Nashville Anthems: Dissecting 80s & 90s Country Music

The restrained pendulum from the last episode swings fully the other way as we examine Joe Diffie's audacious 1994 hit, "Third Rock from the Sun".  Diffie's vocals take center stage in another E blues romp, but what are the links in this chain that Melton thinks don't quite hold together?

Vince Gill's 1992 CMA Song of the Year "Look at Us".  What a nice, straightforward love song.  ...Or is it?  Might there be some sub-surface complexity in this one that invites us look at it a little more deeply?  Tune in and find out.

Syncopation moves to the center of the ring, as we saddle up for a youthful and whimsical ride through Faith Hill's 1993 debut megahit, Wild One.  But what particular twists will we find on this otherwise well trodden course?

Everybody in town knows Foster & Lloyd are doing their best Elvis impression on 1987's Crazy Over You, but what early 90s country song finds its boots firmly in this song's footsteps?

Melton has more questions than answers as he explores the ambiguous tone of David Frizzell's 1982 hit "I'm Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home".  Who's mocking whom?

Melton tackles an early example of The Judds' unique approach to 80s country in "Girls Night Out", but does this song hold up as well as some of its contemporaries?

Melton puts his best effort toward getting to the bottom of what makes Alan Jackson's 1995/1996 hit "I'll Try" tick.  It comes down to three adjectives: two of which are part of the patented Alan Jackson formula, but the third of which may surprise you. Tune in to see if you agree or disagree.

The rhythm section yields to a three-way dueling electric guitar showcase, on Steve Wariner's fun 1987 hit, "Lynda".  Listen to the guitars, then listen to Melton break it all down. But sorry folks, calls to Wonder Woman have not been returned.

Melton drives 25 miles away from his responsibilities, upshifts, and revels in the motion-filled energy and contentment of Reba McEntire's 1996/7 "I'd Rather Ride Around with You".  We also have a little fun diagramming sentences.

Melton grabs a chair and spends some time reminiscing with Jo Dee Messina's 1998 hit, the Phil Vassar-penned "I'm Alright". It's great old time with a great old song, but how does the song's incessant motion play into its specific take on nostalgia?