Brooks & Dunn Songs: Celebrating the Legendary Country Duo’s Greatest Hits
When it comes to classic country music, few names are as iconic as Brooks & Dunn. Since their formation in 1990, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have left an indelible mark on the genre, creating a legacy of unforgettable songs and trailblazing success. Their catalog of hits stretches back over three decades, blending honky-tonk style with heartfelt ballads that resonate with fans of all ages. With a combination of powerful lyrics, catchy melodies, and soulful performances, Brooks & Dunn’s greatest hits capture the spirit of country music.
This page explores the best Brooks & Dunn songs, highlighting the duo’s biggest hits, greatest achievements, and their enduring influence on country music today.
The Rise of Brooks & Dunn
Brooks & Dunn was formed in 1990 at the suggestion of songwriter and record producer Tim DuBois, who saw the potential in combining the talents of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. Before teaming up, both artists had established themselves as solo recording acts. Brooks had released an album for Capitol Records in 1989 and penned hit singles for other country stars, while Dunn had charted two solo singles in the 1980s. Their partnership quickly proved to be a recipe for success, as their debut album, Brand New Man, produced four No. 1 hits, including “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”—a song that would help bring line dancing back into the mainstream.
Top Brooks & Dunn Songs and Albums
Brand New Man
Brand New Man, released in 1991, contained songs like “Neon Moon,” that’s been added to every 90s Country Playlist and is still just as popular today. Brooks & Dunn made a strong debut with their first single, “Brand New Man,” which hit the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in June 1991 and quickly climbed to the number one spot. The track served as the title song for their debut album, Brand New Man, released in August 1991. The duo collaborated with songwriter Don Cook to co-write this song, along with other tracks on the album. Cook also took on the role of co-producer for the project, marking his first production credit alongside producer Scott Hendricks.
Borderline
Brooks & Dunn’s fourth studio album, Borderline, featured a rendition of B.W. Stevenson’s 1972 classic “My Maria” as its lead single. Released in 1996, their version stayed at number one on the country charts for three consecutive weeks and also reached number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to the Billboard Year-End charts, it was the top country song of that year. Initially, Ronnie Dunn was hesitant about recording the track, as the duo had previously avoided covering other artists’ songs. However, the decision paid off, earning them their second Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group. That same year, Brooks & Dunn made history by becoming the first duo to win the Entertainer of the Year award from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
Steers and Stripes
Brooks & Dunn chose “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You” to lead their seventh studio album, Steers & Stripes, released in 2001, as they believed it had strong hit potential. The song went on to become their longest-running number one on the country chart, holding the top spot for six consecutive weeks. It was also named the top country single of the year by Billboard‘s Year-End rankings, marking the second time in the duo’s career they earned this accolade. Additionally, it became their highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 at that point, reaching number 25. For this album, they collaborated with producer Mark Wright, who was known for his work with artists like Lee Ann Womack and Gary Allan.
“Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You”
“Only in America”
“Only in America,” the second single from Steers & Stripes, was released in June 2001. Written by Kix Brooks, Don Cook, and Ronnie Rogers, the song captured the duo’s signature blend of patriotism and storytelling. It became the second of three consecutive chart-toppers from the album, reaching the number one position on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart during the week of October 27, 2001.
Red Dirt Road
Brooks & Dunn’s eighth studio album, Red Dirt Road, arrived in 2003 and saw significant success. The title track climbed to the top of the Billboard country chart, marking the duo’s 18th number-one hit. The album produced two additional singles: “You Can’t Take the Honky Tonk Out of the Girl,” which held the number-three spot for five weeks, and “That’s What She Gets for Loving Me,” reaching number six. These tracks also charted on the Hot 100, landing at positions 25, 39, and 53, respectively. Like their previous album Steers & Stripes, Red Dirt Road achieved platinum certification.
It Won’t Be Christmas Without You
In 2002, Brooks & Dunn brought some holiday cheer to their discography with the release of their first Christmas album, It Won’t Be Christmas Without You. Several tracks from the album gained traction on the country charts due to seasonal airplay, including the title song, “Hangin’ ’round the Mistletoe,” “Rockin’ Little Christmas,” and a festive rendition of “Winter Wonderland.”
Hillbilly Deluxe
“Play Something Country” kicked off Brooks & Dunn’s ninth studio album, Hillbilly Deluxe, showcasing their dynamic energy. The album, released with production led by the duo and Tony Brown, featured additional input from Mark Wright on the track “My Heart’s Not a Hotel.” Shortly after its debut, “Play Something Country” surged to the top of the Hot Country Songs chart, marking the duo’s twentieth and final number one hit. The single also achieved crossover success, reaching number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s follow-up single, “Believe,” climbed to number eight and earned recognition at the Country Music Association Awards, winning both Single of the Year and Song of the Year.
Cowboy Town
Brooks & Dunn released their 10th studio album, Cowboy Town, on October 2, 2007. The album’s debut single, “Proud of the House We Built,” became a notable success, climbing to number four on the country music charts and reaching 57 on the Billboard Hot 100. This album continued to showcase the duo’s signature blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds, solidifying their place in country music history.
“Cowgirls Don’t Cry”
Following the release of “Proud of the House We Built,” Brooks & Dunn put out the single “Cowgirls Don’t Cry,” which gained added attention after a live performance with Reba McEntire at the Country Music Association Awards. After this performance, the track was reissued with McEntire’s vocals included in the final chorus. The song eventually peaked at number two on the country charts in early 2009.
A Career of Chart-Topping Success – Songs Reimagined with Star-Studded Collaborations
REBOOT
The release of REBOOT, a collaboration album in 2019, marked another milestone for Brooks & Dunn. Featuring modern country artists like Luke Combs and Kane Brown reimagining classic Brooks & Dunn hits, the album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums, giving the duo their 10th Billboard 200 Top 10 album. This achievement not only showcased the enduring appeal of their music but also introduced their greatest hits to a broader audience, solidifying Brooks & Dunn’s legacy as one of the most influential acts in country music.
REBOOT 2
REBOOT 2 builds on the success of Brooks & Dunn’s 2019 album, “REBOOT,” continuing the concept of collaborative reinvention. For this follow-up, the duo invited a new lineup of today’s most captivating artists, spanning both country and other genres, to put their own spin on classic Brooks & Dunn hits. The artists were encouraged to exercise full creative control, reshaping each track from the ground up to reflect their personal style and musical vision.
Brooks & Dunn’s Hall of Fame Recognition
In 2019, Brooks & Dunn were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the “Modern Era Artist” category. This honor was a fitting tribute to a duo that has not only dominated the charts but also influenced countless artists who followed in their footsteps. The recognition reflected their contribution to shaping the sound of modern country music while staying true to its roots.
Brooks & Dunn’s music continues to be a cornerstone of country music, with their best songs remaining popular among longtime fans and newcomers alike. Whether you’re exploring their greatest hits collection or seeking out a list of all Brooks & Dunn songs, you’ll find a range of tracks that highlight the duo’s versatility and influence. From chart-topping singles to hidden gems, the best of Brooks & Dunn captures the heart and soul of country music. As they continue to tour and collaborate with contemporary artists, their music lives on, inspiring future generations and reaffirming their status as one of country music’s most enduring acts.
If you love 90s Country artists and songs, check out our 90s Country Trivia and see if you can get all of the questions correct!
Photo Credit: Jeremy Cowart