50 Greatest Women Songs

Without women, country music wouldn’t exist.

The great men in country music have written and recorded some of the greatest songs in history. Those songs usually discuss the emotions and issues arising from falling in and out of love with a woman.

Not only do women inspire great country songs, they write and record the best country music as well.

The great women in country music have been singing songs that inspire, proclaim, and question for decades. From Patsy Cline to Shania Twain to Carrie Underwood, the greatest women in country music know how to sing songs that speak directly to the gals in the audience.

So for all the great female country music fans, here are the…

50 Greatest Women Songs

50) One Way Ticket (Because I Can) – LeAnn Rimes

At the tail end of 1997, the young rising star LeAnn Rimes was bursting onto the country music scene. The third single off her debut album Blue was the catchy and upbeat One Way Ticket (Because I Can). The song became LeAnn’s first #1 single and officially launched her into superstardom. Fans loved the song and have never stopped requesting it. One Way Ticket is still a popular song on radio today and remains one of LeAnn’s biggest hits.

49) Single White Female – Chely Wright

Chely Wright had her breakout hit with 1999’s Single White Female. The song – written by fellow country artist Carolyn Dawn Johnson – became a #1 hit for Chely that year and vaulted her status as a country artist. The album with the same name sold over 500,000 copies and made Chely a star. The song is catchy as it sees the female narrator proclaiming her relationship status via the personal want ads to a guy she’s interested in. Being single can get kind of lonely and when someone interesting comes along it can be difficult to tell them how you feel. Chely took matters into her own hands in ’99 and the song became a huge success.

48) Kerosene – Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert didn’t win the talent TV show Nashville Star, but she has proven to be one of biggest artists to come from the show. The third single and title track from her debut album Kerosene was released in 2005 and it burned up the charts and established Miranda’s place in country music. Kerosene is a rocking track about a women burned by man that cheated on her. In return she douses his house in kerosene and burns it to the ground with a grin. So for all the guys out there – don’t mess with Miranda and her fans. They mean business. The song only peaked at #15 on the charts, but was a major hit on radio and in concert. Miranda lights up the stage when she puts on a passionate performance during her live shows. Kerosene let Miranda show her tough side to country fans.

47) Chains – Patty Loveless

Patty Loveless released the single Chains in 1990 and it became a #1 hit. The song is about a woman that can’t get out of a relationship because the pull of love keeps her hanging on even though she knows she has to leave. An emotion that both women and men can relate to, Chains connected on an emotional level with country fans. The song’s uptempo beat made it catchy and memorable. Loveless puts a great lyric on the latter part of the chorus allowing fans of all ages to have fun singing along. It’s a great tune with a message that most can relate to at some point in their lives.

46) I Can’t Do That Anymore – Faith Hill

The final single off Faith Hill’s 2nd album was I Can’t Do That Anymore. The song is about a women that gives up everything in an effort to make her husband happy. Finally at the end of the song she makes her proclamation that she needs a little recognition and something for herself. Interestingly, the song was written by fellow country star Alan Jackson. The song climbed into the top ten on the charts in 1996 as it connected with women all over that were going through a similar situation.

45) Stand Beside Me – Jo Dee Messina

Jo Dee Messina was on a major roll in 1998. The first two singles from her 2nd album I’m Alright had both gone #1 on the charts. Toward the end of the year she released a third single Stand Beside Me. The song became her third #1 in a row staying at the top of the chart for 3 weeks. The song slowed things down a little bit for Jo Dee as she sang about the need for a man that wants to be her equal and not control her. The narrator knows the relationship isn’t right and needs to move on even when she runs into her former lover later on. The song was a smash hit and connected with female fans in country music. The song remains popular today as the sentiment stays forever relevant.

44) That Don’t Impress Me Much – Shania Twain

The queen of country music for just about a decade had tons of huge hits. She’s sold more records than most artists in country music. At the tail end of 1998 Shania Twain was the biggest thing in music. Her album Come On Over was selling more copies than any album on the chart and her singles were climbing to the top of the charts. That Don’t Impress Me Much became another smash for Shania. The song was catchy and the video was memorable as well. The song that included a line about Brad Pitt is one of Shania’s most memorable.

