Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Here Are The Best T. Graham Brown Songs That Dominated the 1980s Country Radio

T Graham Brown 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.

In the mid-’80s, T. Graham Brown songs became a major presence on country radio. Country music fans could just not resist Brown’s exceptionally Southern trend of beach music, a party-ready mix of classic rock and roll, R&B, country, and blues.

While personal problems kept him out of the spotlight at some point in his career, he managed to return to the charts. In the new millennium, Brown maintained a low-key career – touring and recording albums for small labels.

Anyhow, let’s take a look at some of the greatest hits T. Graham Brown has released. Keep on scrolling below to find out.

1. Hell and High Water

From: I Tell It Like It Used to Be (1985)

Brown had his first No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, thanks to “Hell and High Water.” Brown co-wrote the song with singer-songwriter Alex Harvey, who was renowned for composing Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn” and Kenny Rogers’ “Reuben James.”

The song is a beautiful ballad about a man who makes promises to a woman whose heart has been broken by another man. He vows to be a rock she can hold onto and a shoulder she can lean on.

2. Don’t Go to Strangers

From: I Tell It Like It Used to Be (1985)

Here’s another No. 1 country hit by Brown, which remained atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for an entire week and spent a total of fourteen remarkable weeks. “Don’t Go To Strangers” tells the story of a man hoping that the woman he adores will eventually realize that all the love she’s been looking for can be found right through him.

3. I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again

From: I Tell It Like It Used to Be (1985)

The song was first recorded by country icon Kenny Rogers in 1978 off his multi-million-selling album The Gambler. However, Rogers did not release it. It only came to the public’s attention when Brown released his version, which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

4. I Tell It Like It Used to Be

From: I Tell It Like It Used to Be (1985)

Brown finds himself speaking his mind in “I Tell It Like It Used to Be” – after all, “there’s nothin’ stronger than the truth.” But when people began asking him about his then-lover and how their relationship ended up failing, he can only speak about the times when she was still in love with him and had not found someone new.

5. Darlene

From: Come as You Were (1988)

Brown’s third and final No. 1 country hit came in 1988 through “Darlene,” a song about a man pleading to a girl named Darlene to pack up her dreams and run away with him. He then vows to be the man who will give her everything she’ll ever need.

While Brown always said he’d never record a song with a girl’s name in the title, thinking that “it’s real corny to do,” “Darlene” was just so catchy for him to miss.

6. She Couldn’t Love Me Anymore

From: Brilliant Conversationalist (1987)

This was perhaps one of the bluest songs Brown has ever sung. The poignant ballad chronicles a man who took his woman for granted, knowing that she’d always come running to him no matter what he does – until she had enough. Now, she left him for good and has finally found the man who would love her the way she deserves to be loved.

7. Come as You Were

From: Come as You Were (1988)

Written by Paul Craft, the song has been recorded by various artists since country singer Joe Stampley released it in 1980. Some of the most notable recordings were by Jerry Lee Lewis, Barbara Mandrell, and of course, Brown. Brown released “Come as You Were” as the title track of his third studio album. His version ranked No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

8. The Last Resort

From: Brilliant Conversationalist (1987)

Pretty sure a lot would sympathize with “The Last Resort,” which sings about a couple taking a holiday away from all life’s worries. And they’re hoping their holiday destination could save their love that’s slowly dying.

9. If You Could Only See Me Now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fER-teu_9XE
From: Bumper to Bumper (1990)

The 1990 saw the release of Brown’s fourth album, Bumper to Bumper. While most of the songs in the record did not fare well, “If You Could Only See Me Now” reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

10. Brilliant Conversationalist

From: Brilliant Conversationalist (1987)

Brown found himself head over heels in love and amazed with a woman who he finds to be a “brilliant conversationalist.” “Every thought, so well expressed, every line, so picturesque,” Brown sings

Some More T. Graham Brown Songs That Brought Him To Country Superstardom

Truly, T. Graham Brown had a remarkable and legendary musical career. So, we’re sharing with you some more of his songs that we know you would enjoy.

  • Moonshadow Road
  • Never Say Never
  • With This Ring
  • Drowning in Memories
  • Wine into Water
  • I’m Sending One Up for You
  • Middle Age Crazy
  • Never in a Million Tears
  • Happy Ever After
  • Memphis Women & Chicken
  • You Can’t Take It with You
  • The Present
  • He’ll Take Care of You 
  • Is There Anything I Can Do
  • Don’t Make a Liar Out of Me

So, what do you think about this list of T. Graham Brown songs?

Latest Stories

Alan Jackson Sings a Heartfelt Cover of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Alan Jackson Sings a Heartfelt Cover of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Debuting his gospel album on February 28, 2006, Alan Jackson made his own rendition of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen H. Lemmel. The song was featured as the ...

Tori Kelly Reminds Us That We Are “Never Alone” With Jesus

Tori Kelly Reminds Us That We Are “Never Alone” With Jesus

In 2018, American singer Tori Kelly released a gospel song titled “Never Alone” as part of her album Hiding Place.  The song instantly became one of Tori Kelly’s greatest hits, ...

FloydFest 2024: What You Need To Know

FloydFest 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:FloydFest Horizon 2024Festival Duration:July 24-28, 2024 2024Venue:5826 Floyd Highway FestivalPark in North Check, VirginiaPerformers Include:Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Black Pumas, Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets ...

FairWell Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

FairWell Festival 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:FairWell Festival 2024Festival Duration:July 19-21, 2024Venue:Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Central Oregon, OregonPerformers Include:Kacey Musgraves, Caamp, Billy Strings, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets Here Deschutes County Fairgrounds is gearing up ...

Post Malone and Blake Shelton's “Pour Me A Drink,” the Collab of the Century

Post Malone and Blake Shelton’s “Pour Me A Drink,” the Collab of the Century

In 2024, American rapper Post Malone released the country bop “Pour Me A Drink,” featuring country superstar Blake Shelton – and let’s say, it was far beyond what people expected. ...

Country Singer Mark Chesnutt In Recovery After Emergency Heart Surgery 

Country singer Mark Chesnutt from Beaumont, Texas, shared a health update on his Instagram account following an emergency heart surgery earlier in June 2024. In his post, he wrote, “Well ...

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Trade Abuse Allegations in Divorce Battle

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose Trade Abuse Allegations in Divorce Battle

Billy Ray Cyrus claims estranged wife, Firerose, has verbally, emotionally, and physically abused him during their seven-month marriage. The claims came about after Firerose filed a response to Cyrus’ divorce ...

Sonny James' Timeless Cover of the Classic Hit “Young Love”

Sonny James’ Timeless Cover of the Classic Hit “Young Love”

In 1957, legendary country singer Sonny James released one of the timeless covers of the classic hit song “Young Love.” The song was originally released by Ric Cartey and Jiva-Tones ...

Best Country Fiddler Doug Kershaw’s Performance of “Diggy Diggy Lo”

In 1969, Doug Kershaw released his solo version of the hit song “Diggy Diggy Lo,” which surprised fans. The song was originally released by Doug and his brother Rusty in ...

Rock the South 2024: What You Need To Know

Rock the South 2024: What You Need To Know

Festival Title:Rock the South 2024Festival Duration:July 18-20, 2024Venue:York Farms in Cullman, AlabamaPerformers Include:Eric Church, HARDY, Jelly Roll, and moreTicket Information:Get Your Tickets Here The biggest party in the South, Rock ...