The essential women of '90s country playlist
The '90s were truly a golden era for women in country music. Thanks to stars like Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Shania Twain, and Wynonna, the '90s were positively packed with great country songs.
Flip through the slideshow below for 20 for an essential playlist of '90s country tunes, from smash hits to cult favorites and everything in between.
"Girls With Guitars," Wynonna
Appearing on her 1994 sophomore solo album, "Girls With Guitars" is a hard-driving Wynonna anthem that's all about female independence, girls going their own way, and making their own music.
"She's In Love With The Boy," Trisha Yearwood
In 1991, Trisha Yearwood ruled the airwaves with "She's In Love With A Boy." And it's easy to see why: it's an endlessly catchy, totally charming love song that earned Yearwood her first #1 country single.
"Independence Day," Martina McBride
Martina McBride tackles the seriously heavy subject of domestic violence on "Independence Day," a soaring ballad that's since become one of her signature songs. It earned McBride multiple Grammy nods, and a CMA Award for Song of the Year in 1994.
"This Kiss," Faith Hill
There's no song that better exemplifies the pop-country sound of the 1990s than Faith Hill's "This Kiss." A boppy, upbeat anthem, it was a major crossover success for Hill, who notched her first top-10 hit on the all-genre Billboard 200 with the song, which was also a #1 on the country charts.
"Fancy," Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire's cover of this Bobbie Gentry song has since become one of her most iconic, thanks in large part to its totally cinematic music video. And however you feel about those slightly saucy lyrics, there's no denying just how catchy Reba's take on "Fancy" really is.
"That Don't Impress Me Much," Shania Twain
Brad Pitt, rocket scientists, and a guy with a really great car? NBD for Shania Twain on this 1998 hit. A country-pop crossover success, "That Don't Impress Me Much" was an international hit for Twain, selling millions of copies in the UK and Australia.
"Love Can Build A Bridge," The Judds
In 1990, The Judds were on the brink of retirement as Naomi Judd battled Hepatitis C. The title track of the mother-daughter duo's final album, "Love Can Build A Bridge" is perhaps the best showcase of both Wynonna and Naomi's beautiful harmonies, and their deep connection as mother and daughter.
"Maybe It Was Memphis," Pam Tillis
Pam Tillis's powerhouse vocals make "Maybe It Was Memphis" a killer '90s country ballad, one that shot to #3 on the country charts after its release in 1991. It remains a favorite among Tillis' most devoted fans.
"Something In Red," Lorrie Morgan
This colorful ballad was the title track of Lorrie Morgan's second full-length album, and though it wasn't quite a top-10 hit — "Something In Red" peaked at #14 on the country charts — it remains one of her most memorable singles.
"Two Sparrows in a Hurricane," Tanya Tucker
After beginning her career in 1972 at the age of 13, Tanya Tucker experienced a real renaissance in the 1990s. "Two Sparrows In A Hurricane" appears on her twentieth studio album, and earned both commercial success and rave reviews from critics.
"Shut Up And Kiss Me," Mary Chapin Carpenter
This sassy little love song earned Mary Chapin Carpenter her first #1 country single, along with the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
"Outbound Plane," Suzy Bogguss
Originally recorded and released by Nanci Griffith in 1988, Suzy Bogguss scored her own success with "Outbound Plane" in 1991, when it appeared on her sophomore album "Aces."
"Blame It On Your Heart," Patty Loveless
In addition to being one of Patty Loveless's biggest chart successes, "Blame It On Your Heart" also has the distinction of being one of the last songs performed by River Phoenix in the 1993 film "The Thing Called Love."
"When You Say Nothing At All," Alison Krauss
Originally recorded by the late, great Keith Whitley, Alison Krauss's cover of "When You Say Nothing At All" was an incredible success. Originally recorded for a Whitley tribute album, the song was a surprise smash, earning a spot on the all-genre Billboard 100.
"Blue," LeAnn Rimes
It's hard to believe that LeAnn Rimes was just 13 years old when she recorded "Blue," the smoldering heartbreak song originally written for country legend Patsy Cline. Since its release, the song has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
"Strawberry Wine," Deana Carter
Deana Carter's classic ode to teen love is peak '90s country, a beloved favorite for anyone who has nostalgia for their teenage years — whether or not they involved any fleeting summer romances.
"Heads Carolina, Tails California," Jo Dee Messina
Jo Dee Messina's "Heads Carolina, Tails California" may have been released more than two decades ago, but the fact that country artist Cole Swindell just released his own version of the song in 2022 proves that it's still totally relevant.
"Better Things to Do," Terri Clark
Terri Clark's not heartbroken in this 1995 song, she's just busy — and maybe a little bit in denial. "I could wash my car in the rain, change my new guitar strings, mow the yard just the same as I did yesterday," she sings. "I don't need to waste my time cryin' over you, I've got better things to do."
"Cowboy Take Me Away," The Chicks
A major crossover success for The Chicks — and a #1 country hit — "Cowboy Take Me Away" is a song that's all about escape. It's also still a staple of The Chicks's live shows all these years later.
"Does He Love You," Reba McEntire & Linda Davis
One of the most iconic duos in all of country music history, Linda Davis is the "other woman" to Reba McEntire's "scorned wife" in this deeply dramatic ballad that boasts an equally over-the-top video to match.
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