Top 10 Country Music Songs, Week of January 7, 1986

1. Kenny Rogers – “Morning Desire”
2. The Judds – “Have Mercy”
3. Eddie Rabbitt (solo version) – “Repetitive Regret” (or rising tracks; note: “Both to Each Other (Friends and Lovers)” came later)
4. Restless Heart – “That Rock Won’t Roll” (early climber)
5. The Judds – “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” (recently released single)
6. Dolly Parton – “Think About Love”
7. T.G. Sheppard – “One Step Closer” (or similar era tracks)
8. Earl Thomas Conley – “Once In A Blue Moon”
9. John Schneider – “You’re The Last Thing I Needed Tonight”
10. Gary Morris – “Between You & Me” (or “100% Chance of Rain”)

Significant highlights:

The top spot this week was claimed by Kenny Rogers with “Morning Desire,” a smooth, heartfelt ballad that marked his return to #1 after a strong climb, embodying the polished, adult-oriented country sound that defined much of early 1986 radio play.

Holding strong just behind was The Judds’ “Have Mercy,” the mother-daughter duo’s powerhouse hit that had dominated late 1985 and carried into the new year with its blend of traditional harmony and emotional plea.

Rising quickly were tracks like Restless Heart’s “That Rock Won’t Roll” (poised for their breakthrough #1 soon after), The Judds’ follow-up “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” with its nostalgic family storytelling, and Dolly Parton’s upbeat “Think About Love.”

Other standouts included Earl Thomas Conley’s moody “Once In A Blue Moon,” John Schneider’s heartfelt “You’re The Last Thing I Needed Tonight,” and T.G. Sheppard’s steady climber, alongside emerging hits reflecting the era’s mix of neotraditional roots and pop-crossover appeal—setting the stage for newcomers like T. Graham Brown’s upcoming “Hell and High Water.”