Some of the best country albums of the year pushed the genre's boundaries, including releases from Kane Brown, Ashley McBryde, and Lindi Ortega. But there was still plenty of room for more traditionally-minded and equally outstanding work from Frank Foster, Shooter Jennings, and Joshua Hedley.
Adam Hood
Somewhere in Between
The loose, comfortable vibe provides an ideal showcase for the versatility of Adam Hood's songs.
Ashley McBryde
Girl Going Nowhere
A brawny and sharp debut from an exceptional country singer/songwriter.
Charley Crockett
Lonesome as a Shadow
The Dallas-based country singer merges country, blues, folk, and soul in unexpected ways.
Cody Jinks
Lifers
The longtime independent Texan makes his label debut with another earthy, honest, and appealing record.
Crawling Manifest / Lindi Ortega
Liberty
The Canadian singer/songwriter shifts gears with a cinematic concept record inspired by life events, Ennio Morricone, and Quentin Tarantino.
Frank Foster
'Til I’m Gone
Frank Foster emphasizes his humor, heart, and connection to heartland rock on this strong album.
Jim Lauderdale
Time Flies
The gifted songwriter and singer blends modern and retro sounds on this engaging, beautifully crafted album.
Kacey Musgraves
Golden Hour
An emotionally candid, blissfully soft blend of classic country composition and modern pop.
Kelly Willis
Back Being Blue
The outstanding country vocalist delivers a short but sweet set of tunes about the ups and downs of romance.
Kenny Chesney
Songs for the Saints
A love letter to the Caribbean created as a tribute to the islands in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
Mandy Barnett
Strange Conversation
A rich, soulful move to Americana from the traditionalist country singer.
Mike and the Moonpies
Steak Night at the Prairie Rose
Mike & the Moonpies synthesize a bunch of classic country sounds on this lively, invigorating record.
Pistol Annies
Interstate Gospel
Pistol Annies return from a hiatus with a fully realized, resonant record that's their best to date.
Robbie Fulks / Linda Gail Lewis
Wild! Wild! Wild!
Jerry Lee's sister teams up with a gifted alt-country songwriter for a rollicking set of rockabilly, country, and boogie-woogie.
Shooter Jennings
Shooter
The outlaw scion digs deep into his country influences on this well-crafted set produced by Dave Cobb.
Sugarland
Bigger
After a lengthy hiatus, Sugarland return with a mature, confident country-pop record.
Various Artists
King of the Road: A Tribute to Roger Miller
An eclectic, heartfelt tribute to Roger Miller that illustrates the depth of his songbook.
Various Artists
Restoration: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin
A terrific modern country tribute to the songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
Willie Nelson
Last Man Standing
Willie Nelson faces mortality and decides the time is ripe to have a good time.
