An American Songwriter feature highlights three country songs from the 1990s that the outlet says combine emotional heartbreak with powerful, uplifting performances. The piece argues that these tracks manage to be simultaneously devastating in lyrical content and stirring in delivery, making them stand out among the decade's country hits.

The three songs featured are Martina McBride's "A Broken Wing," about a woman trapped in a controlling relationship, whose powerhouse vocals almost disguise the sad narrative; Vince Gill's "Go Rest High On That Mountain," a eulogy whose harmonies feel uplifting despite its mournful subject; and Trisha Yearwood's song about the flood of memories triggered by hearing an old, familiar tune, which the writer says can evoke either bittersweet or happy nostalgia depending on the listener.