DAILY DIRT: Best thing about the ’90s? Can we start with Shania Twain?

Daily Dirt for Tuesday, March 11, 2025

It’s always a good day when the words “Billy Ray Cyrus” can be typed … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,226 of The Daily Dirt.

1. For me, the last great decade of country music was the 1990s.

Sure, we still have George Strait and a handful of others churning out quality tunes, but the for the most part, today’s “country” music has morphed into some bizarre mix of bad retro rock and unnecessary technological enhancements. Get back to the storytelling, the sound of a steel guitar and Oak Ridge Boys-style harmony. 

Today’s country music is a shell of what it once was, or should/could be. I’m hoping it’s just a cycle — like most musical genres go through — and if that’s the case, I hope it ends soon. Real soon.

OK, now that’s off my chest, and speaking of ’90s country music, here are my favorite stars from that decade — in terms of both individual talents and groups:

1. Shania Twain: The woman completely overwhelmed the industry midway through the decade, churning out 12 No. 1 songs from 1995-99. Some say she reinvented — without ruining — country music. Whatever she did, it was great. Most memorable song of the decade: Can I choose about 10? No? Well, then … let’s go with “You Win My Love.”

2. Alabama: Granted, the ’90s were not as dominant of a decade for the boys from Fort Payne (Ala.) as the monstrous ’80s were, but Alabama still ruled the genre (well, except for Shania). Someday, looking back, Randy Owen will be remembered as one of the country’s all-time great vocalists. Most memorable song of the decade: “Forever’s As Far As I’ll Go.”

3. Garth Brooks: There’s plenty of room for argument that Brooks should be No. 1 in this decade, and honestly I wouldn’t disagree. Personally, I just have more of an attachment to Shania and Alabama. Most memorable song of the decade: “That Summer.” (PUBLISHER’S NOTE: I know this is your list of personal favorites, so I’m not going to give it the ripping it deserves, but “That Summer” over “Friends in Low Places?” C’mon, Steve … JRG)

4. George Strait: The man has been as consistent as he is amazing — and he does not care for the “new” country either. Most memorable song of the decade: “I Cross My Heart.”

5. Lorrie Morgan: If not Shania, she may have ruled the decade as far as female artists are concerned. Arguably the most distinctive female country voice ever. Most memorable song of the decade: “Something In Red.”

6. Brooks and Dunn: Ronnie Dunn’s vocal gymnastics have always been thing of beauty. Most memorable song of the decade: “My Maria.”

7. Billy Ray Cyrus: Fame is a fleeting thing, as we learned with Billy Ray. He wasn’t around long, but the imprint he made still rings true for many fans who enjoyed ’90s country. Most memorable song of the decade: “Words By Heart.”

8. Alan Jackson: Jackson’s legacy to country music will be one that can only be matched by the likes of George Strait and a handful of others. His signature Georgia twang is one of the most recognizable voices in country music. Most memorable song of the decade: “Wanted.” 

9. Toby Keith: The late, great Toby Keith helped unite a nation with “Courtesy Of The Red, White and Blue” following the 2001 terrorist attacks. Most memorable song of the decade: “I Should’ve Been A Cowboy.”

10. Dwight Yoakam: With his distinctive twang and rockabilly-inspired style, this Kentucky-born artist brought a fresh sound to country music during his peak years. Most memorable song of the decade: “Turn It Up, Turn Me On, Turn Me Loose.”

2. Did you know (Part 300)

• That if FedEx and UPS merged the new company could be called FedUP?
• That if two wrongs don’t make a right, what about three wrongs?
• That cat urine glows under a black light.
• That there are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.
• That “dreamt” is the only English word that ends in “mt”.

3. The New York Yankees have not finished last in their division since 1990, and only twice since 1966.

We might see an addition to that list this season.

The announcement that ace pitcher Gerrit Cole will be sidelined until around mid-2026 with Tommy John surgery is a major blow, not only for the team’s 2025 pennant hopes but overall respectability. That news follows the loss of Luis Gil, another member of the rotation, who will be out until around mid-July with “lat” problems (I’m not sure I even have a lat). Add to that the loss of slugger Giancarlo Stanton (again) with assorted injuries for probably half the season.

The Yankees could find themselves decidedly buried in the always-rugged A.L. East by the time Gil and Stanton return.

The Yankees’ current rotation of Max Fried (solid), Carlos Rodon (unpredictable), Clark Schmidt (no serious track record), Marcus Stroman (always sketchy) and Will Warren (who?) is easily the worst in the A.L. East.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Would it be fair to say most people have caviar dreams while living in a Ramen Noodle reality?

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Sometimes, I wonder if Steve actually has ever listened to country music. Or any music at all …