Released on September 30, 1997, 'Three Chords and the Truth' was Sara's first major studio release. With its Traditional Country core, it placed Sara in high ranks with the critics, with some name-checking the record in their year-end "Top Albums" list. People started to refer to Sara as a modern-day Patsy Cline or Tammy Wynette, and the album definitely had the support of another Country legend -- Harlan Howard -- who had heard one of Sara's demos and helped her get her recording contract with RCA Nashville. Pete Anderson, known for his work with Dwight Yoakam, produced the album.

Sara released her second album, "No Place That Far", on October 27, 1998. The title track garnished Sara her first number one Country radio hit as well as help push the album to reach the RIAA's gold status (500,000 copies). 'Fool I'm A Woman', the third and final single from the album, was featured on the CMT's GIRLS NIGHT OUT compilation album with Martina McBride, Lorrie Morgan and Mindy McCready. Produced by Buddy Cannon and Norro Wilson, the album had a little more of a contemporary Country sound, but still found a way to unite with Sara's natural Traditional roots.

"Born To Fly", Sara's third studio release, really put her on the path to commercial success. Released on October 10, 2000, the title track earned Sara her second number one hit, and all four singles released made it into the Top 20 on the Country charts. Having sold at least 2,000,000 copies, the album was certified 2x-platinum by the RIAA. Sara also helped co-produce the album with Paul Worley and co-wrote 6 of the 11 tracks with very established songwriters. This album helped Sara earn the most 2001 CMA nominations, and she took home her first CMA award for "Born To Fly"'s Wizard of Oz-themed video, directed by Peter Zavadil.

After an almost 3-year hiatus, Sara releases her fourth studio album, "Restless", on August 19, 2003. This album set a chart record for Sara, debuting at number 3 on the Country chart and number 20 on the Top 200 chart. The second single, "Perfect", even reached number 2 at a time where female Country hits were scarce--but it was the album's third single, "Suds in the Bucket", that gave Sara her third number one hit. Bringing back Paul Worley to help Sara produce again, the record went on to sell one million copies, which gained a platinum certification by the RIAA.

Co-produced by Mark Bright and [brother] Matt Evans, Sara releases her fifth studio album, "Real Fine Place" on October 4, 2005.. The album's first single, "A Real Fine Place to Start", became Sara's fourth number one hit on the Country charts. The single went gold and helped push the album over the platinum mark. The album debuted with 130,000 copies sold, which gave Sara her first #1 Country album and placed her at #3 on the Billboard 200. In 2006, Sara took home the ACM's Top Female Vocalist award, and competed as the first Country contestant on Dancing with the Stars, dropping out later due to a nasty divorce.

"Greatest Hits" was Sara's first compilation album to release of her highest-charting singles. However, none of the songs from "Three Chords and the Truth" appear on the album. Produced by John Shanks, Sara recorded four new songs for the project: "As If", "Some Things Never Change", "Pray for You", and "Love You With All My Heart". "As If" was the only single heavily promoted from the record, peaking at #11 on the Country charts, with the video going number one on iTunes' Country Videos. The album includes all four of Sara's #1 singles, along with fan-favorite "Saints & Angels".

"I'll Be Home For Christmas" is Sara's first digital release and her first Christmas record. None of the four songs were newly recorded for the album, but it's the first time they've all been on the same album together. No singles were released. "New Again", a duet with Brad Paisley, was featured on the Passion of the Christ soundtrack and helped Sara get nominated for a Dove Award. The song depicts a possible scenario between Mary and Jesus Christ while Jesus is being nailed to the cross. The release coincided with her 2009 "Celebrate the Season" tour which played at 12 different cities.