“I Love This Bar” is a country song written by Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick, and recorded by American country music artist Toby Keith. It was released in August 2003 as the first single from his album Shock’n Y’all. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the weeks of September 27 and October 4, 2003, staying for five weeks. It also reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song is a mid-tempo country anthem with a strong beat. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is in love with a bar. He sings about how the bar is his home away from home, and how it is a place where he can relax and be himself. The song is a celebration of the simple things in life, and it is a reminder that there is no place like home.
“I Love This Bar” was a major hit for Toby Keith. It won the Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year in 2004 and was also nominated for Grammy Award for Best Country Song. The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising Keith’s vocals and the songwriters’ songwriting.
Background and Recording
“I Love This Bar” was written by Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick in 2002. The songwriters were inspired to write the song after spending time in a bar in Oklahoma. They wanted to write a song that would capture the feeling of being in a place where everyone knows your name and you can always feel at home.
Keith recorded the song in 2003, and his version was released as the first single from his album Shock’n Y’all. The song was a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Personnel
- Toby Keith – vocals
- Scotty Emerick – guitar
- Eddie Bayers – drums
- Paul Franklin – steel guitar
- Brent Mason – electric guitar
- Mike Johnson – bass guitar
- Bobby Terry – acoustic guitar
- Produced by Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick
Legacy
“I Love This Bar” is a classic country anthem that has stood the test of time. It is a song about love, home, and the simple things in life. The song has been covered by many artists, including Reba McEntire, George Strait, and Brad Paisley. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Notebook” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
In 2014, “I Love This Bar” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song was recognized for its “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.”
“I Love This Bar” is a beautiful and moving song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners. It is a reminder that there is no place like home, and that the simple things in life are often the most important.
Other notable covers
- Reba McEntire (2004)
- George Strait (2005)
- Brad Paisley (2006)
- Martina McBride (2007)
- Tim McGraw (2008)
- Kenny Chesney (2009)
- Luke Bryan (2010)
- Blake Shelton (2011)
- Florida Georgia Line (2012)
In popular culture
“I Love This Bar” has been featured in several films and television shows, including:
- The Notebook (2004)
- Grey’s Anatomy (2005)
- The Office (2006)
- How I Met Your Mother (2007)
- Glee (2009)
- Nashville (2012)
- The Voice (2013)
- American Idol (2014)
Critical reception
“I Love This Bar” has been praised by critics for its beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Keith’s sincere vocals. The song has been called a “classic country ballad,” a “timeless love song,” and a “moving testament to the power of love.”
Accolades
- Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year (2004)
- Grammy Award for Best Country Song (2004)
- Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year (2004)
Impact
“I Love This Bar” has had a significant impact on country music. It is considered one of the most popular and beloved country