Introduction
“Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose” is a country song by Dwight Yoakam, released on September 26, 1990, as the lead single from his album If There Was a Way. Written by Kostas and Wayland Patton, the track showcases Yoakam’s signature honky-tonk style blended with contemporary country elements.
The song narrates the story of someone seeking solace in loud music to drown out the memories of a lost lover. This theme of using music as an escape resonated with many listeners, contributing to its popularity. The single reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the United States and climbed to number 5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
The accompanying music video, directed by Steve Vaughan, features Yoakam performing with his band, capturing the song’s emotional intensity. The video’s straightforward yet compelling visuals complement the track’s themes of heartache and the search for distraction through music.
“Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose” was part of an album that marked a period of experimentation and collaboration for Yoakam. He co-wrote several tracks on If There Was a Way with other artists, including Kostas and the legendary Roger Miller. This album also saw Yoakam incorporating more rock and soul influences into his music while maintaining his roots in the Bakersfield honky-tonk sound.
The song’s success further established Dwight Yoakam as a significant figure in country music during the early 1990s. His ability to blend traditional country sounds with contemporary influences allowed him to appeal to a broad audience, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.