Hello everyone and welcome to This Is Country Music's first ever year end album chart! There have been a lot of great albums released in 2015, and while we didn't get to cover them ALL, we still definitely had our favorites. I wanted to first list off some honorable mentions that came close to making the list.
Dwight Yoakam- Second Hand Heart
Tyler Farr- Suffer In Peace
Ryan Bingham- Fear and Saturday Night
Christian Lopez Band- Onward
Will Hoge- Small Town Dreams
And now onto the Top 20!
Dwight Yoakam- Second Hand Heart
Tyler Farr- Suffer In Peace
Ryan Bingham- Fear and Saturday Night
Christian Lopez Band- Onward
Will Hoge- Small Town Dreams
And now onto the Top 20!
#20
Dean Brody, Gypsy Road
Gypsy Road won't blow you away, but what it does do, is further establish Brody as Canada's prized jewel. It is remarkably consistent, cleverly written, well written, accessible, and most importantly, it's country. While Gypsy Road may not be his best work, it is yet another extremely well done album from Brody. - Markus Meyer
Dean Brody, Gypsy Road
Gypsy Road won't blow you away, but what it does do, is further establish Brody as Canada's prized jewel. It is remarkably consistent, cleverly written, well written, accessible, and most importantly, it's country. While Gypsy Road may not be his best work, it is yet another extremely well done album from Brody. - Markus Meyer
#19
Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen, Hold My Beer Vol. 1
The revival of the buddy album comes into fruition with Hold My Beer Vol. 1. What Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen prove here is that not only is traditional Country music alive, it's alive and well. Whether they're getting over lost love ("'Til It Does"), having fun ("It's Been A Great Afternoon", "Ladybug"), or even calling out the music industry ("Standards"), Hold My Beer Vol. 1 never ceases to bring something good to the table on every track. Where the hell is Vol. 2? - Louis Knoebel
Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen, Hold My Beer Vol. 1
The revival of the buddy album comes into fruition with Hold My Beer Vol. 1. What Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen prove here is that not only is traditional Country music alive, it's alive and well. Whether they're getting over lost love ("'Til It Does"), having fun ("It's Been A Great Afternoon", "Ladybug"), or even calling out the music industry ("Standards"), Hold My Beer Vol. 1 never ceases to bring something good to the table on every track. Where the hell is Vol. 2? - Louis Knoebel
#18
Ward Thomas, From Where We Stand
You want leadership from females in country music? We've been treated to Maddie and Tae, however I doubt most readers have heard of UK duo, Ward Thomas. These two ladies show exactly who they are on their album, From Where We Stand. They're fighters speaking out ("The Good and The Right"), they're not afraid to have a little fun ("Town Called Ugley"), and they're damn good storytellers ("Take That Train"). If there was an underdog on this list, it would be these two. There's more great music outside of the United States and Canada, and Ward Thomas are a fantastic example of this. - LK
Ward Thomas, From Where We Stand
You want leadership from females in country music? We've been treated to Maddie and Tae, however I doubt most readers have heard of UK duo, Ward Thomas. These two ladies show exactly who they are on their album, From Where We Stand. They're fighters speaking out ("The Good and The Right"), they're not afraid to have a little fun ("Town Called Ugley"), and they're damn good storytellers ("Take That Train"). If there was an underdog on this list, it would be these two. There's more great music outside of the United States and Canada, and Ward Thomas are a fantastic example of this. - LK
#17
Tim McGraw, Damn Country Music
While it doesn't quite hit the same level as it's predecessor Sundown Heaven Town, there's no denying that Damn Country Music is an extremely solid package in it's own right. From the Celtic-influenced "Here Tonight" to the stripped down "Humble and Kind", McGraw's latest project is a perfect example of how country music should be evolving. Good stuff. - MM
Tim McGraw, Damn Country Music
While it doesn't quite hit the same level as it's predecessor Sundown Heaven Town, there's no denying that Damn Country Music is an extremely solid package in it's own right. From the Celtic-influenced "Here Tonight" to the stripped down "Humble and Kind", McGraw's latest project is a perfect example of how country music should be evolving. Good stuff. - MM
#16
Hailey Whitters, Black Sheep
Perhaps one of the most criminally overlooked albums on this list, Black Sheep by Hailey Whitters is one hell of a debut album. For fans of artists such as Miranda Lambert or Kacey Musgraves, Black Sheep should be right your alley. "Low All Afternoon" and "One More Hell" have to be some of the best songs I've heard all year, and the great part is that there's eight other tracks on here that are just as enjoyable and prove that Hailey will be someone to watch in the coming months. - LK
Hailey Whitters, Black Sheep
