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«Martina McBride's "Independence Day" was a massive 1994 hit that never reached number one.

This song Martina McBride is considered one of the greatest songs in country music, but, surprisingly, it never reached number one on the charts.

The 1994 hit "Independence Day" didn't even crack the top 10 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, peaking at number 12—but that didn't stop it from becoming one of McBride's signature songs.

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In the spring of 1994, McBride released the single "Independence Day", which was included on her second studio album, The Way That I Am, released in September 1993. The song spent a total of 20 weeks on the Hot Country Songs chart, peaking at number 12 in August 1994.

Although the song never became a number one hit, it nevertheless became one of McBride's most famous compositions. With lyrics about a mother and daughter trying to escape an abusive family, "Independence Day" was named one of the "most powerful country songs of all time," according to Country Cord .

The song was also named one of the best in the country genre, and Rolling Stone magazine included "Independence Day" on its list of the "200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time," placing McBride's track at number 45.

Billboard magazine also included "Independence Day" in its 2025 list of the 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, where it ranked number 89.

Since then, McBride has had five songs reach the top of the Hot Country Songs chart, including 1999's "I Love You," which spent five weeks at number one. Her 2001 single "Blessed" spent two weeks at the top, and her three other number-one hits, "Wrong Again," "Broken Wing," and "Wild Angels," each spent one week at number one.

Related: Country music legend cancels Washington concert over 'misleading' claims about political ties.

This article was originally published by Parade on May 31, 2026, in the Entertainment section. Add Parade to your list of recommended sources by clicking here.

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