Three Forgotten Country Hits From 1998

These big hits from George Strait, Martina McBride, and Brooks & Dunn are now overlooked.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:55pm

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While the 1990s were a golden era for country music, there were several big hits from 1998 that have largely been forgotten over time. This includes George Strait's "Round About Way," Martina McBride's "Wrong Again," and Brooks & Dunn's cover of "Husbands and Wives." Though these songs were all chart-topping hits when originally released, they have not maintained the same level of popularity as some of the artists' other well-known tracks from the decade.

Why it matters

The fading memory of these 1998 country hits speaks to the fleeting nature of success in the music industry, even for established stars. It also highlights how difficult it can be for any song to remain in the public consciousness, no matter how popular it was at the time. This serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating country music's rich history, even for songs that may have been momentarily overlooked.

The details

George Strait's "Round About Way" was a two-week number one hit in 1998, though it is not as remembered as some of his other major singles. Martina McBride's "Wrong Again" also topped the charts that year, but has not maintained the same level of popularity as hits like "Broken Wing" and "Valentine." Meanwhile, Brooks & Dunn's cover of "Husbands and Wives" was a number one hit, but the duo rarely performs the song live today.

  • "Round About Way" by George Strait reached number one in 1998.
  • "Wrong Again" by Martina McBride was released in 1998 and also reached number one.
  • Brooks & Dunn's version of "Husbands and Wives" was a number one hit in 1998.

The players

George Strait

A country music legend who has scored over 60 number one hits throughout his career.

Martina McBride

A popular country singer known for hits like "Broken Wing" and "Valentine" in the 1990s.

Brooks & Dunn

A successful country duo who have recorded numerous chart-topping singles over the years.

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What they’re saying

“As far as all my friends can tell / I took her leavin' well – that's kinda right / 'Cause when I'm out with them / I don't let her memory rule the night / For the most part I'm okay / But I still miss her in a round about way.”

— George Strait

“And it seemed to me the pain would last / My chance for happiness had passed / Nothing waited 'round the bend / I was sure I'd never find someone / To heal the damage you had done / My poor heart would never mend / Wrong again.”

— Martina McBride

“The angry words spoken in haste / Such a waste of two lives / It's my belief pride is the chief cause in the decline / In the number of husbands and wives.”

— Brooks & Dunn

The takeaway

While the 1990s produced countless iconic country hits, the fading memory of these 1998 chart-toppers serves as a reminder of how difficult it can be for any song to maintain lasting popularity, no matter how successful it was at the time. This underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating the full breadth of country music's rich history, even for songs that may have been momentarily overlooked.