The 10 best Charlie Rich songs of all time

Charlie Rich was an American country music singer and musician known for his eclectic style that blended country, rockabilly, and jazz influences. He rose to prominence in the 1970s with hits such as “Behind Closed Doors” and “The Most Beautiful Girl,” which made it onto the pop charts. Rich’s smooth vocals and versatile piano skills contributed to his success in both country and pop music, earning him several awards throughout his career. His music often dealt with themes of love, heartbreak, and personal introspection, making him a respected figure in the country music genre.

1. Behind closed doors

“Behind Closed Doors” is a classic country song by Charlie Rich, released in 1973. It became one of his best-known hits and is considered a timeless example of country music storytelling. The song’s lyrics describe the contrast between public appearances and private life, presenting a facade of happiness and perfection behind closed doors. Rich’s soulful vocals and the song’s lush orchestration contributed to its popularity and earned him several awards and recognition. “Behind Closed Doors” remains a favorite among country music fans and is often cited as one of the best country songs of all time.

2. The most beautiful girl

“The Most Beautiful Girl” is a classic country and pop song by Charlie Rich, released in 1973. It became one of his most successful and well-known hits, topping the charts in both the country and pop genres. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who meets a beautiful woman who has captured his heart, but he discovers that she is already in a relationship with someone else. Despite this realization, he still considers her “the most beautiful girl in the world” and expresses his admiration for her. Rich’s smooth vocals and melodic arrangement of the song contributed to its crossover appeal and enduring popularity.

3. There will be no more

“There Won’t Be Anymore” is a poignant country song by Charlie Rich, released in 1974. The song deals with heartbreak and loss, with lyrics that convey the narrator’s feelings of sadness and acceptance when a relationship comes to an end. Charlie Rich’s soulful vocals and the song’s emotive melody reflect themes of loneliness and longing, captivating the listener’s emotions through their sincere delivery. “There Won’t Be Anymore” showcases Rich’s ability to blend country with elements of pop and soul, contributing to its success on both the country and pop charts. It remains a standout piece in Rich’s discography and a testament to his talent as a storyteller through music.

4. Mohair Sam

“Mohair Sam” is a song written by Dallas Frazier and recorded by Charlie Rich in 1965. It is a lively and humorous country song that became one of Rich’s signature tunes. The lyrics tell the story of Mohair Sam, a well-dressed and charismatic character who attracts the attention of everyone he meets.

Charlie Rich’s rendition of “Mohair Sam” features his distinctive vocal style and playful delivery, accompanied by upbeat instrumentation that includes distinctive piano and brass sections. The song’s catchy chorus and melody contributed to its popularity, making it a hit on the country music charts.

“Mohair Sam” remains a favorite among Charlie Rich fans and is celebrated for its fun-loving lyrics and infectious rhythm. It is a remarkable example of Rich’s ability to incorporate country, rockabilly and pop influences into his music and demonstrates his versatility as an artist in the 1960s and beyond.

5. Lonely weekends

“Lonely Weekends” is a rockabilly song originally recorded by Charlie Rich in 1960. It is characterized by its fast tempo, twangy guitar riffs, and Rich’s soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics express the loneliness and heartache felt when spending weekends alone after a breakup.

Charlie Rich’s rendition of “Lonely Weekends” became a hit on the country charts and was one of his first successes as a recording artist. The song showcases his versatile vocal range and his ability to blend country, rock and blues influences into a dynamic and stirring performance.

Over the years, “Lonely Weekends” has been covered by various artists, including Elvis Presley and Merle Haggard. Its enduring popularity as a classic rockabilly song continues to resonate with fans of the genre, highlighting Charlie Rich’s influence on the early days of rock and roll and country music.

6. The Big Boss

“Big Boss Man” is a blues song recorded by various artists, including Jimmy Reed, Elvis Presley, and Charlie Rich. It is a classic blues standard that typically features a driving rhythm and lyrics depicting a figure standing up to authority or struggling with problems in the workplace. The theme of the song often revolves around power dynamics and resilience, with the protagonist asserting their independence or challenging their boss. Each rendition of “Big Boss Man” brings their own interpretation and style to the blues genre, demonstrating the song’s versatility and enduring appeal over the years.

7. I take it home

“I Take It On Home” is a country song by Charlie Rich, released as a single from his 1974 album Very Special Love Songs. It is known for its soulful and bluesy sound, which is characteristic of Rich’s style, which mixes elements of country, rock and R&B.

The song features Rich’s soulful vocals and heartfelt delivery, accompanied by a lush arrangement with distinctive piano and guitar playing. “I Take It On Home” showcases Rich’s ability to convey emotion and tell stories through his music, with lyrics that address themes of love, longing and reflection.

As a single, “I Take It On Home” achieved moderate success on the country charts and remains a fan favorite in Charlie Rich’s repertoire. The mix of country and soul influences, combined with Rich’s soulful delivery, highlights his versatility as an artist and his ongoing influence on both country and pop music.

8. A lonely woman

“A Woman Left Lonely” is a soulful song originally recorded by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, but it didn’t gain popularity until 1971 when Janis Joplin covered it on her posthumous album Pearl. The song reflects on the emotional aftermath of a breakup, with lyrics that convey the loneliness and heartache of a woman left alone. Janis Joplin’s powerful and soulful vocals give the song a raw and soulful quality, capturing the pain and vulnerability of the lyrics. “A Woman Left Lonely” has since been covered by various artists, all contributing their own take on the poignant theme of love and loss.

9. The little ups and downs of life

“Life’s Little Ups and Downs” is a country song originally recorded by Charlie Rich in 1969. It is known for its soulful and introspective lyrics that reflect the challenges and changes people experience in life. The song’s storyline explores the ups and downs of relationships and personal circumstances, delivered through Rich’s soulful vocals and accompanied by a country-influenced musical arrangement.

Charlie Rich’s rendition of “Life’s Little Ups and Downs” became a hit on the country charts, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences through soulful storytelling and expressive vocals. The song resonated with listeners because of its relatable themes and timeless message about resilience and perspective in the face of life’s challenges.

Over the years, “Life’s Little Ups and Downs” has been covered by various artists, further cementing its status as a classic in the country music genre. Its enduring popularity underscores Charlie Rich’s impact as a versatile and influential artist who has left a significant mark on the country music landscape during his career.

10. Who will be the next fool?

“Who Will the Next Fool Be” is a classic country song originally recorded by Charlie Rich in 1961. It is known for its soulful and bluesy sound, which became a trademark of Rich’s early style. The song’s lyrics deal with the pain and heartache of a broken relationship, with Rich’s soulful vocals providing a poignant narrative.

Charlie Rich’s rendition of “Who Will the Next Fool Be” established him as a talented singer and songwriter on the country music scene. The song’s blend of country, blues and soul influences resonated with audiences and made it one of Rich’s early successes.

Over the years, “Who Will the Next Fool Be” has been covered by various artists, reflecting its enduring appeal and impact in the realm of classic country music. The song remains a standout example of Charlie Rich’s ability to infuse emotion and authenticity into his music, cementing his place as a respected figure in country music history.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.