Perhaps one of the most criminally overlooked albums on this list, Black Sheep by Hailey Whitters is one hell of a debut album. For fans of artists such as Miranda Lambert or Kacey Musgraves, Black Sheep should be right your alley. "Low All Afternoon" and "One More Hell" have to be some of the best songs I've heard all year, and the great part is that there's eight other tracks on here that are just as enjoyable and prove that Hailey will be someone to watch in the coming months. - LK
#15
Blackberry Smoke, Holding All The Roses
A modern day Lynyrd Skynyrd if there ever was one, Blackberry Smoke are proof that not only is Southern-Rock alive, it's alive and well. The guys aren't afraid to roar, and that's exactly what they do on the title track as well as the explosive closer, "Fire In The Hole". Heck, even when they tone it down such as on "Too High", the songs sound like country music gold, which is proof of the two genres going hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly. - LK
Blackberry Smoke, Holding All The Roses
A modern day Lynyrd Skynyrd if there ever was one, Blackberry Smoke are proof that not only is Southern-Rock alive, it's alive and well. The guys aren't afraid to roar, and that's exactly what they do on the title track as well as the explosive closer, "Fire In The Hole". Heck, even when they tone it down such as on "Too High", the songs sound like country music gold, which is proof of the two genres going hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly. - LK
#14
Kacey Musgraves, Pageant Material
Pageant Material isn't an album that finds Kacey Musgraves pushing herself artistically, but it does find her carrying on with a formula that did her good on her debut project. With poignant gems such as "Dime Store Cowgirl" and "Late to the Party" as well as her signature snarky cleverness on "Old Boys Club", Pageant Material holds it's own as another extremely well done project from Musgraves. - MM
Kacey Musgraves, Pageant Material
Pageant Material isn't an album that finds Kacey Musgraves pushing herself artistically, but it does find her carrying on with a formula that did her good on her debut project. With poignant gems such as "Dime Store Cowgirl" and "Late to the Party" as well as her signature snarky cleverness on "Old Boys Club", Pageant Material holds it's own as another extremely well done project from Musgraves. - MM
#13
Kip Moore, Wild Ones
It may not be stone-cold country, or even close in fact, but Kip Moore's sophomore effort is absolutely one of the year's finest projects. Between the toned down efforts ("Running For You"), the exhilarating up-tempos ("Come and Get It") and the soaring arena anthems ("Lipstick"), Wild Ones is an absolutely fantastic album. Lyrically, vocally, and production-wise, it is a fantastic collection tunes. - MM
Kip Moore, Wild Ones
It may not be stone-cold country, or even close in fact, but Kip Moore's sophomore effort is absolutely one of the year's finest projects. Between the toned down efforts ("Running For You"), the exhilarating up-tempos ("Come and Get It") and the soaring arena anthems ("Lipstick"), Wild Ones is an absolutely fantastic album. Lyrically, vocally, and production-wise, it is a fantastic collection tunes. - MM
#12
The Black Lillies, Hard To Please
If there was ever a way to combine Country and Rock and make it seem so effortless, Hard To Please definitely takes the cake. The chaotic production on "Broken Shore" or the quiet intimate feel of "Bound To Roam" may not only be some of the best songs released in 2015, but also some of the coolest moments in music in general this year. Even for the most "hard to please" person, Hard To Please is an album that is easy to love and hard to hate. - LK
The Black Lillies, Hard To Please
If there was ever a way to combine Country and Rock and make it seem so effortless, Hard To Please definitely takes the cake. The chaotic production on "Broken Shore" or the quiet intimate feel of "Bound To Roam" may not only be some of the best songs released in 2015, but also some of the coolest moments in music in general this year. Even for the most "hard to please" person, Hard To Please is an album that is easy to love and hard to hate. - LK
#11
The Turnpike Troubadours, The Turnpike Troubadours
Holy fiddle Batman! That's what I thought after listening to this album. Seriously, if you want an example of real evolution in Country music then look no further than the Turnpike Troubadours. AND, if someone you know ever says that traditional country can't be fun, punch them in the face* and then tell them to listen to this album. Four albums in and the Turnpike Troubadours still haven't lost any of the magic that has made them such a critical darling over the years. Nice work guys! - LK
*TICM does not actually promote violence, just good country music.
The Turnpike Troubadours, The Turnpike Troubadours
Holy fiddle Batman! That's what I thought after listening to this album. Seriously, if you want an example of real evolution in Country music then look no further than the Turnpike Troubadours. AND, if someone you know ever says that traditional country can't be fun, punch them in the face* and then tell them to listen to this album. Four albums in and the Turnpike Troubadours still haven't lost any of the magic that has made them such a critical darling over the years. Nice work guys! - LK
*TICM does not actually promote violence, just good country music.
