The 10 Best Charlie Rich Songs of All-Time
Charlie Rich was a country music singer, songwriter, and musician born on December 14, 1932, in Colt, Arkansas. He died on July 25, 1995, at the age of 62. Rich was known for his countrypolitan sound and his jazz, blues, and gospel influences. He recorded over 20 albums and had several hit singles, including “Behind Closed Doors” and “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.”
10. She Called Me Baby (1974)
“She Called Me Baby” was released as a single in 1974 and peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song was written by Rich and recorded as part of his album She Called Me Baby. It is about a man in love with a woman who seems to be always calling him for help, whether it’s because she’s lost or in trouble. The lyrics express the narrator’s frustration with always being needed and his love for the woman.
9. I Don’t See Me in Your Eyes Anymore (1965)
I Don’t See Me in Your Eyes Anymore is a song written and performed by American country music singer-songwriter Charlie Rich. It was released in 1965 as the lead single from his album, That’s Rich. The song peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Country chart. The song is about a man breaking up with his girlfriend and telling her that he doesn’t see himself in her eyes anymore.
8. Every Time You Touch Me (1975)
The title of this song is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a ballad about the all-consuming power of love. Rich delivers the lyrics with a feeling of desperate yearning that makes the song a classic. It describes how love can make you do crazy things and how it can feel like a drug. The lyrics are beautiful, and the melody is unforgettable.
7. I Love My Friend (1974)
One of Rich’s biggest hits, “I Love My Friend,” was written about his wife, Margaret Ann. The song was originally recorded by The Osmonds and released in 1974 as the B-side to their single “Let Me In.” Rich’s version was released the following year as a single and reached number two on the country charts. The song describes the love and friendship between a man and a woman, with the lyrics, “She’s my friend, she cares for me / And I love her more than you’ll ever know.”
6. On My Knees (1978)
On My Knees is a ballad that finds Rich pleading for his lost love to come back to him. He croons, “I’m on my knees/begging you please/don’t leave me alone” over a backdrop of strings and piano. It’s a beautiful, heart-wrenching song that showcases Rich’s incredible vocal range.
5. Rollin’ With the Flow (1977)
Charlie Rich had an impressive career as a singer and songwriter that spanned more than three decades. His 1977 song “Rollin’ With the Flow” was one of his biggest hits, reaching number one on the country charts. The smooth ballad is about a man who is content with his simple life and wants to roll with the flow. Rich’s soulful voice and piano playing create a relaxed, laid-back sound perfect for a summer day.
4. There Won’t Be Anymore (1974)
This song was a chart-topper for Charlie Rich, and it earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. The song is about a man trying to come to grips with the fact that his love is leaving him. Rich’s vocals are sad and heartfelt, making the song all the more poignant. The lyrics are simple, but they are incredibly effective. This is one of Rich’s most popular songs, and it is easy to see why.
3. A Very Special Love Song (1974)
Charlie Rich’s smooth voice and sentimental lyrics make this one of the all-time best love songs. Released in 1974, the song was a number one hit on the country charts. The tender ballad tells the story of a man falling in love for the first time and promises to always be there for his love. Rich’s soulful delivery of the lyrics is what makes this song truly special.
2. The Most Beautiful Girl (1974)
Rich’s second number one country hit and his only number one on the pop charts. The song was written by Rich, produced by Billy Sherrill, and released in 1974 as a single from the album Behind Closed Doors. The Most Beautiful Girl peaked at number one on the Country chart and reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number six. The song was also a crossover hit in Canada, reaching number five on the RPM Top Singles chart. The Most Beautiful Girl was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, and Best Country Song. Rich won the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. The Most Beautiful Girl has been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty, and Ronnie Milsap.
1. Behind Closed Doors (1973)
Behind Closed Doors” is a song written by Kenny O’Dell and recorded by Charlie Rich. It was released in May 1973 as the first single from his album Behind Closed Doors. The song was Rich’s second No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in early 1974. It topped the chart for four weeks and spent a total of eighteen weeks on the chart. The song is about a man tired of being lied to by the woman he loves. He sings that she can “put on a face for the world,” but when they’re alone, she’s a different person: “She’s as sweet as sugar /, And she’s gentle as a lamb / But if you cross her / You’re in danger of getting slammed.”
Conclusion
Charlie Rich was a talented singer and songwriter who had several successful hits throughout the 1970s. His songs are all characterized by his smooth vocals and sentimental lyrics. Whether he was singing about love or heartbreak, Rich’s music always manages to touch the listener’s soul. These are some of his best songs, but many more are also worth checking out. If you’re a fan of country music, then you owe it to yourself to give Charlie Rich a listen. You won’t be disappointed.
