Heartstrings Tugged and Pulled in these Mary Chapin Carpenter Songs

American country and folk music singer Mary Chapin Carpenter proved that you shouldn’t give up on your dreams and goals, no matter how challenging the obstacles are. She finally settled and created more captivating music despite her struggles to find the perfect label.

Although most of Mary Chapin Carpenter songs didn’t top the charts, they are worth listening to. Check out our list of Carpenter’s songs and take a listen to them!

1. Shut Up and Kiss Me

Released in August 1994 on her album Stones in the Road, “Shut Up and Kiss Me” is Mary Chapin Carpenter‘s first single to make it to the #1 spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on November 1994. The song bagged the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1995.

2. How Do

Carpenter wrote, recorded, and released “How Do” in April 1989. The single was part of her album State of the Heart and landed in the 19th spot on the Hot Country Songs chart.

The song talks about a woman eyeing to entertain a relatively new man in town, with the woman trying to offer help by showing him all the area. The track starts fast; the drums kicking and the fast strumming of the guitar make it a groovy song to listen to.

3. Almost Home

“Almost Home,” released in April 1999 by Carpenter, reached the 22nd spot on the Hot Country Songs chart a few weeks after it was out. Carpenter, Annie Roboff, and Beth Nielsen Chapman recorded and co-written the song. She produced the track with Blake Chancey.

Carpenter nailed the song with a moderate tempo and deep and soothing voice. 

4. Never Had It So Good

In September 1989, Carpenter released “Never Had It So Good” from her album State of the Heart. The song was co-produced with John Jennings and peaked at the #8 spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The song is about Carpenter’s relationship with her ex. When she wrote the song, neither she nor her ex expected it to be heard on the radio. Well, that’s a way to put a period on a relationship.

5. Let Me into Your Heart

Recorded and written by Carpenter, the song “Let Me into Your Heart” took the 11th seat on the Hot Country Songs chart. It was released in September 1996 as a single from her A Place in the World album.

The two-minute track featured a soothing blend of trumpets, piano, guitar, and of course, the wonderful and relaxing voice of Carpenter.

6. Grow Old With Me

Carpenter recorded “Grow Old With Me” in 1995 as part of her tribute album to John Lennon Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John Lennon. The song reached #17 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

The track is delicate, with the piano’s mellow tunes and the electric guitar making a short yet sharp “cameo.”

The song was initially written and recorded by John Lennon and released in January 1984.

7. The Hard Way

Carpenter released “The Hard Way” in March 1993. The track was part of her best-selling album Come On Come On. “The Hard Way” landed at the 11th spot on the Hot Country Songs chart and was nominated as Best Country Song at the 36th Grammy Awards.

8. Passionate Kisses

Originally written and recorded by Lucinda Williams, “Passionate Kisses” was covered by Mary Chapin Carpenter for her Come On Come On album in 1992.

In 1993, the song took the 4th spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Carpenter won Best Female Country Vocal Performance at the 1994 Grammy Awards with the track.

9. I Take My Chances

Released in April 1994 in her Come On Come On album, “I Take My Chances” was a track written and recorded by Carpenter. 

The song is in a moderate tempo, with the prominent sounds of the drums, piano, and electric guitar, making it an enjoyable piece because of Carpenter’s vocals and the song’s liveliness.

10. Not Too Much To Ask

Written by Don Schiltz and Mary Chapin Carpenter, “Not Too Much to Ask” is a song released in September 1992. The track features the soothing vocals of Joe Diffie.

Both artists undoubtedly slayed with their vocals in this song. The combination and blending of their voices make it calming and soothing to the ears.

While you enjoyed the songs listed above, here are more of Mary Chapin Carpenter songs to complete the list:

• A Lot Like Me
• Down at the Twist and Shout
• The Bug
• Keeping The Faith
• He Thinks He’ll Keep Her
• House of Cards
• Simple Life
• The Way I Feel
• Heroes and Heroines
• I Put My Ring Back On

We hope you liked the list of the best Mary Chapin Carpenter songs! Stay tuned for more of these.