If you’re looking for a shot of 70s country nostalgia, you’re in for a treat with this live performance of Billie Jo Spears’ hit, “What I’ve Got in Mind,” from Pop! Goes the Country in 1975. With her signature southern charm and a voice that radiates emotion, Spears delivers a smoldering take on one of her most successful tracks, penned by Kenny O'Dell. The song hit #5 on the U.S. Country charts and #4 in the UK, cementing Spears as one of the era’s crossover stars.
In the video, Spears effortlessly captivates the audience with a performance that feels intimate yet electrifying. Her sultry delivery of lyrics like, "I don't need a bed of roses, 'cause roses wither away," makes it clear why this song became known as a "sexy come-on" track. Spears was one of the few female country stars at the time unafraid to explore themes of desire, following the success of “Blanket on the Ground” with songs that pushed the envelope.
The song’s unique rhumba influence, a nod to O'Dell’s original composition, gives it a sensual rhythm that separates it from the honky-tonk staples of the time. Spears' soft, soulful vocals add a layer of vulnerability that draws you in. The production by Larry Butler, recorded at Jack Clement’s famed studio in Nashville, delivers that polished 70s country sound, with just the right mix of steel guitar and understated rhythm.
Though released in 1976, Spears’ performance of "What I’ve Got in Mind" feels timeless. The song’s boldness, combined with her genuine delivery, gave it a staying power that carried her to the top of the charts, both in the U.S. and across the pond. For fans of country music's golden era, this performance is a perfect reminder of why Billie Jo Spears was such a standout figure.
