Sara Evans has captivated country music fans for over two decades with her distinctive voice and heartfelt storytelling. Her impressive catalog spans from traditional country anthems to contemporary pop-infused hits, showcasing her versatility as an artist. With five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and over six million albums sold, Evans has solidified her place among country music’s most beloved female vocalists. This collection highlights the very best Sara Evans songs, including recent releases from her 2024 album that demonstrate her continued evolution as an artist.
Born to Fly
Released in 2000 as the title track from her breakthrough third studio album, this bluegrass-rooted anthem became Evans’ second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The song celebrates the restless spirit of youth and the desire to chase dreams beyond one’s current circumstances, with lyrics that encourage listeners to spread their wings and explore new horizons. Co-written by Marcus Hummon and Darrell Scott, this track also earned Evans the CMA Award for Video of the Year in 2001, cementing her status as a major force in country music.
Suds in the Bucket
This storytelling masterpiece from 2004 became Evans’ third number-one hit and one of her most recognizable songs. The track tells the tale of an 18-year-old girl who spontaneously runs away with her truck-driving boyfriend to Las Vegas, leaving the “suds in the bucket and the clothes hangin’ out on the line” while the town gossips about her departure. Written by Billy Montana and Tammy Wagoner, the song spent two weeks at the top of the charts and earned RIAA platinum certification, showcasing Evans’ ability to deliver compelling narratives with emotional depth.
A Little Bit Stronger
Released in 2010 as the lead single from her Stronger album, this empowering breakup anthem resonated deeply with audiences and became Evans’ fifth number-one hit. Written by Hillary Lindsey, Luke Laird, and Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, the song chronicles the healing process after a long relationship ends, acknowledging the pain while celebrating small victories in moving forward. The track spent two weeks at number one and became Evans’ first platinum-certified single, marking her triumphant return to country radio after a six-year hiatus from releasing new studio albums.
No Place That Far
This 1998 power ballad marked a turning point in Evans’ career as her first number-one single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Co-written by Evans herself along with Tom Shapiro and Tony Martin, the song features passionate lyrics about going to extraordinary lengths for love, promising to “swim a hundred rivers just to climb a thousand walls” to reach the person she loves. The track also features flawless background vocals from Vince Gill and helped Evans’ second album of the same name achieve gold certification, establishing her as a formidable songwriter and vocalist.
A Real Fine Place to Start
The title track from Evans’ 2005 album Real Fine Place became her fourth number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This carefree song encourages taking chances in new relationships without overthinking, celebrating the excitement of getting to know someone special with the memorable line about how learning about a new love is indeed “a real fine place to start.” The album itself debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, selling 130,000 copies in its first week and also reaching number three on the Billboard 200.
Perfect
Released in 2003 as the lead single from her pop-inspired Restless album, this song showcased a different side of Evans’ artistry. The track reached the top five on the country charts and helped the album achieve platinum certification in the United States. Co-written by Evans, the song explores the realistic side of love, suggesting that relationships don’t always need to be picture-perfect to be meaningful, with lyrics like “if I’d rather wear your t-shirt than a sexy negligee, it’s all right.”
I Could Not Ask for More
Originally written by hit songwriter Diane Warren and first released by pop artist Edwin McCain, Evans’ 2001 country rendition became a massive success. The song celebrates life’s simple, precious moments with the refrain “These are the moments I know Heaven must exist, these are the moments I know all I need is this.” Evans took this heartfelt love song all the way to number two on the country charts, and it became one of the standout tracks from her double-platinum Born to Fly album.
Cheatin’
This 2005 single from Real Fine Place reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and appeared on her Greatest Hits compilation. Written by Brett James and Don Schlitz, the song serves as a warning to philanderers about the consequences of infidelity, featuring memorable revenge-themed lyrics like “How do you like that beat up car, I think it’s fair we traded, your pick-up truck is running fine, it’s a cozy ride for datin’.” The track showcases Evans’ ability to deliver songs with both attitude and vocal power.
