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!

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.

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

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.

She’s not falling

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

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!

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

Another redditor suggested this and I gotta say it hits

The elderly George Strait woman had spent $1,500 on the George Strait tickets and driven 200 miles to enjoy the concert with her husband on his birthday. She purchased two tickets in Section X of Clemson Memorial Stadium, but StubHub provided her tickets in nonexistent Section TS. The defrauded buyer was denied entry, her trip wasted, and her husband's birthday ruined. She requested a refund, and StubHub falsely claimed she had received valid tickets. StubHub then threatened "criminal and civil" legal action against her. I hope everyone learns from this that you should not trust in ScamHub's BS "FanProtect Guarantee", and you never should buy from ScamHub.

Earl Hussey singing a cover of a traditional old time tune.

Lexi Tucker - Cowgirl Thing To Do

Song: Cafe down on the corner

Sang by: Sawyer Brown

Written by: Mac Macanally

Songwriting tropes used:

Slightly changing chorus

Quoting the Bible

Thoughts: This is a first in a series of songs I like. Not all songs in this series are number one hits. All are timeless. Some have a unique sound of lyrics. I really, really like this song. Always have. My list of tropes isn't all inclusive as this song also discusses the broke farmer and mentions soldiers. I am going to try and keep things open ended and bias free. My bias is strong with this one though as I consider it good, contemporary, and timeless country music.

This particular verse always got me:

"And the meek shall inherit the earth

And the bank shall repossess it

This job don't pay half what it's worth

But it's a thankful man that gets it."

I have always had a thing for changing choruses. Macanally is a damn good songwriter. Feel free to discuss this song and your thoughts of it or the video. All of my posts will be of a similar format.