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While everyone was wearing neon leg warmers, spandex, and watching keep fit videos, country music was having a tremendous effect on the decade.

Country music in the 1980s saw the emergence of new artists and the continuation of successful careers by established artists. The 1980s were known for the "Urban Cowboy" movement, which brought country music and its associated fashion and lifestyle into the mainstream.

Top 10 Classic 80s Country Music You Must Listen

In the following content, we are going to share the top 10 classic 80s country music. Art has no criteria. There are thousands of Hamlets in a thousand people's eyes. The list below is selected by the writer's personal preference. You can download streaming video or audio presented below for offline watching or memorization.

"He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones (1980)

"He Stopped Loving Her Today" is a 80s country song written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman and recorded by American country music artist George Jones. It was released in April 1980 as the lead single from his album I Am What I Am.

This country song is a ballad about a man who has been unable to move on from a lost love and continues to love her even after she is gone. The song was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and winning the 1980 Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year.

"On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson (1980)

"On the Road Again" is a country song written and performed by American country music artist Willie Nelson. It was released in 1980 as the lead single from the soundtrack album to the film Honeysuckle Rose.

It is an uptempo country track that celebrates the freedom and joy of life on the road, and features catchy, sing-along lyrics and a catchy melody. The chorus of the song features the famous line "On the road again / Just can't wait to get on the road again / The life I love is making music with my friends / And I can't wait to get on the road again."

"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by The Charlie Daniels Band (1979)

"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" is an 80s country song written and performed by the Charlie Daniels Band. It was released in 1979 as the lead single from their album Million Mile Reflections.

It is a fast-paced, upbeat track that tells the story of a fiddle player named Johnny who is challenged to a fiddle contest by the Devil. The Devil bets his golden fiddle against Johnny's soul, and the two engage in a fierce fiddle-playing competition, with Johnny ultimately winning and the Devil being forced to leave empty-handed.

"9 to 5" by Dolly Parton (1980)

"9 to 5" is an 80s country song written and performed by American singer and songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released in 1980 as the title track to the film 9 to 5 and became one of Parton's biggest hit songs.

This 80s country song is an uptempo, catchy track that speaks to the struggles and frustrations of working a nine-to-five job. The lyrics describe the monotony and drudgery of office work and express the desire to escape the daily grind. The chorus of the song features the famous line "Workin' 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin' / Barely gettin' by, it's all takin' and no givin' / They just use your mind and they never give you credit / It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it."

"Forever and Ever, Amen" by Randy Travis (1987)

"Forever and Ever, Amen" is an 80s country song written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz and recorded by American country music artist Randy Travis. It was released in 1987 as the third single from his album Always & Forever. The song is a ballad that speaks to the enduring nature of true love. 

"The Thunder Rolls" by Garth Brooks (1991)

"The Thunder Rolls" is written by Pat Alger, Paul Kennerley, and Thunder Rolls Music and recorded by American country music artist Garth Brooks. It was released in 1991 as the third single from his album No Fences.

This 80s country song is a ballad that tells the story of a man who discovers that his cheating wife has returned home after a night out with another man. The lyrics describe the man's anger and confusion, as he confronts his wife and the storm outside, symbolizes the turmoil in their relationship.

"Lady" by Kenny Rogers (1980)

"Lady" is written by Lionel Richie and recorded by American country music artist Kenny Rogers. It was released in 1980 as the lead single from Rogers' album Share Your Love.

It is a ballad that speaks to the enduring power of love. The lyrics describe the narrator's love for a woman who has changed his life and made him a better man.

"Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" (1978)

"Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" is an 80s country song written by Ed Bruce and Patsy Bruce and recorded by American country music artists Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. It was released in 1978 as a single and later included on the soundtrack to the film The Electric Horseman.

It is a duet that speaks to the romanticized image of cowboys and the harsh realities of the cowboy lifestyle. The lyrics caution mothers not to let their children grow up to be cowboys, as it is a hard and often lonely life.

"Islands in the Stream" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton (1983)

"Islands in the Stream" is a country song written by the Bee Gees and recorded by American country music artists Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. It was released in 1983 as a single and later included on Rogers' album Eyes That See in the Dark.

The song is a ballad that speaks to the enduring nature of love and the importance of finding someone who is your partner and best friend. The lyrics describe two lovers who are "islands in the stream" and who rely on each other for support and companionship.

"The Dance" by Garth Brooks (1990)

"The Dance" is a written and performed by American country music artist Garth Brooks. It was released in 1990 as the fifth and final single from his album Garth Brooks.

The song is a ballad that speaks to the beauty and power of love, even in the face of heartbreak and loss. The lyrics describe a man who is grateful for the time he spent with his lover, even though their relationship ultimately ended in tragedy.

Conclusion

Country music in the 1980s was characterized by a mix of traditional and contemporary sounds. Traditional country themes such as love, heartbreak, and small-town life were still prominent, but the music also began to incorporate elements of rock and pop. This led to the development of the "countrypolitan" sound, which featured lush strings and background vocals and was more polished and mainstream than traditional country.