k.d. lang, a name synonymous with vocal prowess and genre-bending artistry, first emerged from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1961, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene since 1983. Her journey began with the formation of The Reclines, a Patsy Cline tribute band, signaling her early country roots. While their debut single “Friday Dance Promenade” initially flew under the radar, it paved the way for k.d. lang’s debut album in 1984, A Truly Western Experience. This album garnered critical acclaim and introduced her distinctive voice to Canadian audiences, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
“k.d. lang is the greatest singer in the whole world” – Michael Buble
The song that truly propelled k.d. lang into the global spotlight was her reimagining of Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden.” This countrified power-pop rendition became her first entry onto international charts, reaching #7 on Canada’s Adult Contemporary charts and #45 on the Canadian Country charts. Many critics even lauded lang’s version as superior to the original. Released under Sire Records, “Rose Garden” piqued curiosity across US record stores, introducing American audiences to her unique sound.
“I don’t sing anything that hurts my voice” – k.d. lang
Classified as a mezzo-soprano, k.d. lang possesses a vocal range and control that is both powerful and nuanced. Her lower register is characterized by a husky, dark timbre, while her higher notes resonate with clarity and beauty, extending beyond the typical contralto range. Despite her exceptional vocal talent, k.d. lang remains an underrated vocalist, often overlooked in “Greatest Singers of All Time” lists, a recognition she rightfully deserves.
Throughout her career, k.d. lang has accumulated eight Juno Awards and four Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a critically acclaimed artist. Beyond her musical achievements, she is a vocal advocate for animal rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and Tibetan human rights, demonstrating a commitment to social causes.
Before we delve into the definitive list of 30 greatest k.d. lang songs, let’s acknowledge a selection of other noteworthy tracks that further showcase her diverse musical landscape:
- “Flame of the Uninspired” (2007) / 65. “My Last Cigarette” (1997) / 64. “I Confess” (2011) / 63. “Theme from the Valley of the Dolls” (1997) / 62. “The Mind of Love” (1992) / 61. “Leavin’ On Your Mind” (2003) / 60. “Sexuality” (1995) / 59. “Love for Sale” (2006) / 58. “Sugar Buzz” (2011) / 57. “Heaven” (2011) / 56. “Love’s Great Ocean” (2000) / 55. “Lifted by Love” (2011) / 54. “Angel Eyes” (2007) / 53. “The Joker” (1997) / 52. “Hush Sweet Lover” (1993) / 51. “Our Day Will Come” (1989) / 50. “It’s Happening with You” (2000) / 49. “Hain’t it Funny” (1997) / 48. “You’re OK” (1995) / 47. “The Consequences of Falling” (2000) / 46. “Help Me” (2007) / 45. “Sing it Loud” (2011) / 44. “Simple” (2004) / 43. “Just Keep Me Moving” (1993) / 42. “Jealous Dog” (2007) / 41. “Wash Me Clean” (1992) / 40. “So, in Love” (1990) / 39. “Helpless” (2004) / 38. “Rose Garden” (1987) / 37. “Hallelujah” (2004) / 36. “I Dream of Spring” (2007) / 35. “Love is Everything” (2004) / 34. “Save Me” (1992) / 33. “After the Gold Rush” (2004) / 32. “Full Moon of Love” (1989) / 31. “Three Days” (1989)
30 Greatest k.d. lang Songs: A Ranked Exploration
This curated list celebrates the breadth and depth of k.d. lang’s discography, showcasing her evolution from country beginnings to pop stardom and beyond.
30. “I’m Down to My Last Cigarette” (1988)
Parent Album: Shadowland
“I’m Down to My Last Cigarette” marked the first single from the seminal Shadowland album, produced by the legendary Owen Bradley. This blues-infused country track resonated with audiences, climbing to #7 on the Canadian Country charts and #21 on the US Country charts. Penned by Harlan Howard and Billy Walker, the song was initially featured as a B-side for Walker’s Top 5 Country hit “Cross the Brazos at Waco,” but k.d. lang’s rendition brought a fresh perspective to this classic tune.
