Ever find yourself humming a song that feels like a Sunday morning drive? If you grew up around a radio in 1987, that song was likely The Weekend. Steve Wariner didn't just sing it; he basically lived it into existence. Honestly, it's one of those tracks that defines an entire era of "New Traditionalist" country without ever feeling dusty or dated.
You've probably heard it a thousand times on classic country stations. But there's a lot more to this #1 hit than just a catchy hook about Friday night.
The Secret Sauce of "The Weekend"
Most people think of Steve Wariner as a singer first. Big mistake. Before he was a household name, he was a bass player for Dottie West. Then he was the protégé of the legendary Chet Atkins.
By the time The Weekend hit the airwaves in April 1987, Wariner was already a "Certified Guitar Player" (C.G.P.)—an honor bestowed upon him by Atkins himself. There are only a handful of those in the world.
When you listen to the guitar work on The Weekend, you aren't just hearing a studio musician. You're hearing a master.
The song itself was written by Bill LaBounty and Beckie Foster. LaBounty is a bit of a cult hero in the "Yacht Rock" world. He has this smooth, R&B-inflected style that shouldn't work in country, but with Wariner, it was magic. It brought a certain sophistication to the genre that was missing in the mid-80s.
Why the 1980s Needed This Song
Country music was in a weird spot in '87. The "Urban Cowboy" craze was dead. Pop-country was trying to find its feet.
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Wariner stepped in with It’s a Crazy World, the album that featured The Weekend. It wasn't "hat act" country. It was cool. It was melodic. Basically, it was the bridge between the old guard and the superstars like Garth Brooks who would arrive just a couple of years later.
The Weekend climbed all the way to number one on both the US Billboard Hot Country Songs and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart. It stayed on the charts for 23 weeks. That’s nearly half a year of dominance.
The Technical Brilliance Nobody Talks About
If you're a gearhead, you know Steve Wariner's tone is legendary. On this track, the production—handled by Jimmy Bowen and Tony Brown—is surgically clean.
Brown was the architect of the "Nashville Sound" in the 80s and 90s. He knew how to let Wariner’s voice breathe.
Wariner’s vocals on The Weekend are effortless. He has this "smiling" quality to his voice. It feels like he’s letting you in on a secret.
Breaking Down the Lyrics
The song isn't just about partying. It's about the relief of the clock hitting 5:00 PM.
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- Friday night: The anticipation.
- Saturday: The peak.
- Sunday: The slow fade.
It's a universal narrative. But LaBounty’s writing adds a layer of "blue-eyed soul" that makes it feel more like a Steely Dan track than a George Strait one.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often lump Wariner in with the "soft country" crowd of the era. That’s a massive oversimplification.
While The Weekend is undeniably smooth, the musicianship underneath is incredibly complex. Wariner is often using jazz chords and thumb-picking patterns that would make most modern country players sweat.
Also, many fans forget that this was the second single from the album, following Small Town Girl. It cemented him as a multi-week chart-topper. It wasn't a fluke. It was a calculated evolution of his sound.
The Legacy of the 1987 Hit
Is it still relevant in 2026? Absolutely.
You can hear the echoes of Wariner’s style in artists like Brad Paisley or Keith Urban. In fact, Wariner later wrote hits for both of them. He’s the "musician’s musician."
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When you play The Weekend today, it doesn't have that "80s cheese" factor that plagues so many other hits from that year. No gated reverb drums that sound like a cannon. No over-the-top synthesizers. Just great playing and a timeless melody.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Released: April 25, 1987
- Label: MCA Records
- Songwriters: Bill LaBounty, Beckie Foster
- Producers: Tony Brown, Jimmy Bowen
- Chart Peak: #1 (US & Canada)
How to Appreciate the Song Today
If you want to truly "get" why this song matters, don't just stream it on a crappy phone speaker.
Find a high-quality version—preferably vinyl if you’ve got a setup. Listen to the way the bass sits in the mix. Notice the subtle guitar fills during the transitions.
Wariner is a guy who has won four Grammys and is in the Musicians Hall of Fame for a reason. The Weekend is the perfect entry point into his massive catalog.
Next Steps for the Serious Listener:
- Listen to the album It's a Crazy World: Don't just stop at the single. The title track and Lynda are equally essential.
- Watch live footage: Look up videos of Wariner performing The Weekend live. Watching him play those lead lines while singing is a masterclass in coordination.
- Explore Bill LaBounty: If you like the "vibe" of the song, check out LaBounty’s solo work like This Night Won't Last Forever. It’ll give you a whole new perspective on where Wariner’s "smooth" sound came from.