HOUSTON – Garth Brooks is coming to the Houston rodeo, and Friday is the first day you can get the sought-after tickets.
PHOTOS: Garth Brooks through the years
The concerts will likely be big, loud and everything you expect from the singing cowboy.
Through the decades, Brooks has cultivated a devoted, worldwide following that has supported him throughout his ups and downs, and Chris Gaines period.
The often haunted heart behind his music is what keeps fans coming back for more.
Here are 10 of the songs we hope Brooks will play at this year’s RodeoHouston concerts. What did we miss? Leave your favorites in the comments.
1. 'Friends in Low Places'
In this song, Brooks sets up quite a scene: A guy barges in on a party his ex is attending, he obviously doesn't fit in, and then he finds his way to a party that really is his style -- with friends that are more his speed.
This classic is all about finding where you belong and having a good time. Who wouldn't want to hear this song at a Brooks concert?
2. 'Standing Outside the Fire'
Brooks’ powerful video about a special needs student who overcomes a number of obstacles to win a track race makes us cry every time we see it. The song lyrics are powerful and reminds us to live a life worth living by sometimes taking chances.
3. 'To Make You Feel My Love'
We love Adele’s version of this song, but the Brooks' rendition is a classic you’ll never forget. In the YouTube video below, the way he delivers this song is the reason we’re hoping he performs it at RodeoHouston. His heart is in it. We definitely feel his love.
4. 'Shameless'
This song is on our wish list because its allure is about the lyrics and the no-holds-barred way that Brooks sings it. He sounds like he’s losing his control over his heart.
5. 'The Thunder Rolls'
This is not a sweet ballad. The dark story of a man’s infidelity and his lover’s deadly response are always heightened by the way Brooks sings the chorus. Each verse builds on the tension and the listener doesn't have to guess much when the final chorus rings out. This classic is a must-do on our wish list for Brooks’ songs.
6. 'The Dance'
The love for Brooks’ classic material continues with “The Dance.” This song is all about loving and losing, and being glad for what you had -- even for the brief time you did have it.
Brooks’ voice soars on this one, and for a moment, offers his audience a little closure from those bittersweet heartbreaks we’ve all experienced.
7. 'Rodeo'
It’s a rodeo. Brooks has a song called “Rodeo.” This one must be played. Beyond that, it’s a really good song that encapsulates everything to love about rodeo.
8. “The River”
Very much like “Standing Outside the Fire,” “The River” is about living your dreams and facing your fears, no matter what comes your way.
The song is almost a prayer by its end: “But with the good Lord as my captain, I can make it through them all. Yes … I will sail my vessel, ‘til the river runs dry, like a bird upon the wind, these waters are my sky. I’ll never reach my destination, if I never try, so I will sail my vessel ‘til the river runs dry.”
9. 'We Shall be Free'
This song wasn’t without its controversies, but it’s definitely one of our favorites. The song is often backed up with a chorus, so that could be fun if a Houston choir were tapped to perform with him. We’re dreaming now, but that would be so cool.
10. 'Unanswered Prayers'
Brooks has a way with ballads, particularly ones involving exes.
This one reminds us that life sometimes life turns out the way it should, despite what you really wanted a while ago.