29. “Big Big Love” (1987)
Parent Album: Absolute Torch and Twang
“Big Big Love” from Absolute Torch and Twang is an upbeat country gem that perfectly encapsulates k.d. lang’s vocal energy. Her enthusiastic delivery is matched by the exceptional guitar work of Ben Mink, her long-time collaborator, who delivers a memorable guitar solo, adding to the song’s vibrant spirit.
28. “Coming Home” (2007)
Parent Album: Watershed
This gentle pop ballad from Watershed highlights the richness of k.d.’s lower vocal range. In “Coming Home,” influences from vocalists like Anne Murray and Karen Carpenter become apparent, revealing the softer, more melodic side of her artistry. Bryan Sutton’s lively flat-picking acoustic guitar adds a subtle country undercurrent to the song, creating a harmonious blend of genres.
27. “Busy Being Blue” (1984)
Parent Album: A Truly Western Experience
While “Busy Being Blue” was re-recorded for the polished Shadowland album in 1988, it’s the raw, earlier version from A Truly Western Experience that earns its place here. The original rendition boasts an earthier, more authentic feel. While the saxophone addition on the Shadowland version is commendable, the rootsy and bluesy vocal performance on the debut album is undeniably compelling and showcases her early sound.
26. “Summerfling” (2000)
Parent Album: Invincible Summer
“Summerfling” stands out as one of k.d. lang’s most recognizable pop anthems. From the Invincible Summer album, this track became a hit on the US Dance charts and a notable Adult Contemporary success in Canada, demonstrating her crossover appeal and ability to dominate in various genres.
25. “If I Were You” (1995)
Parent Album: All You Can Eat
Co-written with Ben Mink for the All You Can Eat album, “If I Were You” topped the US dance charts, further cementing k.d. lang’s versatility. Billboard magazine recognized it as her sixth-best song, praising her deeply expressive vocal performance that connects emotionally with listeners.
24. “Pine and Stew” (1984)
Parent Album: A Truly Western Experience
“Pine and Stew” offers a glimpse into k.d. lang’s early songwriting from A Truly Western Experience. Written in 1981, this song reflects a simple appreciation for nature and contentment with basic elements. It’s a testament to her ability to find profound meaning in everyday life and translate it into music.
23. “Pollyann” (1984)
Parent Album: N/A (Recorded around A Truly Western Experience)
“Pollyann,” penned by k.d. lang around the time of her debut album, though not included on it, is a vibrant track rediscovered on the 25th Anniversary Edition of A Truly Western Experience. Beyond k.d.’s spirited vocals, the song features delightful Beach Boys-esque harmonies, giving it a unique surf-rock twist that showcases her playful musical experimentation.
22. “Western Stars” (1988)
Parent Album: Shadowland
From Shadowland, “Western Stars” highlights k.d. lang’s velvety vocal texture in a classic country and western setting. Originally written and recorded by Chris Isaak for his 1985 debut album Silverstone, k.d. lang’s rendition brings a fresh, feminine perspective to the song, enhanced by Buddy Emmons’ masterful steel guitar performance and a rich guitar arrangement.
21. “Got the Bull by the Horns” (1987)
Parent Album: Angel with a Lariat
k.d. lang delivers an electrifying performance of “Got the Bull by the Horns” from Angel with a Lariat. Her rapid-fire vocal delivery is impeccable, hitting every note and inflection with precision. This complex rockabilly arrangement, which some might call “psychobilly,” showcases her vocal agility and control.
20. “Bopalena” (1984)
Parent Album: A Truly Western Experience
“Bopalena,” from A Truly Western Experience, sees k.d. lang utilizing her deep lower register to full effect. Her husky voice brings both depth and youthful energy to this rockabilly classic. The song is further energized by Dave Bjarnason’s dynamic drumming and Stewart MacDougall’s Jerry Lee Lewis-inspired piano riffs, while Gordie Matthews’ rocking guitar work adds another layer of brilliance. Originally a hit for Ronnie Self in 1958, reaching #68 in the US, this song was penned by country legends Webb Pierce and Mel Tillis.
