The 1980s were a transformative time for country music, as the genre underwent a significant evolution in sound and style.
The decade saw the rise of legendary artists such as George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Garth Brooks, who would go on to become some of the biggest names in country music history.
But beyond the hit singles and chart-topping albums, the 80s also produced a wealth of deep cuts and album tracks that showcased the genre’s versatility and creativity.
One of the defining characteristics of 80s country music was a willingness to experiment with different sounds and influences.
From the rock-tinged twang of artists like Steve Earle and Dwight Yoakam to the traditional honky-tonk of Randy Travis and Alan Jackson, there was no shortage of variety in the country landscape.
And while some of these experiments may have been met with skepticism at the time, many have since become beloved classics that continue to resonate with fans today.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the standout album tracks from this era, exploring the stories behind the songs and the impact they had on the country music landscape.
Defining the 80s Country Sound
Instrumentation
The 1980s was a decade of change for country music, and the instrumentation of the era reflected this. While traditional country instruments such as the guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar remained prevalent, the addition of synthesizers and electric drums brought a new sound to the genre.
This fusion of traditional and modern instrumentation created a unique sound that defined the 80s country sound.
Lyrical Themes
The lyrical themes of 80s country songs often focused on the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.
Songs about love, heartbreak, and family were common, but the era also saw an increase in songs about social issues such as poverty, unemployment, and homelessness.
This shift towards more socially conscious lyrics reflected the changing times and the challenges faced by many Americans during the decade.
Overall, the defining sound of 80s country music was a blend of traditional and modern instrumentation, with lyrics that spoke to the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.
This unique sound and lyrical content helped define the era and left a lasting impact on the country’s music genre.
Iconic 80s Country Albums
The 1980s were a golden era for country music, and the decade saw the emergence of many iconic albums that are still celebrated today.
Here are some of the most noteworthy albums of the era.
Album Releases by Year
- 1980: “Urban Cowboy” soundtrack by Various Artists – This album was a compilation of songs featured in the hit movie “Urban Cowboy” and helped to popularize country music among a wider audience.
- 1981: “Alabama – Feels So Right” by Alabama – This album featured the hit singles “Old Flame” and “Love in the First Degree” and helped to establish Alabama as one of the most popular country bands of the decade.
- 1982: “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson – This album featured the title track, which became one of Nelson’s signature songs, and also included the hit “Let It Be Me.”
- 1983: “Strait From the Heart” by George Strait – This album featured the hit singles “You Look So Good in Love” and “Amarillo by Morning” and helped to establish Strait as one of the most successful country artists of all time.
- 1984: “Reba McEntire” by Reba McEntire – This album featured the hit singles “How Blue” and “Somebody Should Leave” and helped to establish McEntire as one of the leading female voices in country music.
- 1985: “No Fences” by Garth Brooks – This album featured the hit singles “Friends in Low Places” and “The Thunder Rolls” and helped to establish Brooks as one of the most successful country artists of all time.
- 1986: “The Judds – Rockin’ with the Rhythm” by The Judds – This album featured the hit singles “Have Mercy” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” and helped to establish The Judds as one of the most successful country duos of all time.
- 1987: “Permanent Vacation” by Aerosmith – This album featured the hit singles “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Angel” and helped to establish Aerosmith as one of the most successful rock bands of all time.
- 1988: “If There Was a Way” by Dwight Yoakam – This album featured the hit singles “I Sang Dixie” and “You’re the One” and helped to establish Yoakam as one of the leading voices in the “new traditionalist” movement in country music.
- 1989: “No Holdin’ Back” by Randy Travis – This album featured the hit singles “It’s Just a Matter of Time” and “Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart” and helped to establish Travis as one of the most successful country artists of the decade.
Commercial Success and Impact
Many of these albums were not only critically acclaimed but also achieved significant commercial success. For example, “No Fences” by Garth Brooks sold over 17 million copies in the United States alone and helped to establish Brooks as a superstar in both country and pop music.
Similarly, Reba McEntire’s self-titled album was certified platinum and helped to establish her as a leading female voice in country music.
