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Chart Rewind: In 1986, Alabama Had ‘The Touch’ at No. 1
In November 1986, Alabama’s album *The Touch* reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, extending the band’s run of consecutive non-holiday chart-toppers to seven. Its success reflected Alabama’s ability to connect with country listeners while blending country, rock and other influences during the rise of the New Traditionalist movement.
The album spent 10 weeks at No. 1. Its cover of the Carpenters’ “Touch Me When We’re Dancing” was No. 4 on Hot Country Songs before reaching the top two weeks later, and “‘You’ve Got’ The Touch” later became Alabama’s 21st consecutive No. 1 country song, a streak that still stands. The group went on to score 10 consecutive No. 1 albums and spent 125 weeks atop the country albums chart, the most among groups.
In short
- Alabama’s *The Touch* topped the country albums chart in 1986.
- The album stayed at No. 1 for 10 weeks.
- Alabama’s 21-song No. 1 streak remains a record.
Explained simply
Alabama are an American country music group whose members grew up in the state of the same name. By the 1980s, they had become one of country music’s most successful acts, known for combining country sounds with rock and other influences.
Their rise came as the New Traditionalist movement brought renewed attention to country music’s older styles and instruments. Alabama’s broader sound stood apart from that trend, while their songs and live performances helped them reach a wide country audience.