Chart Rewind: In 2006, Rodney Atkins Earned a Reputation as a ‘Hell’-Raiser

In 2006, Rodney Atkins achieved a significant milestone in his career when his single, "If You're Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)," topped Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Atkins had previously signed with Curb Records nearly a decade ago and had released five other chart singles, with one reaching the top five in 2004.

While working on his second album, Atkins' producer, Ted Hewitt, compiled demos for three songs with a theme of "going through hell." The most promising of these was "If You're Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)," written by Sam Tate, Annie Tate, and Dave Berg. This song combined a robust beat with two well-known quotes: an encouragement from Winston Churchill and an Irish toast about reaching heaven before the devil is aware of one's presence.

Upon its release on January 21, 2006, "If You're Going Through Hell" quickly climbed the charts, enduring seven months at the top spot, including four weeks as the number one single. The song secured a Platinum certification from the RIAA and became an anthem of perseverance. It was performed at the White House during the 2007 National Adoption Month ceremony and at the 2008 National Memorial Day concert at the U.S. Capitol.

Furthermore, "If You're Going Through Hell" inspired Atkins' subsequent single, "Watching You," which he wrote after his son was reprimanded for using the word "hell" while singing his father's song at school.