The 1980s is a bit of an underrated era for country music. Not quite at the cusp of country pop, yet still moving away from traditional country sounds, the 1980s was a time for a lot of experimentation and change in the country music world. And when it comes to the 1980s, these four country songs defined the era quite beautifully.
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Keep in mind that this list is far from definitive. We’re just fans of these four hits, in particular.
1. “Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson
This 1982 hit by Willie Nelson has to be one of the most memorable country songs of the era. Even non-fans of the genre recognize it; it’s a truly gorgeous country love song.
“Always On My Mind” nabbed Willie Nelson a few lucrative Grammy awards and CMA wins, including Song Of The Year wins for two years in a row. “Always On My Mind” is a real charmer that proved that outlaw country wasn’t quite over yet in the 80s.
2. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
This George Jones classic is one of the most memorable country songs of the 1980s. And, according to quite a few fans, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” is also one of the most gut-wrenchingly sad country songs ever. To many, it’s also the greatest country song ever written. Naturally, that’s up to you to decide.
Released in 1980, this heartbreaking ballad was actually written by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock.
3. “Killin’ Time” by Clint Black
This Clint Black classic was released at the tail-end of the 1980s, but we think it’s still worth mentioning on this list. Few musicians have put out country tunes in that decade that have become so closely associated with a point in time, and “Killin’ Time” is about as nostalgic as it gets. “A Better Man” could have made it to this list, too.
4. “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” by Barbara Mandrell
Remember Barbara Mandrell? She put out one of the most memorable yet still underrated country songs of the 1980s. “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” was released in 1981 and led to Mandrell taking home several Entertainer Of The Year awards from the CMAs.
The song is often seen as a response to the cultural growth of neo-country and country pop, and Mandrell sticks to her traditional country roots on this one.
Photo by Clayton Call/Redferns
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