Category: Country

Introduction: Out of the Blue: The Story Behind George Strait’s “Blue Clear Sky” “Blue Clear Sky,” the title track from George Strait’s 1996 album of the same name, is a country ballad that speaks to the unexpected arrival of love. But the song’s origins hold a story almost as surprising as the love it describes.…

Introduction: The Big Easy Soundtrack: A Look at Toby Keith’s “New Orleans” Released in 1999 on Toby Keith’s album “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, “New Orleans” isn’t your typical celebratory anthem about the Crescent City. This country ballad digs a little deeper, weaving a tale of love, regret, and the enduring spirit of New…

Introduction: How Alan Jackson Brought Us “Gone Country” in 1994 Released in November 1994, “Gone Country” by Alan Jackson became an instant hit, solidifying his position as a country music traditionalist. But the song’s origins go beyond just him. The tune itself came from songwriter Bob McDill, known for crafting relatable stories for country stars.…

Introduction: Tryin’ to Matter: A Look at Toby Keith’s Introspective Ballad Released in 2001 on Toby Keith’s album “Pull My Chain,” “Tryin’ To Matter” stands out as a more introspective song in Keith’s repertoire. Known for his brash patriotism and anthemic country tunes, “Tryin’ To Matter” delves into themes of loneliness, disconnection, and the longing…

Introduction: Unwinding with a Classic: The Story of George Strait’s “Unwound” “Unwound,” the smooth and easy-listening tune that would become synonymous with George Strait’s signature style, has a history as laid-back as the feeling it evokes. Released in April 1981, “Unwound” wasn’t just any song; it was the debut single that launched Strait’s career on…

Introduction: Toby Keith’s “My List”: A Song About Priorities and Missed Moments Toby Keith’s “My List” isn’t just a catchy tune, it’s a poignant reflection on the daily grind and the things we often push aside. Released in 2002 as the final single from his album “Pull My Chain,” the song struck a chord with…

Introduction: Alan Jackson’s “Angels and Alcohol”: A Look Back Released in 2015, “Angels and Alcohol” is the title track from Alan Jackson’s twentieth studio album. While details about the song’s specific inspiration are limited, we can explore the context of its creation and delve into Jackson’s signature style to understand the emotional weight of the…

Introduction: Cruisin’ with “Baby Blue”: A Look Back at a George Strait Classic “Baby Blue” isn’t just a catchy tune by the “King of Country” himself, George Strait, it’s a chart-topping hit that solidified Strait’s reign in the late 80s. Released in April 1988, the song was the second single from Strait’s album “If You…

Introduction: Wrangling Up a Good Time: The Story of Alan Jackson’s Signature Hit Alan Jackson’s “Good Time” isn’t just a catchy tune, it’s a country anthem. Released in late 2010 as the title track for his album of the same name, the song quickly resonated with audiences, becoming a chart-topper and earning nominations for both…

Introduction: Huckleberry: A Slice of Americana from Toby Keith Released in 2002 on Toby Keith’s album “Unleashed,” “Huckleberry” offers a glimpse into a simpler time and a disappearing way of life. While details about the song’s origin and inspiration haven’t been publicly shared by Toby Keith himself, we can glean some meaning from the lyrics…