Will Fenton
Have you ever spoken to someone and they’ve gone and told you that they don’t like country music?
Have you ever thought “Hmm, I feel like there’s gotta be some GOOD country out there,” only for you to find out that there’s a whole plethora of great songs that you haven’t even heard out there?
Contrary to popular belief, there are more country songs out there that are great than you may have initially thought and the 90s were a fruitful time for country music to expand its sound.
Here are some of our favorite picks of the best 90s country songs!
1. “Dance the Night Away” by The Mavericks
We’ve decided to go strong with our first pick!
An amazing mix of country and Mexican roots, appropriately called “tex-mex,” this genre is responsible for giving lots of life into the country music scene and who else but The Mavericks could make this sound so remarkable?
2. “I See It Now” by Tracy Lawrence
Getting your heart broken has never felt so touching.
No one wants to see an old lover be with someone else, but once you see how much happier they are with them, sometimes you can’t help but crack a smile.
Don’t worry.
Your time will come too.
3. “The Light Will Stay On” by The Walkabouts
How can something that sounds so quiet sound so loud at the same time?
From its amazing stringwork to Carla Torgerson’s heavenly vocals, this song is such a grand example of how music can move you.
4. “I Need You” by Trisha Yearwood
A song as smooth as butter, Trisha Yearwood doesn’t play around.
Her heart is in the right place as she sings about what she loves: this boy.
This man
This friend.
5. “I Could Love a Man Like That” by Anita Cochran
An upbeat country song for anyone looking for a little pep in their step, you can’t deny the guitar work in this song isn’t just the bee’s knees.
If you’re looking for something to get yourself grooving and moving, make sure to put this song on at once.
6.“Too Cold at Home” by Mark Chesnutt
Have you ever felt that, no matter how hot it was outside, your home just felt so cold and lonely?
Mark is here to comfort those thoughts.
90s country had such a warm feeling to it and for a song that talks about how cold one’s home is, it’s exactly the song you need to cozy up and warm up to.
7. “Clear Blue Sky” by George Strait
90s country music, when it wasn’t being sentimental and comforting, used to be full of personality and amazing vocals from some of the best.
Take this song as a great example of what something as simple as the vocals can do to impact the feelings this song is trying to show.
8. “If You See Him, If You See Her” by Reba McEntire & Brooks & Dunn
A beautiful and touching trio from three of the 90’s strongest vocalists.
The chemistry these three have is unlike anything else you’ll hear from this era of country.
I’d love to hear a trio even half this gorgeous from this decade.
9. “Waiting for the Sun” by The Jayhawks
One could make the argument that this isn’t really a country song.
Well I’m here to make the argument that it is!
Country isn’t as straightforward as some want to believe, rather it’s a movement and sound that just has that feeling to it.
Rock and country blending together isn’t all that new, but I haven’t heard it in this capacity and still to this day I haven’t.
10. “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Alison Krauss & The Cox Family
Alison Krauss is responsible for so many hits throughout her long lived career, but for right now let’s take it back to something softer and rootsier.
Heavily inspired by bluegrass, this song’s nature is such a necessity for anyone looking to take a breather and hear something as beautiful as beautiful comes.
11. “Single White Female” by Chely Wright
This song is actually hilarious if you think about it.
Chely singing about a man only to eventually marry her current-wife is a tale so beautiful, it’s almost comedic.
With music always being political, especially country music, it’s great to see someone who wasn’t afraid of tradition and goes for what she believed in.
Let’s go, Chely!
12. “Black Soul Choir” by 16 Horsepower
A truly underappreciated song of the 90s, “Black Soul Choir” is a song that can be described by a word I never thought I’d describe a country song as: haunting.
Thanks to its gothic country roots, this song stands out in the crowd of best 90s country songs.
13. “Smoke Rings in the Dark” by Gary Allan
Gary Allan has such a way with words.
The immaculate songwriting is already great enough as it is, but that topped off with his smooth and expressive voice is a combination that can only result in trouble
14. “Never Knew Lonely” by Vince Gill
If you’ve ever had your heart broken, country music is a great way to find some comfort.
Songs like “Never Knew Lonely” are a great way to unwind and think that even though things may not be the best right now, things will turn up in the end.
