The 1990s were a transformative decade for country music, launching the genre into mainstream prominence and producing a wealth of songs that continue to resonate today. Artists like Shania Twain, Brooks & Dunn, and Garth Brooks filled stadiums and airwaves, crafting tunes that blended traditional country storytelling with pop sensibilities. This era wasn’t just about catchy melodies; it was about powerful narratives from artists like George Strait and empowering anthems from The Chicks and Martina McBride, solidifying 90’s country music as a cultural phenomenon.
Even now, the spirit of 90’s country music echoes in contemporary artists like Zach Top, proving the enduring appeal of that classic sound. For those who remember “the radio / Back in ’94,” and for new listeners eager to explore the genre’s golden age, we’re revisiting some of the best 90’s country music songs that defined the decade.
1. “Straight Tequila Night”
John Anderson
“Straight Tequila Night” marked a significant comeback for John Anderson, becoming his first No. 1 hit in nearly a decade. This song, celebrated for its classic country sound and engaging narrative, paired perfectly with its B-side, “Seminole Wind,” showcasing Anderson’s enduring talent and appeal within the 90’s country scene. It’s a testament to the traditional roots that still thrived amidst the genre’s pop crossover.
2. “Like The Rain”
Clint Black
Reaching No. 1 in 1996, “Like The Rain” became Clint Black’s 10th chart-topping single, cementing his status as a leading male vocalist in 90’s country music. The song’s success led to a nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 39th Grammy Awards, highlighting Black’s smooth vocals and the song’s poignant lyrics that resonated deeply with audiences.
3. “Friends In Low Places”
Garth Brooks
“Friends In Low Places” is arguably one of Garth Brooks’ most iconic anthems. More than just a chart-topping hit, this song’s enduring popularity is so strong that it inspired the name of Garth Brooks’ own bar in downtown Nashville. Its sing-along chorus and relatable theme of letting loose made it a staple of 90’s country music and Brooks’ electrifying concerts.
4. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”
Brooks & Dunn
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie” ignited a nationwide line dancing craze upon its release in 1992, becoming Brooks & Dunn’s fourth consecutive No. 1 single. This high-energy track, with its infectious rhythm and dance-ready beat, perfectly encapsulated the fun and energetic side of 90’s country music, pushing the genre into dance clubs and beyond honky-tonks.
5. “Down At The Twist And Shout”
Mary Chapin Carpenter
With its Cajun-inspired flavor, “Down At The Twist And Shout” showcased Mary Chapin Carpenter’s versatility and artistry. The song, about a lively Maryland honky-tonk, climbed to No. 2 on the charts and even earned a performance spot at the pre-game show of Super Bowl XXXI in 1996, demonstrating country music’s growing presence on a national stage.
6. “Strawberry Wine”
Deana Carter
“Strawberry Wine” stands as Deana Carter’s signature song, a nostalgic ballad that beautifully captures the bittersweet memories of first love and youthful summers. Its lyrical depth and Carter’s heartfelt delivery set a blueprint for future country hits, most notably inspiring Lainey Wilson’s “Watermelon Moonshine,” proving its lasting impact on songwriting in the genre.
7. “How Forever Feels”
Kenny Chesney
“How Forever Feels” marked Kenny Chesney’s breakthrough into mainstream pop crossover success. This feel-good anthem, almost lost when Tim McGraw considered recording it, became Chesney’s first major hit, establishing him as a prominent voice in 90’s country and signaling the genre’s increasing appeal to broader audiences.
8. “Wide Open Spaces”
The Chicks
“Wide Open Spaces” is more than just a No. 1 hit from 1998; it’s an empowering anthem that has been recognized as one of the greatest country songs and one of the best songs of the 20th century overall. The Chicks’ signature tune resonated with its themes of independence and pursuing dreams, becoming a defining song of female empowerment in 90’s country music.
9. “Achy Breaky Heart”
Billy Ray Cyrus
“Achy Breaky Heart,” Billy Ray Cyrus’s signature tune, became a cultural phenomenon in 1992. It achieved platinum certification, the first country single to do so since Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s “Islands in the Stream,” and its line dance craze took over the world, demonstrating the massive commercial appeal of 90’s country music.
