The 1990s saw a long list of country artists release several outstanding albums. Some of the biggest names in the genre released their debut records in the first half of the decade. Additionally, artists who had been slowly climbing the ladder to stardom found critical acclaim and eager new fans. Some relatively new faces also released some of the greatest sophomore albums in recent history.
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Some artists suffer from a “sophomore slump” in which their second album pales in comparison to their debut. However, these artists didn’t have that issue. Their sophomore records dominated the country charts in the 1990s.
[RELATED: 4 Hit Country Songs From the 1990s That We All Forgot About]
1. Too Cold at Home by Mark Chesnutt (1990)
Technically, Too Cold at Home is Mark Chesnutt’s sophomore full-length. He released his debut, Doing My Country Thing, through the small, Texas-based label, Axbar Records. His 1990 album was his first with a major label and first to reach the country chart, where it peaked at No. 12.
It is also quintessential ’90s country. The title track, “Brother Jukebox,” his rendition of “Friends in Low Places,” and “Blame It on Texas” are all classics.
2. Put Yourself in My Shoes by Clint Black (1990)
As part of country music’s Class of ’89, Clint Black’s debut album primed him to be a star in the 1990s. Put Yourself in My Shoes gave Black his second consecutive No. 1 album. It also produced four singles, all of which were top 10 hits. “Where Are You Now” and “Loving Blind” went to No. 1.
The album tracks pack plenty of highlights as well, including “The Goodnight-Loving,” “Muddy Water,” “This Nightlife,” and “A Heart Like Mine.”
3. Don’t Rock the Jukebox by Alan Jackson (1991)
Alan Jackson was well on his way to country stardom after releasing his debut album, Here in the Real World, in 1990. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and produced four No. 1 singles. “Midnight in Montgomery” was the only single from the album to miss the top spot, peaking at No. 3. It’s the kind of “no skip” album that fans crave.
The title track, “Midnight in Montgomery,” “Someday,” and “Walkin’ the Floor Over Me,” might be some of Jackson’s best work.
4. Regular Joe by Joe Diffie (1992)
The late, great Joe Diffie released his debut album, A Thousand Winding Roads, in 1990, and it was a top 40 hit on the country chart. Then, two years later, he came back with his sophomore outing, Regular Joe. Three of the album’s four singles landed in the top 20 of the country chart.
“Back to Back Heartaches,” “You Made Me What I Am,” “Ships That Don’t Come In,” and the title track are all standout songs in an album of top-notch country music.
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