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Here Are Brooks & Dunn Songs That Made Indelible Mark On The Genre

Brooks & Dunn Songs
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn took country music by storm when they paired up in 1990. For nearly twenty years, the brilliant country duo has stolen the hearts of many fans with their undeniable stage swagger and soaring vocal approach. Brooks & Dunn songs swiftly dominated the music charts and earned them countless awards and honors.

Though both talented men achieved significant success as solo artists since they announced their retirement as a group in 2009, we’re constantly grateful whenever they cross paths on stage. So, to celebrate Brooks & Dunn‘s illustrious career, let’s take a look back at some of their greatest hits.

1. Boot Scootin’ Boogie

From: Brand New Man (1992)

When Brooks & Dunn paid tribute to the line dancing in a Texas-style honky-tonk, it renewed interest in the choreographed routine throughout the United States. 

The infectious hit actually tells the story of a hardworking man who enjoys going to his favorite honky-tonk bar to chill out and show off his dance moves, so “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” was a natural fit.

2. Play Something Country

From: Hillbilly Deluxe (2005)

Isn’t it amazing when one country star inspires another country star? Apparently, that’s how this song came to life. Dunn co-wrote the song with singer-songwriter Terry McBride. Dunn and McBride actually decided to base the song’s main character on Gretchen Wilson, with whom the country duo had been touring at the time.

“Play Something Country” is a man’s narrative about a woman who wants to hear country music. It was Brooks & Dunn’s final No. 1 hit as a duo.

3. Neon Moon

From: Brand New Man (1992)

While the heartbreaking ballad was released two decades ago, it describes a timeless scene. “Neon Moon” tells the story of a brokenhearted man who spends his nights in a bar. His lover has walked out on him, and he tries to drown his sorrows underneath the neon bar signs.

The song was later covered by several country artists, including Carrie Underwood.

4. My Maria

From: Borderline (1996)

While the song has since been considered Brooks & Dunn’s country staple, it was actually a cover of B. W. Stevenson’s original hit. The legendary duo brought “My Maria” back to the charts, ranking No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. It also helped them take home a Grammy Award for Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

5. How Long Gone

From: If You See Her (1998)

“How Long Gone” comes with all the essentials that make a perfect country song: emotion and fiddle. It hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and released a similar epic, memorable music video.

6. Brand New Man

From: Brand New Man (1992)

Brooks & Dunn kicked off their legendary career with the release of “Brand New Man” as their debut single. With its riveting country instrumentation and the duo’s impeccable harmonies, the song landed atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart – catapulting the Brooks & Dunn into stardom.

The romantic ballad finds the duo expressing his gratitude to his lover for making him a brand-new man.

7. If You See Him/If You See Her 

From: If You See Her (1998)

Brooks & Dunn have always enjoyed a great friendship with country icon Reba McEntire. The three legendary singers even launched their renowned residency at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas in 2015, which lasted seven years. Apparently, their team-up goes way back to the 1990s.

Their collaboration includes this heartbreak tune, “If You See Him/If You See Her,” where Dunn and McEntire played two estranged lovers having a hard time getting over each other. The classic collaboration became yet another No. 1 for Brooks & Dunn.

8. Red Dirt Road

From: Red Dirt Road (2003)

In 2003, Brooks & Dunn released one of their most memorable tunes. “Red Dirt Road” reflects on a youth’s joyful memories, like drinking beer for the first time, wrecking his car, and figuring out who he was. All these happened on a red dirt road near where he grew up.

9. It’s Getting Better All the Time

From: The Greatest Hits Collection II (2004)

Here’s another heartbreaker from Brooks & Dunn. “It’s Getting Better All the Time” tells the story of a man grieving over the end of his relationship. The slow heartbreak tune is full of emotion, and Dunn’s clear voice perfectly delivers it.

10. Believe

From: Hillbilly Deluxe (2005)

While it’s one of the saddest country songs of all time, it never failed to win the hearts of many fans. In fact, the poignant ballad took home CMA’s Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year awards.

Some More Of The Best Brooks & Dunn You Shouldn’t Miss

It’s absolutely a challenge to choose a few songs from Brooks & Dunn to highlight, so we’re sharing some more of their greatest hits. Keep on scrolling below to find out.

  • My Next Broken Heart
  • She Used to Be Mine
  • That Ain’t No Way to Go
  • She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind
  • Little Miss Honky Tonk
  • You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone 
  • A Man This Lonely
  • Husbands and Wives
  • Ain’t Nothing ’bout You
  • The Long Goodbye
  • We’ll Burn That Bridge
  • Rock My World (Little Country Girl)
  • I Am That Man
  • He’s Got You
  • That’s What It’s All About

So, which among these Brooks & Dunn songs do you treasure the most?

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