15. “Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks
One of music’s most controversial bands, The Chicks f.k.a. The Dixie Chicks were always amazing at creating great harmonies and bringing fresh music into the country world.
Even though they would find themselves in not the best places, they always stayed true to what they believed in and that’s a beautiful thing.
16. “Tryin’ to Hide a Fire in the Dark” by Billy Dean
With so much glam and pizzazz, this song rocks more than a lot of Billy’s contemporaries’ output.
A song that feels and sounds so epic should not be excluded from anyone’s list of favorite country songs of the 90s.
17. “What Part of No” by Lorrie Morgan
Lorrie certainly has a knack for songwriting and with vocals like hers I’m not exactly surprised that she’s as great as she is.
Just like a lot of her fellow country artists, she knows how to tell a story while also making a compelling and fun to listen to song.
18. “Wild Angels” by Martina McBride
A classic song for anyone who had their radio blasting during the 90s.
If you’re feeling down and need a little pick me up, this song will lift your spirits faster than you can imagine.
19. “I Swear” by John Michael Montgomery
When it comes to classics, this is especially on the top of the list for its beauty and notoriety.
While overshadowed by All-4-One’s cover, make no mistake.
Both are equally as touching in their own respects.
One of the 90s finest and one of country music’s all time best.
20. “New Partner” by Palace Music
Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s super genuine and bare vocals alongside the depressing instrumental and lyrics make for one of country’s greatest hidden gems.
Who else but Bonnie could create such a unique atmosphere unlike anything that anyone else in the genre was doing at the time.
21. “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” by Sammy Kershaw
Who doesn’t love to be called beautiful?
With a great sentiment and a lovely chorus, this song shows so much of what makes 90s country the underrated genre that it is.
22. “Hypnotize the Moon” by Clay Walker
Have you ever seen someone so beautiful that you can’t help but sing it to the world?
Clay Walker gives the one he loves the greatest gift anyone could ask for: a touching song that shows him at his most exposed.
23. “Can’t Let Go” by Lucinda Williams
Taking it back to some old school country, Lucinda Williams proves to the world why she’s one of the best country artists of the 90s with this amazing cut from her 1998 album “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.”
24. “Baby, Now That I’ve Found You” by Alison Krauss
Don’t let Alison’s soft voice fool you.
The way she knows how to sing is incredible and not to be taken lightly.
For just how subtle it is, it really packs a punch.
25. “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere” by Dwight Yoakam
I’m surprised I haven’t heard his name in a lot more conversations regarding country music.
What Dwight does here is so airtight and moving that there’s really no notes you can give him.
It’s a shame he’s not talked about more.
26. “Every Light in the House” by Trace Adkins
A home sometimes doesn’t feel as much like a home when that old special someone leaves and doesn’t come back.
It’s a nice thought, however, to think that just in case something happens and she comes back home that the lights are on to reassure her a welcome return.
27. “It Would Be You” by Gary Allan
While you’re waiting to see if she comes back, maybe let out a tear or two with this song.
It’s not easy having your heart broken, but music can be the best medicine and there’s not better music than one that tells you that you’re not alone.
28. “Help Me Scrape the Mucus Off My Brain” by Ween
Experimental rock band Ween always find themselves exploring new sounds.
On their 1996 classic “12 Golden Country Greats,” the band dives headfirst into country music, making it seem almost too natural to them.
It’s just like I’ve always said “if you set your heart to something, you can do anything.”
29. “Go Rest High on that Mountain” by Vince Gill
Just like “I Swear’s” origin, I had no idea that this song’s origins came in the form of a country ballad from the 90s.
It’s beautiful what you can find when you dive in and search for beautiful music.
30. “All You Ever Do is Bring Me Down (ft. Flaco Jimenez)” by The Mavericks
All I can think of when listening to this song is how many people probably speed down the highway to this.
The accordion here is immaculate, the vocals are top notch, what more could anyone ask for from this song?
31. “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” by Toby Keith
Taking inspiration from people like Marshal Dillon and Missy Kitten, Toby Keith sings about what he loves best: cowboys.
For a country song in the 90s, this one works well to separate itself from the rest.
