We thought we would start off 2024 with a little experiment and so we asked Artificial Intelligence which year this century was the best year for Country music. This is what it said. Do you agree?
Determining the “best” year for Country music is subjective, as individual preferences and opinions may vary. However, one year that stands out for significant achievements and a diverse range of successful releases in Country music is 2013.
In 2013, Country music experienced a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds, with artists exploring various sub-genres within the Country spectrum. Some notable events and achievements from that year include:
- Diverse Chart-Topping Hits: 2013 saw a mix of chart-topping hits that appealed to a wide audience. Artists like Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, and Miranda Lambert dominated the charts with a variety of styles, from traditional country to more pop-infused sounds.
- Crossover Success: Several Country artists achieved success beyond the genre, crossing over into mainstream popularity. Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” became a massive crossover hit, blending country with pop and rap elements. This signaled a trend of Country artists reaching audiences outside the traditional country fanbase.
- Award Recognition: In 2013, Country artists received significant recognition at major award shows. At the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards and the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, artists like George Strait, Kacey Musgraves, and Miranda Lambert earned accolades for their contributions.
- Album Releases: Several critically acclaimed albums were released in 2013, including Kacey Musgraves’ ‘Same Trailer Different Park,’ which won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album. These albums showcased a diversity of styles and pushed the boundaries of traditional country music.
- Emerging Talent: The year witnessed the rise of new and diverse talent, with artists like Kacey Musgraves and Brandy Clark challenging the genre’s norms with fresh perspectives and innovative songwriting.
We dug a little deeper into what albums came out in 2013 and released it might have a point!
- Kacey Musgraves – ‘Same Trailer Different Park’: This critically acclaimed album earned Kacey Musgraves the Grammy Award for Best Country Album in 2014. It features hit singles like ‘Merry Go ‘Round’ and ‘Follow Your Arrow.’
- Blake Shelton – ‘Based on a True Story…’: Blake Shelton’s eighth studio album includes popular tracks such as ‘Sure Be Cool If You Did’ and ‘Boys ‘Round Here.’
- Florida Georgia Line – ‘Here’s to the Good Times’: This debut studio album from Florida Georgia Line features the chart-topping hit ‘Cruise,’ which became one of the best-selling digital country singles of all time.
- Brad Paisley – ‘Wheelhouse’: Brad Paisley’s album includes tracks like ‘Southern Comfort Zone’ and ‘Beat This Summer.’ It showcases his signature blend of traditional country and contemporary sounds.
- George Strait – ‘Love Is Everything’: Released by the “King of Country,” George Strait, this album includes songs like ‘Give It All We Got Tonight’ and ‘I Believe.’
- Tim McGraw – ‘Two Lanes of Freedom’: Tim McGraw’s album features tracks like ‘Highway Don’t Care’ (with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban) and ‘Southern Girl.’
- Lady A ‘Golden’: Lady A’s fifth studio album includes songs like ‘Downtown’ and ‘Goodbye Town.’
- Luke Bryan – ‘Crash My Party’: Luke Bryan’s fourth studio album features the title track ‘Crash My Party’ and other hits like ‘That’s My Kind of Night.’
- Jason Aldean – ‘Night Train’: Jason Aldean’s album includes tracks such as ‘Take a Little Ride’ and ‘The Only Way I Know’ (with Luke Bryan and Eric Church).
- Miranda Lambert – ‘Four the Record’: Miranda Lambert’s award-winning album features songs like ‘Over You’ and ‘Mama’s Broken Heart.’
How do you feel about this? Let us know on our social media channels if you think there has been a better year for Country music this century.
