The 1980s were a vibrant decade, and while pop culture was dominated by neon and big hair, country music was carving its own iconic path. From crossover hits to neotraditional sounds, the 80s country music scene was diverse and incredibly influential. Join us as we celebrate ten years of unforgettable tunes and dive into Holler’s definitive list of the 50 best country songs from the 1980s.
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Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson – Pancho & Lefty
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
This rendition of Townes Van Zandt’s masterpiece by country legends Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard is uniquely captivating. It opens with an almost upbeat, lighthearted feel, reminiscent of an 80s buddy cop show theme, before settling into the song’s melancholic groove. The story goes that Nelson spontaneously recorded the track late one night with his band and then roused a sleepy Haggard to lay down his vocals. Initially, Haggard wanted to re-record his part, feeling he sounded half-asleep, but thankfully, the original take remained. This slightly raw, intimate feel adds to the song’s charm and enduring appeal.
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Shelly West – Jose Cuervo
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“José Cuervo” by Shelly West remains a powerhouse anthem, as assertive and bold today as it was in 1983. Remarkably rowdy even within the spectrum of country music, this track provided West with her sole solo No. 1 hit on the radio charts. It has since become a beloved cult classic, particularly among those who appreciate a strong drink and a strong song. Its enduring popularity speaks to its raw energy and relatable themes of heartbreak and, perhaps, coping mechanisms.
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George Strait – All My Ex’s Live In Texas
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a karaoke bar with a touch of Western flair, you’re likely familiar with the infectious energy of George Strait’s “All My Ex’s Live In Texas.” This chart-topper from 1987 showcases the King of Country at his finest. With his signature smooth, velvety vocals and polished production, the song’s irresistible swing rhythm makes it a standout choice for the dance floor and a staple in any country music lover’s playlist.
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Reba McEntire – How Blue
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“How Blue” marked a significant shift for Reba McEntire. Stripped down to its core with fiddle and acoustic guitar, this song was a departure from her earlier, more produced hits, yet it still soared to the top of the charts. McEntire’s genius lies in choosing universally relatable lyrics about hitting rock bottom after a painful breakup. Combined with her emotive delivery and iconic 80s perm, “How Blue” became a defining song of her career and the decade.
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Jackson Browne – Call It a Loan
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Almost hidden as the seventh track on an eight-song album, Jackson Browne’s “Call It a Loan” is a bittersweet gem. This ballad cleverly uses financial transaction metaphors (“paid in full,” “debt that I owe,” “what your heart cost”) to explore the complexities of a romantic relationship and the hope for a successful outcome. David Lindley’s tender guitar work and Browne’s heartfelt vocals elevate the soaring melody, making it a standout in his impressive discography.
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Patty Loveless – If My Heart Had Windows
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Patty Loveless possessed a subtle yet powerful ability to evoke deep emotion. “If My Heart Had Windows,” a cover of a George Jones classic, became a Top 10 hit and the title track of her 1988 album. The song’s delicate melody carries immense emotional weight, and Loveless’s songbird voice delivers the heart-rending lyrics with grace and vulnerability, solidifying her place in 80s country.
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Lyle Lovett – If I Had A Boat
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Lyle Lovett has often claimed that “If I Had A Boat” is rooted in a true, albeit whimsical, story about attempting to ride a pony on a boat across the ocean. True or not, this lighthearted and quirky track from his album Pontiac is pure Lyle Lovett genius. Its playful narrative and catchy melody make it a quintessential party song and a testament to Lovett’s unique songwriting style.
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John Hiatt – Memphis In The Meantime
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
The rocking opener to John Hiatt’s breakthrough album, “Memphis In The Meantime,” delves into the gritty, swampy country soul and blues that define the Tennessee city. Featuring an all-star band including Ry Cooder’s signature slide guitar, which intertwines perfectly with Hiatt’s growling vocals, the song became an instant classic. Hiatt himself jokingly admits that Ronnie Milsap would likely never record it, highlighting its edgier, less mainstream country sound.
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Nanci Griffith – From A Distance
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
While primarily known for her storytelling songwriting, Nanci Griffith also had a keen ear for exceptional cover material, and “From A Distance” is arguably her finest discovery. Written by Julie Gold and initially rejected numerous times, Griffith embraced the song and recorded it in multiple languages. Its dynamic crescendo and powerful message showcased Griffith’s vocal range and interpretive skills, turning it into a global favorite.
