AllMusic 2016 Year in Review
Favorite Country Albums
Veteran and freshly-arrived country stars alike continued to push the genre's boundaries and delivered several impressive albums in 2016, headlined by the latest from Miranda Lambert, Loretta Lynn, Maren Morris, Margo Price, Sturgill Simpson and Aubrie Sellers.
Soulful, smart, unpredictable "garage country" debut from the singer/songwriter.
On her major-label debut, Brandy Clark's finely rendered intimate songs get a big, bold production.
A warmly crafted and poetic set rooted in the Deep South of the singer's native Georgia.
On their appealing debut, the Brothers Osborne skillfully balance classic style with modern country sounds.
Charles Kelley steps away from Lady Antebellum to deliver a sharp, satisfiying solo debut.
Charlie Daniels pays tribute to cowboys and the American West on Night Hawk.
The definitive country girl returns with a low-key but heartfelt collection of songs about love.
Hillary Scott / Hillary Scott & the Scott Family
A quiet, intimate, and heartfelt excursion into country gospel by the Lady Antebellum singer.
The country-reggae singer reunites with Adrian Sherwood and On-U Sound on a remixed, expanded version of this rare 2010 album.
Two years after his debut, Jon Pardi returns with the sturdy, frills-free California Sunrise.
The country singer goes mid-century modern with a wink on this swinging, clever Christmas album.
The country singer dives headfirst into R&B inflections and electronic rhythms on the sleek, mature modern pop record.
Kenny Chesney embraces the modern world on a shiny, savvy record featuring a duet with P!nk.
A moving, intimate record that takes stock of the full scope of the country legend's musical life.
An inventive, thoroughly modern, and tremendous debut from the country singer/songwriter.
A smart, soulful retro-country debut that feels caught between the country and the city, along with the head and the heart.
A moody, muddy, and audacious double album from Miranda Lambert.
Randy Rogers / Randy Rogers Band
The Randy Rogers Band return to an indie label and deliver their best record in years.
A sprawling concept album that expands the notion of what constitutes Cosmic American Music in the 21st century.
Various Artists
Producer Dave Cobb's multi-artist mosaic portrays the rich complexities of modern Southern music.
Dispensing with an explicit concept, the masterful guitarist nevertheless comes close to making his own version of a soul album.
The Mississippi singer turns his debut into a salute to the best of George Strait.
For the Good Times: A Tribute to Ray Price
An affectionate and bittersweet tribute to Willie Nelson's lifelong friend Ray Price.