The 1980s were a period of flux for country music. Emerging from the commercial peak of the Urban Cowboy era, the genre found itself grappling with declining record sales and a somewhat diluted artistic identity. Many felt the airwaves were saturated with overly polished, easy-listening country that lacked genuine heart and direction. However, beneath this surface of uncertainty, a creative resurgence was brewing, poised to usher in one of country music’s most celebrated decades.
While the neotraditional movement spearheaded by figures like George Strait and Ricky Skaggs is often credited with this revitalization, the true catalyst was a deeper shift towards individuality. Despite categorization and genre labels, the beauty of this era lay in the unique stamp each artist brought to their music. Whether rooted in tradition or branching out into pop, rock, or other influences, artists crafted sounds that were distinctly their own, defying easy categorization.
This evolution didn’t necessitate drastic reinventions. As seen with George Strait’s Strait From the Heart, sometimes a return to core principles, updated for contemporary sensibilities, could sustain tradition while forging something new. This brings us to The Judds, a mother-daughter duo who embodied this very approach. They channeled the spirit of old-time folk music, infused with vibrant arrangements, breathtaking harmonies, and a bold delivery that resonated deeply with audiences.
While perhaps not strictly “underrated,” The Judds are sometimes overlooked when discussing this pivotal era, which is a disservice to their immense impact. Naomi and Wynonna Judd, the duo at the heart of this phenomenon, rose from humble beginnings, a story deserving of its own exploration. Despite initial industry skepticism, they broke through to become not just the defining country duo of the 80s, but arguably the first true duo the genre had ever embraced.
Historically, country music awards often recognized duets as collaborations between established solo artists, such as Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, or Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens. The Judds arrived as a dedicated duo, signaling a significant shift in the landscape. Furthermore, their unique blend of mother-daughter harmonies and folk-tinged sound, reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt and Joni Mitchell, was a gamble in an era often dominated by slick production. It was a chance audition with RCA Records that ultimately ignited their remarkable journey.
Interestingly, The Judds began with a six-song “Mini LP,” a precursor to the EP format. While some tracks from this initial release would later appear on full-length albums, their debut album proper, Why Not Me, truly set the stage for their meteoric rise. Their formula was elegantly simple, mirroring George Strait’s approach: a return to roots, echoing clear influences, yet stamped with a unique individuality that paved the way for future generations of artists.
The Judds Why Not Me album cover featuring Naomi and Wynonna Judd smiling and posing with guitars
Discussing Why Not Me from a technical standpoint is refreshingly straightforward. The album is anchored by an acoustic foundation, subtly enhanced with atmospheric touches that add warmth and invitation without sacrificing energy or depth. Wynonna Judd’s vocals are a defining element, possessing a confident and assertive tone that remains grounded and never overpowering. This assertiveness extends to the songwriting, creating a cohesive and compelling listening experience.
In the context of the 80s country soundscape, Why Not Me stands out for its clarity and crispness. The album shines brightest in its mid-tempo grooves, exemplified by the title track “Why Not Me” and “Love is Alive.” Even with its softer focus, the music remains engaging, often exhibiting a playful, bouncy energy. This core sound, unfortunately, became somewhat diluted in later works as they leaned towards more conventional production styles. Adding to its poignant brevity, their career as a duo was cut short by Naomi’s diagnosis of chronic hepatitis in 1991.
If any criticisms can be leveled at Why Not Me, it’s that traces of the era’s prevailing schmaltz and polish occasionally surface in slower ballads like “Sleeping Heart” and “Bye Bye Baby Blues.” The album’s structure can also feel slightly formulaic, alternating between delicate tracks and more upbeat counterparts, ranging from the brilliance of the title track to less impactful songs like “Drops of Water.”
However, Wynonna’s vocal versatility adeptly navigates both styles. Her naturally moody and soulful tone lends profound heartbreak to tracks like “Mr. Pain,” while injecting a desperate urgency into songs like “Why Not Me” and “Mama He’s Crazy.” Her commanding vocal presence anchors the entire album, imbuing tracks like “Love is Alive” with genuine gratitude, preventing them from veering into sentimentality.
Interestingly, despite the album’s upbeat moments, a thematic thread of love’s struggles runs through Why Not Me. It’s an album that prioritizes performance and emotional delivery over lyrical innovation, occasionally leaning into familiar sentiments. Yet, this approach largely works in its favor. The title track remains a classic, propelled by its infectious groove, stirring hook, and Wynonna’s compelling performance of a yearning that may ultimately go unfulfilled. This sense of yearning permeates the album, exploring the pain of lost love in “Mr. Pain” and the arduous journey of healing in its aftermath. While not overtly melancholic, the album balances these themes with upbeat, cathartic moments that serve as kiss-offs to past relationships and celebrations of newfound healing. A deeper exploration of darker themes could have been an intriguing direction.
Ultimately, the moments of stability and joy in “Love is Alive” and “Mama He’s Crazy” are heightened by the surrounding emotional complexities. Love may be imperfect, but the personal happiness and fulfillment it brings are all the more precious. Why Not Me, through its distinctive focus, not only launched The Judds’ career and shaped the landscape for country duos, but also influenced the broader sonic direction of the genre. Its timeless simplicity ensures its enduring appeal, proving that even a seemingly breezy, straightforward release can leave an indelible mark. It remains an album perfectly suited for a rainy day or a cold night, a testament to its enduring warmth and charm.
