Country Bands In The 80s
On The Acoustic

Welcome to this country bands in the 80s page where you'll find many great songs you can easily learn on the acoustic.

This section of the website has a list of all of the country music bands on my site that do not have enough interest in them to warrant their own section as of yet. That may change over time. Some songs here may be from the 90s and beyond, but the bands originated in the 1980s.

Blue Side Of The Grey by Atlanta was released in late 1983 as a single from their self-titled debut album on MCA Records. The track was a significant success for the nine-member country band, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in early 1984. It also made waves in Canada, peaking at No. 13 on the RPM Country Tracks chart, establishing Atlanta as a competitive act in the competitive 80s country market.

The song is a polished example of the smooth, harmonies-driven country-pop and soft-rock sound that was popular during the "Urban Cowboy" aftermath. Atlanta, unique for having multiple members (including female vocalists), delivered lush vocal arrangements that set them apart from traditional country acts. This crossover appeal was the band’s hallmark, and "Blue Side of the Grey" is their definitive track, encapsulating the glossy, crossover-friendly aesthetic that defined the era.

After The Rain from Blue Rodeo was released in 1990 as the lead single from their triple-platinum fourth studio album, Casino. While it did not make a significant impact on the US Billboard charts, it was a major hit in the band's native Canada, peaking at No. 2 on the RPM Top Singles chart and No. 2 on the RPM Country Tracks chart, further solidifying their status as one of Canada's most beloved and enduring musical acts.

Written by co-frontman Greg Keelor, the song is a definitive example of Blue Rodeo's blend of roots-rock, alt-country, and pop sensibility. Recorded at the renowned Criteria Studios in Miami with legendary producer Pete Anderson, the track features the band's signature chiming guitars, lush organ, and the distinctive vocal interplay between Keelor and Jim Cuddy. "After The Rain" became a cornerstone of Canadian FM radio and remains a fan-favorite, encapsulating the melancholic but hopeful sound that defined the band's commercial peak in the early 1990s.

Bad Timing is track from the 1994 album Five Days In July by Blue Rodeo. This song is the anthem song for Blue Rodeo fans.

The song reached the top 20 in Canada and won a Juno Award in 1994 for the band. The song has been in several films and TV shows and has been covered by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan.

Queen Of Memphis by Confederate Railroad was released in November 1992 as the third single from their self-titled debut album. It became the band's first number one hit, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in January 1993. The song also reached No. 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada, establishing the group as a major force in the booming 1990s country-rock scene.

Written by Dave Gibson and Kathy Louvin (sister of the legendary Louvin Brothers), the song tells the humorous story of a man who wins the affections of a waitress, "the queen of Memphis." The track perfectly captures Confederate Railroad's signature sound—a mix of Southern rock, honky-tonk, and lighthearted, good-ol'-boy charm. The catchy, uptempo arrangement, featuring a prominent accordion riff, helped propel the single to crossover success and massive, enduring popularity on country radio.

Trashy Women was first recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker in 1989 but he failed to break into the top 40 with his version. Four years later in 1993, Confederate Railroad scored a #10 on the Billboard Country charts.

The song is from their debut album "Confederate Railroad".

It's All In Your Head is a perfect showcase of their rhythmic precision and intricate musicianship. Released in 1996, this track blends a catchy, upbeat melody with the band's signature "trick" guitar and mandolin interplay. From an instructional standpoint, this song is an excellent exercise in syncopated acoustic strumming and fast-paced chord shifts.

The acoustic guitar needs to drive the rhythm with a crisp, percussive attack that mimics the band's tight ensemble sound. Learning this track helps players develop the "Nashville snap"—that bright, energetic flatpicking style that cuts through a mix. It’s a rewarding challenge for any intermediate player looking to add a bit of 90s country flair and technical agility to their repertoire.

Meet In The Middle from Diamond Rio was released in February 1991 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. It was a massive success, becoming the group's first number one hit and topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in May 1991. The song also reached No. 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada, establishing Diamond Rio as a major force in the contemporary country music scene.

Written by Chapin Hartford, Jim Foster, and Don Pfrimmer, the song is a classic example of Diamond Rio's unique blend of country, bluegrass, and rock influences. The track features the band's signature lush harmonies, intricate instrumentation, and memorable melodic hooks. "Meet in the Middle" became a defining hit of the early 1990s country music era and solidified Diamond Rio's reputation as one of the genre's most talented and commercially successful groups.

Norma Jean Riley was not the original title for this song. It was to be called Pretty Little Lady, but a female name won out. It was one of 5 singles from their 1992 album "Diamond Rio"

The song peaked at #2 in the US and #3 in Canada.

