Depending on your perception of the man, Garth Brooks made country mainstream or singlepurpose anthem for loss and heartbreak and was performed live at Dale Earnhardt's televised memorial, while his hilarious "Friends in Low Places" has remained a barroom favorite for nearly fifteen years.
A big part of Garth Brooks' appeal comes from his downearth persona. He's the average looking dude in jeans and a simple shirt, performing songs with relevant themes, stripped of pretense and false sentiment. He stuck to what he did best for a long time and became very successful. The only misfire he ever had was a concept album where he took on the persona of alternative rocker Chris Gaines. Even though Brooks' country music following didn't get behind the project, credit must be given to the guy for trying something new.
Garth Brooks went into semi-retirement around 2001 to spend time with family, but has since returned to the stage for several live performances. With new interest in his music, now is an excellent time to check out his most famous works.
Garth Brooks Albums Worth Checking Out
* Garth Brooks' self-titled first album, released in 1989, reached the #12 position on the Billboard charts and had two of his most famous songs, "If Tomorrow Never Comes" and "The Dance."
* No Fences, Garth Brook's 1990 follow up, remains his number one selling album. It includes my two favorite songs, "The Thunder Rolls" and "Friends in Low Places." This one's a good place to start.
* Garth Brooks has said that his 1992 album The Chase remains his most personal album. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard and the Top Country Album charts and included his cover of the famous "Night Rider's Lament."
* If you want to check out his concept album, it's called Chris Gaines Greatest Hits. It didn't quite jibe with his fan base, but it did go double-platinum so ''someone'' must have liked it. Law of averages, right?
