Deana Carter, born on January 4, 1966, burst onto the country music scene in 1996 with her groundbreaking debut album, Did I Shave My Legs for This? Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Carter’s journey began when a demo tape found its way to country music icon Willie Nelson. This pivotal moment led to an invitation for the then-unknown singer-songwriter to perform at the 1994 Farm Aid concert, setting the stage for her remarkable career. Soon after, a record deal materialized, and the world was introduced to “Strawberry Wine,” the lead single from Did I Shave My Legs for This? This chart-topping hit quickly became a modern country classic, solidifying Deana Carter’s place in the genre.
“Strawberry Wine” propelled Carter to stardom, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The Country Music Association (CMA) also recognized the song as Single of the Year. The Academy of Country Music (ACM) further acknowledged her talent with three nominations, including Top New Female Vocalist. Her initial success was followed by two more No. 1 hits, “We Danced Anyway” and “How Do I Get There,” cementing her status as a leading voice in 90s country music.
Years later, “You and Tequila,” a track from her fourth studio album I’m Just a Girl, experienced a resurgence when Kenny Chesney covered it in 2011. Carter co-wrote the song with Matraca Berg, and Chesney’s rendition became a Top 10 hit. This success garnered Carter another Grammy nomination, this time as a songwriter in the Best Country Song category at the 2012 awards, highlighting her songwriting prowess.
In 2021, Deana Carter marked the 25th anniversary of her debut album, Did I Shave My Legs for This?, with a remastered edition. This special release featured reimagined versions of the title track and “Strawberry Wine,” enriched by vocal collaborations with country music luminaries including Vince Gill, Ashley McBryde, Lauren Alaina, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Terri Clark, and Kylie Morgan. This celebration underscored the enduring impact of her early work and her continued relevance in country music.
Looking back at Deana Carter’s impressive career, we delve into her original solo material to explore ten of her best songs, each showcasing her unique contribution to country music. These tracks not only defined her artistic journey but also resonated deeply with audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
10. “Count Me In”
“Count Me In,” the opening track of Did I Shave My Legs For This?, serves as an excellent introduction to Deana Carter’s signature sound that captivated listeners in the mid-1990s. Co-written with Chuck Jones, this upbeat and catchy tune portrays a singer-songwriter cautiously approaching the brink of heartbreak. Its relatable theme of hesitant vulnerability, combined with Carter’s distinctive vocal style, immediately drew audiences in, setting the stage for her album’s phenomenal success. The song exemplifies the fresh, contemporary country sound that Carter brought to the forefront.
9. “The Story of My Life”
From her album of the same name, “The Story of My Life” showcases a distinct pop-country crossover appeal, common in early 2000s country music. This track sees Carter reflecting on youthful, carefree days, using familiar pop culture references to enhance its nostalgic charm. While it may deviate slightly from her more traditional country sound, “The Story of My Life” demonstrates Carter’s versatility and willingness to experiment with contemporary production styles. The song’s introspective lyrics and catchy melody made it a memorable track from her catalog.
8. “You Still Shake Me”
“You Still Shake Me,” penned by Leslie Satcher and Tim Ryan, was released in 1999 as the second single from Everything’s Gonna Be Alright. This song is characterized by its rapid-fire delivery and lyrical wit, as Carter confronts an ex-lover who, much to her chagrin, still holds a significant emotional sway over her. The song’s fast pace and playful defiance offered a different facet of Carter’s artistry, showcasing her ability to handle complex emotions with a lighthearted yet assertive approach. It became a fan favorite for its energy and relatable scenario.
7. “Absence of the Heart”
Co-written by Carter with Chris Farren and Chuck Jones, “Absence of the Heart” was the lead single from her 1998 sophomore album, Everything’s Gonna Be Alright. This song stands out for its gentle and tender musical arrangement, creating a backdrop for Carter’s poignant exploration of what’s lacking in a relationship. The delicate instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics highlight Carter’s sensitivity as a songwriter, delving into the subtle nuances of romantic disconnect. “Absence of the Heart” is a testament to her ability to convey vulnerability through her music.
6. “How Lucky I Am”
This endearing ballad from Carter’s debut album reached the Top 10 on the Billboard country charts in 1997. Written with Chuck Jones, “How Lucky I Am” features sincere and straightforward lyrics that articulate Carter’s desires and expectations in a relationship. Its heartfelt honesty and relatable sentiment resonated with listeners, solidifying its place as a standout track from Did I Shave My Legs for This? The song’s success on the charts further cemented Carter’s rising star power in country music.
5. “Once Upon a December”
Originally recorded for the soundtrack of the 1997 animated film Anastasia, “Once Upon a December” is a grand and lyrical waltz that plays a crucial role in the movie’s narrative. Carter’s rendition of this song quickly gained popularity among fans and earned a nomination for Best Original Song at the 1997 Golden Globe Awards. While different from her typical country fare, “Once Upon a December” showcased Carter’s vocal versatility and ability to deliver emotionally resonant performances across genres. It remains a beloved song in her repertoire, demonstrating her broad appeal.
4. “Did I Shave My Legs for This?”
The title track of Carter’s hugely successful debut album, “Did I Shave My Legs for This?” cleverly challenges traditional feminine stereotypes with a blend of humor and irony. Co-written with Rhonda Hart, the song humorously depicts a hardworking woman’s frustration with the lack of appreciation and attention from her partner. Its witty lyrics and catchy melody, combined with its relatable theme of everyday relationship dynamics, made it an instant hit and a defining song of her career. The title itself became iconic, encapsulating a humorous take on feminine expectations.
3. “How Do I Get There”
“How Do I Get There,” co-written by Deana Carter and Chris Farren, became her third No. 1 single from Did I Shave My Legs For This? The song explores the delicate transition from friendship to romantic love, capturing the uncertainty and hope involved in navigating such emotional terrain. Carter’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s relatable theme of romantic exploration resonated strongly with audiences, contributing to its chart-topping success. It further demonstrated her ability to connect with listeners through authentic and emotionally nuanced songwriting.
2. “We Danced Anyway”
“We Danced Anyway” achieved No. 1 status in 1997, becoming Carter’s second chart-topping hit. Written by Randy Scruggs and Matraca Berg, this track is a nostalgic and bittersweet reflection on cherished memories and shared moments between lovers, set against a backdrop of carefree youthful abandon. Its evocative lyrics and Carter’s emotive performance create a powerful sense of longing and remembrance, making it a timeless ballad about love and memory. “We Danced Anyway” remains one of her most beloved songs, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotional resonance.
1. “Strawberry Wine”
“Strawberry Wine,” penned by Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison, has become an iconic country song of the 1990s. It marked Carter’s breakthrough hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1996 and launching her into country superstardom. The song’s strength lies in its vivid lyrical imagery, which paints a poignant picture of first love and youthful summers, combined with Carter’s soulful and deeply emotive vocal delivery. “Strawberry Wine” is not just a song; it’s a nostalgic journey, capturing the essence of youthful romance and the passage of time, solidifying its place as Deana Carter’s signature song and a cornerstone of 90s country music.
