Introduction:
Dwight Yoakam’s “It Won’t Hurt” stands as a notable entry in the artist’s early catalog, providing a glimpse into the sound that would define his career. Released in November 1986, it served as the third and final single from his groundbreaking debut album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” This album, released in March of 1986, was pivotal in the revitalization of traditional honky-tonk country music during a period when the genre was leaning heavily towards a more polished, pop-infused sound.
Yoakam, with his distinctive vocals and a deep reverence for the Bakersfield sound, carved out a unique space in the country music landscape. “It Won’t Hurt,” like much of the album, embodies this traditionalist approach. The song showcases Yoakam’s ability to blend classic country themes of heartbreak and longing with a raw, unvarnished musical style.
While “It Won’t Hurt” achieved notable success in Canada, reaching the top ten on the RPM country singles chart, its performance on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart was more modest. Nevertheless, the song played a significant role in establishing Yoakam’s reputation as a formidable talent and a champion of authentic country music.
The song is a very good example of the style of music that Dwight Yoakam is known for. It is straight up honky tonk style country music. The songs from the “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” album, helped to bring back a more traditional sound to country music. This was at a time when country music was going through many changes.
The inclusion of “It Won’t Hurt” on “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.” is vital to understanding Yoakam’s early artistic vision. The album as a whole, and this song included, was a statement of intent, signaling his commitment to preserving the roots of country music while forging his own path.