The essential '90s country playlist
For some fans, the '90s were country music's best decade. Stars like George Strait, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and Shania Twain shined bright during those ten years, recording timeless hits that are still beloved today.
Looking to build the ultimate '90s country playlist? Definitely include these 20 tracks, which span the decade and a wide range of artists. From Kenny Chesney to Alan Jackson, there's something for every '90s country fanatic on this list.
"Check Yes or No," George Strait
This seriously sweet song from George Strait's beloved "Strait Out of the Box" collection was a #1 hit after its release in 1995.
"Any Man of Mine," Shania Twain
Co-written by the artist and released in 1995, "Any Man of Mine" introduced the world to the powerhouse that is Shania Twain. It was a #1 hit that year, and also notched Twain crossover success on the pop charts.
"Achy Breaky Heart," Billy Ray Cyrus
Whether it was Billy Ray's sick dance moves or the ridiculously catchy melody, "Achy Breaky Heart" made line dancing a mainstream American pastime after its release in 1992.
"The Dance," Garth Brooks
Technically recorded in 1989 but released in 1990, "The Dance" remains one of Garth Brooks fans' most beloved songs more than three decades later.
"Strawberry Wine," Deana Carter
Its subject matter might be a little mature, but the storyline of "Strawberry Wine" sure is familiar to anyone who's ever experienced summer love. The song was an instant hit after its release in 1996 and went on to win Song of the Year at the 1997 Country Music Association Awards.
"Brand New Man," Brooks and Dunn
The duo of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn came out swinging with their first single, "Brand New Man." It was an immediate hit for the duo, shooting #1 immediately after its release in 1991.
"Fancy," Reba McEntire
Arguably the best story song of the 1990s, Reba McEntire's version of "Fancy" is the definition of iconic. The music video for the song, which stars McEntire as the song's titular character, is equally compelling, almost like watching a short film.
"One More Last Chance," Vince Gill
Co-written by Vince Gill, "One More Last Chance" is a solid showcase of his stunning tenor and songwriting abilities. The song was a #1 hit in 1993 and was accompanied by a music video that features country legend, George Jones.
"Blue," LeAnn Rimes
It's almost hard to believe that LeAnn Rimes was only 11 years old when she recorded "Blue," a song first written for Patsy Cline. The song was a radio success and earned Rimes a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1996, as well as a Best Country Song trophy for songwriter Bill Mack.
"She's In Love With The Boy," Trisha Yearwood
This classic tale of how teenagers Katie and Tommy fell in love remains timeless thanks to its endless relatability — and Trisha Yearwood's killer vocals.
"Chattahoochee," Alan Jackson
This fun, summery anthem about the ups and downs of being a teenager who just wants to party on the Chattahoochee River was both a #1 hit for Alan Jackson and a big winner at the CMA Awards in 1993.
"Independence Day," Martina McBride
This 1994 track tackles the effects of domestic violence and small-town gossip in a deeply emotional way. It clearly resonated with fans and has since been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Academy of America.
"She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy," Kenny Chesney
It might be goofy, but there's no denying just how catchy Kenny Chesney's song about a woman who's seriously enamored with how he looks while driving on his tractor. Even though it only peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, it remains a fan favorite.
"I Cross My Heart," George Strait
Appearing on the soundtrack for the film "Pure Country," George Strait's "I Cross My Heart" is one of the finest love songs in '90s country. It's still a favorite among fans nearly 30 years after its release in 1992, evidenced by the fact that it's been downloaded via digital platforms nearly a million times in the past five years alone.
"Should've Been a Cowboy," Toby Keith
Appearing on Toby Keith's debut 1993 album, "Should've Been A Cowboy" remains one of his best vocal performances. It was also designated as the most played country song of the 1990s, with upwards of 3 million plays on country radio since its release.
"You're Still The One," Shania Twain
Shania Twain is still one of the biggest-selling country artists in music history, and "You're Still The One" is partially why. A massive success on the country and pop charts, the song also took home two Grammy Awards in 1999.
"Wide Open Spaces," The Chicks
Written about the vast expanses of West Texas, the Chicks (fka The Dixie Chicks) topped the country charts for four weeks with "Wide Open Spaces" in 1998.
"Maybe It Was Memphis," Pam Tillis
The daughter of country icon Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis made her own mark on country music in the 1990s. Among the best of her hits is "Maybe It Was Memphis," which she actually recorded first in the 1980s. She recorded it again in 1991 for her sophomore album, scoring a top ten hit.
"Here's A Quarter," Travis Tritt
Written by Travis Tritt himself, "Here's A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares) is the perfect kiss-off song. It peaked at #2 but remains Tritt's most popular tune.
"This Kiss," Faith Hill
Pop-country thrived in the 1990s, and there's no song that exemplifies that better than "This Kiss." It was a #1 hit on both the pop and country charts and is still a perfect song for any road trip playlist.
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