#10
Michael Monroe Goodman, The Flag, The Bible and Bill Monroe
The latest addition to our list, but oh man did I have to include this album! You want a throwback? Michael Monroe Goodman is your guy. I've applauded several Americana and Texas-Country artists on this site, but none that sound as Country or authentic as this guy. Ladies and gentlemen, this is true Country music gold right here. Unfortunately with my limited space to type, I can't go on about the tracks here, but I give this album the highest recommendation I can, and I definitely recommend listening to "It Never Rains","If She Knew", "Drunk Again", and "She Was Mine". - LK
Note: Since we never had a chance to review this, this will (sort of) act as a review for this album. Rest assured however, this will be someone we keep our eyes on in the future. Credit to Saving Country Music for his coverage on him.
Michael Monroe Goodman, The Flag, The Bible and Bill Monroe
The latest addition to our list, but oh man did I have to include this album! You want a throwback? Michael Monroe Goodman is your guy. I've applauded several Americana and Texas-Country artists on this site, but none that sound as Country or authentic as this guy. Ladies and gentlemen, this is true Country music gold right here. Unfortunately with my limited space to type, I can't go on about the tracks here, but I give this album the highest recommendation I can, and I definitely recommend listening to "It Never Rains","If She Knew", "Drunk Again", and "She Was Mine". - LK
Note: Since we never had a chance to review this, this will (sort of) act as a review for this album. Rest assured however, this will be someone we keep our eyes on in the future. Credit to Saving Country Music for his coverage on him.
#9
Alan Jackson, Angels and Alcohol
Alan Jackson continues to prove why he's one of the best in the business with Angels and Alcohol. He does tender ballads ("When God Paints") better than just about anyone, while also kicking ass on the uptempo numbers ("Jim and Jack and Hank"). There's almost nobody that does country music better, and this record is just another example of that. - MM
Alan Jackson, Angels and Alcohol
Alan Jackson continues to prove why he's one of the best in the business with Angels and Alcohol. He does tender ballads ("When God Paints") better than just about anyone, while also kicking ass on the uptempo numbers ("Jim and Jack and Hank"). There's almost nobody that does country music better, and this record is just another example of that. - MM
#8
Maddie and Tae, Start Here
On Start Here, Maddie & Tae show everyone how mainstream country should sound. With a perfect blend of pop and country, they sound like a throwback to the pop-country stylings of the early 2000's, which is very much a compliment. Clever lyrical stylings and pleasant vocals add another layer of excellence to what is one of the best debut projects in recent memory, and hopefully just the first step in a very lengthy career for Maddie & Tae. - MM
Maddie and Tae, Start Here
On Start Here, Maddie & Tae show everyone how mainstream country should sound. With a perfect blend of pop and country, they sound like a throwback to the pop-country stylings of the early 2000's, which is very much a compliment. Clever lyrical stylings and pleasant vocals add another layer of excellence to what is one of the best debut projects in recent memory, and hopefully just the first step in a very lengthy career for Maddie & Tae. - MM
#7
Don Henley, Cass County
Bret Michaels, Steven Tyler, Don Henley... there's one thing these three share in common. They were all at one point in their lives famous rockers who all decided that they wanted to make a country record. What separates Don Henley from this group is that Henley's decision was made out of love for the genre rather than dollar signs in his eyes (not really saying this was Steven Tyler's motive per se, but it is definitely Bret Michael's). Seriously, it took a rocker to remind us all of how great Country music used to be, and still CAN be when taking the time to put some effort into it. - LK
Don Henley, Cass County
Bret Michaels, Steven Tyler, Don Henley... there's one thing these three share in common. They were all at one point in their lives famous rockers who all decided that they wanted to make a country record. What separates Don Henley from this group is that Henley's decision was made out of love for the genre rather than dollar signs in his eyes (not really saying this was Steven Tyler's motive per se, but it is definitely Bret Michael's). Seriously, it took a rocker to remind us all of how great Country music used to be, and still CAN be when taking the time to put some effort into it. - LK
#6
Whitey Morgan and The 78's, Sonic Ranch
From the land of Flint Michigan comes a badass honky-tonker named Whitey Morgan spewing out whiskey soaked Country. Enter not fans of Country music mixed with Pop influences. Whitey's music is real, raw and honest, and it is shown on all 10 of Sonic Ranch's tracks. When it comes to who actually made the best COUNTRY album this year (meaning, not "Americana", but actual real country music) , you'd be hard pressed to vote against Sonic Ranch - LK
Whitey Morgan and The 78's, Sonic Ranch
From the land of Flint Michigan comes a badass honky-tonker named Whitey Morgan spewing out whiskey soaked Country. Enter not fans of Country music mixed with Pop influences. Whitey's music is real, raw and honest, and it is shown on all 10 of Sonic Ranch's tracks. When it comes to who actually made the best COUNTRY album this year (meaning, not "Americana", but actual real country music) , you'd be hard pressed to vote against Sonic Ranch - LK
