Member Since: 5/22/2011
Posts: 21,227
|
The Examiner's Top 10 Country Albums of 2012
Quote:
Best of 2012: Top 10 Country albums, from Carrie Underwood to Kellie Pickler
December 21, 2012
By: Jason Scott
In 2012, Country music continued to prove its longevity and influence on American life and culture. Including such thunderous releases from Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler to lesser-known forces as The Time Jumpers and Lindi Ortega, the genre is simply thriving on a renewed interest in artistic vision and accomplishment.
The past 12 months have certainly culminated in a peak of interesting albums and memorable songs. From more traditional-sounding work to the contemporary Country-pop that is dominating the radio, there is something for every type of Country music fan to sink his/her teeth into and be satisfied.
10. Toby Keith, Hope on the Rocks - Unlike most of his previous studio efforts, Keith hones in on emotional and poignant stories, such as the album's title track, which tells the tale of despair and heartache. Of course, the boisterous singer peppers in some rather stereotypical Country odes, including "I Like Girls That Drink Beer." (See also: "Haven't Seen the Last of You.")
9. Zac Brown Band, Uncaged - Seemingly awards show favorites, this down-home group expands upon their previous work with an album that showcases pin-point focus and ambition. Boasting 11 tracks, the record highlights rock, pop and roots influences, ranging from the smokin' "Uncaged" track to the intimate "Goodbye in Her Eyes." (See also: "The Wind.")
8. Gloriana, A Thousand Miles Behind - Perhaps the most underrated group of the year, Gloriana's new project dips into throwback tradition with infectious hooks and sky-high compositions. Featuring their No. 1 hit "(Kissed You) Good Night," the album showcases some of the best craftsmanship of this list, certainly a hidden gem. (See also: "Soldier Song.")
7. Jason Aldean, Night Train - With this new collection, Aldean holds onto the strings of his previous record My Kinda Party with tracks such as "This Nothing' Town," but charges forth into uncharted adventurous territory, including "1994." Also, the stories he tells are more mature, ever emotional and far outshine his leading-male competitors (Luke Bryan, Eric Church). (See also: "Black Tears.")
6. Dierks Bentley, Home - Once an underdog, now a frontman, Bentley explores electric guitar licks, vivacious lyrics and more traditional material this go 'round. Sure, he includes rather unimpressive tracks like "5-1-5-0," but why mess with a formula that has a proven track record? However, his "Home" speaks to a nation of uncertainty that simply tugs at the heartstrings. (See also: "Heart of a Lonely Girl.")
5. Lindi Ortega, Cigarettes & Truckstops - As an indie-roots singer, Ortega surfaces to the top with a record that speaks to earthy arrangements and memorable stories. Right off the bat, the album title track sets the tone for a diverse and interesting album that could catapult this superstar-in-the-making into the limelight in 2013. (See also: "Demons Don't Get Me Down.")
4. Time Jumpers, Time Jumpers - Vince Gill-helmed band made headlines recently with their surprising (or not-so surprising) 2013 Grammy nomination for "Best Country Album." Featuring string-driven arrangements and toe-tapping melodies, the 12-track collection earned a second glance from the masses. From "Texacoma Bound" to "Someone Had to Teach You," Gill's new group might become a force to be reckoned with in the new year. (See also: "Faint of Heart.")
3. Carrie Underwood, Blown Away - The Oklahoma darling took quite a few chances on her fourth studio album. From "Blown Away" to "Two Black Cadillacs," the American Idol alum pushed her sound in a more creatively edgy and artistic direction. Plus, her vocal delivery and storytelling skills are the most heightened they've ever been. (See also: "Wine After Whiskey.")
2. Little Big Town, Tornado - After years of hard work and perseverance, the harmonious quartet delivered the mainstream breakout album of the year. Featuring their summer smash "Pontoon," the new disc also features career-bests in "Tornado" and "Sober." As expected, the inventive group's tight harmonies bring heartfelt and stirring melodies to life. (See also: "On Fire Tonight.")
1. Kellie Pickler, 100 Proof - Always under the radar, Pickler took a leap of faith with a more traditional-sounding record. In the face of such Pop-Country as Underwood and Taylor Swift (whose record-selling Red disc is the most pop she's ever been), Pickler sticks to a delicious and exciting vision that pays off. Her tongue-in-cheek "Where's Tammy Wynette" is a definite highlight, as is "Tough," "Stop Cheatin' on Me" and "100 Proof." (See also: "Mother's Day.")
-
Honorable Mentions
Jana Kramer, Jana Kramer - Country music might have its sights set on a new solo female. The rising star splashed onto the scene with her top five hit, "Why You Wanna," and followed up with another album highlight "Whiskey." What the former One Tree Hill star proves on this record is that anyone (with the right vision and material) can breakthrough into the Nashville mainstream. (See also: "When You're Lonely.")
Edens Edge, Edens Edge - Often overlooked for more mainstream bands (read Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town), this trio's new set mixes cool instrumentation with pop-leaning melodies. Delivered with interesting vocals, Hannah Blaylock's interpretation is charming and elevates the brisk 10 tracks to superstardom, much like their single "Amen." (See also: "Liar.")
|
Source
Kellie, LBT, Carrie, Gloriana.
|
|
|
|