43) Undo It – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood released Undo It in 2010 and the song instantly became a fan favorite. Carrie takes on her self-described mean side as she sings about a past relationship she wished had never occurred. Undo It tells the story of a guy that stole time, energy and happiness from a girl. Many feel this emotion at some point in their life and it can make you feel like you could have all the time back once thins are finally over. It’s a rocking tune for perhaps the greatest female country artist of all time.

42) Independence Day – Martina McBride

In 1994, a feisty little woman with a big country voice took the country by storm with Independence Day. Martina McBride belted out the lyrics that told the story of domestic violence as told through the eyes of a young girl. The story was meaningful to many unfortunately and the power and passion Martina put behind every note made the song one of the most memorable country songs of the decade. Even today the song is a signature song for Martina even though it missed the top ten during its chart run. Martina is still going strong today as she continues releasing powerful songs about the lives of powerful women.

41) Maybe It Was Memphis – Pam Tillis

In 1992, the daughter of country legend Mel Tillis released her signature song. Pam Tillis released Maybe It Was Memphis and the powerful song shot straight to the country top five. Pam originally recorded the song in the late ’80s, but later re-recorded it for her breakout album. The passionate song tells the story of a couple finding love in Memphis. Tillis’ unique and passionate vocal made the song hugely popular with country fans. Maybe It Was Memphis is still a staple on country radio today as fans continue requesting it as they sing along, belting out every word.

40) A Girls’ Night Out – The Judds

With a twang and some attitude, The Judds released their #1 hit A Girl’s Night Out. The song is about hard working women taking a night off from the usual grind of daily life to get out on the town. Mother Naomi and daughter Wynonna sang their hearts out on the track. A kick of attitude and the signature twang in the track made the song unique. Still today the song is a hit with country women as they get ready to hit the town and tear it up for a night with their favorite ladies.

39) Guys Do It All The Time – Mindy McCready

Mindy McCready was young and full of attitude when she released her debut album in 1996. The album went double platinum on the success of its four singles. The lone #1 hit from the album was Guys Do It All The Time. The song was about all of the things that guys typically do regularly yet they always make a mention of it when it’s the girl doing it. Mindy burst out onto the scene and disappeared almost as quickly, but she’s back now releasing new music. She’s still young and if she can overcome her demons she’ll continue performing the song that made her famous while reminding girls that it’s alright to have pass on cutting the lawn to wash the truck.

38) Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life) – Pam Tillis

The fiery Pam Tillis released her lone #1 hit in 1994. Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life) entered the charts and shot straight to the top. The song was a huge hit for Tillis and perhaps the biggest in a score of hits for the big-voiced female vocalist. Tillis would go on to have a few more hits in her career before settling into a more subdued state in her career. The singer’s lone #1 hit remains a reminder for female fans that life can still be a little bit of fun now and then despite all the craziness each day.

37) You Don’t Even Know Who I Am – Patty Loveless

A successful woman in country music, the wonderful and beautiful Patty Loveless released the passionate You Don’t Even Know Who I Am in 1995. The song was sung with power and emotion as the story of a women in a neglected relationship played out to the hearts of country fans everywhere. The song was therapy for women and a reminder for women. Each time the song comes on the radio it catches your ear because it’s unique in its sound as the power and emotion come out in Loveless’ voice. The song was a top five hit for Patty, but even though it didn’t make the top spot it remains a signature song for the country queen.

36) Man! I Feel Like A Woman! – Shania Twain

Shania Twain’s album Come On Over spent so much time at the top of the charts that it seemed like every music fan in the nation had a copy for their home, truck and office. The album yielded 12 international singles and they were all smash hits. In 1999, as the album was enjoying more time at the top of the charts, Shania and her team released the single Man! I Feel Like A Woman! The song became another top five hit for the Canadian beauty. From the opening guitar lick, the song reminds women how great it is to head out on the town and enjoy some fun. Shania reminded women country fans all over that having a good time is allowed and being a woman is something to be proud of.

35) Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood became a superstar on the popular singing talent show American Idol, but in 2006 she released the single that made her a country music superstar. The song was Before He Cheats and the tune became a #1 smash hit on the charts. Before He Cheats sees Carrie telling the story of a cheating boyfriend that she kicks to the curb, but not before doing a little damage to the pickup truck he loves so much. The song connected with women all over and the catchy hooks in the tune had everybody singing along. Carrie is now perhaps the biggest woman in country music and could be considered the biggest star in the genre – male or female – at present. She continues releasing hits and her career should be long and successful.

