Looking back at some of the most remarkable Eddie Rabbitt songs will absolutely remind us how magnificent of a vocalist and songwriter he is.
Eddie Rabbitt is indeed one of the most innovative artists in the history of country music, making him a favorite during the late ’70s and early ’80s. Throughout his career, he scored more than thirty country charts and pop hits. Check out some of them below.
1. “I Love a Rainy Night”
While he had numerous hit songs, “I Love a Rainy Night” instantly became Eddie Rabbitt’s most famous song and signature track following its release as the second single off his sixth studio album. It soared to the top spot of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart as well as Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary chart.
2. “You and I”
Rabbitt teamed up with country star Crystal Gayle for this crossover hit, peaking at No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100. The two talented singers find themselves celebrating the bond of love in “You and I” as they look forward to building their dreams together. It also ranked No. 7 on CMT’s 100 Greatest Duets in Country Music.
3. “Every Which Way but Loose”
Rabbitt recorded this hit song for Clint Eastwood’s action-comedy film of the same name and was released just weeks before the movie premiered nationwide as the only single from the soundtrack. Remarkably, it entered Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart at No. 18 – the highest debut since the launch of the 100-position chart.
4. “Drivin’ My Life Away”
Looking into truck drivers’ hectic lives on the road and how endless traveling made them almost a stranger to their families and friends, “Drivin’ My Life Away” started Rabbitt’s peak popularity as a crossover artist. It is one of Eddie Rabbitt’s greatest hits.
5. “Suspicions”
Rabbitt revealed that it only took him five minutes to write “Suspicions” in the middle of a lunch break. “Sometimes, the lyrics just fall out of my mouth,” he said.
Nearly three decades later, the song saw renewed popularity, with country star Tim McGraw releasing his version off his 2007 album Let It Go.
6. “You Get to Me”
Released as the lead single off his self-titled debut album, “You Get to Me,” introduced Rabbitt to country fans as a fine country rocker. The song then reached No. 34 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, making it Rabbitt’s first country hit.
7. “You Can’t Run from Love”
This love ballad is actually the follow-up to Rabbitt’s duet with Crystal Gayle, “You and I.” It became another No. 1 hit on the country chart – holding that position for a week and spending a total of thirteen weeks.
8. “On Second Thought”
Conquering the top of the country charts for two weeks – not only in the United States but as well as in Canada – “On Second Thought” became Rabbitt’s final No. 1 hit.
It was accompanied by a music video filmed in black-and-white where Rabbitt performed on the made-up TV show “Goodnight Ranch Party.”
9. “American Boy”
Written by Rabbitt himself, “American Boy” was popular among the military forces of the United States as well as with their families during the 1991 Gulf War. The song features speeches of Neil Armstrong, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.
10. “Hang Up the Phone”
Though this song only reached No. 50 on the country chart, its memorable melody and theme about saving a dying relationship made it a strong cut that’s hard to beat.
11. “Both to Each Other (Friends and Lovers)”
Yet another song that made it to No. 1, this romantic ballad is a duet with country-pop singer Juice Newton. It is about two friends who are in love with each other but afraid it will only ruin their friendship and, worse, lose one another.
12. “Rocky Mountain Music”
Rabbitt showcased his songwriting skills and his knack for storytelling in “Rocky Mountain Music,” which will give you a glimpse of the singer’s life.
13. “I Can’t Help Myself”
Fueled by Rabbitt’s awe-inspiring guitar skills and his incredible vocals, it was no longer a surprise when “I Can’t Help Myself” reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart during the late 1970s.
14. “Drinkin’ My Baby (Off My Mind)”
Like any brokenhearted man, “Drinkin’ My Baby (Off My Mind)” finds Rabbitt drowning himself with alcoholic drinks just to forget the love of his life. The song’s lyrics were so relatable it spent a total of twelve weeks on the country chart.
15. “Step by Step”
Rabbitt’s crossover appeal went on in the early 1980s with “Step by Step” reaching No. 5 on Billboard Hot 100. The song is actually a piece of friendly advice on how to attract a woman’s attention, coming to a conclusion that “step by step, you’ll win her love.”
More Of Eddie Rabbitt Songs That Led To His Critical Acclaim
While Eddie Rabbitt’s music catalog is often overlooked, no one can deny the fact that he’s made some of the strongest cuts. Keep on reading below to know more of his hits.
How about you? Which Eddie Rabbitt songs do you like the most?