Ropin’ The Wind is Garth Brooks’ third studio album, released on September 2, 1991, and it became one of the defining country albums of the 1990s. Widely regarded as a landmark release, it broke commercial records and pushed country music further into the pop mainstream.

1. Production and Basic Facts for Ropin’ The Wind

This record is a studio release by American country artist Garth Brooks, following his breakthrough record No Fences.

Recording and Release Context

It came out on September 2, 1991, on Capitol Nashville, with Allen Reynolds as producer. The project blends traditional country, rock, and pop influences, which helped broaden Brooks’ audience beyond core country listeners.

2. Commercial Impact and Sales Records

Ropin’ The Wind was the first album by a country artist to debut at No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 (all-genre) and the Top Country Albums chart.

Chart Performance and Certifications

It spent a total of about 18 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and went on to be certified 14× Platinum in the U.S., reflecting massive sales. The album eventually received an RIAA Diamond Award for surpassing 10 million units sold, cementing it as one of Brooks’ biggest commercial successes.

3. Notable Songs and Hit Singles

Hit singles from the record include “Rodeo,” “Shameless,” “What She’s Doing Now,” “Papa Loved Mama,” and “The River.”

Hit Singles from Ropin’ The Wind

• “Shameless”: A cover of Billy Joel’s song from his album Storm Front; Brooks’ version became a No. 1 country hit.
• “What She’s Doing Now”: A reflective track that reached No. 1 on the country charts.
• “The River”: An inspirational anthem that also reached No. 1 on the country charts.
• “Rodeo”: A high-energy track that became a top-3 hit.
• “Papa Loved Mama”: A story-driven song that also secured a top-3 placement.

4. Awards and Critical Recognition

Ropin’ The Wind won the CMA Album of the Year award in 1992.

Industry Acclaim

Garth Brooks earned a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance associated with this era of the album’s success. Critics and later retrospectives often describe the record as a pivotal or “game-changing” album that reshaped expectations for what country music could sound like and how far it could reach commercially.

5. Artistic Themes and Legacy

Brooks co-wrote the majority of the tracks, using story-driven lyrics about love, family, restlessness, and personal reflection.

Lyrical Content and Influence

Songs like “Papa Loved Mama” and “What She’s Doing Now” show his focus on detailed narratives, from dark, dramatic tales to intimate emotional reflections. Many modern country artists cite Brooks and this album’s blend of country and pop-rock as an influence, and critics often point to Ropin’ The Wind as a key moment in country’s crossover boom of the 1990s.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ropin’ The Wind

When was Ropin’ The Wind released? The album was released on September 2, 1991.

How many copies has Ropin’ The Wind sold? It has been certified 14× Platinum in the U.S. and received an RIAA Diamond Award for surpassing 10 million units sold.

Which songs were hits from Ropin’ The Wind? Notable hits include “Rodeo,” “Shameless,” “What She’s Doing Now,” “Papa Loved Mama,” and “The River.”