Top 10 Songs by Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks has been recording chart-topping singles since 1989. Emerging on the scene and becoming a near immediate success, Brooks has sold nearly 150 million albums worldwide. According to some sources, Garth Brooks is even the number one selling artist of the twentieth century surpassing Elvis. His hits have been vast and include many different styles. As quick as he entered the music scene he disappeared from it, announcing his retirement in 2000. This list complies his ten best tracks that spanned across his 12-year career.
Top 10 Songs by Garth Brooks
1. “If Tomorrow Never Comes”
This song that propelled Brook’s to his initial stardom was released on his self-titled album in 1989. The song topped the U.S. Country charts at a remarkable number one. His first mainstream hit introduced his voice to avid country fans of the time and made him a new mainstay on country radio.
2. “The Dance”
“The Dance” is one of Brook’s slower songs and as such, has a unique memorable quality. This song is regarded as one of the top songs to be played at graduation due to its emotional feel and versatile lyrics. Two different meanings can be attributed to the songs, most commonly the end of a loving relationship and dying because of something they believed in. This song also topped the United States Country charts at number one and continues to receive airplay to this day.
3. “Friends in Low Places”
Often referred to as the most memorable opening notes of any song as well as being one of the most recognized songs world wide, “Friends in Low Places” is often considered his best work as well as one of his most memorable. The song is most noted for it’s different pace as well as lyrics one can relate to. If you’re looking for a classic sample of the musical style of Garth Brooks, this is definitely a song you should give a listen to.
4. “The Thunder Rolls”
This song mixes a thunder background with a slower paced song all about the consequences of cheating. The song also has a famous opening of the sound of thunder followed by the strong lyrics about love and consequences. The songs known but not stated ending completes the songs theme with the wife pulling a pistol from the drawer. In 199 “The Thunder Rolls” rose to number one on the U.S. Country Singles Charts.
5. “The River”
Perhaps Garth Brook’s most spiritual and inspirational songs, the river talks about dreams and aspirations which people have and the need to follow them. The title derives from the opening lyrics “A dream is like a river” and continues throughout a person’s life through the ups and downs which makes dreams possible. “The River was another United States Country Singles success reaching number one in 1992. The song can be found on Garth Brook’s third album Ropin’ the Wind.
7. “American Honky-Tonk Bar Association”
This country-party song plays on the American Bar Association. The entire song offers a faster pace when to compared to much of his other work. “American Honky-Tonk Bar Association” is a parody throughout focusing on the characteristics of bars. This song is yet another of the top hits Brooks produced in the early 1990’s.
8. “Two Pina Colladas”
This song fits into the country theme that has emerged which focuses on songs about beaches and drinking. Other similar songs in this genre by other artists include “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” by Kenny Chesney and “Margaretville” by Alan Jackson. This song is a perfect example of songs of the genre and takes an upbeat tone with a fantastic theme. Released in 1997 on Brook’s Sevens CD, “Two Pina Coladas” also went to number one on the U.S. Country Singles Charts.
9. “Ain’t Going Down”
Another one of Brook’s songs that is still commonly heard on radio stations is the quick paced “Ain’t Going Down.” The entire song focuses on weekends of teens, specifically their habits sneaking out to have fun. Extremely popular when it was released, it remains one of the most heard songs by Brooks to this day.
10. “Do What You Gotta Do”
Rounding out the top 10 list is another of Garth Brook’s top songs. This song acts as a reminder to people to do what they have to do for themselves and not for others. It is in a sense an inspirational song for people in tough situations. One of Brook’s songs that didn’t reach number one, “Do What You Gotta Do” remains one of Brook’s better songs.
No matter what style of country music you are looking for, Garth Brooks, one of the industries most well known artists, is bound to provide at least one song to satisfy your needs.
