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Best Country Albums of the 2010s

25 Country Albums From the 2010s That We're Still Not Over

Dec 17 2019

There's no doubt that the last decade brought us incredible music from all genres, but there was something particularly special about the last 10 years of country music. We were blessed with the emergence of Chris Stapleton whose debut album, Traveller, gave us instant classics like "Tennessee Whiskey" and Kacey Musgraves who gave us sweet songs like "Butterflies" and "Space Cowboy" to sing along to with the car windows down. We got to experience heartbreak with Brandi Carlile in By the Way, I Forgive You and saw interesting new takes on country music from Sturgill Simpson and Orville Peck. Keep reading to see some of our favourite country albums of the 2010s — in no particular order, of course.

Image Source: YouTube user Kacey Musgraves

1. Speak Now by Taylor Swift

In arguably her best album, Taylor Swift pushes us right into our feelings — and keeps us there — for all 14 tracks about love and heartbreak.

2. The Tree by Lori McKenna

In her 10th studio album, Lori McKenna documents family life in such a beautiful way that I teared up a little, and I'm not even embarrassed about it.

3. Desperate Man by Eric Church

Eric Church gets better with every album released. The singer's most recent album, Desperate Man, earned him a nomination for album of the year at the 53rd Country Music Association Awards.

4. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson

Sturgill Simpson explores ideas of metaphysics and personal spiritual experiences, and I'm pretty sure that's never been done in country music before. Check out the inventive second album from the singer-songwriter.

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5. Same Trailer Different Park by Kacey Musgraves

With all the hype surrounding Kacey Musgraves following the release of her third album, Golden Hour, take a look back at her debut album, which won best country album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

6. Dying Star by Ruston Kelly

In his debut album, Ruston Kelly shares his experiences with overcoming addiction, pulling together a stellar and emotional album that you'll be listening to on repeat.

7. Sparrow by Ashley Monroe

If you're looking for the perfect country-soul album, look no further than Sparrow. Capturing the artist's move through the process of forgiveness, this album serves a lush, soulful sound that any music-lover can appreciate.

8. Hell on Heels by Pistol Annies

The debut album from the trio made up of Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley combines classic country rhythms and lyrics with a modern country-pop sound that I'm so here for.

9. The Harrow and the Harvest by Gillian Welch

Gillian Welch's fifth studio album incorporates resonant vocals with intense harmonies that will make you nostalgic over the traditional folk tunes this modern album so closely resembles.

10. Pageant Material by Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves continued to wow us in her second album, Pageant Material. The album was nominated for best country album at the 58th Grammy Awards and was named on multiple lists of the best albums of 2015, which isn't surprising at all.

11. By the Way, I Forgive You by Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlisle takes us on an emotional journey on her album, By the Way, I Forgive You. Unfortunately, Sam Smith isn't actually featured on the album itself, but check out this tearjerker of a live collaboration on the album's closing track.

12. Country Squire by Tyler Childers

Tyler Childers sticks close to his country roots with Country Squire, an album about life's trials and enjoying the simple things in between them. If you're in the market for the sounds of classic country, look no further than this one.

13. Honest Life by Courtney Marie Andrews

Courtney Marie Andrews delivers music fans an intimate honesty with her sixth album. Her sweet sound embodies a similar feel as singers had in the '60s, with Joni Mitchell almost undoubtedly a musical influence. This album is perfect for anyone feeling nostalgic about older decades of music.

14. Pony by Orville Peck

On Pony, classic country influence and imaginative new ways of musical expression culminate and form Orville Peck's debut studio album.

15. The Guitar Song by Jamey Johnson

Divided into two parts, the "Black Album" and the "White Album," The Guitar Song explores themes both of dark and complex and of positive. When the two come together, Jamey Johnson gifts listeners with a multifaceted album that keeps your attention held close throughout the entire listening experience.

16. Interstate Gospel by Pistol Annies

On the group's third album, Interstate Gospel, the Pistol Annies deliver the same level of sass as usual, but with a whole lot more empowerment. Take it from me, this album is the perfect soundtrack to have turned up while driving around town with the windows down.

17. A Sailor's Guide to Earth by Sturgill Simpson

If you're in the mood for a musical adventure, you've stopped at the right slide. This visionary album will take you where very few country albums have before.

18. Girl Goin' Nowhere by Ashley McBryde

I was obsessed with Ashley McBryde from the first listen of Girl Goin' Nowhere. I mean, how can you not love an artist who gives you as much emotion in her music as she does, but is also a leather-wearing tattooed badass?

19. Walk Through Fire by Yola

Incorporating both folk and blues into her sound, Yola has one of the most powerful voices in country music today. This debut studio album created a growing buzz for the singer-songwriter that I'm sure is here to stay.

20. 12 Stories by Brandy Clark

A provocateur of adventurous storytelling, Brandy Clark tackles subject matter like sex, drug abuse, and even murder in what many revered as one of the best country albums of 2013.

21. Providence Canyon by Brent Cobb

Planning a picnic with your significant other and need the perfect soundtrack? Without a doubt, this is it. Surrounded by nature with this title track playing in the background? Best date ever.

22. Full Circle by Loretta Lynn

On her first album released since 2004, Loretta Lynn simply reaffirms why her career has spanned for over half a century.

23. Midwest Farmer's Daughter by Margo Price

Margo Price brings a vintage flair to country music that any old soul can appreciate.

24. Traveller by Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton proves himself to be a top country contender from the very beginning on his debut solo album. I mean, seriously, I've heard too many renditions of "Tennessee Whiskey" at Friday night karaoke to keep track of.

25. Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves

Following Kacey Musgraves's third album, Golden Hour, you literally couldn't scroll through Instagram without seeing her name. If you're not obsessed with her yet . . . what are you doing?

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