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A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #790-#781

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Some big crossover hits meet up with successful country covers of big pop records.

#790

Gary Allan, “Best I Ever Had”

#7 | 2005

JK: He’s had bigger radio hits with lesser songs and performances, and lesser radio hits with even better songs and performances; this cover splits the difference when it comes to Allan’s career. About Right

KJC:  Allan’s mournful cover in the wake of his wife’s suicide is raw and vulnerable. It really packs a punch.  About Right

 

#789

John Anderson, “Seminole Wind”

#2 | 1992

KJC:  Arguably Anderson’s signature song, he keeps his righteous anger in check and opts for an emotional appeal for conservation.  Too Low

JK: I’ve always appreciated the sentiment of the song, but I don’t think it plays to Anderson’s peculiar strengths as a vocalist. Give me “Wild And Blue” or “When It Comes to You” over this one any day, though I respect its overall impact and quality. About Right

 

#788

Blake Shelton, “Home”

#1 | 2008

JK: Perfectly competent in every way. Too High

KJC:  This works as a ballad for the road weary. One of Shelton’s stronger performances.  About Right

 

#787

Eddie Rabbitt, “Step By Step”

#1 | 1981

 

KJC: Charming and endearing, this is an Eddie Rabbitt hit worth revisiting.  About Right

JK: A single I remember loving as a kid that holds up particularly well for its era. About Right

 

#786

Gloriana, “(Kissed You) Goodnight”

#2 | 2011

 

JK: Gloriana were never very good nor even the slightest bit interesting; this single clears the low bar of being their best, but I wouldn’t have it anywhere near my top 1000 of all-time. So Wrong (Doesn’t Belong)

KJC:  Going by my loose rule that there is room for C-listers on an 1000-cut list, I’m fine with Gloriana’s signature hit being here.  It’s about 200 places above its proper place, though. Too High

 

#785

Jerry Lee Lewis, “Chantilly Lace”

#1 | 1972

KJC: The Big Bopper original was earnest and innocent.  This Jerry Lee Lewis cover…Well, they didn’t have state registries for people like this in 1972, but if they did, this record would be enough to land him on one.  So Wrong (Doesn’t Belong)

JK: I mentioned at the last Lewis entry that it eschewed the more problematic aspects of his legacy. This one, not so much, and I don’t see it as an impactful country record, besides. So Wrong (Doesn’t Belong)

 

#784

Sugarland, “Want To”

#1 | 2006

JK: There was a brief period when Jennifer Nettles’ was the most compelling voice you’d hear regularly on country radio. But this is not better than “When I Call Your Name” or “Drive.” Too High

KJC:  Sugarland made their debut as a duo with this single, and it’s one of their best. Jennifer Nettles sings the fire out of it.  About Right

 

#783

Shenandoah, “Next to You, Next to Me”

#1 | 1990

KJC: One of the best singles from a fairly good band overall, and they lean into bluegrass territory with their relentlessly catchy harmonies.  Does it get any better than a good old boy singing about the virtues of “barbecue chicken and TV Guide?” Too Low

JK: All of their entries should be bumped up this list. Marty Raybon was such a terrific singer. Too Low

 

#782

Kenny Chesney, “I Lost it”

#3 | 2000

JK: Man, imagine if this had been a Lucinda Williams cover. I might have a totally different opinion of Chesney’s career arc. As is… So Wrong (Doesn’t Belong)

KJC: I’m so hungry for any Pam Tillis at this point that I’m tempted to give this one a pass simply for her harmony vocal.  But this would be a better list if at least a half dozen of these Chesney leads were traded out for Pam Tillis ones. So Wrong (Doesn’t Belong)

 

#781

“Little” Jimmy Dickens, “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose”

#1 | 1965

KJC:  Unlike Gloriana, Little Jimmy Dickens has a rich legacy in country music.  If you’re only going to put his biggest hit on the list, which is a genuine classic, at least give him the respect of a proper ranking.  Too Low

JK: The rare example of turning a novelty song into a straight-up classic. Too Low

Previous: #800-#791 | Next: #780-#771


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