Here Are The Best T. Graham Brown Songs That Dominated the 1980s Country Radio (2024)

In the mid-’80s, T. Graham Brown songs became a major presence on country radio. Country music fans could just not resist Brown’s exceptionally Southern trend of beach music, a party-ready mix of classic rock and roll, R&B, country, and blues.

While personal problems kept him out of the spotlight at some point in his career, he managed to return to the charts. In the new millennium, Brown maintained a low-key career – touring and recording albums for small labels.

Anyhow, let’s take a look at some of the greatest hits T. Graham Brown has released. Keep on scrolling below to find out.

1. Hell and High Water

Brown had his first No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, thanks to “Hell and High Water.” Brown co-wrote the song with singer-songwriter Alex Harvey, who was renowned for composing Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn” and Kenny Rogers’ “Reuben James.”

The song is a beautiful ballad about a man who makes promises to a woman whose heart has been broken by another man. He vows to be a rock she can hold onto and a shoulder she can lean on.

2. Don’t Go to Strangers

Here’s another No. 1 country hit by Brown, which remained atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart for an entire week and spent a total of fourteen remarkable weeks. “Don’t Go To Strangers” tells the story of a man hoping that the woman he adores will eventually realize that all the love she’s been looking for can be found right through him.

3. I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again

The song was first recorded by country icon Kenny Rogers in 1978 off his multi-million-selling albumThe Gambler.However, Rogers did not release it. It only came to the public’s attention when Brown released his version, which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

4. I Tell It Like It Used to Be

Brown finds himself speaking his mind in “I Tell It Like It Used to Be” – after all, “there’s nothin’ stronger than the truth.” But when people began asking him about his then-lover and how their relationship ended up failing, he can only speak about the times when she was still in love with him and had not found someone new.

5. Darlene

Brown’s third and final No. 1 country hit came in 1988 through “Darlene,” a song about a man pleading to a girl named Darlene to pack up her dreams and run away with him. He then vows to be the man who will give her everything she’ll ever need.

While Brown always said he’d never record a song with a girl’s name in the title, thinking that “it’s real corny to do,” “Darlene” was just so catchy for him to miss.

6. She Couldn’t Love Me Anymore

This was perhaps one of the bluest songs Brown has ever sung. The poignant ballad chronicles a man who took his woman for granted, knowing that she’d always come running to him no matter what he does – until she had enough. Now, she left him for good and has finally found the man who would love her the way she deserves to be loved.

7. Come as You Were

Written by Paul Craft, the song has been recorded by various artists since country singer Joe Stampley released it in 1980. Some of the most notable recordings were by Jerry Lee Lewis, Barbara Mandrell, and of course, Brown. Brown released “Come as You Were” as the title track of his third studio album. His version ranked No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

8. The Last Resort

Pretty sure a lot would sympathize with “The Last Resort,” which sings about a couple taking a holiday away from all life’s worries. And they’re hoping their holiday destination could save their love that’s slowly dying.

9. If You Could Only See Me Now

The 1990 saw the release of Brown’s fourth album,Bumper to Bumper.While most of the songs in the record did not fare well, “If You Could Only See Me Now” reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

10. Brilliant Conversationalist

Brown found himself head over heels in love and amazed with a woman who he finds to be a “brilliant conversationalist.” “Every thought, so well expressed, every line, so picturesque,” Brown sings

Some More T. Graham Brown Songs That Brought Him To Country Superstardom

Truly, T. Graham Brown had a remarkable and legendary musical career. So, we’re sharing with you some more of his songs that we know you would enjoy.

So, what do you think about this list of T. Graham Brown songs?