These albums also had a significant impact on the country music industry as a whole. For example, George Strait’s “Strait From the Heart” helped to establish the “neotraditionalist” movement in country music, which emphasized a return to traditional country sounds and themes.
Similarly, Garth Brooks’ “No Fences” helped to bridge the gap between country and pop music and opened up new opportunities for country artists to reach wider audiences.
Overall, these iconic ’80s country albums continue to be celebrated for their musical excellence and their significant impact on the country music industry.
Notable Artists and Songwriters
Solo Artists
The 80s saw the rise of several solo artists in the country music scene. One of the most notable of these was George Strait, who released a string of successful albums throughout the decade.
His album “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” (1984) featured the hit single of the same name, which topped the country charts.
Another notable solo artist of the era was Reba McEntire. Her album “Whoever’s in New England” (1986) featured the hit single “Little Rock,” which won her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
Other solo artists who made a mark in the 80s country scene include Randy Travis, who released his debut album “Storms of Life” in 1986, and Dwight Yoakam, whose album “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” (1986) helped to popularize the “Bakersfield sound” in country music.
| Artist | Album | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| George Strait | “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” | Hit single topped the country charts |
| Reba McEntire | “Whoever’s in New England” | Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance |
| Randy Travis | “Storms of Life” | Released debut album in 1986 |
| Dwight Yoakam | “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” | Helped popularize the “Bakersfield sound” in country music |
Bands and Groups
In addition to solo artists, several bands and groups also made an impact on the 80s country scene.
One of the most successful of these was Alabama, which had a string of number-one hits throughout the decade. Their album “Mountain Music” (1982) featured the hit singles “Take Me Down” and “Close Enough to Perfect.”
Another popular group of the era was The Judds, consisting of mother-daughter duo Naomi and Wynonna Judd.
Their album “Why Not Me” (1984) featured the hit single of the same name, which won them a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Other notable bands and groups of the 80s include The Oak Ridge Boys, who had a hit with the single “Elvira” in 1981, and The Highwaymen, a supergroup consisting of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson.
Their album “Highwayman” (1985) featured the hit single of the same name, which topped the country charts.
Evolution of 80s Country Music
The 1980s saw a significant evolution of country music, with artists experimenting with various styles and sounds. The decade marked a shift towards a more polished and mainstream sound, with the emergence of new sub-genres such as country pop and neotraditional country.
Influence on 90s Country
The 80s country music laid the foundation for the emergence of the 90s country sound. The neotraditional country movement, which was characterized by a return to traditional country music, gained popularity in the late 80s and continued to dominate the early 90s.
Artists such as Randy Travis, Clint Black, and Garth Brooks were at the forefront of this movement, and their music was heavily influenced by the 80s country sound.
Legacy and Revival
The 80s country music has left a lasting legacy on the genre, with many of the songs and artists still popular today. The decade saw the emergence of several iconic artists, including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Kenny Rogers, who continued to produce hit songs throughout their careers.
In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in 80s country music, with several artists incorporating the sound into their music. The popularity of retro and vintage styles has contributed to this resurgence, with younger audiences discovering and appreciating the music of the decade.
Overall, the evolution of 80s country music marked a significant period of change and growth for the genre. The decade saw the emergence of new sounds and styles and paved the way for the future of country music.
Conclusion
- The 1980s marked a transformative era for country music, witnessing the rise of legendary artists such as George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Garth Brooks.
- Experimentation with sound and style defined the decade, from the rock-tinged twang of Steve Earle to the traditional honky-tonk of Randy Travis.
- The fusion of traditional and modern instrumentation, including synthesizers and electric drums, created a unique 80s country sound.
- Lyrical themes ranged from love and heartbreak to social issues, reflecting the changing times and challenges faced by many Americans.
- Iconic albums of the era, like Garth Brooks’ “No Fences” and George Strait’s “Strait From the Heart,” achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success.
- Notable solo artists like George Strait, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, and Dwight Yoakam, along with bands like Alabama and The Judds, left a lasting impact on the country music landscape.
- The evolution of the 80s country set the stage for the emergence of the neotraditional country movement in the 90s.
- The legacy of the 80s country endures, with a revival of interest in recent years, showcasing its continued influence on the genre.