With the Red Clay Strays blowing up and shaking up the country scene, a lot of people have been revisiting the bands that laid the groundwork for modern country groups. And honestly, there’s no better time to talk about one of the most underrated acts in country music history: Lonestar.
Sure, everyone knows they’re legends. They had massive hits, huge tours, and a fanbase that still sings every word to “Amazed.” But somehow, when people list the greatest country groups of the ‘90s and early 2000s, Lonestar too often gets pushed into the “oh yeah, them too!” category, which is crazy when you consider who they were competing with at the time.
Let’s take a look at the landscape:
- Brooks & Dunn – One of the most successful duos in country history. Pure dominance.
- Rascal Flatts – They essentially were the 2000s country sound.
- Montgomery Gentry – Anthem kings with a Southern rock edge.
- Big & Rich – Loud, wild, and unforgettable. Plus, fun reminder: John Rich was Lonestar’s bassist and co-vocalist until 1998.
Lonestar didn’t just compete with these heavyweights; they held their own. And they did it with craftsmanship, strong songwriting, and harmonies that hit in all the right spots.
Take a look at their resume. It’s freaking stacked:
Ten number-one hits:
- “No News”
- “My Front Porch Looking In”
- “Come Cryin’ to Me”
- “Amazed” (aka the slow dance song of an entire generation)
- “Smile”
- “What About Now”
- “Tell Her”
- “I’m Already There” (try listening without crying, I dare you)
- “Mr. Mom
- “Everything’s Changed”
These aren’t just songs, they’re moments that for me at least, shaped my life. They shaped school dances, family road trips, and entire summers. Lonestar knew how to deliver, plain and simple.
Now, let’s address something longtime fans already know: Lonestar doesn’t sound quite the same without Richie McDonald. His voice defined a huge era of the band. But credit where it’s due, Drew Womack has stepped in and brought new life into the group. His voice has its own warmth, and he doesn’t try to imitate Richie. Instead, he adds a fresh layer that feels respectful to the band’s history while still pushing them forward.
It’s the kind of transition that could’ve derailed a lesser group, but Lonestar has handled it with maturity, openness, and genuine musical chemistry. Drew is a welcome addition, and the band’s live shows reflect that renewed energy.
With modern groups like The Red Clay Strays opening the gates for a new wave of country appreciation, people are finally circling back to acts that paved the way, bands that blended harmonies, emotion, and real storytelling long before TikTok was blowing songs up.
And Lonestar belongs in that conversation every single time.
They’ve never been underrated because of talent, far from it. They were simply surrounded by an almost unfair stack of superstar groups. But their catalog, their longevity, and their consistency speak for themselves.
Lonestar isn’t just underrated. They’re one of the most quietly exceptional country groups of their era.
