Country music in the 80s was electrifying, with classic hits from established legends and up-and-comers alike taking center stage. From line dancing classics to songs about lost loves, these hits continue to resonate over time.
George Jones’ song “He Stopped Loving Her Today” is an emotive tale of unrequited affection that proved immensely successful for his career.
Exile
Exile was originally formed as a pop music group but quickly found success with top 40 hits like “Kiss You All Over.” Their sound combined vocal harmony with rock and pop influences; country songs in particular proved immensely popular and many major artists covered their singles, such as Huey Lewis & the News, Dave & Sugar and Alabama.
Exile switched to country music in the mid-80s. Their initial country album proved unsuccessful but their live performances and covers of country classics kept the group popular with audiences. Following its release All There Is was another milestone for Exile but lead singer Jimmy Stokley left shortly thereafter due to lack of interest in writing new material and disagreements with bandmates.
Reformed with two new members – Mark Gray and Les Taylor – the group released “Heart and Soul”, a minor hit which exposed them to new audiences as well as leading them on their first tour – however soon afterwards the group disbanded once more.
After Exile disbanded, its members pursued solo careers – Lemaire and Goetzman joined various bands while Pennington and Taylor began writing music for other musicians. Reforming briefly for one concert at Billy Bob’s Texas in early 2000 which would later be recorded and released as an album release, Exile returned together again and played one final concert in Dallas later on that year – an album was eventually recorded as well.
In 2022, Pennington and Taylor signed with Clearwater Records and began to release albums under their new label. First up was their holiday album entitled Wrapped Up in Your Arms for Christmas before following up with A Million Miles Later later that same year; featuring mostly original songs written by Pennington and Taylor but including one cover of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s Sixteen Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Exile has also released several older projects from their 2010s and 2020s catalogue re-issued in digital download formats in recent years, such as The Garage Tapes collection of demos or Joyful Noise Christmas album. Furthermore, as well as their regular releases they reissued Kiss You All Over as their first genre album digital download in 2012.
Forester Sisters
As neon leg warmers and spandex became the fashion norm during the ’80s, country music still held onto its traditional roots. Artists such as Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers left an indelible mark on country music’s genre; so there were plenty of songs that kept booties tapping from these incredible artists to choose from when selecting bootie-tapper anthems from that decade that have endured to this day.
The Forester Sisters made a brief, yet lasting impactful debut on the country scene with their exquisite harmonies and emotive love songs. Fans and critics alike found them captivating, though their success seemed to come at an unfortunate time; traditional country had already lost ground to urban cowboy music in terms of listenership; it seemed likely that 4-part harmony acts would soon go the way of 4-part harmonies acts like these were no longer viable acts.
Taken directly from its name, this song features two sisters singing together into an seductive chorus that will leave listeners craving romance. Their close harmonies can be heard throughout their album as they showcase strong lyrics that appeal to audiences.
This song was inspired by women’s empowerment organization 9 to 5. It tells of a woman who realizes her job of housewife and mother isn’t all it seems, and decides to leave her husband permanently. This message of empowerment speaks volumes to women everywhere and remains one of Reba’s signature singles from her career.
The 1980s was an intriguing period in country music as old and new artists experimented with crossovers. This gave rise to neotraditional country, giving many artists the chance to return to their roots. Some of the best country songs from this era can be found here on this list, including Dolly Parton hits, Randy Travis hits and more – perfect for dancing away the night away with timeless classics! So be sure to take a look at this country music 80s list before dancing through your evening!
Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire has earned herself the moniker “Queen of Country Music” with her songs that cover every human emotion imaginable, from upbeat tunes and playful melodies to heartrending ballads. Since the ’70s, her country music hits have touched and inspired listeners worldwide. Thanks to her deep voice and powerful delivery style, McEntire stands as an exemplary artist within country music today.
McEntire hails from McAlester, Oklahoma and was raised on an eight-thousand-acre ranch near Chockie with her champion calf roper father Clark McEntire. Raised as part of an idyllic rural lifestyle that instilled values such as family and hard work. Starting to sing at an early age and eventually working at an ice cream store upon graduating high school; from there she established herself on the local music scene.
McEntire established herself as a modern classicist with her string of hits beginning with 1984’s My Kind of Country. That success would pave the way for acting roles, coaching stints on “The Voice”, and ultimately an appearance at Super Bowl 2024.
McEntire’s songwriting talents rank among her many strengths, yet she also excels at masterfully interpreting other people’s songs – here she gives Vicki Lawrence’s original new life!
McEntire handled this heart-wrenching subject with incredible grace in her Grammy Award-winning song, depicting a wife who suspects her husband of infidelity – it resonated deeply with audiences.
McEntire released this song at the height of her popularity in 1994, just when her new role as an advocate for women had begun to unfold. It proved an instant hit across every country format.
McEntire scored four consecutive number-one hits with this song, showing her ability to capture modern themes while also honoring country classics’ timeless popularity. Since leaving MCA Music Label and marrying Scott Borchetta in 2009, Valory Music Label became McEntire’s new home while cementing her as an indelible country icon through this track.
Mac Davis
The 1980s were a decade of experimentation for country music, as both established artists like George Jones, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Lionel Richie and Julio Iglesias continued their signature sounds while newcomers such as Lionel Richie and Julio Iglesias made waves in pop music charts. Yet country also managed to remain relevant even during a crossover-friendly decade like this one thanks to some timeless hits that still hold up today.
Mac Davis was a country and adult contemporary star who achieved enormous popularity during the early ’80s. Hailing from Lubbock, he shot to stardom with songs such as Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me, Stop and Smell the Roses and One Hell of a Woman; as well as acting roles in movies and television. Additionally, Mac would go on to become an accomplished songwriter who wrote hit singles for artists including Elvis Presley.
Milsap’s “Twisted Humor,” this song describes an alcoholic who finds relief in alcohol as they struggle with family life and find solace therein. This tale rings especially true today, with families grappling with alcoholism and drug dependency issues.
Kenny Rogers’s upbeat song about finding strength during tough times was the ideal match for his melodic vocal style, spending two weeks at number one of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1983 and later covered by various artists such as Owen Gray and Hailey Whitters.
This moving ballad about two people who remain together through thick and thin is an example of why country music has endured for so long. Its tale of love and commitment stands as testament to that fact, and remains widely considered among the greatest country songs of all time.