The 1980s was a decade of change and innovation in the country music scene. From the emergence of new artists to the blending of genres, the 80s brought a fresh sound to country music.
Many iconic songs were created during this time, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. In this article, we will explore some of the best 80s country songs that continue to be popular today.
Country music in the 80s was characterized by a blend of traditional and modern sounds. The use of electric guitars and synthesizers became more prevalent, giving rise to a new era of country music.
Many of the songs from this decade featured attainable lyrics that addressed people’s everyday obstacles and achievements.
From love songs to ballads, the 1980s saw an enormous variety of country music that appealed to many different demographics.
Whether you are a die-hard country music fan or just looking to explore the genre, the 80s offer a treasure trove of classic songs.
Defining the Era of 80s Country Music
The 1980s were an important period for country music, as the style experienced a spike in mainstream and financial success.
Several renowned country stars, including George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Randy Travis, rose to popularity throughout the period, shaping the sound and look of country music for decades to come.
One of the defining features of 80s country music was its incorporation of pop and rock influences, resulting in a more polished and radio-friendly sound.
This crossover appeal helped to broaden the genre’s audience and attract new fans who might not have otherwise listened to country music.
A further distinctive characteristic of 1980s country music was its concentration on storytelling and narrative songs.
Many of the era’s biggest singles, including, “The Dance” by Garth Brooks and “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis, recounted compelling tales of love, grief, and sorrow that connected with audiences.
Finally, the 80s also marked a period of increased diversity within country music, with female artists like Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire achieving mainstream success and challenging traditional gender roles within the genre.
Overall, the era of 80s country music was marked by a unique blend of pop, rock, and traditional country influences, as well as a renewed emphasis on storytelling and diversity within the genre.
Iconic 80s Country Songs
The 1980s were an amazing age for country music, with several timeless songs that continue to be enjoyed by fans today.
From descriptive ballads to positive choruses, some of country music’s greatest names rose to prominence throughout this decade.
Here are a couple of the most memorable 80s country tunes that stay popular with fans.
Storytelling Ballads
One of the defining characteristics of country music is its ability to tell a story through song. The 80s produced some of the most poignant and heart-wrenching ballads in the genre’s history.
Songs like “The Dance” by Garth Brooks, “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis, and “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones are just a few examples of the power of storytelling in country music.
Upbeat Anthems
While ballads controlled the radio, the 1980s also witnessed the rise of bouncy, feel-good songs that had listeners pumping their toes and chanting along.
Songs like “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain, and “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus were immediate favourites that contributed to establishing the style of country music in the 1980s.
Crossover Hits
In the 1980s, country music spilt over into the norm, with singers such as Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Willie Nelson obtaining immense popularity outside of the genre.
Songs such as “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson, and “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers became popular songs, introducing country music to a wider public.
Overall, the 80s were a defining decade for country music, producing some of the most iconic songs and artists in the genre’s history.
From storytelling ballads to upbeat anthems and crossover hits, the decade saw country music reach new heights of popularity and influence.
| Songs | Artist |
| Island in the Streams | Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton |
| The Dance | Garth Brooks |
| On the Road Again | Willie Nelson |
| The Gambler | Kenny Rogers |
Influential 80s Country Artists
The 1980s was a decade of great change in country music. It was a time when traditional country music was being challenged by a new wave of pop-influenced country music.
Here are some of the most influential 80s country artists who helped shape the sound of country music during this era.
Solo Superstars
George Strait: George Strait is often referred to as the “King of Country” and for good reason.
He had a string of hits during the 80s that helped keep traditional country music alive. His smooth voice and traditional sound made him a favorite among country fans.
Reba McEntire: Reba McEntire had a unique voice that helped her stand out in the crowded country music scene of the 80s.
She had a string of hits during this decade and helped pave the way for female country artists.
Duo Dominance
Brooks & Dunn: Brooks & Dunn soared to prominence in country music in the early 1990s, but their musical journey began in the 1980s.
They had an individual sound that combined standard country with classic rock and roll. Their dynamic appearances and grabbing tunes helped them become a fan-hit.
The Judds: The Judds were a mother-daughter duo who had a string of hits during the 80s.
They had a unique sound that blended traditional country with pop and rock influences. Their harmonies and catchy songs made them one of the most successful country duos of all time.
Bands and Groups
Alabama:
Alabama became one of the most famous country bands of the 1980s. They had a distinct style that blended classic country with rock and roll. Their appealing sounds and dynamic displays helped them become a fan favourite.
The Oak Ridge Boys:
The Oak Ridge Boys had been active since the 1940s, but they had a fresh beginning in the 1980s. They had an individual sound that combined typical country and church elements.
Their popular tunes and close vocals helped them become one of the finest and most prominent country groups of all time.
The 80s was a decade of great change in country music, but these influential artists helped keep traditional country music alive while also pushing the genre in new directions.
Legacy of 80s Country Music
The 1980s was a significant decade for country music, with many artists producing timeless hits that continue to be popular today. These songs helped to shape the sound of country music and set the stage for future generations of artists.
One of the unique characteristics of 1980s country music was the inclusion of rock and roll influences into the standard country sound.
This synthesis resulted in the current phase of country music that attracted to more listeners and served to propel the musical genre into the limelight.
In the 1980s, some renowned country performers rose to prominence, notably George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Randy Travis.
These musicians not just wrote popular songs, but they also helped establish the society of country music throughout the decade.
Another distinctive aspect of 1980s country music was its concentration on storytelling.
Many of the decade’s most successful music dealt with romance, sorrow, and everyday problems.
These songs struck a chord with fans and provided to establish country music as a genre that appealed to the human condition.
Overall, 1980s country music left an inheritance of creativity, storytelling, and social relevance.
Songs from this decade are still popular among listeners of all ages and have served mould the style of country music for posterity.
Conclusion
- The 1980s were an important turning point for country music, with an extensive selection of topics and techniques that left a lasting impact on the genre.
- From the popularity of neo-traditionalists like George Strait to the breakthrough achievements of performers such as Dolly Parton, the decade showed country music’s endurance and adaptation.
- With emotional ballads, honky-tonk melodies, and a little bit of pop influence, ’80s country songs not only touched with conventional listeners but also drew more listeners.