Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
20 essential songs for your '90s country playlist
The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK

20 essential songs for your '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.

 
1 of 20

"Check Yes or No," George Strait

"Check Yes or No," George Strait
Beth Gwinn/Redferns

This seriously sweet song from George Strait's beloved "Strait Out of the Box" collection was a #1 hit after its release in 1995. 

 
2 of 20

"Any Man of Mine," Shania Twain

"Any Man of Mine," Shania Twain
Beth Gwinn/Redferns

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. 

 
3 of 20

"Achy Breaky Heart," Billy Ray Cyrus

"Achy Breaky Heart," Billy Ray Cyrus
Ebet Roberts/Redferns

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. 

 
4 of 20

"The Dance," Garth Brooks

"The Dance," Garth Brooks
Paul Natkin/WireImage

Technically recorded in 1989 but released in 1990, "The Dance" remains one of Garth Brooks fans' most beloved songs more than three decades later. 

 
5 of 20

"Strawberry Wine," Deana Carter

"Strawberry Wine," Deana Carter
Paul Natkin/WireImage

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. 

 
6 of 20

"Brand New Man," Brooks and Dunn

"Brand New Man," Brooks and Dunn
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

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. 

 
7 of 20

"Fancy," Reba McEntire

"Fancy," Reba McEntire
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

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. 

 
8 of 20

"One More Last Chance," Vince Gill

"One More Last Chance," Vince Gill
Beth Gwinn/Redferns

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. 

 
9 of 20

"Blue," LeAnn Rimes

"Blue," LeAnn Rimes
Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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. 

 
10 of 20

"She's In Love With The Boy," Trisha Yearwood

"She's In Love With The Boy," Trisha Yearwood
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

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. 

 
11 of 20

"Chattahoochee," Alan Jackson

"Chattahoochee," Alan Jackson
Rick Diamond/Getty Images

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. 

 
12 of 20

"Independence Day," Martina McBride

"Independence Day," Martina McBride
Mick Hutson/Redferns

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. 

 
13 of 20

"She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy," Kenny Chesney

"She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy," Kenny Chesney
Beth Gwinn/Getty Images

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. 

 
14 of 20

"I Cross My Heart," George Strait

"I Cross My Heart," George Strait
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

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. 

 
15 of 20

"Should've Been a Cowboy," Toby Keith

"Should've Been a Cowboy," Toby Keith
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

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. 

 
16 of 20

"You're Still The One," Shania Twain

"You're Still The One," Shania Twain
Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

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.

 
17 of 20

"Wide Open Spaces," The Chicks

"Wide Open Spaces," The Chicks
Ron Davis/Getty Images

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. 

 
18 of 20

"Maybe It Was Memphis," Pam Tillis

"Maybe It Was Memphis," Pam Tillis
Paul Natkin/Getty Images

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. 

 
19 of 20

"Here's A Quarter," Travis Tritt

"Here's A Quarter," Travis Tritt
Paul Natkin/Getty Images

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. 

 
20 of 20

"This Kiss," Faith Hill

"This Kiss," Faith Hill
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

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. 

Amy McCarthy

Amy McCarthy is a Texas-based journalist. Follow her on twitter at @aemccarthy

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

Troubling news emerges on Bears QB Caleb Williams’ workout with HC Ben Johnson
NFL

Troubling news emerges on Bears QB Caleb Williams’ workout with HC Ben Johnson

It might have been a good thing the Chicago Bears didn’t play Caleb Williams on Sunday. The Bears might need to hide their second-year quarterback as he irons out his wrinkles in the pre-snap process and with accuracy issues. The No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft struggled with timing and accuracy during the Bears’ joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Friday. Caleb Williams was inaccurate in the red zone against no defenders On Sunday, head coach Ben Johnson chose not to play Williams against the Dolphins in the Bears’ first preseason game. Instead, Johnson led a workout with Williams and wide receivers Rome Odunze and DJ Moore before the game. Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears ran a total of 87 plays during the workout. All of the plays were routes in the air with no defenders on the field for the scripted practice. Despite going against no defenders bringing pressure or guarding his receivers, Williams struggled to hit his targets in the red zone. "Williams would stand next to Johnson, who would give him the play," Biggs wrote. "Then, the quarterback simulated a huddle with the player (only one ran a route on each snap) and gave the play call. They’d break the huddle, go to the line of scrimmage, Williams would simulate pre-snap actions and then the play would be run… "Before ending the session with eight deep balls, there was a 25-play set of snaps in the red zone. One thing Williams struggled to connect on was out routes to Moore and Odunze near the goal line. Those throws were not close and Williams consistently led the receivers too much." A closed-door problem for the Chicago Bears The throws weren’t close during routes on air… in the red zone… seriously? Williams wasn’t ready to take the field for the preseason game. For all of the flak he’s been getting from practice reports, the quarterback would have been relentlessly mocked for having these issues shown during an NFL Network broadcast. Biggs’ report is troubling, with a month to go before the season. Williams has much to improve upon, and the Bears are very much trying to do so without cameras present for a reason.

