January 2024 – Page 3 – Country Universe

Every #1 Country Single of the Eighties: Crystal Gayle and Gary Morris, “Makin’ Up for Lost Time (The Dallas Lovers’ Song)”

January 11, 2024 Kevin John Coyne 3

Two excellent vocalists elevate a decent song into something memorable.

Every #1 Country Single of the Eighties: The Judds, “Have Mercy”

January 9, 2024 Kevin John Coyne 2

The Judds close out 1985 with another classic hit.

The Best Single of 2023: Maren Morris, “The Tree”

January 8, 2024 Jonathan Keefe 1

The best single of 2023 is a moment of rage that is both self-directed and outward-facing at the broken thing itself.

Every #1 Country Single of the Eighties: George Strait, “The Chair”

January 8, 2024 Kevin John Coyne 4

Three future Hall of Famers get together for the most out of left field chart topper of the year.

The Sixty Best Singles of 2023: Uptempo Hard Shit, Life Lessons & Cautionary Tales

January 7, 2024 Jonathan Keefe 0

Our final batch of singles tackle the hardships of life and the lessons learned from them.

Every #1 Country Single of the Eighties: Dan Seals, “Bop”

January 7, 2024 Kevin John Coyne 4

The suburbanization of rock and country reaches its inevitable conclusion.

Every #1 Country Single of the Eighties: The Statler Brothers, “Too Much On My Heart”

January 5, 2024 Kevin John Coyne 2

A legendary quartet tops the chart for the last time.

The Sixty Best Singles of 2023: Optimist Prime and Love Done Gone

January 4, 2024 Jonathan Keefe 2

Our look at the best singles of 2023 continues with songs of hope and tales of heartbreak.

Every #1 Country Single of the Eighties: Kenny Rogers, “Morning Desire”

January 4, 2024 Kevin John Coyne 2

Kenny Rogers previews his last gold-selling album for RCA.

The Sixty Best Singles of 2023: (Occasionally) On the Radio, The Politics of Identity, and I Want Your Love

January 3, 2024 Jonathan Keefe 0

Our look back at the best singles of 2023 continues with the best of mainstream country radio fare, intersectional songs about identity, and some very special love songs.