19. “Shadowland” (1988)
Parent Album: Shadowland
The title track from Shadowland, this song once again delves into the soothing depths of k.d. lang’s rich, deep voice. Few female vocalists can emote with such profoundness in lower registers, but k.d. lang’s rendition is mesmerizingly beautiful. The Shadowland album itself was notably produced by Owen Bradley, renowned for his work with Patsy Cline, adding historical weight to this track.
18. “Ridin’ the Rails (with Take 6)” (1990)
Parent Album: Dick Tracy (Soundtrack)
“Ridin’ the Rails,” from the Dick Tracy soundtrack, is a cool jazz/blues collaboration with a cappella group Take 6. Written and produced by Andy Paley, this track blends genres seamlessly. The B-side, “Seven Lonely Days,” another collaboration with Take 6 and originally recorded by Patsy Cline, is a rare find in k.d. lang’s discography. “Ridin’ the Rails” reached #19 on Canada’s Adult Contemporary chart, showcasing its broad appeal.
Note from Rick Henry: “Ridin’ the Rails” is one of my personal favorites.
17. “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray” (1987)
Parent Album: Angel with a Lariat
Another Patsy Cline classic, “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray” from Angel with a Lariat, is transformed by k.d. lang into her own emotional powerhouse. Her smooth delivery is laden with feeling, making it a fan favorite despite not charting commercially.
16. “Pay Dirt” (1987)
Parent Album: Angel with a Lariat
“Pay Dirt” from Angel with a Lariat embodies k.d. lang’s early fascination with juxtaposing urban and country elements, influenced by the sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. This self-penned track is rich in irony, featuring a blend of rockabilly and modern rock guitar, aggressive cowpunk vocals harmonized with Beach Boys-style backing vocals, and abundant fiddles, creating a fun and genre-bending experience.
15. “Hanky Panky” (1984)
Parent Album: A Truly Western Experience
Referencing Malcolm McLaren’s “Buffalo Gals,” k.d. lang describes “Hanky Panky” from A Truly Western Experience as her kitschy take on square dance-influenced cowpunk. She admired McLaren’s punk-infused use of square dancing rhythms, and “Hanky Panky” became her own playful exploration of this fusion.
14. “Black Coffee” (1988)
Parent Album: Shadowland
“Black Coffee,” a timeless standard first popularized by Sarah Vaughan, who took it to #13 in the US, and also recorded by Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald, finds a definitive rendition on Shadowland. k.d. lang’s version has become a centerpiece of the album and is considered an essential track in her repertoire, showcasing her ability to interpret jazz standards with depth and emotion.
13. “Constant Craving” (1992)
Parent Album: Ingénue
“Constant Craving” from Ingénue is the song that catapulted k.d. lang to international fame. Her most significant hit, it reached Top 40 status in multiple countries, and peaked at #2 on both Canadian and US Adult Contemporary charts. This song marked her stylistic shift from country towards pop, earning Grammy nominations for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Female, the latter of which she won in 1993. Co-written with Ben Mink, “Constant Craving” remains her signature song.
12. “Angel with a Lariat” (1987)
Parent Album: Angel with a Lariat
The title track of her classic album, “Angel with a Lariat,” is an upbeat explosion of musical styles. It incorporates saloon-style piano, complex drumming, a rocking rockabilly guitar solo, dynamic backing vocals, and k.d. lang’s energetic lead vocals. The song is described in the Reintarnation liner notes as an homage to both Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” sound and Patsy Cline, the latter being her career inspiration, whom she metaphorically calls “the angel with the lariat.”
Rick Henry’s Comment: I always described the percussion in this song as having a train moving quickly on the tracks type sound.
11. “Watch Your Step Polka” (1987)
Parent Album: Angel with a Lariat
“Watch Your Step Polka,” from Angel with a Lariat, is another example of the fun, upbeat cowpunk energy that defines the album. The entire Angel with a Lariat album is celebrated for its consistent quality and infectious rhythms.
10. “Friday Dance Promenade” (1983)
Parent Album: N/A
“Friday Dance Promenade” holds the distinction of being k.d. lang’s debut release. Recorded in her first manager’s Edmonton studio as part of a $1000 deal that included 500 pressings on the Bumstead label, this single is now a rare collector’s item, valued around $220. While it didn’t chart, this Patsy Cline-mentioning track was an impressive start to her recording career.
