AllMusic 2014 Year in Review
Favorite Americana Albums
Americana had a strong 2014, represented by excellent new music from Laura Cantrell, Shakey Graves, Hiss Golden Messenger, Lydia Loveless and the Old 97's.
Eighth album from the Canadian roots music supergroup is simple, straightforward, and entirely satisfying.
Bobby Bare, Jr. / Bobby Bare, Jr.'s Young Criminals' Starvation League
Singer/songwriter embraces the joys of off-kilter pop and noisy rock, and well as the sorrows of failing relationships.
Sixth album from this bluegrass-inspired North Carolina quartet finds them exploring new sounds with their usual excellence.
The Canadian country songwriter and his band re-record their early hits absolutely live from the floor of Memphis Tennessee's Sun Studio.
D. Charles Speer / D. Charles Speer & the Helix
Speer's most accessible album yet, if accessible means one can't help being kind of fascinated by it.
Common Ground: Dave & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill Broonzy
The Blasters' founders pay homage to the iconic bluesman Big Bill Broonzy in their first studio collaboration since 1985.
Mike Cooley steps up to co-star status on this band's tenth album, a relatively low-key set of thoughtful character studies.
The Canadian roots trio's fifth LP is as dark and daring as it is warm-hearted.
Michigan alt-country act delivers a poppier sound on their fourth album, but their atmospheric music is still literate and strong.
On their Merge Records debut, M.C Taylor and band emerge from the Southern Gothic darkness to deliver a gem.
The band's spirited fifth outing may not be a party record, but it makes a noble attempt to mingle with its guests.
Jon Langford & Skull Orchard / Jon Langford
Bitter but literate tales of lives in the balance dominate this album that finds Langford in especially strong musical form.
Spare, mournful set of songs about heartache in various forms; beautifully crafted, but takes its sadness very seriously.
Fifth album from the alt-country songstress feels like her most personal, introspective work to date, and ranks with her best.
Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone
The singer/songwriter's first album for her own label is a grand-scale exploration of heart, soul, mind, and groove.
Triumphant album from the Ohio-based singer and songwriter, who sings of love and lust with casual brilliance and power.
On her sophomore offering, the Danish pedal steel guitarist and songwriter creates an intimate and powerful portrait of loss.
Rough, rowdy, and sounding like a boozy boys night out, the band's 10th album is one of their toughest and best in years.
On her fine Sony debut, the violinist explores the folk traditions of the American South.
Cannily constructed, sometimes emotionally vulnerable re-creation of the golden age of studio rock from the savvy singer/songwriter.
Idiosyncratic singer and songwriter gets a new band and a new sound, but holds onto her powerful voice and soul-baring songs.
On his second Paradise of Bachelors offering, the artist artfully and ambitiously showcases his increasing confidence as a singer/songwriter.
Captures the band's unique story with 18 classic, career-spanning songs.
Crackling and well-constructed second set from the Nashville-based neo-bluegrass trio.
The Magik Sounds of the Pine Hill Haints
Crackling energy and eerie themes come through in high definition from this long-running, spooky, rockabilly act.