2000 Country Music Hits You Need to Know
Contents
Here are 2000 Country Music songs that you need to know. This is a great list for anyone who loves country music or wants to learn more about it.
Introduction
It’s been said that country music is three chords and the truth. While that may be true, there’s a lot more to country music than that. The genre has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of rock, pop, blues, and even rap. The result is a sound that is both unique and familiar.
If you’re new to country music, or just looking to brush up on your knowledge, this list is a great place to start. We’ve compiled 100 of the most essential country songs from 2000-2009, including hits from household names like Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Kenny Chesney. So grab your cowboy hat and buckle up for a musical ride through the last decade.
The Hits
Country music has a long and storied history, and these 2000 hits are some of the biggest and most influential country songs of all time. From chart-toppers to country classics, these songs have shaped the genre and helped make country music what it is today. So, crank up the country radio and get ready to sing along to some of the best songs in country music history.
“A Good Year for the Roses”
“A Good Year for the Roses” is a song written by Jerry Chesnut and recorded by American country music artist George Jones. It was released in September 1970 as the first single from his album The Grand Tour. The song peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in early 1971 and became a major hit in the United Kingdom, reaching number 31 on the UK Singles Chart that year.
The song is told from the perspective of a man who is leaving his lover; he says that although he knows their relationship is over, he will always remember her fondly. In the final verse, he reflects on all of the happy times they shared together and admits that he will never love anyone as much as he loved her.
The song has been covered by a number of artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, Billy Joe Shaver, and Waylon Jennings.
“Abilene”
“Abilene” is a song written by John D. Loudermilk and published in 1963. The song was originally recorded by Bob Gibson and reached number four on the Billboard Country Singles chart in 1964. The most successful recording of the song was released by George Hamilton IV as a single in July 1964 and reached number one on the same chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Alabama, Reba McEntire, and Hank Williams Jr.
The lyrics of “Abilene” tell the story of a man who is traveling on a train from Flowery Branch, Georgia to Abilene, Texas. The man is lonely and regretful, and he is thinking about the woman he left behind. The song reflects on the choices we make in life and how they can lead to loneliness and heartache.
Despite its sad message, “Abilene” is a catchy tune with a memorable chorus:
“Abilene, Abilene
Prettiest town I’ve ever seen
Abilene, Abilene
Ooh I wish I’d stayed at home.”
“All My Ex’s Live in Texas”
This song, recorded by George Strait, was released in 1987 as part of his album Beyond the Blue Neon. The song became one of Strait’s most well-known hits, and helped propel him to superstardom in country music. The song is about a man who is reflecting on his past relationships, all of which have ended badly. Despite this, he still holds a torch for all of his exes, and wishes they still lived in Texas so he could keep an eye on them.
“Always on My Mind”
“Always on My Mind” is a song co-written by Mark James, Johnny Christopher, and Wayne Carson and recorded first by Gwen McCrae (as “You Were Always on My Mind”) and Brenda Lee in 1972. AllMusic lists over 300 recorded releases of the song in versions by dozens of performers.
The song was first recorded in February 1972 by Gwen McCrae (as “You Were Always on My Mind”). Brenda Lee released a version later the same year. Elvis Presley recorded his version two months after its initial release, which became a hit single in early 1972. The song became a crossover pop hit, becoming Presley’s biggest hit single in 26 years; it was his first number-one record on the Billboard Hot 100 chart since “A Big Hunk o’ Love” (1959), and remained there for four weeks. Despite this success, the song missed the top ten in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 12.
In 1975, John Wesley Ryles reached number 20 on the US country charts with his rendition, which served as inspiration for Willie Nelson’s signature version the following year. Nelson’s single peaked at number one for ten weeks on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart in late 1976/early 1977, spending two weeks at that position in December 1976 and eight weeks starting in January 1977. Billboard ranked Nelson’s recording as the No. 1 country single of 1977; it remained his highest-charting solo single until 1980 when “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” peaked at No. 1 on both the country and pop charts simultaneously.”Always on My Mind” became one of only three country songs to make Billboard’s pop Top 40 three separate times through three different recordings, along with Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” (1961) andShelly West’s “Jose Cuervo” (1982).
Nelson has stated that he first heard John Wesley Ryles’ version of this song playing on an Armed Forces Radio station while he was stationed aboard a ship off Vietnam circa 1969–1970: “”Always On My Mind”” is one of those songs that got me through many sleepless nights during my time in service.” He did not officially record it until after hearing Willie Nelson’s cover played live: “”I liked what Willie did so much that I asked him if I could steal it from him.””
“Amazed”
“Amazed” is a song co-written by Marv Green, Aimee Mayo, and Chris Lindsey. It was recorded by American country music group Lonestar, and released in March 1999 as the lead single from their self-titled album. The song spent eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) chart in April and May 1999. It was ranked number two on Billboard’s Top Country Songs of the Year end of year chart for 1999 and is Lonestar’s biggest hit to date. The song tells of a couple falling deeply in love at first sight.
Conclusion
There are many great country hits from 2000, but these are some that truly stand out. If you’re a fan of country music, then you need to give these songs a listen. From heartwarming ballads to upbeat anthems, these hits will have you singing along in no time. So grab your cowboy hat and Stetson and get ready to enjoy some of the best country music 2000 has to offer!
