The 1980s brought electric slide to country dance floors, but it was the 1990s that truly ignited a global dance craze. Line dancing exploded onto the scene, transforming honky-tonks and dance halls into synchronized stomping grounds. Artists like Billy Ray Cyrus, Dwight Yoakam, and Alan Jackson led this revolution, their music becoming the soundtrack to a generation’s dance obsession.
Country line dancing in the 90s was a unique blend – a pinch of folk dance, a dash of disco energy, and a whole lot of Western flair. It was so infectious that dedicated line dancing bars popped up, and even mainstream brands like The Gap jumped on the bandwagon, featuring line dancers in their commercials. Decades later, dances like the Cowboy Cha Cha and Slappin’ Leather are still taught, proving the lasting impact of the 90’s line dancing phenomenon, all thanks to some unforgettable country hits.
Here are ten essential 90’s country line dancing anthems that will have you ready to hit the floor:
10. “Indian Outlaw” – Tim McGraw (1994)
Tim McGraw’s “Indian Outlaw” burst onto the scene in 1994 and immediately became a line dance staple. Its driving rhythm and catchy melody made it perfect for rowdy dance floors. The song’s energetic beat is tailor-made for synchronized steps and turns, making it a fun and engaging dance for groups of all skill levels.
9. “Any Man of Mine” – Shania Twain (1995)
Shania Twain’s empowering anthem, “Any Man of Mine,” released in 1995, became a hit with women on the dance floor. The song’s confident, upbeat tempo is ideal for heel-toe movements and sassy steps. Fun fact: Shania Twain, being Canadian, inadvertently helped popularize the Canadian Stomp with this track, adding an international flavor to the line dance craze.
8. “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” – Toby Keith (1993)
Toby Keith’s breakout song, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” from 1993, is perfect for the Horseshoe Shuffle, a popular circle dance. This track’s classic country sound and sing-along chorus make it a crowd-pleaser. The Horseshoe Shuffle, designed for this song, even incorporates moves for couples, making it inclusive and fun for everyone on the dance floor.
7. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” – Brooks & Dunn (1991)
“Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn is arguably the quintessential line dancing song. Released in 1991, it immediately conjures up images of synchronized heel stomps and energetic routines. Mention line dancing to anyone, and this song is likely the first to come to mind. It remains a beloved classic in country dance clubs worldwide, a testament to its enduring popularity.
6. “Chattahoochee” – Alan Jackson (1992)
Alan Jackson’s feel-good hit “Chattahoochee,” released in 1992, found a second life on dance floors thanks to the Tush Push choreography. The song’s playful rhythm and catchy lyrics are instantly recognizable. Even the music video itself features plenty of line dancing, further cementing its place in the 90’s dance scene and popularizing the Tush Push dance move.
5. “Copperhead Road” – Steve Earle (1988)
Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road” might have been released in 1988, but it was the 90’s line dancing craze that propelled it to legendary status. Its unique blend of rock and country, combined with a driving beat, made it an unexpected but incredibly popular line dance track. The song’s narrative and energy resonated with dancers, turning it into a lasting anthem of the era.
4. “Watermelon Crawl” – Tracy Byrd (1994)
Country music fans across the nation were “Watermelon Crawling” when Tracy Byrd released this infectious hit in 1994. “Watermelon Crawl” is a standard go-to for line dancers and is often one of the first dances taught to beginners. Its simple, repetitive steps and fun, lighthearted vibe make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone to learn and dance to.
3. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” – Shania Twain (1997)
While not strictly mentioned in the original article’s list, Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” (1997) is an undeniable 90’s dance anthem that deserves a spot. Its powerful, high-energy beat and iconic lyrics made it a line dance favorite in clubs and parties. The song’s empowering message and danceable rhythm ensured its place in 90s dance culture.
2. “Cotton Eyed Joe” – Rednex (1994)
No 90’s line dance party is complete without “Cotton Eyed Joe” by Rednex. This 1994 track, a surprising blend of country and EDM from a Swedish band, took US country dance floors by storm. Its incredibly fast tempo and unique sound made it a high-energy, unforgettable dance experience, showcasing the global reach of the 90s line dance phenomenon.
1. “Achy Breaky Heart” – Billy Ray Cyrus (1992)
Long before his daughter Miley’s twerking, Billy Ray Cyrus’s “Achy Breaky Heart,” released in 1992, catapulted country line dancing from niche to mainstream legend. This mega-hit got everyone, from hip-swiveling cowboys to women in skin-tight jeans, out on the dance floor. “Achy Breaky Heart” wasn’t just a song; it was the spark that ignited an era of heel-stomping, kick-ball-changing dance madness, defining the 90’s country dance scene.
What Are Your Favorite 90’s Country Line Dancing Songs?
The 90s line dancing craze was truly massive, with dances created for almost every country hit. Share your favorite 90’s country songs to boot-scootin’ boogie to in the comments below!
