Three decades ago, Sawyer Brown songs set a musical template for most of the 1990s pop-country acts. Today, they are still endlessly entertaining the masses.
The country-rockers – who named themselves after a street in Nashville where they used to rehearse – got their start in the early ’80s. In 1983, they competed in the Star Search television competition series and won the show’s grand prize. That success was quickly followed by a record label deal with Capitol Records and their self-titled debut album release.
Though the band had their ups and downs throughout their entire career, they were able to release a total of eighteen studio albums and have charted over fifty times on the country chart. Here are some of Sawyer Brown‘s most memorable hits.
1. “The Walk”
The third and final single from their album Buick, “The Walk,” tells the tale of a man who used walking to describe what he has been through in life.
He began when he was still a boy, reluctant to walk down the driveway and go to school, and then to being an adult going out into the world alone. All through those experiences, his father has been by his side, comforting him and giving him confidence.
2. “Thank God for You”
The country band gives thanks to all the things that they have taken for granted in their lifetime through “Thank God for You.” They were thankful for things such as their mama’s cookin’, daddy’s whoopin’, and even the Devil for the trouble they got into.
The song was released as the lead single from their album, Outskirts of Town, and quickly reached the top spot of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart.
3. “Some Girls Do”
No doubt, different girls will have different priorities when it comes to finding a significant other. And the man in the song fully understands that some girls don’t like boys like him, but “some girls do.”
Written by Mark Miller, the single became a No. 1 hit in the United States, while it peaked at No. 2 in Canada.
4. “Cafe on the Corner”
The song was the first single and title track from the band’s ninth studio album – which was released at the peak of their early ’90s fame. By this time, Sawyer Brown had gotten away from rock and roll, heading on the way to a much purer country sound.
Written by Mac McAnally, “Cafe on the Corner” tells the plight of a homeless farmer and others who are “down and out” in life.
5. “800 Pound Jesus”
It may have only peaked at No. 40 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, but “800 Pound Jesus” is much heavier than you think. It touched so many hearts that it earned both Song of the Year and Video of the Year nominations from the Christian Country Music Association.
The song tells the tale of a man who purchased an eight-hundred-pound statue of Jesus, which stood taller than a tree. Dealing with difficult situations in life, the man decided to commit suicide by hanging himself. However, his attempt was thwarted, and he ended up landing in the statue’s arms.
6. “The Race Is On”
Originally made into a hit on the country music charts by George Jones, Sawyer Brown covered the song in 1989 and took it back into the country charts, peaking at No. 5.
7. “All These Years”
In the song “All These Years,” Sawyer Brown sings about a seemingly serially unfaithful wife having an affair, and her husband who caught her in a tryst. They both have seen what they are about to lose, making them confused about how to move forward.
8. “The Dirt Road”
The man in the song may have taken the dirt road, but at least it has taken him where he needs to go. The dirt road signifies working hard in life compared to walking on a paved road considered by many as an “easy street.”
9. “This Time”
One of the only two new tracks of Sawyer Brown’s greatest hits compilation, “This Time,” tells the tale of a man who constantly fights with his woman but not being able to live without her.
10. “Step That Step”
“Step That Step” is Sawyer Brown’s first No. 1 hit on both the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and the Canadian RPM country singles chart – paving the way to several more hits.
11. “This Night Won’t Last Forever”
Originally released by singer-songwriter Bill LaBounty in 1978, Sawyer Brown covered the song nearly two decades later. The band’s version went to No. 6 on the country chart.
12. “Betty’s Bein’ Bad”
The lead-off single to Sawyer Brown’s second album, Shakin’, the song is accompanied by a music video that left a mark on its viewers. The dancer wearing red shoes and a blue dress in that short clip turned out to be a fashion icon for a generation of young women.
13. “Six Days on the Road”
Sawyer Brown took the truck driving song back to the Hot Country Songs chart more than 30 years after its original release. However, the group changed the line “I’m taking little white pills” to “I’m passing little white lines” to omit the drug reference.
14. “Round Here”
“Round Here” finds the country group singing about a steadfast commitment to enduring love.
15. “My Baby’s Gone”
Originally recorded by country music duo The Judds, Sawyer Brown released their version as the first single from the studio album Wide Open. It reached No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
More Sawyer Brown Songs That Stood The Test Of Time
Clearly, Sawyer Brown wound up having a long, hit-filled career and continued to be commercially worthwhile into the new millennium. Here are some more songs from the country rocker that you need to check out.
How about you? What are your favorite Sawyer Brown songs?
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