Country music underwent major stylistic shifts by the mid-1980s, with some artists retaining traditional sounds while others blended genres, and this article highlights three 1986 country hits that remain widely remembered by those who grew up in the era. Each song reached number one and carries its own backstory of prior versions, songwriting pedigree or lasting cultural significance, reflecting how the genre's biggest tracks that year resonated well beyond their initial chart success.

The three songs are Alabama's "Touch Me When We're Dancing" (written by Terry Skinner, J.L. Wallace and Ken Bell, previously recorded by The Carpenters in 1981 and by Mickey Gilley and Charly McClain in 1984), Dan Seals' "Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)" (his third consecutive number one, later revived as a 2025 duet with Luke Bryan following Seals' 2009 death), and Reba McEntire's "Whoever's In New England" (her first music video, which sparked her interest in acting).

– Alabama's "Touch Me When We're Dancing" topped the charts and had earlier versions by The Carpenters and a Gilley/McClain duet
– Dan Seals' "Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)" was his third consecutive No. 1; Luke Bryan released a 2025 duet version
– Reba McEntire's "Whoever's In New England" became her debut music video and sparked her acting career