There is plenty of reason for optimism in country music at the moment.
People can get caught up in the argument that country music is dead or that it’s not what it use to be, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Sure, things change with time, but if you dig a little past the surface level and listen to some of the music coming out today, it’s easy to tell that the genre is alive and well.
You may have to dig a little at times to find some of the best music being released, but it’s there and easier to find than ever. In fact, in an age where we have endless amounts of music at our fingertips, the amount of music being released is quite overwhelming and frankly difficult to digest. I’ve got you covered, though.
As a checkpoint at the halfway mark of 2024, I’ve compiled a list, in alphabetical order, of the 25 best country-ish albums released so far this year. And even though we’re just nearing the six month mark, it was already incredibly difficult to narrow the list down this much. There are easily 50+ albums already this year that are well worth the listen, and for that reason, plenty of great albums won’t be mentioned below.
Nevertheless, here are 25 must-listen albums released so far this year.
Blackberry Smoke – Be Right Here
Song Pick: “Hammer And The Nail”
Charley Crockett – $10 Cowboy
In his latest album $10 Cowboy, through catchy and clever lyricism, Crockett’s innate storytelling ability shines as he recounts some of these personal anecdotes that make him so unique and reveals some of the sentiments he has obtained along the way, yet refrains from divulging too many details as to maintain the element of mystery that has followed him throughout his career.
Moreover, in addition to the personal aspects of this project, Crockett also takes the opportunity to tell seemingly far-fetched tales of a glorified American West and the imaginative, or perhaps real life characters who have occupied it, holistically juxtaposing the concepts of the cowboy and the cowboy singer, and reveling in the notion of what makes either authentic.
Song Pick: “Solitary Road”
Cody Jinks – Change The Game
Song Pick: “Outlaws and Mustangs”
Colby T. Helms – Tales of Misfortune
Song Pick: “Higher Ground”
Emily Nenni – Drive & Cry
Song Pick: “Changes”
Holler Choir – Songs Before They Write Themselves
Song Pick: “Hamlet Blues”
Jesse Daniel – Countin’ The Miles
The energy and dedication with which Jesse Daniel approaches the craft of country music is remarkable, and with this album, it seems like all of his hardwork over the years is finally coming to fruition. Jesse Daniel’s music is as country as it gets, and he’s formed one of the best honky tonking bands in the business. As a result, his growing catalog puts his talents on full display, and places him firmly atop the scene as one of traditional country’s leading torchbearers.
Song Pick: “Comin’ Apart At The Seams”
Jonathan Peyton – Nothing Here’s The Same
Song Pick: “Since You’ve Been Gone”
Josh Abbott Band – Somewhere Down the Line
From introspective ballads that at times lament on Abbott’s wilder youth yet also shine a light on the family man he’s become, to decisively upbeat, honky tonking, beer drinking songs that’ll have you toe-tapping in your boots in no time, Abbott gracefully toes the line between both sides of the spectrum with deftly clever lyricism and carefully concocted instrumentation.
Mulling over the trichotomy of past, present, and future, and his place within the evolving ethos of each, the majority of this project seems to act as a window into Abbott’s mind and sentiments, alluding to shifting priorities with age yet staying in touch with his past and the experiences that have led him to where he is today, all while looking forward to what is to come down the road for his family and his band.
Song Pick: “What Were You Thinking”
Joshua Quimby – Back Home
Song Pick: “Big Mack Truck”
Kelsey Waldon – There’s Always a Song
Song Pick: “I Only Exist” ft. Isaac Gibson
Kitchen Dwellers – Seven Devils
Song Pick: “Wind Bitten”
Lost Dog Street Band – Survived
Song Pick: “If You Leave Me Now”
Anyone familiar with Tod and Lost Dog Street Band knows that he has lived quite the life, and has plenty of stories to tell, both good and bad, as a result. Through 10 well thought out and intentionally placed tracks, Tod does just that, reflecting on perseverance through a life of vagrancy and addiction and channeling the sorrow and tribulations into art, with the album’s aura encapsulated in the refrain of the title track – “Lord I have survived, Lord how have I survived.”
Luke Combs – Fathers & Sons
Country music superstar Luke Combs’ latest album, aptly released on Father’s Day weekend, is a touching ode to father’s from the perspective of sons and grandsons as well as fathers and grandfathers themselves. Done in a completely endearing manner and far from cheesy or insincere in any sense of the word, Fathers & Sons is some of Combs’ best work yet and will tug on the heart strings of anyone who has experienced fatherhood or has a close relationship with their old man.
Song Pick: “The Man He See’s In Me”
Marcus King – Mood Swings
Song Pick: “Delilah”
Oliver Anthony – Hymnal of a Troubled Man
Song Pick: “I’ve Got To Get Sober”
Randall King – Into The Neon
Song Pick: “Burns Like Her”
Red Shahan – Loose Funky Texas Junky
Song Pick: “Desperate Company”
Sierra Ferrell – Trail of Flowers
Carrying on the rich tradition of Appalachian country music, West Virginia native Sierra Ferrell occupies a special role as one of the premier females in male-dominated scene, carrying on the tradition of regional predecessors such as Loretta Lynn.
With diverse sonic tendencies that traverse between songwriter-centric balladry, jam heavy bluegrass, and even a bit of folk rock and roll, Ferrell can do it all. And her talents shine through in her latest project Trail of Flowers, by far one of the best projects of the year so far.
Song Pick: “Fox Hunt”
Shane Smith & the Saints – Norther
In a time where many artists are releasing new music at a pace and volume that has spoiled the listener, and left many with unruly expectations for creative output, Shane Smith & the Saints have stayed in their lane. While prolific may not be the best adjective to describe this band, methodical and intentional is much more accurate, focusing on growing their fan base and brand by hitting the road with reckless abandon and letting their spectacular live show carry the burden of expectation, and waiting until near perfection has been achieved to release their music.
Well, that’s just what they did, and their first album in five years is near perfection. In my opinion, Norther by Shane Smith & the Saints is the clear cut best record of 2024 thus far.
Song Pick: “Adeline”
Taylor Hunnicutt – Alabama Sound
Song Pick: “Trail Of A Broken Heart”
Taylor McCall – Mellow War
Song Pick: “Rest on Easy”
The Droptines – The Droptines
Song Pick: “Bill of Sale”
Wyatt Flores – Half Life
Song Pick: “Milwaukee”
Zach Top – Cold Beer & Country Music
If you are a fan of the ’80s-’90s country sound, look no further than Zach Top, who is revitalizing the neo-traditional sound in a revolutionary manner, forging his own way yet paying homage to the greats all along. With vocals reminiscent of the great Keith Whitley, a knack for clever lyricism, and extremely underrated guitar picking, Top came to save country music, and he’s leading the crusade in bringing the good stuff back to the mainstream. His brand new album Cold Beer & Country Music is proof, and when the year is coming to an end, I’ll be surprised if there are many albums better than this one.
Song Pick: “Bad Luck”
