My top 12 albums of 2017
Great country music has been released in 2017. Because of Internet and all the different platforms, we have access to not only the major label releases, but also to a lot of independent stuff.
Only a few of those releases stand above most of the others. These are the albums which according to me are really deserving of praises and managed to touch us as fans of this musical genre.
So here are my 12 top albums for the year ending, in no particular order since I have enjoyed them all.
Sunny Sweeney — Trophy Sunny Sweeney with the album Trophy displays her impressing musical savvy. This incredibly well crafted album offers beautiful songs while remaining respectful to the traditions. It showcases her authenticity and her depth.
While Sweeney wrote with her longtime collaborators, she also co-writes with Lori Mckenna, Caitlyn Smith, and Heather Morgan. That collection of songs is more profound than her previous two outstanding projects.
On this album you’ll find the emotional and autobiographical ‘Bottle By The Bed’ about her battle with miscarriage and difficulty conceiving. Beautifully written and delivered, this song is the best ones I have heard this year. Chris Stapleton — From a Room,
Volumes 1 and 2 Country music was graced with two different Stapleton offerings this year. One of the hardest things to do as an entertainer is to follow up an amazing performance with another one that will equal it. Stapleton did it with brio.
Stapleton has evolved and created his own unique blend of soulful country and fans have reacted with album purchases. Thanks to his distinctive voice and his ability to deliver, these two albums are stunning.
Various Artists — Gentle Giant — The
Songs of Don Williams
It is clear from the very first track that this tribute to country music great Don Williams is going to be special. It includes performances by Pistol Annies, Brandy Clark, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton, Alison Krauss, John Prine, Jason Isbell, Trisha Yearwood, Keb' Mo' and Garth Brooks.
The songs tell incredible stories and remind us how extremely underrated Don Williams has always been. The artists enlisted do an excellent job at delivering the Gentle Giant’s songs. Williams’ longtime producer and friend Garth Fundis produced the tribute album.
Angaleena Presley — Wrangled Angaleena Presley is a coal miner’s daughter, a native of Beauty, Kentucky and a direct descendent of the original feuding Mccoys. She’s also a one-time single mother, and a former cashier at both Walmart and Winn-dixie. You are right, this sounds like a country song!
Each song on this album features witty lyrics, beautiful melodies, powerful performances and impeccable production. Presley is truly talented, she is country and she impresses. This album is outstanding.
Lee Ann Womack — The Lonely, The Lonesome and The Gone
Lee Ann Womack’s music isn’t about being radio friendly or following the latest commercial trends. She has found her own personal style over her last few album releases.
Her music is all about clever and emotional lyrics and beautiful melodies. She has a pure country voice and there’s no demonstration of vocal power or competition to hit the highest note.
She sings in an understated way, which permits her to deliver the most emotions. This album truly showcases her huge talent.
Glen Campbell — Adios
On the heels of his early and well-documented diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease three years ago, Campbell