Can’t Get Enough: K.T. Oslin Collections

K.T. Oslin, the matchless music queen

K.T. Oslin appears to most often enter a conversation with the line,

“Older woman who broke into the music business.”

A better introduction would be “A Genius Songwriter.” She was the first woman to win the CMA award for Song of the Year. Her first two albums sold platinum and in three short years, she was awarded three Grammys, four ACM Awards, and two CMA Awards. With theatrical videos such as “80’s Ladies,” “Come Next Monday” and “Mary and Willie,” along with her masterful songwriting skills, her work has a timeless quality, with the themes she addressed back then still being relevant and fresh today.

K.T. Oslin may not be an elite vocalist like Trisha Yearwood or Carrie Underwood, but her refreshing tack on songwriting will please any discerning listener.

Here are some of her songs that marked the hearts of avid listeners.

“80’s Ladies”

The song that broke down the barriers on Music Row and forever changed the rules of what could be written about in country music. Her feminist anthem for the middle-aged woman only peaked at No. 7 on the charts, but it went on to win Oslin her first Grammy and the CMA award for Song of the Year. Oslin has said that she wanted “80’s Ladies” to be something people would remember her by. She certainly succeeded on that front.

 “Hold Me”

On a trip to North Carolina to visit friends in 2005, a song came on my satellite radio. The spoken verses described a husband detailing to his wife how he had planned to leave her that very morning. I found the lyrics quite harsh and brutally honest in his intentions.

“When I left here this morning I was bound and determined I was never going to come back…” Never before had I heard a song take this approach. As the wife explained she too had left that very morning with no plan on returning. Oslin speaks the verses, but when the couple reconciles, she sings with gusto: “Don’t kiss me like we’re married. Kiss me like we’re lovers.”

 “Hey Bobby”

Oslin moved from the busy streets of New York City to the mild side streets of Nashville, Tennessee in the eighties. Shortly after her arrival, she was invited to Catfish Fry – not something that you would find in NYC. The event inspired her to write “Hey Bobby.” The lyrics almost seem to be from a man’s point of view, but instead, it’s just K.T. breaking down yet another barrier, as she plays the seductress tempting her lover with the tryst out in the countryside.

 “Come Next Monday”

On the last of her four No. 1 singles,  Oslin sings half-hearted promises of losing weight, going to bed early, and dropping a lover who is no good for her. Oslin’s wit and personality shine through, as the listener knows she truly will be sorry come Tuesday when it all starts over again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyIcVEHiVdE

So, fellas, is your favorite K.T. Oslin song on the list? Feel free to share us your thoughts. Connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.