Introduction:
“After the Lights Go Out” by Ricky Van Shelton was released as a single in November 1991. This poignant track is a part of his critically acclaimed album, Backroads, which was released earlier that year, in May 1991. The song squarely fits into the country music genre, characterized by its traditional sound, heartfelt lyrics, and Ricky Van Shelton’s distinctive baritone vocals, a hallmark of the neo-traditional country movement of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
While “After the Lights Go Out” was not one of Ricky Van Shelton’s numerous chart-topping hits, it still achieved notable success, contributing to the overall strength of the Backroads album. The single reached number 13 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and performed even better in Canada, peaking at number 8 on the Canada Country Tracks (RPM) chart. This solid performance further solidified Shelton’s reputation as a consistent hitmaker in country music. The Backroads album itself was a commercial success, reaching number 3 on the Top Country Albums chart and being certified Platinum by the RIAA, largely due to the success of its singles, including “After the Lights Go Out.” Although it didn’t hit the coveted No. 1 spot, its enduring presence on country radio and its continued appreciation by fans underscore its significance within Shelton’s discography and the broader country music landscape of the early 90s. The song’s introspective lyrics and classic country instrumentation resonated with listeners, showcasing Shelton’s ability to deliver emotional ballads alongside his more upbeat tracks.