AllMusic 2015 Year in Review
Favorite Country Albums
Our favorite country albums of the year came in the form of Chris Stapleton's breakout, Traveller, Dwight Yoakam's excellent Second Hand Heart, and Juno-winner Corb Lund's Things That Can't Be Undone. Genre stalwarts like Alan Jackson and George Strait continued to carry the torch, as did Carrie Underwood and Kacey Musgraves.
A satisfyingly familiar collection of straight-ahead country from the old pro.
The songwriter reunites with producer Kenny Greenberg to deliver the most confessional, searing, and artful record of her career.
On her sterling second album, Ashley Monroe broadens her view and sharpens her skills, resulting in an exquisite, alluring listen.
Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys
An infectious, soulful party saluting the deep catalog of Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys.
A bright but chilled-out summertime party record from the laid-back country singer.
Contemporary country singer reinforces his sturdy mainstream classicism with flairs of disco, rock, and R&B.
A fresh, vibrant, and smart country-pop debut from Cam, who has penned songs for Maggie Rose and Miley Cyrus.
A little tougher and more down-home than its predecessor, Storyteller is nevertheless big and bold, demanding attention.
Nicely diverse and eager-to-please debut from this country songwriter turned performer.
Casually virtuosic debut from the neo-outlaw songwriter who penned hits for Kenny Chesney and Darius Rucker.
The Alberta songwriter and producer Dave Cobb team to deliver aa new chapter in the country music tradition
Texas honky tonk man finds the third time's the charm as he hits the highway with more songs about Big Rigs and their drivers.
The Eagles founder returns to his country-rock roots on this star-studded record named after his Texas home.
Dwight's new millennial revival continues with the crisp, crackling Second Hand Heart.
The queen of the minor key returns to her home state of Idaho and turns in one of the strongest albums of her career.
Shorn of excess, this surprise album from Eric Church is a muscular, moving record.
It may have been released suddenly, but Cold Beer Conversation offers no surprises: it's another satisfying collection of straight-ahead country from the old cowboy.
Warm, reflective -- and sometimes funny -- comeback from the straight-ahead country singer.
Josh Abbott / Josh Abbott Band
Josh Abbott Band deliver an ambitious, exploratory concept album tracing the birth and death of a marriage.
Acclaimed country singer/songwriter digs deeper on her gorgeous second album.
A big, bright debut from the country-pop singer that's pretty savvy underneath its innocence.
Luke Bryan accepts maturity without getting dull on his fifth solo album.
Smart and sentimental, bright and lively, the debut from Maddie & Tae is a fresh, dynamic debut that captures the sound of modern country in 2015.
Warm, cozy duet album that finds the old friends slyly alternating between good times and sweet melancholy.
Sterling collection of sharply written, mainstream country-pop with mild R&B influences that isn't afraid to be either romantic or corny.
The band sidesteps country and revels in Latin music, ska, rock & roll, romantic moods, and much more to impressive effect.
A thoroughly modern country record that embraces big pop hooks, beach swagger, and neo-disco.
Despite a couple of ballads and beach songs, 35 MPH Town is another reliable record from Keith's wheelhouse.
The red dirt country combo sounds brawny, big, and soulful on its eponymous fourth album.
Terrific hardcore honky tonk record from these kindred spirits in Texas country.