Shania Twain: Songs That Should’ve Been Singles
This month, we take a closer listen to Shania Twain's back catalogue and find eight gems that warrant airplay.
The process of choosing a single for radio is often as arduous a task as writing the song. Each month, Sounds Like Nashville will feature a different artist and explore songs from his or her catalogue that we wish made it to radio. Make no mistake, this is no critique of the artist or label, it’s simply a list of songs we love so much that we think deserve to be in the spotlight. This month, we take a closer listen to Shania Twain’s back catalogue and find eight gems that warrant airplay.
“Got A Hold On Me” – from Shania Twain
Featured on her self-titled debut album from 1993, “Got A Hold On Me” showcases Twain’s deep and sultry vocals as she sings of a man who has a hold on her heart. Clearly pining for this man, Twain sings of how she can’t seem to walk away from him alongside a riveting bass beat and equally sexy electric guitar features that further the seduction.
“Forget Me” – from Shania Twain
“Forget Me” has Twain giving harsh words to a former lover. “Oh, baby try to erase the fact that we had everything,” she croons. “No, you can’t come back this time so let me slip right outta your mind.” The perfect kiss-off to an unappreciative ex, it’s an anthem for everyone struggling to cut the chord in a relationship.
“When He Leaves You” – from Shania Twain
“When He Leaves You” is a story song that keeps the listener guessing from the first verse. In the song, Twain tells another woman that she has “come here as a friend” and that she’s about to tell her what she’ll soon be going through with the man she thinks she loves. The twist: Twain is confronting her man’s other woman and tells her he will undeniably leave and come home to her like he has done time and time again. A bold warning, Twain’s song comes across as a woman extending a helping hand instead of ripping out a heart, definitely a new take on a cheating song in the country genre.
“If You Wanna Touch Her, Ask!” – from Come On Over
Featured on Twain’s massively successful third album Come On Over, “If You Wanna Touch Her, Ask!” is a sultry jam that has the singer sharing some tips on how to pick up a woman. “If you wanna get to know her / Really get inside her mind / If you wanna move in closer / Take it slow, yeah take your time,” she sings. Twain’s breathy singing style partnered with grooving percussion and standout guitar parts make this catchy song one surefire radio hit.
“Ain’t No Particular Way” – from Up!
A collaboration between Twain and her ex-husband, Mutt Lange, “Ain’t No Particular Way” impresses with funky string arrangements, a unique rhythm section and Twain’s soaring vocals. “Don’t give it up / You’re gonna get your share / The thing about love is that it’s everywhere,” she belts. A song that fits equally well on both country and pop radio, “Ain’t No Particular Way” is a crossover hit waiting to happen.
“(Wanna Get to Know You) That Good!” – from Up!
A song with a sweet sentiment, “(Wanna Get to Know You) That Good!” has Twain confessing that she wants to know every little thing about a person. “I wanna hear your secrets, wanna share your worries, wanna go the deepest, I don’t wanna hurry, I wanna take a lifetime to memorize your face,” she sings softly. “(Wanna Get to Know You) That Good!” is a good contender for a wedding song while Twain’s vocals and the soaring production make it an easy track to listen to on repeat.
“I’m Jealous” – from Up!
On “I’m Jealous,” Twain finds herself wishing to be various parts of nature so that she can be closer to her love. Whether it’s the moon, the wind, the sun or the rain, she simply wants to keep her man to herself. “I don’t want to share you with nothin’ else / I gotta have you to myself / I can’t help it, I’m so in love / I just can’t get you close enough,” she reasons. A true testament of one’s love, “I’m Jealous” is a unique approach to a love song.
“I Ain’t Goin’ Down” – from Up!
No stranger to writing uplifting anthems for women, on “I Ain’t Goin’ Down” Twain asserts that she will hold onto her beliefs despite the naysayers. An empowering song for those suffering through life, Twain gives a ray of hope and lets the listener know that she is not alone. As the song comes to a close, backing singers give the feel of a gospel choir and when Twain sings “no one can tell me I’m wrong / I ain’t goin’ down” you can’t help but believe her.