10. “John Deere Green”
Joe Diffie
Despite peaking at No. 5, “John Deere Green” has become one of Joe Diffie’s most beloved songs, even 30 years after its release. This charming song about young love and rural life resonates with its heartfelt lyrics and Diffie’s warm vocal delivery, embodying the storytelling heart of 90’s country music.
11. “This Kiss”
Faith Hill
Faith Hill’s “This Kiss” achieved significant crossover success, blending country with pop sensibilities and earning Grammy nominations for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song in 1998. This upbeat and romantic track showcased Hill’s vocal range and star power, further blurring the lines between country and pop music in the 90s.
12. “Chattahoochee”
Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” is a timeless ode to youthful summers and coming-of-age experiences. Reaching No. 1 in 1993 and certified three-times platinum, this song, with its catchy melody and nostalgic lyrics, remains a staple of Jackson’s catalog and a beloved classic of 90’s country music, celebrating simple joys and memories.
13. “Should’ve Been A Cowboy”
Toby Keith
“Should’ve Been A Cowboy” was Toby Keith’s debut single, launching a storied career and setting the tone for his brand of patriotic and good-time country music. The song, romanticizing cowboy culture and adventure, quickly resonated with audiences, becoming a signature track and a defining moment in Keith’s rise to stardom in the 90s.
14. “Independence Day”
Martina McBride
“Independence Day” is a powerful and poignant song from Martina McBride that tackled the difficult subject of domestic abuse. Winning CMA Awards’ Song of the Year in 1995, this impactful track became McBride’s biggest hit, showcasing her vocal strength and willingness to address serious themes within the 90’s country landscape.
15. “Fancy”
Reba McEntire
While “Fancy” was originally a hit for Bobby Gentry in 1969, it was Reba McEntire’s 1990 cover that propelled the song to iconic status in country music. McEntire’s dynamic performance and the song’s dramatic narrative about ambition and survival resonated deeply, becoming one of her signature songs and a standout track of 90’s country.
16. “I Like It, I Love It”
Tim McGraw
“I Like It, I Love It” became Tim McGraw’s third No. 1 hit in 1995 and even crossed over to reach No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. This energetic and fun-loving track, with its infectious chorus, showcased McGraw’s charismatic style and contributed to his rise as a leading male figure in 90’s country music.
17. “Heads Carolina, Tails California”
Jo Dee Messina
“Heads Carolina, Tails California” peaked at No. 2 in 1996 and has proven its lasting appeal by inspiring Cole Swindell’s No. 1 hit in 2022, “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.” Messina’s breakthrough song, with its catchy hook and romantic road trip theme, remains a beloved 90’s country classic, bridging generations of fans.
18. “I Swear”
John Michael Montgomery
“I Swear” became John Michael Montgomery’s second and longest-lasting No. 1 hit, dominating the charts for four weeks in late 1993. This heartfelt ballad, known for its romantic lyrics and Montgomery’s sincere delivery, became a wedding favorite and a quintessential love song of the 90’s country era.
19. “Check Yes Or No”
George Strait
George Strait, “The King” of country, delivered a heartwarming story of childhood crushes with “Check Yes Or No.” This instant No. 1 hit, now certified four-times platinum, captures the innocence of young love and showcases Strait’s storytelling ability, becoming a timeless and cherished song in his vast catalog of 90’s country hits.
20. “You’re Still The One”
Shania Twain
“You’re Still The One” demonstrated Shania Twain’s versatility, proving she could deliver emotionally resonant ballads alongside her upbeat pop-country anthems. Winning two Grammy Awards in 1999, this piano-driven love song became a global hit, solidifying Twain’s status as a crossover superstar and highlighting the diverse sounds within 90’s country music.
Listen to the Best 90’s Country Songs
Explore more of the decade’s sounds by checking out our list of top ’90s country artists.
Image Credit: (Reba and Brooks & Dunn) Chris & Todd Owyoung/courtesy Reba’s Business INC.
