AllMusic 2017 Year in Review
Favorite Country Albums
The year's best country music included two albums from Chris Stapleton, the second album from Margo Price, one of Willie Nelson's better recent records, and Midland's time-traveling On the Rocks.
The Texas singer/songwriter reckons with the present through the prism of the past.
A well-crafted collection of throwback outlaw country from the Indiana native.
On her second album, Angaleena Presley is determined to expand country tradition.
On his sequel to Just as I Am, Brantley Gilbert further separates himself from the bro country pack.
A cool, soulful, and funny breakthrough from the country singer/songwriter.
Another modest, winning collection of straight-ahead, old-fashioned country.
Chris Stapleton keeps things modest and soulful on the sequel to his unexpected smash Traveller.
A decade into his career, Chris Young emphasizes his skills as a balladeer.
A finely crafted contemporary country album with a new wave sheen.
Joe Nichols slides into laid-back middle age that feels familiar yet fresh.
Kelsea Ballerini gets bolder and more vulnerable on her second album.
The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone
Three years after her comeback, the singer/songwriter delivers an album saturated with the influence of East Texas country, blues, and soul.
Little Big Town doubles down on Southern Californian soft rock on The Breaker.
On her second album, Margo Price broadens her musical and lyrical horizons.
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives / Marty Stuart
A wonderful, imaginative salute to all the country and Americana sounds from the West Coast.
Cadillac Three strip their sound back to basics and lean into full-tilt boogie.
A thoroughly modern country-pop album, filled with stylish sounds and sensitive soul-baring.
Toby Keith revives his ribald party tunes and adds two new songs to the mix.
An uncommonly strong latter-day record from Willie Nelson filled with wry, moving reflections on mortality.