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Country music getting a little too off-track for you these days? Remember those albums (remember albums?) that moved you and got you excited because they didn't quite sound like everything else out there -- albums that gave you 12 or so good reasons to hit "replay" again and again? Or perhaps you're of the "I don't like country and I don't think I ever will" mindset. Well, think again! The Boot presents 10 of our favorite can't-miss collections sure to please even the most jaded listener.
10.
Dierks Bentley, 'Modern Day Drifter' (2005)
A dusky voice that delivers clever honky-tonk tunes just as easily as hardcore bluegrass numbers. Each of Dierks' albums is a gem, but this one shines brightest.
Killer Cut: 'So So Long'
Watch Live Performance
9. Dwight Yoakam, 'Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room' (1988)
With songs that sparkle brighter than a Manuel jacket and a band that's even tighter than his jeans, the best of Dwight's many albums remains absolutely essential.
Killer Cut: 'Streets of Bakersfield' (with Buck Owens)
Watch the Video
8. Miranda Lambert, 'Revolution' (2009)
Is she the future of genuine country music? Perhaps too soon to tell, but with just three outstanding albums to her credit, she's off to a damn good start. Besides, she scares us too much to simply ignore her!
Killer Cut: 'Only Prettier'
Watch Live Performance
7. Emmylou Harris and the Nash Ramblers, 'At the Ryman' (1992)
Take one of the most gorgeous, magical voices ever gifted with song, stir in the songs of Hank Williams, Eddy Arnold and Bill Monroe and sprinkle with the "hillbilly dust" of a Music City landmark.
Killer Cut: 'Hard Times'
6. Joe Nichols, 'Man With a Memory' (2002)
The accolades came pouring in when this spectacular disc was released -- and for good reason. He just may be this millennium's velvet-voiced answer to Merle Haggard and George Strait.
Killer Cut: 'Brokenheartsville'
Watch the Video
5. Steve Earle, 'Guitar Town' (1986)
A startlingly honest album that took 'Urban Cowboy' out behind the bar and mercifully broke a whiskey bottle over its head. And (gasp!) it was made in Nashville. That's no (mechanical) bull!
Killer Cut: 'My Old Friend the Blues'
Watch Live Performance
4. Lee Ann Womack, 'There's More Where That Came From' (2005)
The retro-styled album cover is no gimmick. For her welcome return to more traditional country, Lee Ann stepped back about 30 years but lost none of her relevance. If only every country album were this brilliant!
Killer Cut: 'Stubborn (Psalm 151)'
3. Dixie Chicks, 'Fly' (1999)
OK, if you're already thinking about "the incident," get over it. Need your ass kicked (musically)? Done! If, for some reason, you've never heard this record, well, you ought to be ashamed.
Killer Cut: 'Cowboy Take Me Away'
Watch the Video
2. Alison Krauss and Union Station, 'Every Time You Say Goodbye' (1992)
A singer on the verge of superstardom and a band just beginning to sizzle. Who knew "unplugged" music could generate this much electricity?
Killer Cut: 'Last Love Letter'
1. Johnny Cash, 'The Legend of Johnny Cash' (2005)
No self-respecting music fan should be without at least one Cash collection. With each of the six decades of his iconic career well represented, there's something for everyone in this single-disc compilation.
Killer Cut: 'Hurt'
Watch the Video
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Holly Williams, 'Here With Me' (2009)
Jim Lauderdale, 'Planet of Love' (1991)
Buddy Miller, 'Your Love and Other Lies' (1995)
Brad Paisley, 'American Saturday Night' (2009)
Keith Urban, 'Golden Road' (2002)
10.
Dierks Bentley, 'Modern Day Drifter' (2005)A dusky voice that delivers clever honky-tonk tunes just as easily as hardcore bluegrass numbers. Each of Dierks' albums is a gem, but this one shines brightest.
Killer Cut: 'So So Long'
Watch Live Performance
9. Dwight Yoakam, 'Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room' (1988)With songs that sparkle brighter than a Manuel jacket and a band that's even tighter than his jeans, the best of Dwight's many albums remains absolutely essential.
Killer Cut: 'Streets of Bakersfield' (with Buck Owens)
Watch the Video
8. Miranda Lambert, 'Revolution' (2009)Is she the future of genuine country music? Perhaps too soon to tell, but with just three outstanding albums to her credit, she's off to a damn good start. Besides, she scares us too much to simply ignore her!
Killer Cut: 'Only Prettier'
Watch Live Performance
7. Emmylou Harris and the Nash Ramblers, 'At the Ryman' (1992)Take one of the most gorgeous, magical voices ever gifted with song, stir in the songs of Hank Williams, Eddy Arnold and Bill Monroe and sprinkle with the "hillbilly dust" of a Music City landmark.
Killer Cut: 'Hard Times'
6. Joe Nichols, 'Man With a Memory' (2002)The accolades came pouring in when this spectacular disc was released -- and for good reason. He just may be this millennium's velvet-voiced answer to Merle Haggard and George Strait.
Killer Cut: 'Brokenheartsville'
Watch the Video
5. Steve Earle, 'Guitar Town' (1986)A startlingly honest album that took 'Urban Cowboy' out behind the bar and mercifully broke a whiskey bottle over its head. And (gasp!) it was made in Nashville. That's no (mechanical) bull!
Killer Cut: 'My Old Friend the Blues'
Watch Live Performance
4. Lee Ann Womack, 'There's More Where That Came From' (2005)The retro-styled album cover is no gimmick. For her welcome return to more traditional country, Lee Ann stepped back about 30 years but lost none of her relevance. If only every country album were this brilliant!
Killer Cut: 'Stubborn (Psalm 151)'
3. Dixie Chicks, 'Fly' (1999)OK, if you're already thinking about "the incident," get over it. Need your ass kicked (musically)? Done! If, for some reason, you've never heard this record, well, you ought to be ashamed.
Killer Cut: 'Cowboy Take Me Away'
Watch the Video
2. Alison Krauss and Union Station, 'Every Time You Say Goodbye' (1992)A singer on the verge of superstardom and a band just beginning to sizzle. Who knew "unplugged" music could generate this much electricity?
Killer Cut: 'Last Love Letter'
1. Johnny Cash, 'The Legend of Johnny Cash' (2005)No self-respecting music fan should be without at least one Cash collection. With each of the six decades of his iconic career well represented, there's something for everyone in this single-disc compilation.
Killer Cut: 'Hurt'
Watch the Video
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Holly Williams, 'Here With Me' (2009)
Jim Lauderdale, 'Planet of Love' (1991)
Buddy Miller, 'Your Love and Other Lies' (1995)
Brad Paisley, 'American Saturday Night' (2009)
Keith Urban, 'Golden Road' (2002)
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