Patty Loveless’ Most Captivating and Emotionally Songs (Our Picks)
I Try to Think About Elvis
One of Patty Loveless’s enduring classics, “I Try To Think About Elvis,” remains a standout in her repertoire. In this song, Loveless employs a medley of distractions—ranging from Elvis Presley and high heels to good deals and the Creature from the Black Lagoon—in a humorous attempt to divert her thoughts from an old flame. The track is accompanied by an equally iconic music video that encapsulates the essence of the 1990s with flair.
Blame It on Your Heart
Loveless serenades a tale of heartbreak in the face of a deceitful ex-boyfriend, describing him as a “lying, cheating, cold, dead-beatin’, two-timin’, double-dealin’, mean, mistreatin'” character. In the poignant narrative, she reflects on her simple desire to be his sole love, a dream shattered as he consistently left her in solitude. With conviction, she foresees a day when he will inevitably face the consequences of his actions.
How Can I Help You Say Goodbye
In this poignant ballad, Loveless recounts the various losses she encountered in life, ranging from parting ways with her childhood best friend to the heart-wrenching experience of ending a marriage as an adult. Through each sorrowful chapter, her mother served as a comforting presence, posing the tender question, “how can I help you to say goodbye?” Tragically, the song concludes with the poignant moment of her mother taking her last breath.
The emotional depth of the song earned it several nominations, including recognition from the Grammy Awards in the categories of Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.
Don’t Toss Us Away
Upon hearing the melody, Loveless and her brother, Roger Ramey, recognized its potential as a perfect fit for her vocal prowess. Her rich and resonant voice proved to be an ideal match for the ballad they envisioned.
Their intuition proved correct, as Loveless’s rendition of the song soared to No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, solidifying its place as a testament to the harmonious marriage of her voice with the emotive qualities of the ballad.
Nothin’ but the Wheel
In another soul-stirring composition, Patty Loveless takes us on a heart-wrenching journey down the highway in the early hours, navigating the aftermath of ending a relationship. She paints a poignant picture of leaving everything behind, clutching nothing but the wheel, as the realization sinks in that he no longer desires her presence. The song encapsulates the emotional turmoil of letting go and moving forward with nothing but the open road ahead.
If My Heart Had Windows
Originally recorded by George Jones in 1967, this song found new life two decades later when Loveless released her own rendition. The result? A resounding success as it secured the No. 10 spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, marking her first Top Ten country hit in her illustrious career.
The significance of the song extended beyond the charts, as Loveless chose to perform it on the night of her induction into the Grand Ole Opry, adding another layer of meaning to this memorable chapter in her musical journey.
On Down the Line
Presenting yet another composition from Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Kostas, a prolific songwriter with a repertoire that Loveless frequently tapped into for her recordings. However, when Loveless’s producer first encountered this particular song, skepticism arose due to its questionable lyrics, casting doubt on its compatibility with the country singer’s style.
Undeterred, Kostas took on the challenge and reconstructed the song, ensuring that it underwent a transformation to align seamlessly with Loveless’s distinctive musical palette. The result? A song that found its perfect home within Patty Loveless’s repertoire.
You Don’t Even Know Who I Am
In Patty Loveless’s exploration of the complexities of divorce, she delivers a narrative that unveils two perspectives of a story all too familiar. Crafted by country singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters, this poignant ballad intricately depicts the dissolution of a marriage where both the husband and wife come to the sobering realization that, over time, they have evolved into complete strangers to each other. The song captures the emotional depth of a union’s unraveling with a heartfelt and relatable touch.
So, Which Patty Loveless songs do you consider the absolute gems?