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Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
The debate about whether Jimmy Buffett is truly country may be as old as “Margaritaville” itself, and it’s a discussion that continues today. However, the undeniable crossover appeal between Buffett’s “Parrotheads” and country music fans is well-established. Ultimately, genre debates aside, “Margaritaville” is simply an absolute classic. Its laid-back island vibe and escapist lyrics resonate with a wide audience, making it a timeless anthem.
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The Oak Ridge Boys – Elvira
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
With its relaxed rhythm and incredibly catchy sing-along chorus, “Elvira” seems like an ode to a captivating woman who enchants all who meet her. In reality, this remake of Dallas Frazier’s 1966 song was inspired by a street name in East Nashville. Regardless of its true origin, the song’s resemblance to Leiber and Stoller’s classic “Searchin'” is immediately recognizable, contributing to its timeless and broadly appealing sound.
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Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Fishin’ in the Dark
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
While not their biggest chart hit, “Fishin’ in the Dark” by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is arguably their most influential. Covered by countless artists, including Garth Brooks and The Swon Brothers, and referenced even more widely, this song remains one of country music’s most clever and enduring metaphors for romance and intimacy. Its playful lyrics and catchy melody have solidified its place in country music history.
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Dolly Parton – 9 to 5
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“9 to 5” possesses an infectious energy that can instantly lift your spirits. The centerpiece of the iconic 1980 film of the same name, this anthem for blue-collar workers also anchored Dolly Parton’s 1980 album 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. The song’s success led to numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards. Listening to “9 to 5” is like an instant shot of motivation and a reminder of Parton’s enduring impact.
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Keith Whitley – Miami, My Amy
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“Miami, My Amy” marked Keith Whitley’s breakthrough into country radio in 1985. This dreamy ballad about longing for a distant love sparked a tragically short but highly influential chart run that continued even after Whitley’s untimely passing in 1989. In “Miami, My Amy,” perhaps more than in any other song in his catalog (including the iconic “Don’t Close Your Eyes”), Whitley’s vocal performance is imbued with such palpable longing that listening can be almost heart-wrenching.
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Randy Travis – Forever and Ever, Amen
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
The quintessential wedding song, “Forever and Ever, Amen,” is a sincere tribute to everlasting love, crafted by veteran songwriters Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. It became Randy Travis’s third No. 1 single and one of his most cherished signature songs. While undeniably sentimental, and perhaps seemingly naive to cynics, the song’s heartfelt dedication and unwavering commitment resonate deeply with those experiencing or dreaming of true love.
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Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers – Southern Accents
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Tom Petty’s moving tribute to his Florida roots, “Southern Accents,” was composed on piano, the instrument that takes center stage in this title track ballad. It has become an anthem for those hailing from the Southern region. Producer Dave Stewart captured Petty at his most tender and emotive, while Jack Nitzche’s lush string arrangement provides the perfect finishing touch, making it a standout in Petty’s catalog and a touchstone of 80s music.
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Alabama – If You’re Gonna Play In Texas
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
When traveling, understanding local customs is crucial to avoid immediate expulsion. This is especially true in the Lone Star State, as Alabama playfully points out in “If You’re Gonna Play In Texas.” Alabama learned this lesson early on and offers this song as a humorous warning to others. It’s a fun, lighthearted take on regional pride and the importance of respecting local traditions.
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Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt – To Know Him Is To Love Him
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Possibly the ultimate female vocal supergroup, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt finally collaborated on their eponymous album after years of scheduling challenges. “To Know Him Is To Love Him,” a cover of Phil Spector’s classic, is the standout single. It masterfully layers and highlights each singer’s distinctive voice in turn, creating a rich and harmonious sound that topped the charts and remains a testament to their collective talent.
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Elvis Costello – Good Year for the Roses
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Few anticipated the “angry young man” Elvis Costello would excel with an album of country covers, but he did George Jones’ 1970 hit “Good Year for the Roses” proud. Singing from the perspective of a man grappling with his wife leaving him, Costello’s emotional vocal performance shines through. Despite the sweet strings and somewhat dated female backing vocals, Costello’s raw emotion resonated, resulting in a surprise Top 10 hit in the UK and proving his versatility.
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Dan Seals & Marie Osmond – Meet Me In Montana
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Marie Osmond was long marketed as the “Country Osmond,” and with her gentle countrypolitan sound and hits like “Paper Roses” and “Who’s Sorry Now,” she seemed right at home in country music. However, by the early 80s, she had largely transitioned to pop. Her 1985 album There’s No Stopping Your Heart marked a welcome return to her country roots. The centerpiece of the album was “Meet Me In Montana,” a sweet and yearning duet with Dan Seals that highlighted their vocal chemistry.