Honky Tonk Heart this song was co-written by Russel Smith from The Amazing Rhythm Aces and was recorded by Highway 101 for their 1989 album "Highway 101".

The song peaked at #6 on the US country charts.

The Bed You Made For Me by Highway 101 was released in February 1987 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. The track was a significant success, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in May 1987. It also performed well in Canada, reaching No. 3 on the RPM Country Tracks chart, establishing Highway 101 as a major force in the contemporary country scene.

Written by lead singer Paulette Carlson, the song is a definitive example of Highway 101's blend of traditional country instrumentation and a polished, contemporary sound. The track showcases the band's distinctive three-part harmonies, chiming guitars, and Carlson's expressive vocals. "The Bed You Made for Me" became a cornerstone of Highway 101's repertoire and helped solidify their reputation as one of the most successful and enduring country bands of the late 1980s.

Amy's Back In Austin was a single release back in 1994 from the album "Kick A Little"

The song reached #4 in the US and #6 in Canada on the country charts. The song also picked a Grammy nomination for best song by a group.

My Love is a song by the American country band Little Texas. It was written by band members Brady Seals, Porter Howell, and Tommy Barnes. Released in January 1994, it was the third single from their album "Big Time" and became their only Number One hit on the Billboard country charts.

Brady Seals, the band's keyboardist, sang the lead vocals. The song first appeared at number 72 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart on January 15, 1994. It also became popular in Brazil because it was featured in the soundtrack of the famous soap opera "A Viagem" meaning (The Journey).

You and Forever and Me is a song by the American country band Little Texas. It was released in June 1992 as the third single from their debut album, "First Time for Everything." The song was written by lead guitarist Porter Howell and Stewart Harris.

It reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 18 on the Canadian RPM country chart.

Feed Jake by Pirates of the Mississippi was released in February 1991 as the second single from their self-titled debut album. The song was a major breakthrough for the band, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 11 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada. This success quickly established Pirates of the Mississippi as a prominent new force in the early 1990s country music scene.

Written by Danny Mayo, the song is powerful and emotionally resonant, driven by the perspective of a character facing significant hardships and asking for one small favor for his dog. The memorable hook, "But if you don't do nothing else for me, feed Jake," struck a deep chord with listeners. The song’s popularity was also significantly boosted by a stark, moving music video that received extensive airplay on CMT, transforming "Feed Jake" into a defining 1990s country classic.

The Bluest Eyes In Texas by Restless Heart was released in May 1988 as the second single from their third studio album, Big Dreams in a Small Town. The song was a massive success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in October of that year. It also crossed over to the Adult Contemporary chart, peaking at number 22, showcasing the band's broad appeal. In Canada, it reached number 12 on the RPM Country Tracks chart.

Written by Tim DuBois and Restless Heart members Greg Jennings and Van Stephenson, the song is a defining example of the band's signature blend of sophisticated country-pop and soft-rock, known as "The Restless Heart Sound." The track features the band's impeccable three-part harmonies, chiming guitars, and polished production. "The Bluest Eyes in Texas" became a cornerstone of Restless Heart's repertoire and helped solidify their reputation as one of the most successful and enduring bands of the late 1980s.

Adios Mexico by The Texas Tornados was released in 1990 as a single from their self-titled debut album on Reprise Records. While it did not make a significant impact on the mainstream Billboard charts, it peaked at No. 56 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in early 1991. The song, along with the album, achieved critical acclaim and a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Performance.

The track is a quintessential example of The Texas Tornados' unique and infectious blend of Conjunto, Tejano, country, and rock music, a sound they famously dubbed "Tex-Mex punk." The song features the legendary vocal and accordion talents of Flaco Jiménez and the distinctive songwriting and vocals of Doug Sahm, alongside Freddy Fender and Augie Meyers. "Adios Mexico" is a cornerstone of The Texas Tornados' legacy, encapsulating the vibrant, cross-cultural, and effortlessly cool aesthetic that made them a beloved and enduring force in American roots music.

She Don't Love Nobody from The Desert Rose Band was released in March 1989 as the second single from their third studio album, Pages of Life. The track was a significant success, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in July 1989. It also performed well in Canada, reaching No. 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart, establishing The Desert Rose Band as a major force in the contemporary country scene.

