Introduction
“One Night at a Time” is a song by American country music artist George Strait, released in March 1997 as the lead single from his abum Carrying Your Love with Me. The track was co-written by Roger Cook, Eddie Kilgallon, and Earl Bud Lee, and produced by Tony Brown alongside Strait. It achieved significant success, reaching the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
The song features a melody that blends traditional country elements with pop influences, highlighted by Mexicali-style guitar riffs that add a unique flavor. Billboard magazine noted its “light summertime feel” and praised its “pretty” melody, acknowledging its pop-leaning production while appreciating its distinctive sound.
“One Night at a Time” debuted at number 37 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the week of March 15, 1997, and later peaked at number two on the year-end chart. In Canada, it reached number 13 on the RPM Country Tracks chart.
This song exemplifies George Strait’s ability to blend traditional country music with contemporary sounds, contributing to his reputation as a leading figure in the genre. Its success further solidified his status in the country music industry during the late 1990s.