The album is an interesting concept in Country music these days. Some artists see it as a way of releasing an absolute ton of songs all in one go whilst others stick to a more traditional approach. There are some artists who don't even release albums and are content to build their brand with single releases and EPs so it's a wild west out there in Country music right now in terms of the best way to get music out to as many people as possible.
What is certain is that there were some great albums, of varying lengths, released in 2024 and we thought we'd share our favourites with you.
20. Jenna Paulette – Horseback
Paulette’s ability to shift from quiet introspection to powerful anthems across the whole of this album highlights her versatility as an artist, making ‘Horseback' a well-rounded and deeply satisfying listen for fans of authentic country music. Full review here.
19. Wade Bowen – Flyin'
‘Flyin' is a testament to Bowen's musical versatility and storytelling prowess. With its eclectic mix of genres and heartfelt lyrics, the album is sure to resonate with fans old and new, solidifying Bowen's status as one of country music's most compelling voices. Full review here.
18. Zach Top – Cold Beer and Country Music
Zach has made massive inroads in Country music with this album this year. The album was co-written entirely by Top and produced by Carson Chamberlain. It arrives as Top has become hot property in Nashville, renowned for his authentic storytelling and his love for traditional Country music.
17. Kaitlin Butts – Roadrunner!
Produced by Oran Thornton (Brent Cobb, Logan Brill), Roadrunner! marks a definite shift from Butts’ 2022 sophomore LP ‘What Else Can She Do,' which was a character-driven exploration of complex matters like addiction, domestic violence, and generational trauma. Stalwart musicians including Russ Pahl (Sturgill Simpson, Kacey Musgraves) and Lex Price (Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum) ensure that ‘Roadrunner!' is a great album for fans of Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves and Margo Price. Full review here.
16. Drake White – Low Country High Road
‘Low Country High Road' showcases Drake White's ability to fuse his Alabama roots, soulful storytelling, and musical diversity into a cohesive and engaging album. From upbeat grooves to reflective ballads, it’s a testament to living life with gratitude and authenticity. There's a cohesion about this project that makes the songs flow beautifully in the order that they have been sequenced on an album full of heart, soul, depth and humour. Full review here.
15. Chase Rice – Go Down Singin'
‘Go Down Singin' is a deeply personal and musically diverse album that captures Chase Rice’s evolution as an artist. From soulful acoustic ballads to anthemic rockers, each track tells a story, offering listeners a raw and heartfelt glimpse into Rice's world. With its blend of introspection, nostalgia, and storytelling, this album solidifies Chase Rice’s growing reputation as a nuanced and mature voice in country music. Full review here.
14. Elvie Shane – Damascus
With its blend of gritty rock anthems, soulful ballads, and infectious melodies, the album cements Shane's place as a rising star in the country music scene and as a songwriter of some renown who is able to drill right down into the human experience of everyday folk and bring out those journeys and stories in a way that makes you want to pump your fist in the air and holler along. Full review here.
13. Riley Green – Don't Mind if I Do
In ‘Don't Mind if I Do' Riley Green successfully channels the spirit of Waylon Jennings, George Jones and Merle Haggard, while adding his own southern charm and modern sensibility. This album proves that Green is more than just a rising star; he’s a true inheritor of classic country music, skilfully blending nostalgic influences with contemporary sound. Full review here.
12. Corey Kent – Black Bandana
‘Black Bandana' is an evocative and powerful journey through the trials and triumphs of life, with Corey Kent as a masterful guide. His ability to balance bombastic, rock-infused anthems with tender, introspective ballads creates an album that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. With its mix of raw emotion, searing instrumentation, and Kent’s distinctive vocal style, ‘Black Bandana' is sure to resonate with listeners who appreciate the authenticity and resilience at the heart of his music. Full review here.
11. Randall King – Into the Neon
King has consolidated his Texan sound & pushed a little further too, experimenting with a more commercial edge in some places and a more retro-nostalgic 90s one in others. This one has legs, folks, and is jam-packed with radio hits and dance hall bangers! Full review here.
10. Carly Pearce – hummingbird
The anger and withering annoyance that populated a good chunk of previous album '29' has been replaced on ‘hummingbird' with strength, healing and acceptance. Carly Pearce has, indeed, made lemonade from the lemons that life threw at her and she's a better, more resilient and evolved person for it now. Full review here.
9. Megan Moroney – Am I Okay?
‘Am I Okay?' is a testament to Megan Moroney's growth as a songwriter and artist. By exploring themes of heartbreak, resilience, and empowerment, she creates a rich tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply with her audience. Her willingness to experiment with new sounds and delve into personal experiences makes this album a standout, marking a significant step forward in her musical journey. Full review here.
8. Keith Urban – High
Throughout ‘High' Urban balances upbeat, arena-ready tracks like ‘Laughing All the Way to the Drank' with more introspective moments, creating an album that feels both fresh and familiar. With its blend of catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and Urban's undeniable guitar prowess ‘High' is a celebration of everything that makes Keith Urban one of country music's most enduring and beloved artists. Full review here.
7. Koe Wetzel – 9 Lives
‘9 Lives' saw Wetzel experimenting with his traditional mix of Rock, Americana and Country but with a polished and more mature edge that sounds great on him. ‘High Road' is very nearly number one on Country radio and the rest of the album fizzes with bombastic, ballsy pomp. We loved seeing Koe live in the UK on this cycle too. Interview here.
6. Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind
‘Whirlwind' is a tour de force from Lainey Wilson, a record that blends her country roots with modern flair and classic sensibilities, offering a rich and varied listening experience that will resonate with fans old and new. If there were any doubts about Lainey Wilson's ability, both as a writer and as a vocalist, ‘Whirlwind' dispels them all with a nonchalant wave of its hand and a withering look. Full review here.
5. Jackson Dean – On the Back of My Dreams
‘On the Back of My Dreams' is a tremendously deep and often introspective work that marks a significant step forward for Jackson Dean. It’s heavier in both sound and meaning than his debut ‘Greenbroke' and it suits him well. With radio-friendly tracks like ‘Heavens to Betsy,' ‘Free,' and ‘Daddy Raised,' Dean is poised for commercial success, yet the album remains a cohesive, meaningful body of work that stands as an album in the truest sense of the word. Full review here.
4. 49 Winchester – Leavin' This Holler
‘Leavin’ This Holler' interweaves three central themes: life on the road, pride in Virginia and Appalachian life, and Gibson’s love for his wife and family. The album builds on the success of ‘Fortune Favors the Bold,' pushing boundaries with its lush instrumentation and ambitious songwriting. Songs like ‘Anchor' and ‘Leavin’ This Holler' highlight the band's growth, presenting a deeply personal and musically rich album that solidifies 49 Winchester’s ever-growing reputation in the genre. Full review here.
3. Shane Smith & the Saints – Norther
With anthemic guitar licks and powerful imagery, Shane Smith and the Saints deliver a powerful message of resilience and hope. ‘Norther' is not just an album; it's a testament to the power of music to evoke emotion, inspire change, and unite us in our shared humanity. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, ‘Norther' serves as a beacon of light, reminding us of the beauty and strength that lies within us all. Smith uses the power of nature and the endurance of the human spirit to create a cinematic album that takes the listener on a revelatory journey of inspiration. Full review here.
2. Kameron Marlowe – Keepin' the Lights On
‘Keepin' The Lights On' shows Marlowe's growth as an artist and writer with its open, vulnerable approach. His vocals are excellent throughout and there's a real sense that he's come into his own on this album, especially when he's branching out into those storytelling aspects or drawing on the details of his own story. Full review here.
Equal first Place: Cody Johnson ‘Leather Deluxe' and Post Malone ‘F-1 Trillion'
Post Malone: ‘F-1 Trillion' is a bold and successful foray into country music for Post Malone, blending traditional sounds with his own unique twist, and solidifying his place as a genre-bending artist with broad appeal. There's a satisfying mix of sounds and styles on offer here with the better songs being the ones that go the deepest into the genre rather than sitting on the fence and dangling their feet in around the edges. Full review here.
Cody Johnson: Cody Johnson’s ‘Leather Deluxe' is a nuanced, cohesive journey through life’s trials, a project that stands as a testament to his versatility and position as one of country music’s most impactful storytellers. Johnson’s ability to span styles—from honky-tonk revelry to spiritual ballads—cements his position as a leader in modern country music, deftly able to make listeners smile, reflect, hope or even shed a tear. ‘Leather Deluxe' proves Johnson is no mere one-trick pony; he’s the leading exponent of heartfelt, versatile country music in the genre right now. Full review here.