Written by John Hiatt, the song is a definitive example of The Desert Rose Band's blend of traditional country instrumentation and a polished, contemporary sound. The track showcases the band's distinctive four-part harmonies, chiming guitars, and lead singer Chris Hillman's expressive vocals. "She Don't Love Nobody" became a cornerstone of The Desert Rose Band's repertoire and helped solidify their reputation as one of the most successful and enduring country bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Help Me Make It Through The Night is a single from The Highwaymen that was released in 1985 from their self-titled debut album. The track was a significant success, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in June 1985. It also performed well in Canada, reaching No. 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart, establishing The Highwaymen as a major force in the contemporary country scene.

Written by Kris Kristofferson, the song is a definitive example of The Highwaymen's blend of traditional country instrumentation and a polished, contemporary sound. The track showcases the band's distinctive four-part harmonies, chiming guitars, and lead singer Willie Nelson's expressive vocals. "Help Me Make It Through The Night" became a cornerstone of The Highwaymen's repertoire and helped solidify their reputation as one of the most successful and enduring country bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Blue by The Jayhawks was released in 1995 as the lead single from their landmark album Tomorrow the Green Grass. While it did not break through onto the main US Billboard Hot 100 chart, it peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, achieving significant airplay on alternative and AAA radio stations. In the UK, it reached No. 33 on the UK Singles Chart, marking one of the band's most notable commercial successes abroad.

A cornerstone of the alternative country and Americana genres, the song is revered for the signature soaring, melancholic harmonies of Gary Louris and Mark Olson. Louris wrote the track during a songwriting session in Los Angeles, initially creating the descending bassline and melody on a piano rather than a guitar. The song's lush, chiming arrangement and its exploration of sadness and resilience have solidified its status as a defining classic of the 1990s jangle-pop and roots-rock sound.

Dumas Walker by The Kentucky Headhunters was released in January 1990 as the second single from their multi-platinum debut album, Pickin' on Nashville. The song was a major hit for the band, peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. It also performed exceptionally well in Canada, reaching No. 6 on the RPM Country Tracks chart, further solidifying their rapid rise to fame.

Written by founding members Greg Martin, Fred Young, Richard Young, and Doug Phelps, the song is a direct tribute to a real-life package store owner named Dumas Walker in Greensburg, Kentucky. The track perfectly encapsulates the band's distinctive "hillbilly rock" sound, blending crunchy Southern rock guitars with a raucous boogie-woogie beat. With its catchy hook and local references to "slaw burgers, fries, and a bottle of Ski," "Dumas Walker" became an instant classic and remains the band’s definitive signature song.

Stumblin by The Kentucky Headhunters was released in 1993 as the third and final single from their third studio album, Rave On!! The song did not achieve significant success on the main Billboard country charts, peaking at number 73, though it found more resonance in Canada, where it reached number 35 on the RPM Country Tracks chart. The album itself marked a transitional period for the band, as it was their first following the departure of brothers Ricky Lee and Doug Phelps.

Written by the band's founding members, Greg Martin and Fred Young, the song is a fine example of the Kentucky Headhunters' signature blend of Southern rock, blues, and heavy, crunchy country instrumentation. While it did not reach the commercial heights of their defining earlier hits, the track maintains the raw, unpolished, "hillbilly-rock" aesthetic that made them a groundbreaking force in the early 1990s. The song remains a cult favorite among fans, showcasing their enduring dedication to a gritty, high-energy roots-music sound.

Walk Softly On This Heart Of Mine was the first single from the bands 1989 album "Pickin On Nashville".

by The Kentucky Headhunters was released in December 1989 as the second single from their multi-platinum debut album, Pickin' on Nashville. The song was a massive success, reaching No. 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada and peaking at No. 25 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, establishing the band as a force in country music.

The song is actually a high-energy cover of a classic bluegrass track written by Bill Monroe, the "Father of Bluegrass." The Kentucky Headhunters transformed the song with their signature blend of Southern rock, heavy guitars, and gritty, bluesy vocals. This "hillbilly rock" interpretation was a hallmark of their sound, and "Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine" remains one of their most popular and defining tracks, perfectly capturing the raw energy that propelled them to stardom in the early 1990s.

Baby Likes To Rock It by The Tractors was released in August 1994 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album on Arista Nashville. The song was a major hit, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and reaching No. 8 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada. It also crossed over to the pop charts, hitting No. 2 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100, fueling the album’s massive multi-platinum success.

The track is a high-energy fusion of country, boogie-woogie, and vintage rock and roll, driven by a infectious, swinging beat. The group, which was primarily a studio collective led by Steve Ripley, featured a distinctive sound centered on Ripley’s slide guitar work and the legendary session drummer Jamie Oldaker. The song’s massive success was also boosted by a popular, lighthearted music video that became a staple on CMT, solidifying "Baby Likes to Rock It" as the definitive anthem of The Tractors’ short but explosive career.