country music, when The Chicks were still known as Dixie Chicks. The single “Wide Open Spaces” comes from their 1998 album of the same name. It made everyone sit up and pay attention and helped other female artists get the respect they deserved. This song is about young women making their own way in the world. It was very popular with teenage girls and young women, and it remains a favorite to this day.
Don’t Take the Girl – Tim McGraw
This emotional track was a smash among many country music fans. “Don’t Take the Girl” tells the story of two young lovers dealing with the challenges of modern life. Recorded by Tim McGraw and written by Craig Martin and Larry W. Johnson, this song was a massive success on the country and pop charts. “Don’t Take the Girl” was McCraw’s fifth single overall and the second from his 1994 album, Not a Moment Too Soon. This is a fantastic example of ’90s country album songs.
Independence Day – Martina McBride
This song comes from Martina McBride’s 1993 studio album, The Way That I Am. It’s the third single from the album, and it was written by singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters. She spent more than 18 months writing the track and also recorded a version for her 1996 studio album, The Secret of Life. Like many of the tunes on this list, “Independence Day” is considered McBride’s signature song. It features heartfelt lyrics about family breakdown, with the video also referencing the tragedy of alcoholism and domestic violence.
Blue Clear Sky – George Strait
This much-loved song was a huge hit when released in 1996. Released by “The King of Country” George Strait, “Blue Clear Sky” is a sweet song with a lively, up-tempo energy. It’s also incredibly catchy, with a steel guitar line and rhythm section pushing the music forward as Strait sings about the joys of finding love. This track was named after a famous line from the hit movie Forrest Gump. ’90s country album songs don’t get much better than this.
This Kiss – Faith Hill
1990s country music wouldn’t have been the same without Faith Hill. “This Kiss” comes from her third studio album, Faith, which is among her best records of all time. This was one of the biggest crossover hits of the decade, reaching number one on the American and Canadian country charts and also hitting the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. This song also has a famous video, with a young Faith Hill swinging on nectarines, jumping from flowers, and riding butterflies. This is one of the greatest country songs of the decade.
I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton
This track is a bit of a stretch for a ’90s country list, but stick with me. As the undisputed queen of country music, Dolly Parton has released tons of great tunes over the decades. “I Will Always Love You” is one of her best, and it’s inspired hundreds of musicians from country music and beyond. While the Dolly Parton original was released in 1974, most people are more familiar with the Whitney Houston version from 1992. Not only is it a fantastic and respectful rendition of the song, but it made more people pay attention to the original too.
How Do I Live – LeAnn Rimes
This is one of the best country music songs of the ’90s, and it was also a massive pop hit. “How Do I Live” was written by Diane Warren and recorded by LeAnn Rimes for her second studio album, You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs. This beautiful song exudes wide-eyed innocence and deep, soulful emotion. Country and pop elements blend perfectly on this number as Rimes finds her best voice. This great track was also released on three compilation albums: Greatest Hits from 2003, The Best of LeAnn Rimes from 2004, and All-Time Greatest Hits from 2015.
Fast as You – Dwight Yoakam
Has there ever been a better country artist name than Dwight Yoakam? The famous guitarist and vocalist recorded lots of great music over his career, including “Fast as You” from his fifth studio album, This Time. This song marked the end of peak-Yoakam as his last top 10 hit on the country charts. Dwight Yoakam remained a massive influence on the country music scene, however, with some very big names influenced by his authentic sound. Kelly Clarkson is perhaps his biggest fan, with the famous singer even covering this track on her TV talk show.
Strawberry Wine – Deana Carter
This track was released in 1996 by the fabulous artist Deana Carter. It was her debut single from her debut album, the memorably titled Did I Shave My Legs for This? “Strawberry Wine” was a massive hit for the new artist, becoming a number one hit on the country charts in the US and Canada. This song is a sentimental ballad powered by steel guitar and percussion. It uses a rather rare 6/8 time signature and tells a story full of nostalgia and naive young love. This is one of the best ’90s country album songs of the decade.
It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were two of the biggest names in ’90s country music, and they were also a married couple. On this song, they produce one of the best crossover hits of the decade. “It’s Your Love” is a beautiful and personal ballad delivered with power and grace. McGraw delivers a memorable vocal performance, with his wife singing in the background to great effect. Together, both artists produce a colorful track full of vocal harmonies and lyrical depth. This is one of the best ’90s country love songs of them all.
Why Haven’t I Heard From You – Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire released lots of great music in the ’90s, none better than “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.” This song was written by Sandy Knox and T. W. Hale and released in 1994 as the first single from the Read My Mind album. This song has a timeless quality that resonates to this day. The music video is a little more dated, however, with McEntire wondering aloud why her love interest hasn’t called. He has no excuse, says the singer, because telephones are “on every corner, in the back of every bar.”
Neon Moon – Brooks & Dunn
This great track from Brooks & Dunn was a massive hit for the country music duo. Released in 1992, “Neon Moon” was their third consecutive number one on the country charts. It was the third single from their debut album, Brand New Man, and it quickly became a favorite in their live shows. “Neon Moon” tells an unmistakable country story, with a man hanging out at a bar brokenhearted. His partner recently left him, and he spends most nights “living beneath the light of a neon moon.”
Final Thoughts
Country music has been around since the 1920s, rising from America’s South to recording studios and concert halls all over the world. With great music releases and massive crossover hits, the 1990s were a particularly memorable time for this beloved form of American folk music. Whether you want to relive the prime ’90s or educate yourself on this great decade, the songs on this list are ideal for any country playlist.