Celtics' ownership move should concern Lakers governor Jeanie Buss
NBA

Celtics' ownership move should concern Lakers governor Jeanie Buss

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss is supposed to remain in charge of the team for years even after the sale. Given what just happened with the Boston Celtics, it might only be months. When the Grousbeck family sold the Celtics for $6.1B in March, ESPN reported that Wyc Grousbeck would stay on as the Celtics CEO and governor through the 2027-28 season. Now, new owner Bill Chisholm will take over once the sale is final. That should concern current Lakers team governor Jeanie Buss, whose family sold a majority interest in the Los Angeles Lakers to investor Mark Walter. Buss is supposed to stay on as team governor for "at least a number of years," according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, but new NBA owners haven't been keen on waiting to take control of teams recently. Mark Cuban thought he would continue running the Dallas Mavericks when he sold a controlling interest to the Adelson family in November 2023. Before the end of that season, when Dallas advanced to the NBA Finals, new team governor Patrick Dumont, the son-in-law of Miriam Adelson, was firmly in charge. General manager Nico Harrison reported directly to Dumont, which is how Luka Doncic ended up traded to the Lakers despite Cuban's objections. It might be different with the Lakers. Walter has owned a minority share in the Lakers since 2021, so he's had a working relationship with Buss. Her role as team governor may be a condition of the sale itself. With the team preparing for a long-term future with Doncic, Walter and his fellow owners might opt for continuity in the team governor role. But in general, people do not spend billions of dollars on a professional sports team so that someone else can be in charge. Buss is in charge of the Lakers now. Recent history says she won't be for long.

Jets QB Justin Fields had 'alarming' practice against Giants
NFL

Jets QB Justin Fields had 'alarming' practice against Giants

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields found out he has a long way to go following his performance at Tuesday's joint practice with the New York Giants. Per Connor Hughes of SNY TV, Fields started hot at the practice before struggling during the move-the-ball period. "Very interesting practice for #Jets QB Justin Fields," Hughes posted on X. "He finished 7 of 12 with a TD. 5 of 5 to start practice. Then 0 for 4. Finished 2 of 3 with the really impressive TD to Jeremy Ruckert in red zone (starter 18 yard line). "The offensive performance was a bit alarming in move-the-ball period of practice. Fields Co. had three attempts to get down field. They didn’t gain a first down. Only gained yards twice (two short Breece Hall runs). Three sacks. That needs to be fixed. #Giants defense toyed with NYJ during that period." Some Jets fans online thought Hughes was using hyperbole to characterize the practice, but he doubled down on his judgment of the offense. Fields looked strong on his first and only drive in the Jets' 30-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. He went 3-of-4 passing for 42 yards and rushed two times for 14 yards and a touchdown. However, the Giants defense at the joint practice is a much better unit than the short-handed one the Packers trotted out for the first preseason game. Fields' issues seen with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, with holding the ball too long and not being able to pass consistently downfield, were a factor against the Giants. Following Saturday's game, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said Fields was getting better but had a lot to improve on. Tuesday's practice was a humbling reminder that Fields needs to become a consistent passer if the Jets are going to move the ball on good defenses in the regular season.

Handicapping the 49ers' tight end competition: A Young TE is Emerging
NFL

Handicapping the 49ers' tight end competition: A Young TE is Emerging

One position to watch in the next two weeks is the San Francisco 49ers tight end room. The team may only keep three, but will likely keep four tight ends on their 53-man roster. They appear to have two locks and three players competing for the final two spots. Which depth players will make the San Francisco 49ers roster at tight end? George Kittle and Luke Farrell should be locked down. Kittle is the star tight end, and Farrell was given a modest free agent contract, solidifying that he would have a role this year. He played sparingly in the preseason opener, likely because he was new to the team, but he left the game early. The thought is that Farrell is an in-line tight end who takes pride in blocking. This will allow Kittle to be spaced out and used in mismatches that you do not see from a normal tight end. The final two spots will come down to Brayden Willis, Ross Dwelley and Jake Tonges. Is Brayden Willis a lock? Willis appears to be the frontrunner for the third spot. He is a former seventh-round pick who has developed in his first two years. Now, in year three, he is a better blocker than he used to be, which has given him a step up on his competition. Willis started next to Farrell in the preseason, indicating he would be the next man off the bench. He played 35 snaps with 28 as an in-line tight end. This is valuable as it shows he can step in and replace Farrell if anything happens, being a complement to Kittle, who allows him to remain a weapon. He has also been a special teams contributor over the past two years, so his spot feels safe. So, one spot may be down to Dwelley and Tonges. There are two ways that you can take this battle. The case of Ross Dwelley Ross Dwelley did not play any offensive snaps in the 49ers preseason opener, but he did play 12 special teams snaps. So, the team was not sitting him with the rest of the starters. The vibe was more that he was behind Farrell, Willis, and Tonges and was hoping to show that he can stick around with enough special teams value. A positive spin is that Dwelley was with the team from 2018-2023, so they did not need to see him on offense. His main role will be special teams, so of course, he played there. Meanwhile, Willis is still developing, Farrell is new, and they do not know much about Tonges. Is it that Dwelley is a lock, and they needed to see more from others, or that Dwelley is truly behind them? How do the 49ers view Jake Tonges? Tonges played three fewer special teams snaps than Dwelley, which can speak to the idea that Dwelley is a core player. However, Tonges played 38 offensive snaps, so he was the one with the chance to prove he belongs on the roster, while Dwelley could not. Still, while Tonges played 38 snaps, only 15 were as an in-line tight end. He has 13 snaps in the backfield, eight in the slot, and two as a wide receiver. If anything, the 49ers may not view Tonges as competition for the tight end role; they may view him as a backup to Kyle Juszcyk. If that is the case, they are likely going to push him back to the practice squad, where he was most of last year. The final two weeks will determine things, and you can spin the preseason usage however you want. It will be interesting to see how the room sorts out.