3 Country Songs From the 1980s We Hear All the Time in Shopping Malls and Grocery Stores

Some country songs from the 1980s are still part of our lives today. Their melodies, their rhythms, their ideas—for whatever reason, they are still emblazoned on our memory banks these days.

But that’s just what we wanted to highlight here below. We wanted to explore three songs from back in the day that still show up in everyday life. Indeed, these are three country songs from the 1980s we hear all the time in shopping malls and grocery stores.

“Islands In The Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton from ‘Eyes That See In The Dark’ (1983)

Where would country music be without the great Dolly Parton? On this 1983 offering, Parton pairs with the great Kenny Rogers for one of the best country duets of all time. Together, their voices blend like peanut butter and jelly. They ooze talent, urgency, timelessness, charm, and beauty. Who wouldn’t have wanted to be in the studio watching this song come together? Well, at least we can be in the grocery store shopping as this tune comes on the overhead speakers. We can sing along as we pick out our favorite breakfast cereals and fruit salad for the week.

“9 To 5” by Dolly Parton from ‘9 To 5 And Odd Jobs’ (1980)

Speaking of Dolly Parton, the Tennessee-born artist boasted a number of hit songs in the 1980s, including the memorable and fun solo track, “9 To 5”. The tune, which decries the mundane workweek, was written for the film of the same name, which Parton also starred in. Indeed, the big-haired songwriter and performer was actually a multi-media personality in the 1980s. What couldn’t she do? And for all these reasons and more, you’ll hear this classic tune in your local grocery or shopping mall.

“Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson from ‘Always On My Mind’ (1982)

Let’s just stick with beloved country personalities, shall we? The 1980s weren’t exactly known as a golden age for country music, but that didn’t stop Willie Nelson from standing out. The outlaw songwriter and performer composed hits for himself and others during the decade. But it was all about his smooth, twangy voice when it came to the 1982 tune, “Always On My Mind”. Who wouldn’t want to be on Nelson’s mind? Well, we can all imagine that we are as we push our shopping carts and listen to this tune on the overhead stereo.

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