The Judds – “Girls’ Night Out”
The Judds turned the end of a long workweek into a country celebration with “Girls’ Night Out,” a lively anthem that became one of the mother-and-daughter duo’s earliest No. 1 hits.
Written by Brent Maher and Jeffrey Bullock, “Girls’ Night Out” tells the story of a hardworking woman who has spent the entire week waiting for Friday night. After putting in her time on the job, she is ready to leave her responsibilities behind, head into town and enjoy a little well-earned freedom. The song’s message was simple, but it connected with women who understood the need to occasionally escape the daily routine and have fun with their friends.
The track was recorded during sessions for Why Not Me, The Judds’ first full-length studio album. Recording took place during the summer of 1984 at Creative Workshop in Berry Hill, Tennessee. Maher, who helped create The Judds’ signature sound, also produced the album.
Rather than burying Wynonna and Naomi Judd beneath heavy production, Maher used a relatively small group of Nashville musicians and an acoustic-based approach. That gave the recordings a warm, uncluttered sound built around Wynonna’s commanding lead vocals and Naomi’s unmistakable harmony. Musicians on the album included guitarist and bandleader Don Potter, drummer Eddie Bayers, bassist Jack Williams, keyboardist Bobby Ogdin and steel guitarist Sonny Garrish.
Released in October 1984, Why Not Me arrived as The Judds were quickly becoming one of country music’s hottest new acts. “Girls’ Night Out” was issued as the album’s second single in January 1985, following the chart-topping title track.
The song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country chart in April 1985 and remained there for one week. It also topped the Canadian country chart. It became The Judds’ third No. 1 country single, following “Mama He’s Crazy” and “Why Not Me.” The next single, “Love Is Alive,” also reached the top, giving the duo an extraordinary run of hits.
“Girls’ Night Out” stood apart from many of The Judds’ more emotional recordings. It was playful, energetic and filled with Wynonna’s feisty personality. At the same time, Naomi’s harmonies kept the family sound front and center.
Decades later, “Girls’ Night Out” remains a perfect Friday-night country song. Its celebration of friendship, freedom and a little fun after a hard week has never gone out of style.
