When Reba McEntire released ‘Somebody Should Leave’ in 1985, she delivered one of the most emotionally honest portrayals of a failing relationship in country music. Featured on her album Have I Got a Deal for You, the song stands out not for dramatic confrontation, but for its quiet, aching realism. At its core, ‘Somebody Should […]

Released in 1981, ‘Feels So Right’ became one of the signature songs of Alabama and helped solidify their place at the forefront of country music’s crossover boom in the early ’80s. Written by the band’s lead singer Randy Owen, the song showcased a softer, more intimate side of the group—one that stood in contrast to […]

Released in 1981, ‘Unwound’ marked the beginning of a legendary career for George Strait and helped usher in a new era of traditional country music. As his debut single, the song introduced Strait to a national audience and set the tone for what would become one of the most consistent and celebrated careers in country […]

Let’s talk again about Merle Haggard and this time we’re giving some proper respect to Big City, one of the finest albums ever cut by a guy who actually knew what a hard day’s work felt like. First reason: his past—no fairy tales, just facts.Haggard was born in Bakersfield in 1937, and his early life […]