34) Coat Of Many Colors – Dolly Parton

In 1971, the wonderful Dolly Parton released one of her many signature songs. Coat of Many Colors was a personal story about a mom that made a coat from the cloth that was lying around the house. Dolly came from a rural upbringing to reach to the top of the country music world. As a singer and a songwriter and extraordinary businessperson, Dolly remains nearly unmatched in success in country music. For more than five decades the beauty has been at the top of the charts while selling out shows each year. The song that most find most personal for Dolly remains one of her most requested singles.

33) Better Things To Do – Terri Clark

In 1995, a powerful-voiced Canadian singer burst onto the country music scene with a smash debut single. Terri Clark released Better Things To Do that year and it turned her into and instant star in country music. The song was about impatience when ti comes to men. Sometimes guys forget that women often have better things to do than sit around and wait for us to get our act together. Terri Clark has a powerful country music voice and she continued her career through the ’00s and still is very popular on tour in the US and Canada. The rousing debut song remains one of her fan favorites and seems to have a place in the hearts of women forever.

32) Walking Away A Winner – Kathy Mattea

The classic country woman, Kathy Mattea had a bit of a comeback hit in 1994 with her song Walking Away A Winner. The song reached #3 on the charts and had Kathy playing to big crowds once again. A huge star from the ’80s, Mattea remains popular today as she continues releasing new music and traveling the world speaking and singing for various causes. Walking Away A Winner remains a popular song for it’s positive message for strong women.

31) The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert

It took longer than most thought, but in 2010 Miranda Lambert finally got her first #1 hit with The House That Built Me. The song instantly connected with fans and even brought tears to many as they heard Ran sing a song about going back to your childhood home. A place where many memories are made, childhood homes always hold a special place in the hearts of many and Miranda put an equally memorable vocal on the track. Miranda is reaching superstar status in country music and with a few more songs like The House That Built Me she’ll easily be recognized as one of the greatest ever in country music.

30) When Will I Be Loved – Linda Ronstadt

Pop star Linda Ronstadt had a huge hit in country music with 1975’s When Will I Be Loved. The song reached the top of the country charts that year as well as reaching #2 on the pop chart. The Everly Brothers originally recorded and released the track, but it was Ronstandt’s song that captured the aching hearts of country fans everywhere. The song told the story of a cheated on lover feeling desperate and lonely. Country fans going through similar feelings were thinking “I wrote this country song…”

29) Honey, I’m Home – Shania Twain

In 1998, Shania Twain was the biggest female in country music. Her album Come On Over was a sensation, selling more copies than all previous country albums. The 5th single released in the US off the album was the fun song Honey I’m Home. The song was a proclamation for women as they sought out some understanding from the men in their lives. Too many times guys come home and just want a beer and a few minutes in front of the TV, but roles need to be reversed once in a while. Shania reminded the guys out there that women work hard all day too.

28) Two More Bottles Of Wine – Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris released Two More Bottles of Wine in 1978 and it became a #1 hit. The song is a classic now in country music. The song is about being left by a lover, but feeling not too bad because there is plenty of wine to wash the sorrows away. For better or worse, folks have a drink or perhaps a few too many when feeling let down, but Emmylou helped put a positive spin on things. She connected with an audience that was feeling let down and I’m sure it helped a few ladies get by. It’s a great help to know that you’re not the only one feeling down. Songs like Two More Bottles of Wine can be great therapy.

27) Is There Life Out There – Reba McEntire

In 1992, Reba McEntire had a huge #1 hit with the song Is There Life Out There. The song and the video received major airplay as fans connected with the story and the passionate vocals Reba put behind the lyrics. It’s common for women to look back at their busy lives and think about how things could be different if they made a few changes. It seems healthy to love the life you lead, but always want to improve things as well. And it’s also fine to get a little crazy every now and then. Life is too short to worry about consequences 100% of the time. Even just getting away and relaxing can make things seem great.

26) Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under? – Shania Twain

For all successful artists there is one song that starts it all. For mega-star Shania Twain that song was 1995’s Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?. The song was catchy and fun and everybody – including guys – were loving it. The song introduced Shania to most of the world as it climbed just shy of the top ten on the country charts. The song’s impact has stood the test of time and is still a favorite Shania song among her millions of fans. Shania put a positive twist on a cheating situation and let all the guys know that women were going to stand up and ask some questions when it came to messing around. With more hooks than a tackle box, Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under? is still a sing along classic when it comes on the radio in trucks across the country.

25) In Between Dances – Pam Tillis

It was the fifth and final single from her most successful album Sweetheart’s Dance, but Pam Tillis’ song In Between Dances had a major impact with female country fans. The song is about a lady sitting at a bar. She’s lonely since she’s recently gone through a breakup. Sometimes it takes awhile to get over someone you cared about so much. It’s hard to take that next step with someone new even if it’s just a dance. Will the next guy trust you? Will they care for you? It’s hard to trust again when someone lets you down. The song spoke to a lot of women in her audiences and Pam Tillis became a symbol of understanding as the song climbed into the top five in 1995. It was a major hit in ’95 and still is a favorite today.

24) Shut Up And Kiss Me – Mary Chapin Carpenter

With a little sass and a little attitude, Mary Chapin Carpenter had another smash hit in 1994 when she told a guy to whisper to her Shut Up And Kiss Me. The song is kind of groovy and fun. It’s a unique sound on the radio still today and that’s why fans continue to love it so much. It’s impossible not to sing along in the car and tell the one next to you to just be quiet for a second and do some smooching. Mary Chapin Carpenter is still going at it today. She continues releasing new music while touring. Shut Up And Kiss Me is always a fan favorite.

23) The Fool – Lee Ann Womack

Lee Ann Womack’s The Fool must connect with women on a very personal level because I have met many that frequently cite this song as one of their favorite country song. The tune sees the narrator feeling a little down because she always falls in love with the guys she can’t really have. The song has a sad tone to it and nobody could sing it better than the classic country artist Lee Ann Womack. The Fool is simple in its storytelling and that’s likely one of the main reasons it connects with so many women across the country. For those that fall in love with someone that’s already taken, The Fool is your song.

22) Did I Shave My Legs For This – Deana Carter

By the time Deana Carter got around to releasing the title track to her career album Did I Shave My Legs for This? she had already had four huge hits including 3 number ones on the country charts. Everybody’s favorite girl next door hit the nail on every guy’s head with this tune about guys taking their women for granted. When a woman cleans the house, gets dressed up, and does everything else to please her man the least he could do is pay a little attention. Sometimes guys just don’t get it.

21) Girls Lie To – Terri Clark

It was a big surprise to guys out there, but when the women heard Terri Clark’s 2004 #1 hit Girls Lie Too made the women out there smile. The song is upbeat and a little tongue-in-cheek and that’s just how fans liked it. The song pokes fun at guys’ misconception that girls are always interested in what they have to say as well as always being impressed. The song is fun and a good reminder to all the guys out there that women like to get away with a few lies every once and awhile too…only for their own good of course. The song was a big hit and the Johnny Depp look alike didn’t hurt the video either for the ladies…

20) Five Minutes – Lorrie Morgan

Lorrie Morgan’s first #1 hit came in 1990. The song was Five Minutes. Lorrie declared that she was finally leaving the man that was under appreciating her and that he only had a mere five minutes to beg for forgiveness. It’s a common feeling among many. When the person you’re with doesn’t get it after awhile it’s time to pack your bags and move on to a better life. If they’re lucky you’ll give them one last chance like Lorrie did. The song was a big hit for Lorrie and she would go on to have many more throughout the ’90s.

19) 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton came up with the melody for her smash hit 9 to 5 while in between shots during the movie of the same name. The wonderfully cheery, beautiful and talented country artist started playing a little melody with her fake nails and the rhythm turned into 9 to 5. The song became a smash hit as did the movie. It was a #1 hit across the board on country and pop charts and further established Dolly as one of the greatest singer-songwriters in all of music – any genre. Today you can still catch women singing along to the catchy chorus as they do their jobs and get through the work day.

