Barbara Mandrell’s Entertainer Of The Year: A Country Gem That Still Shines Bright
Let’s cut to the chase: Barbara Mandrell wasn’t messing around when she dropped Entertainer Of The Year in 1995. This album is like a warm hug from an old friend—comforting, familiar, but with enough sass to keep things interesting. Falling somewhere between classic country vibes and that slick Urban Cowboy flair, it’s got all the fixings of a good ol’ honky-tonk playlist without feeling stuck in the past. And yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.
Now, I gotta say, this isn’t just another dusty relic collecting cobwebs on your dad’s shelf. Tracks like “The Midnight Oil” and “How Can It Be Wrong (When It Feels So Right)” are standouts for me because they’ve got that sticky-sweet charm that lingers long after the needle lifts off the record (or, you know, Spotify stops playing).
Take “The Midnight Oil,” for instance. It’s one of those songs where you’re not sure if you’re tapping your foot or nodding along solemnly—it’s kinda both at once. There’s something about how Mandrell leans into the lyrics; it feels like she’s sharing a secret over coffee, except instead of caffeine, her voice is what keeps you wired. Plus, who doesn’t love a song title that doubles as life advice? Burn that midnight oil, folks!
Then there’s “How Can It Be Wrong (When It Feels So Right),” which reads like the mantra of every rebellious teenager ever—and let’s be honest, we could all use a little rebellion now and then. The tune has this cheeky confidence that makes you want to crank up the volume and belt it out while driving down some backroad under the stars. If nothing else, it reminds us that sometimes doing what feels right—even when logic says otherwise—is exactly what we need.
What really ties this whole thing together is how seamless the mix of styles feels. You’ve got your straight-up country twang, a dash of pop polish, and even a pinch of worldliness sneaking in here and there. It’s like Mandrell took everything she knew about music, tossed it in a blender, and hit puree. Sure, some tracks might blend together more than others, but hey—that’s part of its charm.
By the end of the album, you’re left wondering why Barbara Mandrell didn’t get more credit during the ‘90s country boom. Maybe it was because she was too busy being awesome to chase trends. Or maybe Sony Music Special Products just didn’t market her hard enough. Either way, Entertainer Of The Year proves she deserved every bit of praise thrown her way—and then some.
So next time someone asks you what kind of music gets you through life’s ups and downs, don’t hesitate to throw this gem on the list. Just remember: burning the midnight oil never sounded so good… unless, of course, you’re actually trying to sleep. In which case, headphones are highly recommended.
