Need a solid dose of old-school country music? While many songs from that era have aged well through the years, I’m a big fan of the following three country songs from 1975, specifically. And I happen to think they sound even better today, even without nostalgia on one’s mind. Let’s revisit a few underrated classics, shall we?
“I’m Sorry” by John Denver
Everybody knows “Take Me Home, Country Roads” like the back of their hand. But what about John Denver’s other hits? “I’m Sorry” dropped back in 1975 and marked his final No. 1 country hit of his career. This brooding country tune is a love letter, or rather, an apology, to an old lover. It’s an emotional classic that transports the listener back to the romantic days of country music, and I think we need more music like it nowadays.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” by Waylon Jennings
How about a little bit of good ol’ Waylon Jennings? How about a song that references Hank Williams? “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” by Waylon Jennings was released in August of 1975 and is one of the finest outlaw country tunes from the genre’s golden era. It’s a bona fide anthem and one of the most recognizable outlaw country songs that is, in a way, self-referential. Jennings wrote the song (on the back of an envelope, mind you) about his frustration with the mainstream country music industry of the time and the need to go in a new direction.
“It’s All In The Movies” by Merle Haggard and The Strangers
You can’t have a list of country songs from 1975 without mentioning this Merle Haggard gem. “It’s All In The Movies” by Merle Haggard and The Strangers was released that very year. It’s the title track of Haggard’s album of the same name. It was also yet another No. 1 single on the country charts for Haggard, and remains quite a memorable tune today.
“It’s All In The Movies” compares a broken romantic relationship to a movie, where Haggard seems to play the role of the optimistic partner who assures his beloved that they won’t end up like the tragic love story on the silver screen. It’s an absolute classic.
Photo by American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images
Most Viewed
-
Johnny Cash, country music singer. Minneapolis Star Tribune photo, Sept 26, 1984, by David Brewster. (Photo by DAVID BREWSTER/Star Tribune via Getty Images) -
Tommy Heath and Jim Keller of the rock band 'Tommy Tutone' pose for a studio portrait session in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of Jessi COLTER; posed, (Photo by Charlie Gillett Collection/Redferns) -
Beatles tour of USA 1964. Left to right: Beatles members Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison and Paul McCartney wave to fans prior to boarding their plane at London airport for their tour of USA. 18th August 1964. (Photo by Eyles/Daily Herald/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) -
1967: Superstar group "Buffalo Springfield" pose for a portrait in 1967. (L-R) Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Dewey Martin, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 01: (left to right) Boz Burrell, Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke and Mick Ralphs of Bad Company perform on the BBC television show 'Top of the Pops' in June 1974. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns)
