The Enduring Power of Classic Country in the ’90s: Here are 10 of the Best Vince Gill’s Songs

Vince Gill’s songs managed to stay in the margin of many country fans, all thanks to his soothing performances. The Country Music Hall of Famer started in bluegrass before he joined Pure Prairie League in 1976. 

While Gill’s success wasn’t as clear in the beginning, the “‘When I Call Your Name” singer has proven his songs should be country staples. Look back on his best pieces as we comb through the best country songs of Vince Gill:

10) ‘One More Last Chance’

Vince Gill’s releases in the early ’90s were filled with chart-topping love songs, which included “I Still Believe In You.” 

The song showcased the singer’s musical skills and easily became a staple in his live concert checklist. This tune tells an amusing tale about a man who keeps on finding himself in a dog house. With Gill’s unique song interpretation, it landed on the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks.

9) ‘The Heart Won’t Lie’ (with Reba McEntire)

In 1990, the powerful country duo, Vince Gill and Reba McEntire first swooped in on the charts. Their song “Oklahoma Swing” was a collaboration that led to an enduring friendship and their success in “The Heart Won’t Lie.”

Kim Carnes wrote this hit duet performance, which was originally written for Kenny Rogers and Reba McEntire. However, their blend didn’t pan out, which made way for McEntire’s friend. 

With their perfect blending and a matching dramatic video, everyone was all ears for another No.1 hit from two Oklahoma Natives.

8) ‘Never Knew Lonely’

Talk about the perfect blend of heart-wrenching lyrics, production, and vocals, and Vince Gill’s “Never Knew Lonely” would be a fine example.

The country balladeer took the song to the No.3 of US Hot Country Songs. In 1990, it stayed on top for two weeks as the singer continued reaching for the stars. It also peaked at No.7 in the Canada Country Tracks. 

In 1991, he got his first CMA awards for Male Vocalist of the Year.

7) ‘I Will Always Love You’ 

‘I Will Always Love You’ has been on the air one too many times. Dolly Parton first recorded it in 1973, and Whitney Houston popularized it too in 1992. It’s a song that’s been on the top charts one too many times. 

However, it was Vince Gill’s version that revived the song’s spirit. In 1995, Gill worked with original singer Parton to give the single one more chance in the country charts. Gill’s version was nominated at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. Consequently, it was also the Vocal Event of the Year at the 30th Annual CMA Awards.

6) ‘If You Ever Have Forever in Mind’

As the new millennia opened, many young hot pop-country singers dominated the country charts. Meanwhile, Vince Gill still managed to break into the scene even without offering something “modern” to his audience. 

He did so with a refreshing single that reminds fans of Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, or Floyd Cramer numbers. His jazzy entry took his name to the No.5 Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart. It also landed on No.1 in Canada Country Tracks.

With the subtle percussion that underscores his silky vocal performance, he grabbed another Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.

5) ‘Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away’

The hit single was released in 1992 and was co-written by Gill along with Pete Wasner. It reached No.1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks. The song also bagged the No.1 spot in Canada.

With its multiple weeks of being in the top spots, the song easily counts as Gill’s biggest chart hit of his entire music career.

4) ‘I Still Believe in You’

After almost two decades of marriage, Vince Gill’s relationship with Sweethearts of the Rodeo’s Janis Gill ended. They divorced in 1997. However, in hopes of mending their relationship before they finalized their break up, the country singer penned this song in 1992. It landed on No.1 at the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks. 

As the song sings his apologies to his beloved for taking her for granted, the song stayed as a memorable make-up song. It might be a heart-breaking record but it sure brought happiness to him when it brought him two awards in one night. Vince Gill won Grammy Awards for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song in 1992.

3) ‘Look at Us’     

 “Look At Us” soared high on the charts with its powerful guitar arrangement. Vince Gill wrote this song that tells the story of the typical married couple that’s proud of sticking together amidst life’s obstacles. 

He released this song when contemporary pop was dominating the charts. Yet, the record manages to land on No. 4 of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. 

Today, it belongs to the top picks for wedding and anniversary parties.

2) ‘When I Call Your Name’

Six years after he placed his first song on the Billboard country charts, Vince Gill finally made it on top. The single and album titled “When I Call Your Name” stayed at No.2 for two weeks. 

With Gill’s soaring tenor, the single also let him earn a Grammy for Male Vocal and a CMA award for Song and Single of the Year. This 1990 release cemented Gill’s name into his chosen genre, and the rest was history.

1) ‘Go Rest High on That Mountain’

Topping our list of the best Vince Gill classics is the record that helped many listeners brave through their grief in losing someone. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” is released in honor of Keith Whitley who left the world in 1989.

With the backup vocals of Patty Loveless and Ricky Skaggs, this song continues to touch every broken heart. 

In 2019, Gill added a third verse to the song, noting Whitley’s bravery in facing his pain. Before the added lyrics, the song already resonated 857,000 digital copies of the song have been sold as of November 2019.

When you talk about this singer’s greatest singles, it’s easy to pick based on the number of awards the songs received. However, it’s fair to say that the best of Vince Gill’s songs are a combination of chart-topping hits and heart-warming records the country industry has known.

We know you have more of his songs in mind! Let us know about your picks of the best Vince Gill songs in the comment section.