The Technical One-Hit Wonder With a Ton of Country Hits

When it comes to country music, there are a lot of big-name artists who have succeeded in the style. You can close your eyes and think of a handful of them right now. And as you do, likely one of those that comes to mind is Garth Brooks. With his cowboy hat and a string of giant stadium tours, Brooks not only made a name for himself in the 1990s, but he became one of the biggest stars in music in the world.

Videos by American Songwriter

Ever since, he has become one of those lit-up, glitzy artists in the genre of country music who always draw attention, from awards shows to on-stage performing. He’s part of the upper echelon. In every musical style, there are famous people, and amongst those, there are the select few who have become legends. When it comes to country, Brooks is one of those legends. With nine songs to hit the Billboard Hot 100, he is an icon to be sure.

Garth Brooks: Hit-Maker

But while fans may know many of his songs by heart, including “Wrapped Up In You” and “More Than A Memory”, not to mention his signature songs like “Friends in Low Places” and “The River”, both of which hit No. 1 on the Billboard country songs chart, Brooks’ music boasts many great backstories. Not only will he live on for a long time in the history of country music, but there is much to know about his life and career.

For instance, did you know that Brooks, despite all his hit songs, is also a one-hit wonder? Did you know his highest-charting song is not one released under his born name? Yes, did you know that Garth Brooks has an alter-ego? All of these are true!

While Garth Brooks himself is as far from a one-hit wonder as you can get, his alter-ego, Chris Gaines, would definitely be considered a one-hit wonder.

Chris Gaines

In 1999, Brooks wanted to move away from his country roots for a spell. But he didn’t want to do so under his own name. So, he sought a different route. Enter: Chris Gaines. Brooks put on the rock personality at the end of the 20th century to mix it up a bit. And while the move received its notes from critics, the alter-ego helped Brooks earn his top-charting song. As a result, today Brooks’ Gaines character is considered a one-hit wonder.

Indeed, in 1999, Brooks as Gaines released the album, Garth Brooks in…the Life of Chris Gaines. The LP produced Brooks—er, Gaines—highest-charting song, “Lost in You”, which hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The acoustic-driven emo number was accompanied by a music video that shows Brooks in dark hair singing falsetto like he was a sad character in a movie. In fact, Gaines was first conceived of as a character in a movie, The Lamb, but that film never got off the ground.

The Reception

While the move to don an alter-ego confused some fans and critics, Chris Gaines’ album did garner some positive reviews, including for the heartfelt single, “Lost in You”. But today, the period of Brooks’ career when he became another artist is not exactly looked back on super favorably. Brooks at the time was so big, he could do anything. But sometimes it’s not worth trying whatever idea leaps into your mind. Sometimes you have to stick to the script.

Does Brooks regret his time acting as another artist? Maybe. It sure did make headlines and it did garner him a big hit—making Gaines a one-hit wonder—but it all just seems odd looking back on it. A lark gone awry. But that’s what happens when you’re a giant in your field. You take risks. You get lost in the idea of being someone else.

Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images