Introduction
Brooks & Dunn’s “A Few Good Rides Away” is a vivid slice of mid‑’90s country, released in 1994 as the closing track on their third studio album Waitin’ on Sundown. This record, released on September 27, 1994, by Arista Nashville, was produced by Don Cook and Scott Hendricks and featured several chart-topping singles that helped cement the duo’s reputation .
Although the song itself was not issued as a single, “A Few Good Rides Away” is notable for its storytelling charm and emotional resonance. Crafted by Kix Brooks and songwriter Chick Rains, it showcases Brooks’ lead vocals, offering a reflective narrative about a waitress in Texas confronting life’s twists—an apt metaphor for being just “a few good rides away” from change, hope, or simply a better day .
Critics recognized the song’s quiet power. Randy Lewis of the Orlando Sentinel deemed its “mini‑drama” among the strongest moments on Waitin’ on Sundown . Despite being overshadowed by the album’s hit singles—“Little Miss Honky Tonk”, “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind”, “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone”, and others—it resonated deeply with listeners who appreciated the duo’s ability to weave everyday stories into memorable country ballads.
A Few Good Rides Away sits at the end of an album that reinforced Brooks & Dunn’s dominance in ’90s country music. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard country charts and produced multiple No. 1 hits, as well as a Platinum certification . While this song didn’t climb the charts itself, it enriches the album’s emotional landscape—providing a satisfying narrative closure to a record full of honky-tonk anthems and heartstring tuggers.
In essence, “A Few Good Rides Away” is a testament to Brooks & Dunn’s songwriting depth—highlighting Kix Brooks’ storytelling flair and securing its place as an understated gem in the duo’s celebrated catalog.
About Brooks & Dunn: Formed in 1990, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn became one of country’s most successful duos, accumulating over 20 No. 1 hits during their career, earning multiple CMA Vocal Duo awards, and being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2019