#5
Eric Church, Mr. Misunderstood
This, ladies and gentlemen, is a country-rock album. With enough of a Mellencamp-esque edge to blend genres and enough country to keep it grounded within it's boundaries, Mr. Misunderstood is an absolutely fantastic album. From the subdued "Record Year" to the romping nature of "Knives of New Orleans", Eric Church continues to be one of country music's most diverse and most entertaining artists. Brilliant stuff. - MM
Eric Church, Mr. Misunderstood
This, ladies and gentlemen, is a country-rock album. With enough of a Mellencamp-esque edge to blend genres and enough country to keep it grounded within it's boundaries, Mr. Misunderstood is an absolutely fantastic album. From the subdued "Record Year" to the romping nature of "Knives of New Orleans", Eric Church continues to be one of country music's most diverse and most entertaining artists. Brilliant stuff. - MM
#4
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
What is there left to say that hasn't already been said? Traveller is simply a great country album top to bottom. While it's Stapleton's vocals steal the show, one can't overlook the top-notch songwriting, as well as the superb melodies and arrangements. A very worthy CMA album of the year winner in my books. - MM
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
What is there left to say that hasn't already been said? Traveller is simply a great country album top to bottom. While it's Stapleton's vocals steal the show, one can't overlook the top-notch songwriting, as well as the superb melodies and arrangements. A very worthy CMA album of the year winner in my books. - MM
#3
William Clark Green, Ringling Road
Brutally honest and straight forward. That, ladies and gentlemen, is William Clark Green's style. Sure, he may be more Country-Rock than Texas-Country, but it's hard to deny that William Clark Green is an asset to Country music. Just listen to the title track, which will likely take the crown as the most polarizing song of 2015. You'll hear the talent that comes out in full force from this album. And "Final This Time" and "Sympathy" have to be some of most bitter (and witty) tracks you'll hear this year. He may say that he's not the next big thing, but with Ringling Road, it's hard to say that he won't be. - LK
William Clark Green, Ringling Road
Brutally honest and straight forward. That, ladies and gentlemen, is William Clark Green's style. Sure, he may be more Country-Rock than Texas-Country, but it's hard to deny that William Clark Green is an asset to Country music. Just listen to the title track, which will likely take the crown as the most polarizing song of 2015. You'll hear the talent that comes out in full force from this album. And "Final This Time" and "Sympathy" have to be some of most bitter (and witty) tracks you'll hear this year. He may say that he's not the next big thing, but with Ringling Road, it's hard to say that he won't be. - LK
#2
Gretchen Peters, Blackbirds
Hauntingly beautiful and poignant on every track, Blackbirds by Gretchen Peters is one of, if not the deepest and darkest album you'll hear this year. With Blackbirds, Gretchen Peters reminds us how beautiful and sad life can be all at the same time, and is shown through top-notch songwriting and emotion. If you ask me, Blackbirds is Metamodern Sounds In Country Music and Southeastern kind of good. - LK
Gretchen Peters, Blackbirds
Hauntingly beautiful and poignant on every track, Blackbirds by Gretchen Peters is one of, if not the deepest and darkest album you'll hear this year. With Blackbirds, Gretchen Peters reminds us how beautiful and sad life can be all at the same time, and is shown through top-notch songwriting and emotion. If you ask me, Blackbirds is Metamodern Sounds In Country Music and Southeastern kind of good. - LK
#1
Jason Isbell, Something More Than Free
When listening to Something More Than Free, you can't compare it to Southeastern, as tough as it may be. It was a brilliant album that would be tough, if not impossible to top for any artist. So now that that's out of the way, Something is, on it's own merits, absolutely fantastic. Its subtle, intricate songwriting makes for a captivating and fully satisfying listen, while Isbell wraps his intense vocals around each syllable. From the working man's anthem title track, to the hooky "Life You Chose", to the likely autobiographical "To a Band That I Loved", each track is handled with such delicacy and care. He may never top Southeastern, but this one comes pretty damn close, and is certainly worthy of the top spot on TICM's first ever albums countdown. - MM
Jason Isbell, Something More Than Free
When listening to Something More Than Free, you can't compare it to Southeastern, as tough as it may be. It was a brilliant album that would be tough, if not impossible to top for any artist. So now that that's out of the way, Something is, on it's own merits, absolutely fantastic. Its subtle, intricate songwriting makes for a captivating and fully satisfying listen, while Isbell wraps his intense vocals around each syllable. From the working man's anthem title track, to the hooky "Life You Chose", to the likely autobiographical "To a Band That I Loved", each track is handled with such delicacy and care. He may never top Southeastern, but this one comes pretty damn close, and is certainly worthy of the top spot on TICM's first ever albums countdown. - MM
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