Photo: Jon Bidwell, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Our Top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter Songs list looks at the songs of a great singer songwriter from Princeton, New Jersey. This amazing talent earned her success the hard way as she spent much time working in the nightclub scene like her other fellow New Jerseyan Bruce Springsteen did as a performer before she signed her first major label record deal. Mary Chapin Carpenter would eventually sign with Columbia Records which was also Bruce Springsteen’s record label as well as Bob Dylan’s, Billy Joels, Frank Sinatra’s and so many other legends. Her first album entitled Hometown Girl was released in 1987. From that point on, Mary Chapin Carpenter would release sixteen studio albums and forty one singles as well as the standard mix of compilation albums. Mary Chapin Carpenter would also become a favorite of the Grammy Awards as she won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance four years in a row. Our Top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter songs list showcases ten of her most brilliant songs.
# 10 – Passionate Kisses
We wanted to open up our top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter songs list with a great one so here it is. In the number ten spot is the fabulous song entitled “Passionate Kisses.” This rocking high spirited song would become Mary Chapin Carpenter’s first single release to break into the Billboard Hot 100 where it peaked at number fifty seven. The song was written by the wonderful songwriter and performer Lucinda Williams who we all just simply adore.
“Passionate Kisses,” was released on the album entitled Come On Come On. It was the third single released from the album. The album was released in 1992. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts peaking at number four. In the US the song alson hit number eleven on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary Charts. Up North in Canada, “Passionate Kisses,” was a hit on the Canadian Country Music Charts rising all the way to number five.
# 9 – You Win Again
Continuing with our top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter songs list we take a listen to the pulsating song entitled “You Win Again” Mary Chapin Carpenter seemed headed more towards that Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen sound on this track than the country side of things. The song was released on the album entitled Shooting Straight in the Dark. The album was released in 1990. It was the first single released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts peaking at number sixteen. The song also was a hit on the Canadian Country Music Charts rising all the way to number six. The song was composed by Mary Chapin Carpenter.
# 8 – House of Cards
In the number eight spot on our top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter list we present the song entitled “House of Cards” The song starts out with the same riff as Bruce Springsteen’s “Two Hearts.” The song was released on the album entitled Stones in the Road. The album was released in 1994. It was the third single released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts peaking at number twenty one. The song also was a hit on the Canadian Country Music Charts rising all the way to number twenty two. The song was composed by Mary Chapin Carpenter.
# 7 – Never Had It So Good
In the number seven position on our top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter songs list is the marvelous, song entitled “Never Had It So Good.” There is such great playing on all these Mary Chapin Carpenter songs. The song was released on the album entitled State of the Heart. The album was released in 1989. It was the second single released from the album.”Never Had It So Good” was a hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts peaking at number eight. The song “Never Had It So Good” also was a hit on the Canadian Country Music Charts rising all the way to number six. The song “Never Had It So Good” was composed by Mary Chapin Carpenter and John Jennings.
# 6 – I Feel Lucky
Landing in the number six spot on our top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter songs list we present the good-time feeling song “I Feel Lucky.” Oh yeah this one is for the gamblers. The song was released on the album entitled Come On Come On. The album was released in 1991. It was the first single of seven eventual singles released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts peaking at number four. The song also was a hit on the Canadian Country Music Charts rising all the way to number three. The song was composed by Mary Chapin Carpenter and Don Schlitz.
# 5 – Down at the Twist and Shout
At the halfway point on our top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter songs list is the honky tonk rocking song entitled “Down at the Twist and Shout.” The jubilant song was issued on the album entitled Shooting Straight in the Dark. The album was released in 1990. It was the third single released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts peaking at number two. The song also was a hit on the Canadian Country Music Charts rising all the way to number seven. The song was composed by Mary Chapin Carpenter.
# 4 – Grow Old with Me
At the number four spot on our top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter songs list we present the legendary John Lennon song entitled “Grow Old with Me.” Mary Chapin Carpenter performed a breathtaking cover of the classic John Lennon song on the album Working Class Hero. The song was not released originally by John Lennon until after he had passed away. It appeared on the posthumous album Milk and Honey. Working Class Hero was a tribute album to John Lennon released in 1995. Mary Chapin Carpenter;s recording was one of the albums standout tracks.
# 3 – Almost Home
Moving along on our top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter songs list we present the song entitled “Almost Home.” One can hear the sounds of The Eagles and Tom Petty resonating through this beautiful song in the song’s instrumental arrangement. The song was released on the album entitled Party Doll and Other Favorites. The album was released in 1999. It was the first single released from the album.
The song “Almost Home,” was a hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts peaking at number twenty two. “Almost Home,” was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number eighty five. The song also was a hit on the Canadian Country Music Charts rising all the way to number forty five. The song “Almost Home,” was composed by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Annie Roboff.
# 2 – He Thinks He’ll Keep Her
Just of the top spot on our top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter songs list we celebrate the energetic song entitled “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” This one has a bit of a Bruce Springsteen feel to it. The song was released on the album entitled Come On Come On. The album was released in 1992. It was the sixth single released from the album. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts peaking at number two making it the highest charting song from the album. The song also was a hit on the Canadian Country Music Charts rising all the way to number six. “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” was composed by Mary Chapin Carpenter and Don Schlitz.
# 1 – Shut Up and Kiss Me
We close out our top 10 Mary Chapin Carpenter songs list with the jubilant, high-spirited song entitled “Shut Up and Kiss Me.” There is some smoking grooving piano on this track that lays out a very cool groove for Mary Chapin Carpenter’s electrifying vocal. The piano was performed by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers long time pianist Benmont Tench. The great Kenny Aronoff was behind the drums fueling a mean rhythm that was met with equal thunder by the bassist Don Dixon. It all came together so perfectly in this sensational recording.
The song “Shut Up and Kiss Me,” was released on the album entitled Stones in the Road. The album was released in 1994. It was the first single released from the album. The song “Shut Up and Kiss Me” was a huge country music hit on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Charts peaking at number one. The song was a hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 just creeping in at number ninety. The song also was a hit on the Canadian Country Music Charts rising all the way to number five. The song was composed by Mary Chapin Carpenter.
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