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Willie Nelson – Always On My Mind
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Willie Nelson was not the first to record “Always on My Mind”—Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley both released versions before him. However, Nelson’s rendition, the title track of his 1982 album, is arguably the most iconic and well-known, and for good reason. He imbues the lyrics with such profound yearning and regret that listeners can truly feel his pain and remorse, making it a definitive version of this classic song.
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The Judds – Mama He’s Crazy
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“Mama He’s Crazy” by The Judds is not just a hit song; it’s a piece of country music history. It marked their first No. 1 at country radio, only the second time a female duo had ever achieved that feat. But beyond statistics, “Mama He’s Crazy” endures due to its emotional depth, warm production, and the effortlessly beautiful vocal harmony between Naomi and Wynonna Judd. It’s a song that continues to resonate with listeners for its heartfelt sincerity.
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Steve Earle – Guitar Town
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“Hey pretty baby are you ready for me?” Steve Earle declared on the title track of his debut album, Guitar Town. The song’s opening riff answers with a resounding yes, signaling Earle’s arrival on the scene and his commitment to “following that voice down the lost highway.” “Guitar Town” not only kick-started Earle’s career but also established him as a determined, hardscrabble singer-songwriter who was in it for the long haul, embodying the spirit of 80s outlaw country.
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Ricky Skaggs – Country Boy
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
The music video for Ricky Skaggs’s “Country Boy” is as memorable as the song itself. Filmed in New York City, it features a guest appearance by bluegrass legend Bill Monroe as “Uncle Pen.” Monroe’s character is humorously dismayed by the city, prompting Skaggs to pick up his guitar and try to convince him that he’s still a “country boy at heart.” The video culminates in an impromptu street dance on the subway, perfectly capturing the song’s energetic and playful spirit.
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George Strait – The Chair
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“The Chair” by George Strait stands out for its genius concept: a chat-up line centered around a woman sitting in “his chair” at a club. Equally remarkable is the song’s structure—it lacks a traditional chorus, instead building its melody as the singer’s romantic advances progress. This unique approach, combined with Strait’s smooth delivery, makes “The Chair” a masterclass in subtle storytelling and 80s country cool.
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Eddie Rabbitt – I Love A Rainy Night
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love A Rainy Night” is a testament to the power of persistence and inspiration. Written one stormy night in the late 1960s, Rabbitt spent twelve years trying to fully realize the song. Rediscovering a demo tape years later, he transformed it into a swinging, finger-clicking slice of country boogie. The result is a testament to Rabbitt’s dedication and the song’s enduring appeal.
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Roy Orbison & k.d. lang – Crying
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
On paper, a duet between Roy Orbison and k.d. lang might seem an unlikely pairing of two vocal titans from different genres. However, their voices, lang’s mezzo-soprano and Orbison’s dramatic vibrato, complement each other perfectly in “Crying.” This collaboration earned them a Grammy Award for a song Orbison originally recorded 26 years prior. It was also tragically Orbison’s final Grammy win before his passing in late 1988, making it a poignant and powerful moment in 80s music history.
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The Highwaymen – Highwayman
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“Highwayman,” penned by Jimmy Webb in 1977, found its ultimate success as a country classic thanks to The Highwaymen. Glen Campbell recorded it in 1979, but it was the gritty rendition by outlaw country veterans Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings—who named their supergroup after the song—that cemented its place in music history. This version, with its themes of reincarnation and resilience, became a defining song of their collaboration and the 80s country scene.
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Kathy Mattea – Eighteen Wheels and A Dozen Roses
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Kathy Mattea’s voice is simply captivating, and “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” is a perfect showcase. This chart-topping hit from her 1988 Untasted Honey album moves with the rhythm of an 18-wheel tractor-trailer, evoking both the urgency and longing to return home to loved ones. The song’s smooth blend of heartfelt lyrics and Mattea’s enchanting vocals makes it a quintessential 80s love song.
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Charley Pride – I’m Gonna Love Her On The Radio
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Charley Pride’s “I’m Gonna Love Her On The Radio” is a decidedly emphatic and uplifting track. A remake of a song originally recorded by David Allan Coe, Pride made a crucial name change, shifting from Coe’s vengeful “I’m Gonna Hurt Her on the Radio” to the more positive and successful title. This reboot transformed the song’s boastful attitude into a celebration of love, becoming a Top 15 hit for Pride.