32. “Who Needs Pictures” by Brad Paisley
Man, country artists really got their hearts broken a lot.
Well, at least they know to express their heartbreak in a way that reassures everyone that things can be hard but it’ll all be okay in the end.
33. “Next to You, Next to Me” by Shenandoah
When was the last time you heard yourself a country song that wasn’t so down on its luck but instead just plain fun?
With how much personality’s in this song, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wiggling at least a finger.
34. “It Sure is Monday” by Mark Chesnutt
Haven’t we all partied too hard here and there and then we realize the weekend is over and Monday’s arrived?
Mark Chesnutt sure has gone through the same and he’s here to make it a fun ride that you’re invited to!
35. “Gulf Shores” by Palace Music
A real solemn song for anyone looking to lock themselves in their bedrooms with the lights off and the world turned off.
It’s okay to let your emotions out whenever you can and it’s songs like this that make it easy.
36. “Something in the Water” by Terri Clark
What a grand song that just doesn’t quit!
If you’re a country skepticist and you’ve made it this far, I’m hoping this song continues your journey to finding some amazing country music.
37. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus
If you were betting money to see if this song made it onto the list, I hope you were on the winning side.
Whether you love it or not, you gotta admit this song changed what it meant to have a hit country song during the 90s.
38. “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” by The Kentucky Headhunters
If you notice and pay attention really closely, you’ll find that this song isn’t a ballad at all.
Wild.
A fun country rock cover of a Fess Parker song, this song is a great example of how a cover can go in a completely different direction than its predecessor.
39. “No Green Eyes” by Suzy Bogguss
It’s crazy that this song didn’t blow up as much as the rest of Suzy’s music.
If you haven’t heard this yet, make sure to do yourself a favor and bop your head to this wonderful 90s country gem.
40. “Carrying Your Love With Me” by George Strait
Being alone doesn’t have to entirely mean that you’re all alone.
What George Strait tells the audience in this huge 90s country hit is that he’s carrying the love of his partner with him and that is what fuels him.
41. “Independence Day” by Martina McBride
Music is a great way to let out emotions that you may have had pent up, whether that be heartbreak, longing or, in this case, abuse.
This song doesn’t have much to do with the holiday, but rather it has to do with a woman’s “Independence Day” after leaving an abusive and unhealthy relationship.
Moments like that are hard, but it’s great to see someone do what’s right for them.
42. “Too Much Fun” by Daryle Singletary
A song about something that some people aren’t too familiar with: having too much fun!
How about next time you’re looking for a good time you go and let loose, crank this song and go have a blast!
43. “Sticks and Stones” by Tracy Lawrence
Sometimes the things that hurt the most aren’t the material things, but rather the words and the emotions we feel.
Just know the words you say have a lot of power and that’s a dangerous thing.
44. “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” by John Michael Montgomery
One of the great qualities of country music is how it’s a great outlet to tell a story.
John knows this super well and decides to tell us a story of love, a story where he’s excited to take us along.
45. “She’s in Love with the Boy” by Trisha Yearwood
The 90s were full of passionate and heartstrung singers and Trisha is a great example of what made that decade amazing for country hits.
You can feel how much she’s in love with this Tommy and it’s almost like you’re hearing two people you’ve known your whole life fall for each other.
46. “California Stars” by Billy Bragg & Wilco
You cannot tell me this isn’t one of the most beautiful instrumentals of the 90s.
Billy Braggs and Wilco come together like peaches and cream and create one of the best duos in country history.
Listen to this song yourself and tell me it’s not so pure and gorgeous.
47. “The Keeper of the Stars” by Tracy Byrd
When you find your true love, somehow it’s just something you know right off the bat.
Tracy Byrd thanks “the keeper of the stars” for helping him and his love find each other.
Perhaps it’s this keeper that’s the reason we fall in love with the right one.
48. “Good as I Was to You” by Lorrie Morgan
Sometimes the person you love might not actually have your best intentions in mind.
Sometimes you have to let them know how much they hurt you and that if they find someone else that they won’t be as good as you were.
Let that cheater hear those words and they’ll know just how much they screwed up.
49. “Wrecking Ball” by Emmylou Harris
The bells in the beginning are always so mysterious, as is the rest of the song.
