Are These 3 Country Songs From the 1970s Overplayed, or Are They Just That Good?

Among older country fans and country fans with old souls, the most beloved era of country music is the 1970s. During the decade, fans could listen to Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, John Denver, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings, and so many more. However, that doesn’t exempt a few of the decade’s classic songs from the burning question we posed above and will now pose again. So, are these three country songs from the 1970s overplayed, or are they just that good?

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“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

You could put us on blast for featuring this song on our list, as it is one of the most popular country songs of all time. Though that is precisely why we are featuring this song on our list, because obscurity has not even landed a lick on this timeless track.

John Denver‘s single is catchy, ubiquitous, and essentially a fan favorite even among those who don’t even like country music all that much. That being said, it appears in films, in bars, at sporting events, and generally anywhere that is known for playing a playlist full of the most popular tracks of all time. So, is it overplayed, or is it just that good?

“The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers

We believe Kenny Rogers‘ “The Gambler” meets the same criteria as Denver’s single; hence, we’ve added it to our list. We and many others believe this is a great song. Though burgers from McDonald’s are also great, but does that mean we eat them on a frequent basis? To each their own, but you certainly see where we are coming from, right?

All in all, the quality of Rogers’ hit makes for an easy listen. However, at times, it can benefit us music fans to set certain tracks on the back burner for a while to rediscover nuances we haven’t noticed before. Maybe, just maybe, we should set Rogers’ single aside for a second. What do you think?

“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” by Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings

In the grand scheme of “overplayed” songs, this Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings single doesn’t meet the standard. However, in terms of “overplayed” country songs, we believe it does. While not a common play outside country music, it is within country music. Consequently, many country fans define the careers of Willie and Waylon by this one song.

This particular installment is more urging fans to discover the expansive catalog of Willie and Waylon than telling them that this song’s airtime needs to be reduced. Play it as much as you like, but remember there is a whole world of great country music out there, far beyond this classic.

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