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Sylvia – Nobody
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“Nobody” by Sylvia captures a universal experience of frustration and dismissal. The song’s narrative about an unanswered phone call and a dismissive hang-up resonated widely, becoming a huge crossover hit for Sylvia in 1982. It even earned her the Female Vocalist of the Year award at the ACM Awards, proving that Sylvia was definitely “somebody” in the 80s country scene.
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Clint Black – Killin’ Time
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Clint Black conceived “Killin’ Time” while waiting for his debut album to be released, and it was certainly worth the wait. Not only did it become one of the biggest hits of Black’s career, but it also played a crucial role in ushering in a new era of country music as part of the famed “Class of ’89.” This song marked a transition point, bridging the sounds of the 80s into the neotraditional country of the 90s.
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Chris Isaak – Wicked Game
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Director David Lynch deserves credit for rescuing Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” from relative obscurity by featuring it in his 1990 film Wild at Heart. Isaak’s Roy Orbison-esque vocals and the song’s unforgettable guitar riff created a timeless noir masterpiece that transcends genre boundaries, blending elements of country, rockabilly, and even jazz. Its moody atmosphere and haunting melody have made it an enduring classic.
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Kenny Rogers & Sheena Easton – We’ve Got Tonight
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Originally a Bob Seger hit, “We’ve Got Tonight” became a quintessential 80s duet thanks to Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton. The collaboration was Rogers’s idea, who pitched it to Easton over the phone. They recorded and released it within days, creating a karaoke staple and one of the biggest hits in both of their careers. Its romantic melody and vocal interplay made it an instant classic.
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Lucinda Williams – Passionate Kisses
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Mary Chapin Carpenter turned Lucinda Williams’s “Passionate Kisses” into a radio hit in 1992, but Williams’ original version, from her third album, possesses a raw and direct energy. Her gritty voice infuses the lyrics with a sensitive yet assertive edge, especially in the repeated line, “Shouldn’t I have this?” This emphasis on female empowerment and deserving more than the bare minimum makes Williams’s original a powerful statement and a standout 80s track.
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George Strait – Amarillo By Morning
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Terry Stafford’s “Amarillo By Morning” was already beloved in Texas when George Strait covered it in 1982. This poignant tale of a rodeo cowboy facing personal and financial hardships in pursuit of his dreams became a country standard thanks to Strait’s rendition. His sober vocal delivery and understated production perfectly balance polish and twang, making it a definitive version of this classic song.
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Barbara Mandrell – I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
If there’s a song that firmly asserts country music’s credibility, it’s Barbara Mandrell’s “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” This swaying, seemingly autobiographical ballad, featuring an uncredited cameo by George Jones on backing vocals and prerecorded applause to evoke a live performance, reached No. 1 by celebrating country tradition as a way to connect with contemporary audiences. It became an anthem for country purists and newcomers alike in the 80s.
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Garth Brooks – If Tomorrow Never Comes
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“If Tomorrow Never Comes” reveals Garth Brooks lying awake at night, contemplating mortality and the importance of expressing love. His anxieties about his daughter knowing how much she means to him transform this introspective power ballad into one of Garth’s signature songs. It serves as a poignant reminder to cherish loved ones and express affection today, “if tomorrow never comes,” making it a deeply resonant song from the 80s.
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Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers – Islands In the Stream
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Duets are a country music staple, and “Islands in the Stream,” a collaboration between Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, is the gold standard. Featured on Rogers’ 1983 album Eyes That See in the Dark, this song exemplifies vocal give-and-take. The silky smooth production and soaring, instantly recognizable melody, penned by the Bee Gees, create a timeless duet that dominated the 80s airwaves.
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George Jones – He Stopped Loving Her Today
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is often hailed as the greatest country song of all time, and for good reason. This heartbreaking ballad tells the story of a man who never recovers from lost love, only to be reunited with his beloved at his funeral. The song revitalized George Jones’s career when many had written him off, earning him a Grammy and solidifying his enduring legacy as a country icon of the 80s and beyond.
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Juice Newton – Queen of Hearts
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“Queen of Hearts,” written by Hank DeVito (pedal steel player in Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band), was initially recorded by Rodney Crowell. However, it was Juice Newton who transformed it into an international pop smash. Newton’s version, with its upbeat tempo and catchy hooks, became a quintessential “bop” of the 80s, appealing to both country and pop audiences.
