From American Songwriter · Alex Hopper · · 30s
Country Hits That Defied 1990s Nashville Rules
Three 1990s country songs broke radio norms without Nashville's formula.
In brief
Three 1990s country songs broke radio norms without Nashville's formula. Martina McBride, Dwight Yoakam, and Toby Keith created hits in the 1990s by rejecting typical country music trends. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Quick answers
- How Do You Like Me Now?
- Toby Keith's bitter song rejected niceties to become one of his biggest hits.
- What is the key takeaway from Country Hits That Defied 1990s Nashville Rules?
- Martina McBride, Dwight Yoakam, and Toby Keith created hits in the 1990s by rejecting typical country music trends.
Independence Day
Martina McBride's 1990s country song tackled abuse and revenge without radio-friendly topics.
“Some folks whispered, some folks talked, / But everybody looked the other way / And when time ran out there was no one about / On Independence Day”
Fast As You
Dwight Yoakam's rockabilly track rejected pop crossover trends for traditional country sounds.
“Maybe I'll be as fast as you / Maybe I'll break hearts too / But I think that you'll slow down / When your turn to hurt comes around”
How Do You Like Me Now?
Toby Keith's bitter song rejected niceties to become one of his biggest hits.
“How do you like me now, now that I'm on my way? / Do you still think I'm crazy standing here today?”
The takeaway
Martina McBride, Dwight Yoakam, and Toby Keith created hits in the 1990s by rejecting typical country music trends.
