10 Country Artists Who Defined 90s Male Sound

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The 1990s - a decade that saw the rise of country music's popularity, with artists like Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and George Strait dominating the charts. But it wasn't just these household names that defined the 90s male country sound. Here are 10 country artists who made significant contributions to the genre during this pivotal decade.

These artists not only achieved commercial success but also helped shape the sound of country music in the 1990s. From traditionalists like Travis Tritt and Tracy Lawrence to innovators like Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, each of these artists brought their unique style and perspective to the genre.

1. Travis Tritt

Known for his distinctive voice and traditional country sound, Travis Tritt was a staple of 90s country music. With hits like "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" and "It's All About to Change," Tritt established himself as one of the decade's most successful artists.

Notable Songs:

• "T-R-O-U-B-L-E"
• "It's All About to Change"
• "Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)"

2. Tracy Lawrence

With his distinctive voice and style, Tracy Lawrence was a major force in 90s country music. His hits like "Sticks and Stones" and "Time Marches On" showcased his ability to craft catchy, memorable songs.

Notable Songs:

• "Sticks and Stones"
• "Time Marches On"
• "If I Don't Make It Back"

3. Keith Urban

Although he didn't achieve mainstream success until the 2000s, Keith Urban's debut album, released in 1991, laid the groundwork for his future success. His unique blend of country, rock, and pop influences helped shape the sound of country music in the 1990s.

Notable Songs:

• "Before You Go"
• "Your Everything"
• "It's a Love Thing"

4. Tim McGraw

With his rugged, charismatic persona and distinctive voice, Tim McGraw was a dominant force in 90s country music. His hits like "Indian Outlaw" and "I Like It, I Love It" showcased his ability to craft catchy, memorable songs.

Notable Songs:

• "Indian Outlaw"
• "I Like It, I Love It"
• "Live Like You Were Dying"

5. Clay Walker

With his smooth, soulful voice and string of hits like "What's It to You" and "This Woman and This Man," Clay Walker established himself as one of the 1990s' most successful country artists.

Notable Songs:

• "What's It to You"
• "This Woman and This Man"
• "Hypnotize the Moon"

6. John Anderson

A country music veteran, John Anderson continued to enjoy success in the 1990s with hits like "Straight Tequila Night" and "Money in the Bank." His distinctive voice and style made him a staple of the genre.

Notable Songs:

• "Straight Tequila Night"
• "Money in the Bank"
• "Semiconscious"

7. Tracy Byrd

With his traditional country sound and hits like "Holdin' Heaven" and "Watermelon Crawl," Tracy Byrd established himself as a major force in 90s country music.

Notable Songs:

• "Holdin' Heaven"
• "Watermelon Crawl"
• "The First Step"

8. Billy Ray Cyrus

Although he's perhaps best known for his hit "Achy Breaky Heart," Billy Ray Cyrus was a major force in 90s country music. His unique blend of country, rock, and pop influences helped shape the sound of the genre.

Notable Songs:

• "Achy Breaky Heart"
• "Could've Been Me"
• "Wher'm I Gonna Live?"

9. David Lee Murphy

With his smooth, soulful voice and hits like "Dust on the Bottle" and "Party Crowd," David Lee Murphy established himself as a major force in 90s country music.

Notable Songs:

• "Dust on the Bottle"
• "Party Crowd"
• "Just Once"

10. Mark Chesnutt

With his traditional country sound and hits like "Bubba Shot the Jukebox" and "It Sure Is Monday," Mark Chesnutt established himself as a staple of 90s country music.

Notable Songs:

• "Bubba Shot the Jukebox"
• "It Sure Is Monday"
• "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing"

The 1990s was a pivotal decade for country music, with a wide range of artists contributing to the genre's growth and popularity. From traditionalists like Travis Tritt and Tracy Lawrence to innovators like Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, these 10 country artists helped define the sound of 90s country music.