9. “High Time for a Detour” (1987)
Parent Album: Angel with a Lariat
“High Time for a Detour” from Angel with a Lariat is an exhilarating, fiddle-driven, electric guitar-fueled track. Its high energy and instrumental prowess make it a standout in her cowpunk era.
8. “Barefoot” (1991)
Parent Album: Salmonberries (Soundtrack)
“Barefoot,” from the Salmonberries soundtrack, is arguably one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs in k.d. lang’s entire catalog. Featured in the film Salmonberries, where k.d. lang stars as Kotzebue, an androgynous orphaned Eskimo miner in Alaska, the song perfectly captures the film’s introspective and melancholic atmosphere.
7. “Don’t Be a Lemming Polka” (1993)
Parent Album: Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (Soundtrack)
Although recorded post-cowpunk era for the Even Cowgirls Get the Blues soundtrack, “Don’t Be a Lemming Polka” was written earlier in k.d. lang’s career. Released after her pop breakthrough with “Constant Craving,” this track represented a deliberate return to her cowpunk roots, showcasing her enduring connection to her early musical identity.
6. “Diet of Strange Places” (1987)
Parent Album: Angel with a Lariat
A beloved fan favorite from Angel with a Lariat, “Diet of Strange Places” is lyrically rich and emotionally resonant. The song uses hunger-related metaphors—craving, empty, tasteless, fed—to describe feelings of loneliness and isolation. Written in 1985 during a fast in Japan, k.d. lang explains it as a song about feeling like an outsider.
5. “Miss Chatelaine” (1992)
Parent Album: Ingénue
The music video for “Miss Chatelaine” from Ingénue is a visual dream, complete with bubbles, swirling lights, and opulent decorations. k.d. lang playfully parodies her own androgynous image, appearing in a yellow ball gown and daisy earrings. The song itself, a homage to Lawrence Welk, is musically delightful, blending swirling violins, acoustic guitars, accordion, and a Brazilian Bossa Nova rhythm into a piece of “ear candy.” “Chatelaine” refers to the Canadian women’s magazine that named k.d. lang woman of the year in 1988.
k.d. lang on the cover of Chatelaine magazine (1988)
4. “Tune into My Wave” (1987)
Parent Album: Angel with a Lariat
“Tune into My Wave,” a cowpunkbilly anthem from Angel with a Lariat, is a fan favorite and a highlight of the album. Produced by Dave Edmunds, his signature alt-rockabilly sound is unmistakable. The track features a robust drum sound, prominent guitars, and k.d. lang’s flawless vocals, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
3. “Trail of Broken Hearts” (1989)
Parent Album: Absolute Torch and Twang
k.d. lang describes “Trail of Broken Hearts” from Absolute Torch and Twang as a transitional song, bridging her country roots with the direction of Ingénue. VH1 quickly embraced the song, giving it significant airplay. Her vocal performance is both powerful and vulnerable, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion.
Rick Henry’s Comment: I really love everything about this song!!!
2. “Turn Me Round” (1987)
Parent Album: Angel with a Lariat
“Turn Me Round” from Angel with a Lariat marks the beginning of k.d. lang’s creative partnership with Ben Mink. Meeting in Japan in 1985, Mink sent her a demo tape that included “Turn Me Round,” initiating a long and fruitful collaboration. Mink’s contributions are central to the song, featuring his energetic electric guitar, electric mandolin, and violin, along with a square dance caller that adds to the song’s lively, fun atmosphere.
1. “Pullin’ Back the Reins” (1989)
Parent Album: Absolute Torch and Twang
“Pullin’ Back the Reins,” from Absolute Torch and Twang, is arguably k.d. lang’s most vocally powerful and effective performance. This soulful blend of blues, jazz, and country, co-written with Ben Mink, was the fourth single from the Absolute Torch and Twang album. k.d. lang views it as a pivotal track, pulling her away from pure country and towards the diverse musical explorations that culminated in her masterpiece, Ingénue.
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This exploration into k.d. lang’s music hopefully provides a deeper appreciation for her extraordinary talent and diverse discography. She remains a truly exceptional artist deserving of wider recognition.
Thank you!
