Country music was dominated in the 1990s by fiercely talented women, many of whom debuted on the scene during that decade. One of those voices was Canadian talent Terri Clark, who made waves with her first single, “Better Things to Do.”
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That song became a No. 3 hit on country radio, sparking an impressive span of successful releases over the next five years. She released three studio albums and earned her first No. 1 single in the U.S. (“Easy On the Eyes”) and six additional Top 10 hits. But the ’90s were only the first chapter of Clark’s long and impressive musical career, which shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Over the past two decades, the Grand Ole Opry member and 2023 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee recorded nine more studio albums. She earned multiple ACM and CMA Award nominations for her syndicated radio show, Country Gold, and released a new collaboration with fellow country hitmaker Ty Herndon earlier this year.
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Whether you’re a longtime fan or an unfamiliar music fan, listening to these early releases is guaranteed to unlock some joyful nostalgia.
Take a trip back to the 1990s and revisit these unforgettable Terri Clark songs that took country music by storm.
1. “If I Were You”
Driven by thoughtful and poetic lyrics, Clark reminds a friend that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side in this 1996 single. “If I Were You” is a kind but cautionary tale to anyone questioning whether their relationship is worth holding onto.
2. “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”
It takes a lot of guts to record your own version of an iconic artist’s track, but it’s even riskier to select it as a single. Clark beat the odds with her brilliant version of “Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” written by Warren Zevon and made famous by Linda Ronstadt. This countrified, modern take was an instant classic, becoming a Top 5 hit for Clark in 1996.
3. “Emotional Girl”
Clark’s strong yet unapologetically feminine approach to country music is at the core of this 1997 single. The punchy “Emotional Girl,” a track from her second studio album Just the Same, quickly made its way into the Top 10 in the U.S. and Clark’s home country of Canada.
4. “You’re Easy On the Eyes”
Another superb co-write with Shapiro and Waters, this saucy response to a flaky love interest marked a landmark moment in Clark’s career. In 1998, “You’re Easy On the Eyes” became her first track to top the country chart in the U.S., staying at No. 1 for three weeks.
5. “Better Things to Do”
Released to country radio in the summer of 1995, “Better Things to Do” was the song that started it all. Co-written by Clark with country songsmiths Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters, this clever kiss-off to an unworthy ex-lover became her first Top 10 radio hit.
6. “When Boy Meets Girl”
Another gem from Clark’s debut record, “When Boy Meets Girl” put a playful, modern twist on a familiar coming-of-age tale. Infused with plenty of twang and attitude, the 1996 single was another smash success, peaking at No. 3 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Singles chart.
7. “Now That I Found You”
This heartfelt celebration of love and the winding path that led you to the right person became a massive hit for Clark in 1998. This romantic pop-country tune climbed all the way to No. 2 on the country charts in both the U.S. and Canada.
8. “Everytime I Cry”
This powerful, emotionally charged cut is the third single from Clark’s third record How I Feel. Penned by Karen Staley and Bob Regan, “Everytime I Cry” taps into the raw pain and frustration that washes over someone who’s been treated badly by their lover too many times.
Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for The 2018 Concert for Love & Acceptance
