Few artists embody the ‘90s country song like Mark Chesnutt. After making his debut in 1990 with “Too Cold at Home,” Chesnutt dominated the radio waves throughout the decade. Between 1990 and 1999, he launched eight singles to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Of the 28 singles he released in the ‘90s, only one missed the top 40 with most landing in the top 10.
Today (September 6), Chesnutt turns 61 years old. To celebrate the honky tonk hero’s birthday, we’re looking at four of the biggest and best songs from his early run.
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“Too Cold at Home”—Mark Chesnutt’s Debut Single
Mark Chesnutt came out of the gate swinging with his debut single “Too Cold at Home.” Written by Bobby Harden, it was the title track and lead single from Chesnutt’s 1990 debut album. The track peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. More importantly, it was the perfect way for the neotraditional country star in the making to introduce himself.
“Bubba Shot the Jukebox”—A Classic Story Song
One of the things that sets country music apart from other genres is the storytelling aspect in many of its songs. Dennis Linde was one of the genre’s greatest storytellers. His literary writing combined with Chesnutt’s honky tonk sound made “Bubba Shot the Jukebox” a staple of ‘90s country that remains popular today.
Chesnutt released “Bubba Shot the Jukebox” as the third single from his sophomore album Longnecks & Short Stories. The single peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was all over the radio in the first half of the ‘90s.
“Brother Jukebox”—Mark Chesnutt Scores His First No. 1
Paul Craft wrote “Brother Jukebox” and Don Everly recorded the first version of it in 1977. Everly saw minor chart success with it. Later, Keith Whitley put his stamp on the song. Then, Mark Chesnutt released it as the second single from his debut album.
Chesnutt didn’t have to wait long to land his first No. 1 single. This heartbroken honky tonk classic topped the Hot Country Songs chart and established him as a country star.
“Old Flames Have New Names”—’90s Country at Its Finest
If someone were to ask “What does ‘90s country sound like?” this song would be the answer. It’s as if Mark Chesnutt distilled the aspects of the era into this song and unleashed it onto the world.
Penned by legendary songwriter Bobby Braddock and Rafe Van Hoy on the heels of George Strait’s “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” and knocked it out of the park. Chesnutt released this as the lead single from his sophomore album. It peaked at No. 5 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
Featured Image by Ray Garbo/Shutterstock
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