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Reba McEntire – Whoever’s In New England
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
No one delivers a ballad quite like Reba McEntire, and “Whoever’s in New England” is a prime example. This song marked a significant turning point in her career, especially with the release of her first-ever music video in 1986 to accompany it. Set against tearful production, the song portrays a wife’s suspicion of her husband’s infidelity, expressing her resolve to stay by his side regardless. It’s a powerful and emotionally resonant performance that defined Reba’s 80s sound.
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Ronnie Milsap – Smoky Mountain Rain
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“Smoky Mountain Rain” is a brooding story song from 1980 that encapsulates all the elements of a lasting country anthem: trucks, heartbreak, and misty mornings in the East Tennessee mountains. It became Ronnie Milsap’s signature song, blending breezy 70s country elements with Elvis Presley-style rock ‘n’ roll influences. Its narrative and evocative atmosphere have made it a timeless 80s country classic.
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K.T. Oslin – Hold Me
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
It’s a testament to K.T. Oslin’s songwriting and performing prowess that “Hold Me,” an intensely personal story song with an unconventional structure and a nearly five-minute runtime, became a No. 1 country hit in early 1989. Oslin, who had moved to Nashville from New York relatively recently and was in her mid-40s at the time, became an unlikely country star of the era. “Hold Me” and her other defining songs of the decade showcased her unique perspective and songwriting talent.
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Dolly Parton – Why’d You Come in Here Looking Like That
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“Why’d You Come in Here Looking Like That” playfully flips the usual country trope of men in bars ogling women in daisy dukes. Imagine Dolly Parton giving a wolf-whistle to a woman walking into a bar, a “cowgirl’s dream” in painted-on jeans. While Parton has often shied away from the feminist label, this song subtly contributes to gender equality in its own humorous and empowering way within the 80s country landscape.
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Randy Travis – On The Other Hand
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Randy Travis lives up to his name in “On The Other Hand,” penned by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz from his Storms Of Life album. The song portrays a man tempted to stray with a new romantic interest but ultimately reminded of his commitment to his wife by his wedding ring. This internal moral conflict and Travis’s sincere delivery made it a standout hit, showcasing the neotraditional sound that defined 80s country’s later years.
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The Judds – Why Not Me
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Session musician Bobby Ogdin created the iconic, thumping backbeat for The Judds’ “Why Not Me” by wrapping a rag around guitar strings and striking his thumb against the body. This musical ingenuity, combined with Naomi and Wynonna Judd’s striking harmonies, is what makes this 1984 hit one of the most enduring in their catalog. Its infectious rhythm and powerful vocals solidified The Judds’ place in 80s country.
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Steve Earle – Copperhead Road
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
“Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle is a country-rock live staple with outlaw appeal. It tells the vivid, often gritty story of a family’s multi-generational moonshining operation in the Tennessee backwoods. The narrative takes a turn when the original moonshiner’s grandson returns from Vietnam and repurposes the family land to grow marijuana. This rebellious storyline and Earle’s raw energy made “Copperhead Road” an anthem of 80s outlaw country.
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Dwight Yoakam – Guitars, Cadillacs
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Released in the summer of 1986, Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs” feels like an instant No. 1 hit, though it actually peaked in the top five. Nevertheless, it remains a stone-cold classic. Its driving rhythm and Yoakam’s signature honky-tonk sound, including that distinctive six-string bass, made it a standout track of the 80s neotraditional movement and a lasting influence on country music.
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Roseanne Cash – Seven Year Ache
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson performing Pancho & Lefty in a classic country style.
Roseanne Cash’s signature hit, “Seven Year Ache,” is perhaps the strongest evidence that 80s country-pop crossover has been unfairly judged. While the Urban Cowboy craze produced its share of overly sentimental music, it also gave us “Seven Year Ache.” Cash’s ambivalent narrative of someone seeking escape from marital troubles through nightlife, inspired by Rickie Lee Jones’ debut album, aimed to be a “country song about street life,” a genre first at the time. The result is a hypnotic track, a seamless blend of new wave and honky-tonk sensibilities, driven by a brilliantly warped pedal steel riff. With lines like “Don’t you know heartaches are heroes when their pockets are full,” Cash’s ironic detachment deepens the song’s powerful sense of romantic despair, making it a defining and genre-bending song of the 1980s.
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Written by Ross Jones
