Copyright Parade
Country stars like Shania Twain, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, and Trisha Yearwood are on a first-name basis with fans. Like Madonna or Cher, these musical icons need no last name for recognition. But fans think another country star, Mary Chapin Carpenter, is underrated and belongs in that same iconic category. Recently on tour in support of her 2025 release Personal History, Mary Chapin Carpenter took the stage at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium. Playing new songs and selections from her vast catalog of hits, Carpenter’s performance of her 1992 single “I Feel Lucky” had fans singing her praises. “There’s Shania. There’s Faith. There’s Reba. There’s Trisha. But there’s only one Mary Chapin Carpenter,” a fan captioned a video of the 67-year-old singer-songwriter performing “I Feel Lucky,” which appeared on her 1992 multi-platinum album Come On Come On. The album also featured her hit “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” Not only were fans quick to comment on her still stunning voice, they lauded her talent, which they feel doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. “Come On Come On is, in my opinion, one of the greatest albums of all time,” wrote one fan. “Mary Chapin Carpenter is incredible. She does not get the recognition she deserves,” commented another. Another added, “She’s so underrated.” “I love every song she has ever sung,” noted another. Mary Chapin Carpenter Now An icon on the country-folk music scene, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s fans may think she’s underrated, but the singer-songwriter is nothing if not prolific. Following her just-wrapped tour in support of her latest album, Carpenter remains a vibrant force in the country and Americana scene 35 years after her debut. Despite a short break due to health problems in the early 2000s, the Washington, D.C. native has continued to be an important presence in country and folk music. A canceled tour in 2022 meant a temporary break from live shows, but fans have been delighted to see her back on the road in support of her newest album. Fans seem to agree that Mary Chapin Carpenter belongs in the same league as other country music luminaries, with one writing, “I’m a lifelong massive Reba fan,” shared one fan. “And even I agree.”