I Keep Looking
Released in 2002 as the fourth single from Born to Fly, this playful country-pop tune explores the universal human tendency to always want what we don’t have. The song’s relatable lyrics about curly-haired girls wanting straight hair and how “the grass is always greener” resonated with audiences, helping it reach the top ten on Billboard’s country charts. The hooky chorus and Evans’ charismatic delivery made this one of the most memorable tracks from her best-selling album.
Saints & Angels
This soul-searching ballad from the Born to Fly album reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2001. The track explores the peaks and valleys of real-life relationships with thoughtful, introspective lyrics that showcase Evans’ abilities as a song interpreter. While it didn’t reach the same commercial heights as some of her other singles, critics and fans alike recognized it as one of the emotional centerpieces of her breakthrough album.
Backseat of a Greyhound Bus
Released in 2003 from the Restless album, this powerful ballad tells an unexpected story of hope and love. The song chronicles a tale of an unwanted pregnancy that transforms into a beautiful love story between mother and newborn baby, all unfolding in the backseat of a Greyhound bus. Evans delivers one of her most powerful vocal performances on this track, surprising listeners with an uplifting ending that showcases her storytelling prowess and emotional range.
As If
Originally released in 2007 as the lead single from her Greatest Hits compilation, this undeniably catchy tune became a major radio hit. The song features driving rhythms and upbeat melodies that made it an instant favorite among fans and reached number 11 on the Billboard country songs chart. Even though it was recorded during a difficult period in Evans’ personal life, the song’s infectious energy and memorable chorus demonstrated her resilience and continued commercial appeal.
Slow Me Down
The title track from Evans’ 2014 album marked her return to contemporary country with a more pop-influenced sound. Released as the first single, the song reached number 19 on the Hot Country Songs chart, making Evans one of only four female country artists to have a Top 40 hit that year. The track features a catchy staccato string hook and airy vocal runs, telling the story of a woman giving her partner one last chance to make their relationship work before she walks away.
My Heart Can’t Tell You No
This Rod Stewart cover appeared on Evans’ 2011 Stronger album as the second single following her comeback hit. While it didn’t achieve the same chart success as “A Little Bit Stronger,” reaching only number 21 on the Billboard country chart, the song showcased Evans’ ability to reinterpret classic rock ballads through a country lens. The track’s emotional delivery demonstrated her vocal versatility and willingness to explore different musical territories.
I Learned That From You
Featured on the Born to Fly album, this touching ballad explores the lessons learned from important relationships in our lives. The song traces the emotional journey of how we absorb both positive and negative traits from those closest to us, delivered with Evans’ signature warmth and authenticity. Though not released as a single, this track remains a fan favorite and exemplifies the thoughtful midtempo numbers that helped define the album’s emotional depth.
21 Days
Released in 2024 from her latest album Unbroke, this humorous yet poignant single walks listeners through the time it takes to “break a habit” – specifically, avoiding contact with an ex-partner. The song was inspired by a conversation Evans had with her therapist about separating from her husband, with the concept that “a relationship can be a habit, or you can take 21 days and start a good habit.” The music video features two different versions of Evans, one from the 1950s and a current version, and the track has become a breakout hit on SiriusXM’s Y2Kountry channel.
Pride
The lead single from Evans’ 2024 Unbroke album represents her most raw and vulnerable songwriting to date. Released in March 2024, the song was written following a difficult period in her marriage and chronicles the internal struggle of maintaining dignity during personal hardship. The track showcases Evans’ evolution as a songwriter, with ten of the eleven songs on Unbroke co-written by her, marking a return to the traditional country lyricism reminiscent of legends like George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
Mask
Another powerful track from the 2024 Unbroke album, this song delves into themes of emotional concealment and the toll of challenging relationships. Featured on an album that Evans describes as taking listeners “from breakdown to breakthrough,” the song represents her willingness to be completely open and honest with her fans about difficult life experiences. The production includes nods to influences like Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, blending contemporary sensibilities with classic rock-country fusion.