Who else but Emmylou could create something so holy and dreamy?
And those harmonies in the background?
Truly bone chilling.
50. “Blue” by The Jayhawks
This group really knows how to make some pretty harmonies!
What The Jayhawks achieve here is amazing that I’m not sure there’s anyone that could deny the talent these four have.
The 90s really was responsible for bringing out the best that country had to offer.
51. “Love of My Life” by Sammy Kershaw
Falling in love has to be one of the greatest feelings anyone could feel and to someone like Sammy, it just drives him nuts!
Don’t forget to hold your lover close to this song and tell them how much you love them.
52. “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain
With country music making it into the mainstream radio, there came many artists that always had their music shined by the spotlight with Shania Twain being a huge example.
It’s really hard to pick one song from such a fruitful career but this song just feels so sentimental and real, we couldn’t help it!
53. “Fuzzy” by Grant Lee Buffalo
When he gets into his high register, the hit of euphoria is massive and the solo is nothing short of tear inducing.
What Grant accomplishes here is so monumental for a song that, in reality, is pretty simple.
That just shows the power that emotion has on creating a vibe so massive.
54. “Horses” by Palace
A song for the lost and the lonely.
It’s common to hear songs about heartbreak and being sad because of that but sometimes people feel sad because…the world is sad.
What a powerful statement made by one of the greats.
55. “I’ll Think of a Reason Later” by Lee Ann Womack
It’s really easy to hate the new partner of an ex-lover and we can’t really judge.
We’ve all had our moments where we have no reason to dislike somebody but because of certain circumstances, that person is our new enemy.
56. “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw
Pure ecstasy from start to finish.
The way Tim sings this song along with the huge rockabilly-inspired instrumental is nothing short of a major contender for most driving country song of the 90s.
57. “Midnight in Montgomery” by Alan Jackson
There’s a real old school feel to this track that you wouldn’t hear too often during this era.
It’s almost like it’s taken straight from a western movie.
Alan Jackson really knows how to make a tune that transports you away from where you currently stand.
58. “Sweet Old World” by Lucina Williams
Never has a song so soft and petite had so much to say with so little.
The love you feel in this song is so apparent it’s almost like it’s right in front of you.
You can’t help but have a warm heart while listening to this, that’s for sure!
59. “Tired” by Toby Keith
We’ve all found ourselves tired on occasions and Toby’s here to let you know that it’s normal to feel that way.
For anyone looking for a beautiful track with a message you can relate to, we got you covered.
60. “High Sierra” by Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt & Dolly Parton
After a 12 year gap, it’s finally here!
The sequel to the first “Trio” record.
These three amazing vocalists come back one more time to bring the 90s their beautifully combined talents alongside their knack for creating pristine harmonies.
A wonderful sight to see.
61. “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn
One of country’s greatest duos hits it out of the park again with this 90s hit to put all other hits to shame.
Who else but these two can deliver something so stunning in both performance and songwriting?
62. “Outtasite (Outta Mind)” by Wilco
I’ve never heard a guitar twang sound so powerful and full of zest.
Wilco here proves again why they’re one of the best bands to mix country and rock, especially during their run in the 90s.
63. “Nothing” by Dwight Yoakam
A one of a kind voice for the ages, Dwight adds so much of his soul to his work that you can’t help but feel like it’s in yours too.
When there’s nothing but sorrow or pain, at least we have someone like him to lift us up.
64. “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” by Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire really does have to be one of the greatest storytellers of the 90s, not just country.
Who could possibly write stories like her?
From the details to the delivery, Reba’s pen game is beyond comparison.
65. “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks
Well, I guess if there was anyone who would compete with Reba when it comes to songwriting, it would be The Chicks.
One of the best country songs of all time, the band tells a story revolving around an abusive man and the fantasy the women wish they could enact to show that they’re fed up.
It’s great that these women always stood up for what was important.
90s Country Songs – Final Thoughts
Country music’s roots and where they would branch off to are very important and no time for diversity felt more essential than the 90s.
From the amazing storytellers to the phenomenal songwriters, country continues to be one of the most underrated genres out there right now, so do yourself a favor and fill in that hole in your life you didn’t know needed filling.
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