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The 1990s were a defining decade for women in country music<\/a>.<\/p>\n Female artists weren’t just scoring hit after hit \u2014 they were helping push the genre into the mainstream, bringing powerful voices, unforgettable storytelling, and a fresh sense of style to country radio.<\/p>\n There were plenty of women<\/a> who helped shape the sound of ’90s country, and narrowing that group down to five is no easy task.<\/p>\n This isn’t a definitive list of every woman who made the decade special, but these five singers each left a lasting mark on the genre.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Remember When Country Music Ruled the \u201990s? These 5 Guys Were a Big Reason Why<\/a><\/p>\n From Shania Twain<\/a>‘s record-breaking crossover success to Reba McEntire<\/a>‘s commanding presence, these artists helped make the ’90s an unforgettable era for women in country music.<\/p>\n Shania Twain<\/a> changed the game in the 1990s by bringing country music to an enormous pop audience without losing the storytelling at its heart.<\/p>\n Her 1997 album Come On Over<\/em> became the best-selling country album of all time, fueled by crossover hits like “Any Man of Mine” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” Twain helped open the door for a new kind of country superstar, with a sound and style that reached far beyond Nashville<\/a>.<\/p>\n Reba McEntire<\/a> was already a major country star when the decade began, but the ’90s cemented her status as one of the genre’s most influential women.<\/p>\n Songs like “Fancy” and “Does He Love You” showcased her ability to deliver dramatic, emotionally rich stories, while her unmistakable voice and larger-than-life stage presence made her a defining figure in country music.<\/p>\n Faith Hill<\/a> brought a fresh energy to country radio in the 1990s, first breaking through with hits like “Wild One” before becoming one of the decade’s biggest crossover stars.<\/p>\n “This Kiss” helped launch her into pop territory, while “Breathe” became one of the signature hits of her career. Hill showed just how far country music could reach.<\/p>\n Martina McBride<\/a> became known for a powerhouse voice capable of turning an emotional ballad into a showstopper.<\/p>\n Her hits “Independence Day” and “Wild Angels” highlighted both her vocal range and her willingness to tackle weighty subjects. She brought a distinctive mix of strength and vulnerability to country music throughout the decade.<\/p>\n Trisha Yearwood<\/a> made an immediate impression in 1991 when her debut single, “She’s in Love With the Boy,” reached No. 1 on the country chart.<\/p>\n She followed it with a run of memorable hits, including “Walkaway Joe” and “The Song Remembers When.” With her soulful delivery and gift for bringing a story to life, Yearwood quickly became one of the defining female voices of ’90s country.<\/p>\n So many of country’s most legendary sad songs have come from female artists. In this list, Taste of Country counts down the saddest songs with a female lead — of all time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n5 Female Country Singers Who Helped Define the 1990s<\/h3>\n
Shania Twain<\/h3>\n
Reba McEntire<\/h3>\n
Faith Hill<\/h3>\n
Martina McBride<\/h3>\n
Trisha Yearwood<\/h3>\n
The 21 Saddest Country Songs By Female Singers<\/h2>\n