AllMusic 2017 Year in Review
Favorite Folk & Americana Albums
Folk and Americana artists weren't shy about letting their other influences shine in 2017, as elements of soul, country, and Latin music all found their way into the mix on albums from the Dustbowl Revival, Kacy & Clayton, the Mavericks, and many more.
The follow-up to Land of Plenty develops the intuitive, relaxed dialogue between the two guitarists into a full-blown musical language here.
The folk icon brings her songs and her sound into the present day, where they're timely and powerfully relevant.
A warm, cozy summation of everything Chris Hillman has accomplished in his long, varied career.
Eliza Carthy / The Wayward Band
The U.K. folk maverick deftly wields her ambitions with this appropriately robust big ensemble collaboration.
Jason Isbell / Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
The gifted songwriter aims for a more eclectic sound here, and he and his band deliver the goods with passion and skill.
One of Ritter's loosest and most rewarding outings to date delivers a steady stream of compelling characters caught between bravado and vulnerability.
Excellent third album from the Canadian folk duo is more country than their previous work, but just as satisfying.
Ambitious double set from the Australian singer/songwriter adds more rock to the mix without blurring her hard country roots.
Singer/songwriter opens up about her troubles with liquor and love on her impressive third album.
What's So Funny About Peace Love and Los Straitjackets
The masked instrumental combo pays cool and convincing tribute to occasional collaborator Nick Lowe.
![Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real [2017]](https://fastly-s3.allmusic.com/release/mr0004756622/front/400/st7VQ0f6BxT8BcKklZo4MVWnbEN5fCjifro6xhIBuB4=.jpg)
Lukas Nelson / Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real [2017]
A funky, elegant, and soulful record that showcases the full potential of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real.
Mark Lanegan Band / Mark Lanegan
New collaborators and strong material serve the smoky-voiced singer and songwriter well on this 2017 effort.
A moody, heartfelt record that navigates the line between retro-Americana and modern country.
The Texas alt-country veterans sound a bit darker and more contemplative on their 11th studio album, but as engaged as ever.
A rollicking live rendition of Bob Dylan's 1966 masterpiece Blonde on Blonde.
The old-timey Americana artist makes a bold venture into retro-soul.
Tell the Devil I'm Gettin' There as Fast as I Can
One of the best storytellers in roots music offers another set of beautifully crafted songs and soulful performances.
Rhiannon Giddens digs deep into American folklore on her second album.
The acclaimed singer and songwriter spins tales of lives lived recklessly on this excellent 2017 release.
The singer/songwriter teams with producer Rodney Crowell on a set of originals and covers that showcase her ability to cross genre lines with authority and soul.
Steve Earle / Steve Earle & the Dukes
The uncompromising singer/songwriter looks back to his country-rock days without forgetting what he's learned since then.
The 18 Wheelers / Zephaniah OHora
Elegant evocation of prime West Coast country from the '60s and '70s.
The Dustbowl Revival freshen their sound with a heavy dose of classic soul.
Eclectic ninth album has more to do with Latin and pop sounds than country, but is as fun as anything they've done to date.
Produced by Brandi Carlile, the Rogers sisters' third LP is a marvel of quiet grandeur and steely Southern pragmatism.
A rich yet plainspoken mini-masterpiece from the Red Dirt country band.
