Introduction
Dwight Yoakam’s This Time: A Defining Moment in Country Music History
Dwight Yoakam – This Time stands as one of the most pivotal works in his career — a song and album that not only cemented his place in country music but also revealed the depth of his artistry beyond the Bakersfield twang he was best known for. Released in 1993, This Time marked a shift for Yoakam, showcasing his ability to blend traditional honky-tonk influences with contemporary polish, creating a sound that was both timeless and fresh. For many fans, this was the moment Dwight Yoakam went from being a respected revivalist of classic country to a visionary artist in his own right.
The title track captures Yoakam’s gift for balancing heartfelt vulnerability with rugged honesty. His unmistakable voice — nasal, piercing, yet deeply emotive — carries the lyrics with a weight that makes every word feel lived-in. There’s a pleading quality to the song, a recognition of mistakes, and a quiet hope for redemption. While the instrumentation sparkles with layers of electric guitar, steel, and understated percussion, the arrangement never overshadows the emotional core. It is a masterclass in restraint, allowing the song’s story to shine through.
What makes This Time remarkable is its dual achievement: it is deeply rooted in the country tradition while pushing the genre forward. Yoakam managed to honor the lineage of artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, while also appealing to a broader audience who may not have been steeped in honky-tonk tradition. This balance helped the album become Yoakam’s most commercially successful, going triple platinum and spawning multiple hits. Yet, beyond the accolades and sales, it resonated because of its honesty. Listeners could feel Yoakam’s sincerity, his willingness to bare his flaws, and his ability to turn personal truths into universal songs.
For older fans of country music, This Time is a reminder of what drew them to the genre in the first place: songs that are unafraid to speak plainly about regret, love, and second chances. For younger generations, it remains an introduction to one of the most authentic voices of the late 20th century. Dwight Yoakam didn’t just sing This Time — he lived it, and that’s why it continues to endure as one of his most defining works.