The Top Ten Country Albums of the 2020s (So Far)

Sep 5, 2024

3 min read

1. Weathervanes - Jason Isbell

Weathervanes showcases the greatest songwriter of all time at the peak of his powers. Isbell skillfully navigates heavy subject matter, allowing listeners time to think and feel everything deeply. A true perfect project that will stand the test of time.

Best song: King of Oklahoma

2. Hell Paso - Koe Wetzel

Hell Paso finds Koe confronting the rock star lifestyle he has been living on the road. Wetzel seamlessly switches from rock to country to tell a story. The album becomes progressively more country and acoustic as the tracks continue, highlighting a shift in Koe's mind/life from his crazy rockstar lifestyle to who he wants to become. It is a very thoughtful and powerful album from start to finish.

Best song: Yellabush Road

3. The Marfa Tapes - Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Jack Ingram

Acoustic. Plaintive. Beautiful. This project from Jack Ingram, Jon Randall, and Miranda Lambert showcases powerful vocals, pure storytelling, and raw production at their finest. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album and has solidified its place in the genre's history.

Best song: Ghost

4. American Heartbreak - Zach Bryan

This 34-track, ambitious project solidified his place as a significant voice in modern country music. Bryan's raspy/heartfelt vocals and raw/honest storytelling shine with the stripped-back production. It is one of the most standout releases the genre has seen in a long time and a must-listen for any fan of music.

Best song: Mine Again

5. Starting Over - Chris Stapleton

"Starting Over" finds Stapleton seamlessly tapping into soul, R&B, gospel, folk, and country sounds effortlessly. His industry-best voice shapes this one-off set of songs and makes them impossible to forget.

Best Song: Cold

6. Dangerous - Morgan Wallen

"Dangerous" solidified Wallen's place at the top of country music. The project is now 6x platinum and a defining record of the 21st century. Wallen's powerhouse voice and hit-crafting ability are undeniable. Additionally, no album on this list has brought more fans to the genre than "Dangerous". A true staple in modern countries.

Best song: Sand In My Boots

7. Have A Nice Day - Treaty Oak Revival

Few artists can successfully and authentically walk the line between country and rock music quite like Treaty Oak Revival. This project has no shortage of belters, edgy lyrics, and signature sounds. A must-listen for fans of country, rock, or the Texas sound.

Best song: Have A Nice Day

8. Cold Beer & Country Music - Zach Top

90s Country is back! Zach Top has brought traditional country back to the mainstream with "Cold Beer & Country Music". The project finds Top showcasing signature vocals with classic instrumentation. For fans of anything 90s or traditional country, this is a must-listen.

Best song: Bad Luck

9. Trail of Flowers - Sierra Ferrell

Nobody in country music is quite like Sierra Ferrell. Everything from the forthright style of her songs to her one-off flair is enchanting. For any fans of country, folk, or bluegrass...this project has something for you.

Best song: American Dreaming

10. Lucky - Megan Moroney

Lucky brings the country music world a new superstar in Megan Moroney. Led by the hit single, "Tennessee Orange", the project has no shortage of clever lyricism, memorable hooks, and isolated raspy vocals.

Best song: Sleep on My Side

Honorable Mentions: