American singer, songwriter, and guitarist John Marty Stuart is renowned for his blend of bluegrass, country rock, and rockabilly influences, as well as for his frequent collaborations and cover tunes and striking stage attire.
Stuart is a Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member. He has more than 20 studio albums under his belt and more than 30 appearances on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. With that, let’s explore the best Marty Stuart Songs
1. “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin”
Stuart did not just co-wrote the Grammy-winning song “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin'” with Travis Tritt, but he also contributed vocals to the song, which became a No. 2 country hit. The song is about heartbreak. The song’s protagonist is ready to stop moping about in whiskey, and other alcoholic beverages following a breakup and is seeking a life companion.
2. “Tempted”
The song “Tempted” addresses sexual intrigue in a rough, almost Springsteen-like country-meets-rock ‘n’ roll style. The narrator, in particular, sees passionate potential and is thinking about trying things out, even though the other person might break his heart.
3. “Little Things”
“Little Things,” a song by Stuart, serves as his anthem. The song’s cliche-free romantic lyrics, burnt-crisp guitar flare, rock ‘n’ roll piano, and rakish, sincere vocal delivery made “Little Things,” a song that made the Top 10, peaked at No. 8 on the country charts.
4. “Burn Me Down”
Marty Stuart released “Burn Me Down” as the fourth single from his 1992 album Tempted. It reached its highest point at #7 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number twelve on the RPM Canadian Country Tracks chart. This fiery track showcased the range of this unconventional country artist’s talent and provided listeners with a song that seemed to blast out of control.
5. “This One’s Gonna Hurt You (For a Long, Long Time)”
Stuart chose Travis Tritt to perform with him in a duet for this loping, pedal steel-heavy song; this was a clever move since the harmony between the two is note-perfect in the chorus. The passive-aggressive lyrics of the song are melancholy and angry as the narrator watches a loved one leave and warns against leaving real love since it will hurt.
While “This One’s Gonna Hurt You” peaked at number 6 on the RPM Canadian Country Tracks chart, it peaked at #7 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs list.
6. “Hillbilly Rock”
This song was originally written for The Judds, but as soon as Paul Kennerley and Marty Stuart were paired together, the song’s original purpose was altered. The album’s most popular track is credited with helping it achieve gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Marty Stuart was at his very best as a solo performer in the song and music video, proudly singing an anthem-like presentation of rockabilly.
7. “Cry! Cry! Cry!”
Stuart pays tribute to his former musical mentor Johnny Cash with this authentic, hot-rodding rendition of “Cry! Cry! Cry.” The song first appeared on Johnny Cash’s 1957 album With His Hot and Blue Guitar. The 1989 version of the song has ferocious rockabilly licks and an alluring, perceptive, conspiratorial lead vocal. Stuart’s song “Cry! Cry! Cry!” peaked at #32 on the country music charts.
8. “Foggy Mountain Breakdown”
It was created by Marty Stuart and made available as an instrumental in 2000. It won Best Country Instrumental Performance at the 2001 Grammy Awards. This instrumental country music is like an errant train speeding along the track, which is exactly what this fast-paced performance of banjo, guitar, and violin does. Fans who can “envision” this song are more likely to get caught up in the action. Additionally, it functions admirably as a comic, sped-up portrayal of bumbling bandits and cowboys.
9. “Hummingbyrd”
The song “Hummingbyrd,” from Marty Stuart’s album Ghost Train, won the Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 2011. Marty Stuart started to establish himself as more than simply a vocalist in this song; his musical talent was brilliantly shown throughout the entire album.
10. “Time Don’t Wait”
One of the best albums of 2017 was “Way Out West,” which was published under the moniker Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives. Unquestionably, one of the album’s highlights is the cautionary tale “Time Don’t Wait,” which reflects on the passage of time and the value of relishing each day. With its jangly guitars and impassioned tone, it is an excellent illustration of the band’s power.
Here are More Best Marty Stuart Songs You Should Check Out
With so many great Marty Stuart songs, it’s definitely hard to choose which ones are the best. With that, here are some songs which did not make into the list but deserves some listening too.
Marty Stuart songs and performances still remain legendary even to this day. He has a varied and stylish record, just like his attire. Throughout his career, he has produced and released thirty-three singles, a soundtrack, two live albums, seven compilation albums, and 18 studio albums. He has also appeared in 28 music videos. Marty Stuart was roughly 32 years old when his first single became successful. His first top 40 hit came out in 1990. He made his final chart appearance in 1992. For three years, he had singles that peaked at number one. With these accomplishments, he is one of the most recognized artists even to this day.
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