50 Greatest Women Songs – Part 5
We’ve made it to the top 10. Share your thoughts on the list in the comments. Are your favorite songs included?
50 Greatest Women Songs – Part 5
10) Coal Miner’s Daughter – Loretta Lynn
With the ultimate country twang and authentic autobiographical story, Loretta Lynn released the single Coal Miner’s Daughter and the entire nation was introduced to the singer’s humble beginnings. Loretta had multiple smash hits throughout her decades long career, but it was 1970′s Coal Miner’s Daughter that remains her most well-known and signature song. The tune even led to a movie autobiography about the singer’s upbringing. The song that made her a star is still earning Loretta new fans today as another new generation of country music fans learn about the great Loretta Lynn.
Download Coal Miner’s Daughter
9) It Matters To Me – Faith Hill
Faith Hill may have ventured into more pop-oriented country music toward the turn of the ’00s, but she is still a down home country girl. That was evident with her recording of 1995′s It Matters To Me. The song was the title track of Faith’s 2nd album and the song would go on to have a major impact for women in the audience. It Matters To Me is a reminder to guys out there that the things they may not see as making a difference really do matter to the women in their lives. The song bleeds emotion and passion as Faith puts a perfect vocal on the track. Nobody could sing a song about heartache quite like Faith. She has taken on more of a role of housewife to superstar husband Tim McGraw these days, but she’ll always be remembered for her great performances including It Matters To Me.
8) A Broken Wing – Martina McBride
Turn on any talent show over the last 10 or so years and you’ll probably see a young girl attempting to sing A Broken Wing in the style of Martina McBride. The little, but powerful singer has left a huge impact on country music fans with her powerful country voice. The song became a #1 hit in 1997 and further established Martina as a superstar country artist. The song’s soaring chorus about a women packing up and leaving a bad relationship still connects with fans that hear it for the first time today. The song is pure country and one people tend to lean toward as a country song they like the most especially when it comes to an inspiring song about taking the course of your life into your own hands.
7) Gunpowder & Lead – Miranda Lambert
Growing up Miranda Lambert was familiar with the difficult situations of some women through her parents’ private investigation business. The inspiration from the stories of those women allowed Miranda to create the song Gunpowder & Lead. This rocking song kicks men square in the jaw and lets them know that women won’t take it anymore. Never mess with a woman that knows how to use a shotgun, is fed up with your BS, and has nothing to lose. Miranda Lambert kicked ass and took names and the song slammed into the top ten during 2008 and further established this rising country artist as the star she is today.
6) Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind) – Loretta Lynn
Loretta Lynn’s first #1 hit came in 1966. The song was Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ and it was a message for all the guys that like to go out drinking while leaving their gals at home. The situation was common back in the ’60s. It was common for years prior and it remains common today. Some guys just like going out with their buddies to do a little drinking. Loretta simply let them know not to come home looking for a little loving. Enough is enough after a certain point and Loretta stood up to her man.
Download Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)
5) I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
After two successful albums and a tip of the hat from Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack became a superstar in 2000 when she released the title track to her third album I Hope You Dance. The song is about a mother’s love and hope for her children. It’s something all parents feel for their entire lives. There seems to be no love like the love for your child. The song became a #1 hit on the country charts as well as reaching a high peak on the pop charts. The backing vocals were provided by Sons of the Desert and the song was performed flawlessly by Lee Ann. She remains a steady source of traditional country music today, but I Hope You Dance will always be her signature song.
4) Stand By Your Man – Tammy Wynette
A song written in about 15 minutes became a signature song for Tammy Wynette even if it created a little controversy along the way. Stand By Your Man was Tammy’s message to women that it’s alright to tolerate a few shortcomings with men in order to live a full and happy life. The song reached #1 in 1968 and remains a classic country song to this day as it continues to inspire female artists in country music. The song has a memorable melody that’s easy to sing along with and sometimes that’s all it takes to create a great country song.
3) He Thinks He’ll Keep Her – Mary Chapin Carpenter
Mary Chapin Carpenter is the ultimate women’s woman. She wrote songs about the emotions all women feel and experience in their lives and Mary did it in a way that connected and made sense to country music fans. In the beginning of 1994, just as her smash hit album Come On Come On was dominating the charts she released the single He Thinks He’ll Keep Her. The song was about a guy that takes his woman for granted and she ends up leaving. The situation of being a good housewife while being let down by the husband seems quite common and Carpenter found a way to bring the story to life with He Thinks He’ll Keep Her. The song has an impossibly catchy melody and fans are still singing right along today.
Download He Thinks He’ll Keep Her
2) Any Man Of Mine – Shania Twain
The 2nd single from Shania Twain‘s breakthrough album The Woman In Me became her first #1 hit and possibly her signature song. The tune was co-written by Twain and became one of the most popular songs in country music history. Released in 1995, Any Man of Mine saw Shania singing about all the things her ideal man has to be in order to have a gal like her. Guys were listening and women were taking notes as Shania charmed them with her hook-filled song. The song’s video had just as much if not more impact than the song itself. Shania baring her midriff back then was a huge deal back in those days for the normally conservative country music fans. Shania Twain changed a lot of things for the better in country music and most of the movement started with Any Man of Mine.
1) I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton
There is perhaps no other song that has had as much impact on country music than Dolly Parton’s 1974 single I Will Always Love You. The song became a hit for Dolly in three different decades as well as becoming one of the biggest pop songs of all time for Whitney Houston. Dolly wrote the song about her breakup with former business and singing partner Porter Wagoner. The simple sentiment and beautiful melody connected with fans instantly and the song made Dolly a star in country music. She would go on to have more country and pop hits while expanding her creativity into acting, writing, and business. Today, Dolly is an icon in music and in business. I Will Always Love You is one of the greatest country songs of all time. One thing is for certain – country music and its fans will always love Dolly Parton.
Download I Will Always Love You
50 Greatest Women Songs – Download Part 5
Read all parts:
50 Greatest Women Songs Part 1
50 Greatest Women Songs Part 2
50 Greatest Women Songs Part 3
50 Greatest Women Songs Part 4
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Patsy Cline should be first. She was the best country singer and still is!!
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