Introduction:
“Fast as You” is a standout track from Dwight Yoakam’s fifth studio album, This Time, released on March 23, 1993. The song showcases Yoakam’s signature blend of traditional country with rock and roll influences, reflecting his innovative approach to country music during the early 1990s.
Written solely by Yoakam, “Fast as You” features a catchy guitar riff reminiscent of Roy Orbison’s style, combined with smoky keyboards that enhance its rock and roll feel. The song’s lyrics delve into themes of love and vulnerability, with Yoakam contemplating the dynamics of a relationship where both partners are equally prone to emotional highs and lows. The track’s upbeat tempo and engaging melody contributed to its widespread appeal.
Upon its release as the third single from This Time on October 4, 1993, “Fast as You” achieved significant success on the charts. It peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and reached number five on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. Notably, it also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 70, marking Yoakam’s second entry onto that chart. This crossover appeal underscored the song’s resonance beyond traditional country audiences.
The music video for “Fast as You” was co-directed by Yoakam and Carolyn Beug. The video features footage from a live concert, capturing the energy and charisma of Yoakam’s performances. Beug, who had previously won an MTV Music Video Award for her work on Van Halen’s “Right Now,” played a pivotal role in shaping the visual representation of Yoakam’s music during this period. Her collaboration with Yoakam on this and other projects helped solidify his image in the country music scene.
This Time, the album featuring “Fast as You,” marked a significant point in Yoakam’s career. The album blended traditional honky-tonk sounds with elements of rock and soul, showcasing Yoakam’s versatility as an artist. Produced by Pete Anderson, the album received critical acclaim and commercial success, achieving triple-platinum status. “Fast as You” was one of three singles from the album that reached number two on the country charts, alongside “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” and “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere.”
Over the years, “Fast as You” has remained a popular song, inspiring various artists to cover it. For instance, Texas-based Red Dirt country artist Hayden Haddock released a rendition that infused a rock vibe into the classic hit, emphasizing heavy guitars while maintaining the original’s feel. Additionally, country duo Steel Magnolia included a live cover of the song in their 2010 extended play, and the trio Runaway June featured their version on both their 2018 EP and their debut album, Blue Roses.
“Fast as You” exemplifies Dwight Yoakam’s ability to innovate within the country genre, blending traditional elements with rock influences to create a sound that appeals to a broad audience. Its enduring popularity and influence on other artists highlight its significance in Yoakam’s discography and its lasting impact on country music.