You’ll Always Be My Baby
This tender ballad from the Real Fine Place album showcases Evans’ softer side and her ability to convey deep maternal or romantic love through song. While it didn’t enter the Hot 100, the track peaked at number five on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, demonstrating its appeal beyond just country radio. The song’s universal message about enduring love has made it a favorite for special occasions and family celebrations.
Three Chords and the Truth
The title track from Evans’ 1997 debut album pays homage to country legend Harlan Howard’s famous definition of country music. Though the album didn’t produce any Top 40 country hits, it received critical acclaim and established Evans’ commitment to traditional country values. The song set the foundation for her career and impressed industry veterans with her authentic country singing style, ultimately leading to her breakthrough success in subsequent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sara Evans’ biggest hit song?
“Suds in the Bucket” stands as one of Sara Evans’ biggest hits, spending two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2004 and earning platinum certification from the RIAA. However, “Born to Fly” holds special significance as it won the CMA Award for Video of the Year and helped her breakthrough album achieve double-platinum status, making it arguably her most culturally impactful song.
How many number one hits does Sara Evans have?
Sara Evans has achieved five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart throughout her career. These chart-toppers include “No Place That Far” (1998), “Born to Fly” (2001), “Suds in the Bucket” (2004), “A Real Fine Place to Start” (2005), and “A Little Bit Stronger” (2011), with the last two each spending two weeks at the top position.
What albums should I listen to for the best Sara Evans songs?
For the ultimate Sara Evans experience, start with Born to Fly (2000), her double-platinum breakthrough album, followed by Restless (2003) and Real Fine Place (2005), both of which achieved platinum certification. Her 2011 comeback album Stronger contains her empowering hit “A Little Bit Stronger,” while her latest 2024 release Unbroke showcases her most personal and vulnerable songwriting to date, making it essential listening for understanding her artistic evolution.
Is Sara Evans still making music in 2026?
Yes, Sara Evans continues to be an active recording artist and performer. She released her eleventh studio album Unbroke in June 2024, which features eleven songs with ten co-written by Evans herself. She’s also launched her podcast “Diving in Deep with Sara Evans” and was inducted as an official member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2023, demonstrating her continued relevance and respect within the country music community.
What makes Sara Evans’ voice unique?
Sara Evans possesses what critics describe as an “instantly recognizable contralto” with a “crystal-clear powerhouse twang.” NPR’s Ken Tucker noted that she’s “a singer with a big voice who knows what to do with it,” praising her conversational phrasing and restraint. Her vocal style bridges traditional and contemporary country, bringing authenticity and warmth to every song while maintaining the power to deliver both upbeat anthems and emotional ballads with equal conviction.
What awards has Sara Evans won?
Sara Evans has won the Academy of Country Music’s Top Female Vocalist award and the CMA Award for Video of the Year for “Born to Fly” in 2001. She has received numerous nominations from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, including multiple Female Vocalist of the Year nominations, as well as American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Grammy Awards nominations throughout her career.
What is Sara Evans’ latest album about?
Unbroke (2024) is Evans’ most personal album to date, chronicling her marital separation and eventual reconciliation with her husband Jay Barker. Evans describes the album as going “from breakdown to breakthrough,” featuring raw and honest songwriting about therapy, emotional abuse, and healing. The project includes the singles “Pride” and “21 Days,” with production incorporating influences from Fleetwood Mac, Daisy Jones and the Six, and Linda Ronstadt.
Where can I see Sara Evans perform live?
Sara Evans performs close to 100 shows annually across the United States on her touring schedule. Information about her current Sara Evans: Unbroke tour dates and ticket availability can be found on her official website at www.saraevans.com/tour. She regularly includes both new material from Unbroke and her many beloved hits from throughout her career in her live performances.