In the 1990s, country music was changing. The sound and genre were evolving from the classic tracks of the mid-20th century into the more pop-driven tunes that we’d come to know today in mainstream music. But the genre was special during the decade because it was in that in-between zone, bridging classic and modern.

Here below we wanted to explore a trio of songs that hit that sweet spot between old school and new. Three tracks from big name artists that show you don’t just have to be one sound—you can in fact employ elements from multiple styles. Therefore, here below are three eternal country songs from the 1990s that have stood the test of time.

“Fancy” by Reba McEntire from Rumor Has It (1990)

This iconic country song was originally written by Bobbie Gentry in 1969, but got renewed attention in a big way thanks to the modern country star Reba McEntire on her 1990 LP Rumor Has It. It’s the story of a young girl using all she has (herself) to earn money and avoid a life of squalor. While the concept of prostitution is not easy to write about, Gentry did so admirably and McEntire added fuel to the feminist fire by bringing the song to modern mainstream audiences. Singing with passion and perspective, McEntire sings,

Mama washed and combed and curled my hair
And she painted my eyes and lips
Then I stepped into a satin dancin’ dress
That had a split on the side clean up to my hips
It was red velvet trim and it fit me good

She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”

“That Don’t Impress Me Much” by Shania Twain from Come on Over (1997)

One of the catchiest country songs of the 1990s, this offering from hitmaker Shania Twain hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon its release. Like the song above, this track is about female empowerment, about a woman taking control of her future and, in this case, not settling for the mediocre options in front of her. Twain, faced with several suitors, sings about how none are all that impressive. On the track, she sings of high standards,

Okay, so you’re a rocket scientist
That don’t impress me much
So you got the brain but have you got the touch
Don’t get me wrong, yeah I think you’re alright
But that won’t keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don’t impress me much

“I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw from All I Want (1995)

This song is about falling hard in love (and lust) with another. Just like the song “When a Man Loves a Woman,” this track talks about all what a fella will do when deeply smitten for his woman. He’ll forget his friends, miss his favorite baseball team’s games, learn manners, and much more. If you’re into someone that much, you’ll do anything to keep that feeling alive. Do anything to keep their smiling eyes on you, full of affection. And on this classic song, McGraw knows it. He sings,

Spent 48 dollars last night at the county fair
I throwed out my shoulder, but I won her that teddy bear
She’s got me sayin’ “Sugar Pie”, “Honey”, “Darlin’”, and “Dear”
I ain’t seen the Braves play a game all year
I’m gonna get fired if I don’t get some sleep
My long lost buddies say I’m getting in too deep

But I like it, I love it, I want some more of it
I try so hard, I can’t rise above it
Don’t know what it is ’bout that little girl’s lovin’
But I like it, I love it, I want some more of it

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