Trisha Yearwood: Songs That Should’ve Been Singles

This month, we take a closer listen to Trisha Yearwood's back catalogue and find eight gems that warrant airplay.

Written by Annie Reuter
Trisha Yearwood: Songs That Should’ve Been Singles
Trisha Yearwood, Photo courtesy Aristo PR

The process of choosing a single for radio is often as arduous a task as writing the song. Each month, Sounds Like Nashville will feature a different artist and explore songs from his or her catalogue that we wish made it to radio. Make no mistake, this is no critique of the artist or label, it’s simply a list of songs we love so much that we think deserve to be in the spotlight. This month, we take a closer listen to Trisha Yearwood’s back catalogue and find eight gems that warrant airplay.

“Victim of the Game” – from Trisha Yearwood
Long before Yearwood married Garth Brooks, she was singing songs written by her friend and soon-to-be husband. “Victim of the Game” was penned by Brooks and Mark D. Sanders and originally featured on Brooks’ 1990 No Fences album. Yearwood’s version, showcased on her self-titled debut a year later, is a tender piano ballad about heartache. On the stunning song she captivates listeners with her soft and poignant vocals.

“The Whisper of Your Heart” – from Trisha Yearwood
This introspective number has Yearwood sharing the advice she received on life from her father. A song of how important it is to keep believing in one’s dreams, Yearwood sings steadily about never giving up. “Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s hard / But as you walk the road remember who you are / You gotta roll with the punches / You gotta aim to hit the mark / You gotta follow your hunches / And try to finish what you start.”

“I Don’t Fall In Love So Easy” – from Love Songs
This beautiful ballad has Yearwood warning a lover, “I don’t fall in love so easy / But I’m falling in love with you / I don’t give my heart to just anyone / I don’t even know how to do it.” Written by Rodney Crowell, the intriguing storyline, slowed percussion and guitar accompaniment compliment Yearwood’s smooth and soulful vocals.

“Bring Me All Your Lovin'” – from Where Your Road Leads
This sexy come-on has Yearwood explaining how no gift means as much as her man’s loving. “All I want is you tonight / That’d be really sweet / There’s nothin’ at the five and dime that I really need / Your kiss is the only gift that means a thing to me,” she croons. Later, she adds that she doesn’t need a card or a new dress, all she needs is to be wrapped up in his arms. Take note, Garth!

“Love Let Go” – from Inside Out
This edgy track is unlike any song we’ve heard from Yearwood. Bombastic yet eerie, the singer showcases her lower register as she croons throughout the song alongside soaring string features. Trying her best to be liberated from love, she recalls a moment when the fire in her blew out and she was no longer a prisoner of love. It’s a different side to Yearwood, but a welcomed one at that.

“Pistol” – from Jasper County
This upbeat number details a woman scorned by a bad boy. “Well you wanted trouble now you got a fistful / That’s what happens when you fall for a pistol,” she reasons. A grooving beat and seductive piano accompaniment only add to the already catchy song. An obvious foot stomper, “Pistol” would have been a welcomed hit at country radio.

“River of You” – from Jasper County
This haunting song has a woman realizing her beau is no good for her since he keeps breaking her heart. As soon as she is in his presence, though, she is immediately put under his spell. An engaging performance vocally, Yearwood draws listeners in and keeps them intrigued until the last note is played.

“Gimme the Good Stuff” – from Jasper County
A descriptive song, “Gimme the Good Stuff” paints the picture of a woman crying into her black coffee after love went wrong. Instead of sitting there and wallowing, she decides on an entirely different outcome. “Somethin’ just crossed my mind / I’ve been feelin’ like love’s a crime / And if it is well I’ve done my time, I’m through,” she asserts. A powerful anthem for any woman in a bad relationship, Yearwood bravely cuts the chord and realizes she’s settled for far too long. “Hey, gimme the good stuff,” she belts. Something every listener can relate to, Yearwood is convincing with her vocal performance and just might inspire others to take a good hard look at their own relationships.