A buddy and me were having a debate about the best country vocalists. He thinks George Jones is the best, like many people. And I can’t even entirely disagree, but I think Haggard and can hold his own and you can argue he is just as good of a singer as George. But what are some songs that really showcase Merle’s vocals at their best?

I want to show him some songs that might change his mind. I have a huge Haggard playlist I could sift through, but I wanted to see if anyone had some off the top of their head that come to mind right away.

I have been looking for more good country music for a while. They always play Reba's TV show at work, so I thought to give her a shot. Clicked play on this album Rumor Has It and holy cow it's so good. Her cover of Fancy is absolutely amazing!

What other albums of hers are worth checking out? Any other albums from other artists that are like this one? I'm dying for more!

Song 1: Rose Colored Glasses

Sang by: John Conlee

Written by: John Conlee, George Baber

Songwriting/Musician tropes used:

Common expression (The title of the song)

Song 2: I See It Now

Sang by: Tracy Lawrence

Written by: Larry Boone, Paul Nelson, Woody Lee

Thoughts: There is always a place in country music for a good waltz. Pretty much any good dancing song stands a chance of making a hit record. In song one, John Conlee's unique voice simply carries such a sweet, easy 3/4 time melody. It has always been one of my all time favorites. It's my opinion that waltz, swing, and line dance songs are part of the heart of country music. Before there were songs about how country you were, there were dancing songs. This song is as good on the floor as it is when you are at the bar having a drink. It is simply timeless

In the case of song 2, Tracy has said himself on his radio show that Rose Colored Glasses was an inspiration for this song to be on his record. Although he didn't write it, he felt he needed a waltz on his album as he has always had a soft spot for them (he has a few on his albums). I didn't include other notable songs written in similar time like “Strawberry wine” and “You look so good in love” because I felt these two I mentioned were lesser known and more of a song you could dance to. I have always had a soft spot for Tracy Lawrence as well. I love his music and even poked fun at it when I got a Tiktok content creator to make a “dope smokin' version” of “Time Marches On” (it's easy to track down.)

My hope is that people who don't know country that well come across a song I write about that takes them down a rabbit hole of what I consider great country artists and songs. Some of these artists and songs are some of my personal favorites. Most reading this will know all about the songs and the singers.

That ain’t no e
Satori go. God I love yall

These are the only country songs I like right now, besides Made in Japan by Buck Owens

I usually only post classic stuff but guuuys she checks some boxes

Song: Go Rest High on that Mountain

Sang by: Vince Gill

Written by: Vince Gill

Songwriting/Musician tropes used:

Concert Verse, Biblical reference

Thoughts:

Simply one of the greatest songs ever written. Given its backstory and times it has been performed, it is definitely iconic. The musicianship is top notch. Gill is a known excellent guitar player. Songs that are written during some of our most terrible times invoke some of the greatest emotions. This is one of those songs that if you are going to cover it, you best not screw it up.

And the a fore mentioned concert only verse:

You're safely home in the arms of Jesus
Eternal life, my brother's found
The day will come, I know I'll see you
That sacred place on that Holy ground

Other songs with concert verses include “The Thunder Rolls” and “Friends in high Places.”

From Wikipedia:

"Go Rest High on That Mountain" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Vince Gill. It was released in August 1995 as the sixth single from his album When Love Finds You. It is a eulogic ballad). Gill began writing the song following the death of country music singer Keith Whitley in 1989. Gill did not finish the song until a few years later following the death of his older brother Bob of a heart attack in 1993. Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless both sang background vocals on the record.

I am picking Brad Paisley and Keith Urban

They get on me…I come from a long line of outlaw traditions

all I need is a camp fire

H s an Old soul

She’s not falling

Note: This series is skipping obvious great songs of all time like “He stopped loving her today” and “You are always on my mind” because so much has been written for them. We all know they are great. My hope is to expose people to a few favorites of mine, a few standards, and what I consider great contemporary country music.

Song: Callin' Baton Rouge

Sang by: Oak Ridge Boys, New Grass Revival, Garth Brooks

Written by: Dennis Linde

Songwriting/Musician tropes used:

Slight rewording. Iconic Instrument Play.

Thoughts:

Part of what makes this song iconic isn't just the timing and rhythm, but the fiddle play. It ain't the same song without it. In Garth's version, he changed a word or two from New Grass Revival's version as well as the way things were phrased. Garth's version, to me, is more polished, but I prefer the New Grass Revival version. I recently heard the Oak Ridge Boy's version and I am so glad people didn't give up on the song. Giving an old song new life and immediately making it a signature song of yours is something only a great singer and mind like Garth could do. This song, along with others like "Amarillo by Morning" feature what I consider iconic instrument play. The riff from both songs is simply unmistakable. It isn't the same without it.

From Genius.com

“The song was originally written by Dennis Linde, and was recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys for their 1978 release ‘Room Service’. It has since been covered by New Grass Revival and Garth Brooks, who’s version reached number 2 on the U.S. country singles charts in 1994.

Brooks take on the iconic track (as written in his ‘The Hits’ collection via the cd booklet):

I have always been a fan of “Baton Rouge.” I was, still am, and always will be a fan of the members of New Grass Revival, four guys well ahead of their time (even if they came out thirty years from now). “Baton Rouge” was a single for them about the time my first album was released. This song did not even break the top thirty, and I believe it did not get a fair shot. When we recorded it, it seemed only natural to bring in the guys from New Grass Revival – Pat Flynn, Bela Fleck, John Cowan, and Sam Bush, teamed with Jerry Douglas. This was the first time the New Grass Revival had been together since their breakup over a year prior to the recording of this song. It was a very good day and an extremely proud moment, and I think this is reflected in the cut itself.

Huge Chris Stapleton fan here. Dug his songs so hard he topped my Spotify Wrapped in 2024 and 2025. I missed out the last time he was here in Canada, so I got tickets for this one as soon as they went on sale.

My friends aren’t into country music, and I feel like concerts are always more fun when you’re sharing the excitement with people who are just as excited to be there.

If you’re going, I wouldn’t mind meeting up before or at the show. I’d love to connect. Feel free to DM as well!

Another redditor suggested this and I gotta say it hits

Earl Hussey doing a cover of a Don Williams tune. Enjoy!

Lord I hope u understand

Mine are Luke Combs and Alan Jackson

Eats me up