Kenny Rogers Songs Ranked

Kenneth Ray Rogers (August 21, 1938 – March 20, 2020) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor, record producer, and entrepreneur. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Rogers was particularly popular with country audiences but also charted more than 120 hit singles across various music genres, and topped the country and pop album charts for more than 200 individual weeks in the United States alone. He sold more than 100 million records worldwide during his lifetime, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His fame and career spanned multiple genres: jazz, folk, pop, rock, and country. He remade his career and was one of the most successful crossover artists of all time. Here are all of Kenny Rodgers songs ranked.

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20. You and I (Eyes That See in the Dark, 1983)

“There are s few great ballads especially a lush, beautiful, “You and I” with Barry doing backing vocals sounding a bit like the early Phil Spector from the late ’50’s. It is simply a lush, lovely ballard.”

19. Daytime Friends (Daytime Friends, 1977)

“Kenny was never a singer of cheery upbeat songs to me, but more a balladeer and story teller – well the lyrics aren’t that cheery here since it’s again about a couple forced to cheat on their spouses.. there is a bit of sentimentality in his voice but the chorus doesn’t fit really the topic even if it’s really catchy and rocking and singalongable.”

18. Eyes That See In the Dark (Eyes That See in the Dark, 1983)

“When I think of the Bee Gees, either as performers or songwriters, I usually think big hooks. But they actually wrote several songs with rather modest choruses, that work you over subtly and over repeated listens. This Kenny Rogers song was one such number. The chorus almost sneaks up on you, then slinks away when it’s done. It’s pretty good as these things go, but it does tend to recede from memory once it’s over.”

17. What are We Doin’ in Love (Every Time Two Fools Collide, 1978)

“A beautiful love song. Was never a big Kenny Rogers fan per se, but he does have a mellow voice. Love the music behind this one and love the duet he does with Dottie West. Their voices mesh well together, as his voice does with just about everyone I’ve ever heard him sing with.”

See more: Kenny Rogers Albums Ranked

16. Something’s Burning (Something’s Burning, 1970)

“There’s no polite way to put it, but this is basically the sound of Kenny Rogers getting the horn, first thing in the morning. And from the sound of that swelling, upstanding chorus at the end, the song has a happy ending.”

15. Lady (Time, 1998)

“Right after you’ve heard this song you’re gonna love the nearest female around you! But seriously… It’s one of the best In Love Genre to be true. One of the most beautiful lyrics I ever heard.”

14. What About Me (What About Me?, 2012)

“This has long been one of my favorite songs and I am surprised that it does not get more play. The combination of Rogers, Kim Carnes(sp) and James Ingraham must be sounding dated since I first heard this in the 80’s ( I think ) but the interaction between the three of them is great and the electronic keyboard ( another sound that must be out of favor) is entrancing to me. Three great talents make a great recording in my eyes.”

13. Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer (Gideon, 1980)

“It’s strange that Kim Carnes originally made her name as a songwriter, since most of her solo hits were cover versions. But she and her husband wrote a concept album (yes!) for Kenny Rogers, from which this hit was sprung. Their voices go together surprisingly well, and it’s a solid track with some rueful lyrics.”

12.Through the Years (Share Your Love, 1981)

“This song to me is another favorite of mine. I love it and I do like Kenny Rogers and his music. Another song done by my brother. I can’t believe when he was making his slide show he used such great music. It really goes along with the pictures he has on the show. Another song I would recommend to everyone.”

10. She Believes in Me (The Gambler, 1978)

“He’s a great singer. I love this song because I think it’s how most of us wives believe in our husbands. And the questions husbands need to be reminded of.”

9. Coward of the County (Kenny, 1979)

“Good song. Kenny is a very good sing and he puts a lot of emotion into his song you will like this one. It speaks of values and what he went through. The song shows that sometimes you have to stand up for what’s right. You will like this song.”

8. You Decorated My Life (Kenny, 1979)

“This is one of my favorite songs from the ’70s. It is Kenny Rogers at his best. Smooth, mellow, timeless! A great love song. Kenny Roger’s music is timeless and his voice has always been easy to listen to.

7. I Don’t Need You (Share Your Love, 1981)

“Another song where I like the melody, but this time I like the honesty in his words. He’s not being harsh or cruel, just stating the facts as he sees them. Then at the end he questions whether they’re right.”

See more: Journey Albums Ranked

6. Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town (Ten Years of Gold, 1978)

“”Ruby” was already on the previous album and it was their second biggest hit after “Just Dropped In”. It probably also ensured their longevity into the 70s, since they might have faded like many other bands of their generation.”

5. Lucille (Kenny Rogers, 1977)

“There was a time when country seemed to coexist pretty easily along the disco, soul and rock of pop radio, and I sort of miss those days. This one wasn’t brilliant, but it’s one of the extremely few fun songs about child abandonment and poverty.”

4. Love Will Turn You Around (Love Will Turn You Around, Six Pack, 1982)

“Kenny Rogers.  From the movie Sixpack.  For what that’s worth.  I think it was about kids or something.  The movie, that is.  An ex-girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend was in this movie, but I couldn’t tell you which one because I don’t know.  Not sure about the song… don’t know what it’s about… all I really hear is the cool guitar.”

3. The Gambler (The Gambler, 1978)

“I love the lyrics to this song in an unintentionally funny way. The chorus is the ultimate example of lyrics that sound really deep and meaningful if you’re only half paying attention but once you think about them for half a second they don’t make a lick of sense. “You don’t count your money, when you’re still at the table. There’ll be plenty of time for counting, when the dealing’s done.” That metaphor sounds really profound, but it doesn’t work at all.”

2. Just Dropped in (The First Edition, 1967)

“I remember this song from the late ’60s, maybe 1968. Then it was just ‘The First Edition’. Kenny had not yet evolved as a prolific solo act. I thought the song was interesting, it was different. I liked it. Still do. It is uplifting. It sounds good.”

1. Islands in the Stream (Eyes That See in the Dark, 1983)

“Even though it came out in almost the mid-80s, already a time where more modern sentiments about the relationship-sex kind of sphere had well and truly seized the charts, this song has a vibe that’s incredibly old-fashioned, as if it were specifically an exercise in putting the feel of generations-past relationship mores to somewhat more updated music (though I suppose they would’ve had to edit the ‘makin’ love with each other’ line into more of a euphemism if the song came out much earlier). It feels a bit too on the old side of retro for me to feel it completely deserves its classic status, but it’s a charming-enough ditty. Kenny Rogers also quietly displays surprising range in keeping up with Dolly’s high harmony in her verse.”