7 Country Albums You Must Add to Your Collection

1. Darius Rucker – Charleston, SC 1966

There’s something to be said about a black man singing country music. I’m honestly surprised we don’t see it more often than we do because country music is so much like the old negro spirituals. They tell stories about life, and about expectations. They’re set to a ready beat, and they’re easy to remember. Regardless, Darius Rucker has turned in a masterpiece with this, his second country album. It has the feel of a country record from start to finish, and it’s easy to hear Darius’ smooth tenor embrace his roots. From start to finish, this song is evocative and imaginative, and always country. One of the best records of the past 10 years, easily. Standout song: Come Back Song.

2. Sara Evans – Born to Fly

With all the female country singers out there tending to sound the same (think Faith Hill meets LeAnn Rimes), it’s refreshing to hear a voice, and a singer, who is decidedly different. The first time I heard Sara Evans was with her smash, Backseat of a Greyhound Bus, from her Restless album, and that made me go back and buy her previous record. Born to Fly is a throwback to old school country, while maintaining a fresh perspective. It is a very personal record that showcases the grit and passion in Sara’s voice. I recommend both this one and Restless for anyone wanting an escape from modern female country singers. Standout song: Let’s Dance.

3. Lee Ann Womack – Something Worth Leaving Behind

I first have to admit that I completely fell in love with I Hope You Dance from the moment I first heard it. I was totally obsessed with Lee Ann Womack at that point, and yet I somehow waited patiently for her next album to be released, hoping it wouldn’t disappoint. Then, Something Worth Leaving Behind came out, and I loved it even better than the previous album. There’s something about the subtlety of Lee Ann’s voice, coupled with the beautifully haunting lyrics, that is just so wonderful to listen to and sing along with (because you know I love to sing). Standout song: Forever Everyday.

4. Brad Paisley – 5th Gear

I tried not to like Brad Paisley. Honest, I did, and I got by just fine with this plan until 5th Gear was released and I first heard Ticks. The song was so ridiculous and cloying that I just had to fall in love with it. I still find myself humming it sometimes out of the blue, and it only gets better from there. Songs like Online, and Letter to Me are just so completely opposite of each other, but both have intensely current messages that speak to me in different ways. Brad Paisley is like a guilty pleasure, but I’m not feeling so guilty about liking him anymore. Standout song: Letter to Me.

5.Kenny Chesney – No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems

I lived in Tennessee for four years, and in that time period pretty much the only thing on the radio and on everyone’s lips was Kenny Chesney. He ruled country radio. He sold out Neyland Stadium within minutes, and he had the big song that characterized Tennessee to a T: The Good Stuff. I’ll admit now that I have always found his music to be infectious, from She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy to Don’t Blink to Boys of Fall. He can be irreverently funny in his hokey, southern way, and he writes catchy songs. I even like his island themed songs and albums too, but this was my first one so it has a special place in my heart. Standout song:  Big Star.

6. Miranda Lambert – Four the Record

The first word that comes to mind when I think about Miranda Lambert is revolutionary. She’s pretty much charted her own course her entire career, but no more is it evident in Four the Record, her fourth studio album (duh) that has enough power to be a rock record, but hangs in there with the country tag. Previous to her, I honestly don’t remember another female country artist with this kind of swagger. I can’t help but be drawn in and love, in particular, the power of this record. I wholeheartedly recommend a listen. You’ll be drawn in too. Standout song: Same Old You.

7. Lila McCann – Lila

It was honestly a tough choice between this album and Shine, by Martina McBride. If I were you, I would certainly get both of them, and for many of the same reasons. One thing that sets Lila McCann apart from a lot of other singers is the pure tone of her voice. It’s sweet, without any of that jaded edge you hear from many older country artists. And her subject matter is the same. Amazingly enough, the same can be said for Shine. It is almost a new beginning for Martina, and it sounds fresh and new, pure in a way I hadn’t heard from her since her first album. I recommend both in a heartbeat, but this seventh slot is reserved for Miss Lila. Enjoy. Standout song: Down Came a Blackbird.

Sam

7 Albums Archive