After Shania Twain’s Come On Over made the Rocktology! Final 4 in our recent Top CDs of the ’90s tournament (check the full results here), we knew we had to show the Canadian queen of country pop some love.
Eilleen “Shania” Twain is one of the best-selling female artists of all time and the best-selling female country artist in history. What’s more, she remains the only female artist in history to have three albums in a row certified diamond by the RIAA, for sales of 10 million units. Come on Over (1997) is certified double diamond, which means more than 20 million copies have been sold.
I was born in 1993, so I was a mere four years old when Come on Over was released. Few people even remember being four, let alone what music they were into at that age (aside from maybe Disney movie soundtracks). But I remember that Shania Twain was my first ever favorite singer because of Come on Over. I remember my mom playing it in the car, and I remember singing every word. In fact, it was my early childhood Shania renditions that made my parents realize that I could sing. I sang Shania’s “From This Moment On” at my first school talent show and at my mom’s wedding. I still sing it for her to this day by request.
Shania has always been special to me as the first female vocalist inspiration I ever had. Here are ten great songs that earn her the “Queen of Country Pop” title in my heart:
“From This Moment On”
Come On Over (1997)
Can you imagine a more perfect wedding song? I can’t, and neither could my mom and stepdad. This song is a timeless love ballad that defines commitment and devotion. If you meet someone that makes “From This Moment On” play in your head when you look at them, you better hold that person close and never let go.
“Man! I Feel Like a Woman”
Come On Over (1997)
“Let’s go, girls.” I don’t know of a more iconic song intro in ’90s country. For me, this song has always represented being unabashedly yourself, and I’m thankful I grew up with such a positive influence in Shania. It’s not always easy to be a woman, but it’s always worth it.
“I’m Gonna Getcha Good!”
Up! (2002)
“I’m Gonna Getcha Good!” is an underrated gem from an underrated album. On this track, Shania turns the tables: she’s a woman who’ll stop at nothing to get the man she wants, similar to the manner that men have historically spoken about women. Sure, it’s a little objectifying, but it’s an interesting reversal nonetheless—and super jam-able.
“Black Eyes, Blue Tears”
Come On Over (1997)
Content warning for abuse. “Black Eyes, Blue Tears” is definitely heavier in subject matter than the rest of Come On Over, but it conveys an inspiring message about the strength it takes to leave mistreatment. I love it because it reminds women to acknowledge their value, and to always remember that they deserve happiness and peace.
“Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?”
The Woman In Me (1995)
This is the anthem for that moment when you realize you’re so over an awful partner, you don’t even care that they’re cheating anymore. You just want to call them on their nonsense and be done. Shania calls out all the women and all the lies in this girl-power jam. There’s no gaslighting her!
“Forever and For Always”
Up! (2002)
“Forever and For Always” is one of my favorites to sing. Sometimes, I think Shania could put couples’ therapists out of business with love songs like this. This simple, soothing slow jam is the perfect way to remind someone that you’re thankful for the way they love you.
“Honey, I’m Home”
Come On Over (1997)
We’ve all had the type of cursed day that Shania describes in “Honey, I’m Home.” I can certainly relate to (politely) demanding affection from my partner after a rough day. But even if you don’t have someone waiting at home to give you a back rub, let Shania remind you that you deserve to veg out in front of the TV after a long day.
“Any Man of Mine”
The Woman in Me (1995)
There’s nothing wrong with having high standards for the people you let into your heart. “Any Man of Mine” is about settling for nothing less than being accepted and loved for exactly who you are—even if who you are is a terrible cook who regularly burns dinner.
“You’re Still the One”
Come On Over (1997)
I like to think of “You’re Still the One” as the follow-up to “From This Moment On.” It’s the 10th anniversary song. It’s the perfect song to play for your partner if they just need a little reminder that you’re still into them after all this time. The Queen sure knows how to craft a killer love song.
“That Don’t Impress Me Much”
Come On Over (1997)
To close out this list, I’d like to circle back to the topic of standards with “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Material things don’t count when it comes to standards. You can have degrees, smoke-show looks and all money in the world, but that won’t impress Shania if you don’t treat her right. May we all take a page out of her book when deciding how we’ll be treated—by partners, or by anyone in our lives.
It’s been said that we learn all we need to know in kindergarten. I may have learned everything I need to know even before that — from Dr. Twain. Cynics may dismiss Shania as videogenic eye-candy, but really listen and you’ll hear the heart, wisdom and inspiration that I did, even as a kid. From this moment, as long as I live.