18) D-I-V-O-R-C-E – Tammy Wynette

Unfortunately, more than 50% of marriages end in divorce. Tammy Wynette took another approach to an all too popular occurrence in country music. The song spells out the words so the kids can’t understand exactly what’s going on…although most kids usually can pick up on the body language and the tension in a home coming apart. Tammy sang a sad song, but it was a powerful song that meant a lot to many that listened. Nobody could quite put the wane of emotion into a lyric and melody like the great Tammy Wynette.

17) I Saw The Light – Wynonna

In 1992 it was time for the daughter from the superstar duo The Judds to breakout on her own. Wynonna broke out in a huge way with her first album. The self titled album saw the first three singles go to #1 as the album sold 5 million copies. The second single from the album was I Saw The Light and it became one of Wynonna’s biggest solo singles. The song was about finding out that a loved one was cheating by looking through the window. Wynonna used the song’s clever double meaning to perfect and turned the song into a catchy smash hit. Women all over were singing along as they saw the light in their own relationships. The song remains a big hit with fans today.

16) Strawberry Wine – Deana Carter

Deana Carter and her team were a little hesitant about releasing a slow ballad about a young girl’s first experience with love, but the gamble paid off in a big way in 1996. That fall, Strawberry Wine reached out and connected with women everywhere and the song spent multiple weeks at the top of the charts in November. The song is about a young girl falling in love while spending time out on a rural farm. It’s a universal emotion and experience women go through and the waning slow melody captured the mood and experience perfectly. Deana’s down home, girl-next-door demeanor and sultry voice made the song a signature hit – one that fans will always remember.

15) She’s In Love With The Boy – Trisha Yearwood

In 1991, a young and powerful singer broke out onto the country music scene with a smash #1 hit. She’s In Love With The Boy became an instant signature song for Trisha Yearwood and set her on the path to superstardom. The song is about a young girl falling in love with a guy that her dad doesn’t think is quite right for her. The young guy is a little rough around the edges, but the daughter’s heart burns for him. It takes a little nudging reminder from the girl’s mom to remind dad that he was once exactly the same as the young boy their daughter now loves. All young girls fall in love for the first time once. Things usually work out on their own so it’s best for parents to remember to let nature take its course.

14) Fancy – Reba McEntire

In 1991, everybody’s favorite red head Reba McEntire recorded a Bobby Gentry song and turned it into what is perhaps the Reba’s most well-known tunes. The song was Fancy and as young girls began singing along to the catchy melody, parents everywhere were turning their ears to hear the story. The song was about a young girl, brought up in poverty that is prepared for a life of making the men happy as a way to get out of the humble beginning. Reba put emotion into the song that is unparalleled and women responded by requesting the song in hoards. Fancy remains one of Reba’s biggest and most fun songs to perform live. Generations of women sing along with every lyric – no matter what the story is about.

13) Wild One – Faith Hill

At the end of 1993, a fun song about an adventurous young girl was released and the world was introduced to America’s Sweetheart. Faith Hill was beautiful, talented, and fun and her debut single Wild One became an instant #1 hit on the country charts. When parents, especially dads tell their young girls they can grow up to be whatever they want it’s a powerful permission. The more adventurous girls are usually the ones that go onto to do great things in life. I’d imagine that Faith Hill was one of those adventurous girls and she put that feeling into every lyric in the tune. Women still sing along with every note when the song comes on the radio. It’s an anthem for aspiring young women and girls and likely will be forever.

12) Crazy – Patsy Cline

Possibly the women cited by most contemporaries as a major influence, Patsy Cline released her biggest hit in 1961. The song was written by the great Willie Nelson that same year as he struggled to find success in Nashville. The tune became a signature song for Patsy and remains so today. Patsy lost her life in 1963 when she died in a plane crash, but her unparalleled voice and delivery on her collection of hits including Crazy left a huge mark on country music. The song was a smash hit back then and remains heavily covered today as Patsy continues inspiring young female country singers today.

11) Jolene – Dolly Parton

You can never go wrong with writing a country song about cheating. Dolly Parton did just that when she asked the name of an autograph seeker – Jolene. Dolly turned the pretty name into a song about a woman cheating with her man and the attitude and sass in the song made it an instant hit on the charts. The song became another #1 in a collection of many for Dolly. Nobody could sing a song with emotion quite like Dolly. Fans almost feel as if Dolly was living every lyric. Dolly is a storyteller in her purest form and the story of Jolene is a classic in country music history.

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.

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.

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.

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.