In 2013, some great country singers that seemed to vanish after their heyday came back and released some great Indie efforts this year. Other artists who no one had heard of in the past delivered some high quality albums and some reliable country indie artists delivered again.
We'll count down the best Indie Country albums of 2013 and give you a look at some albums that go beyond the scope of Pop.
The list starts soon and I can assure you that this thread is going to be full of great music!
#10 – Amy Allen – Someday is Today
Wormwood Records
Release Date September 24, 2013
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Amy Allen is a unique singer/songwriter. Her vocals are full of honest emotion and passion and her lyrics take clichéd topics and she delivers them with refreshing honesty. Her voice is a blend of Wynonna Judd and a hint of Carrie Underwood.
While the subject matter of the album is nicely varied, the tracks themselves are tied together nicely. Not This Good in My Dreams has the singer realizing that what she envisioned love being was nothing compared to the love of the man in her life. Putting The Music Back In Me is a dedication to a friend steering her back on course towards her passion. The title track is about taking life and making the future dreams about today in this very moment.
With the serious and thoughtful songs, there is one that seems out of place, perhaps in an attempt to get something on the radio. Tailshaker is a loud, shaker that is designed to kick things up on the country dance floor.
# 9 – Gretchen Wilson – Right On Time
Reneck Records
Release Date April 2, 2013
Rating: 4.25/5
Unlike her previous major label releases in the past, the Redneck Woman decided to take a more insightful journey into songs she placed on her album. The album is well paced and showcases Gretchen’s strong vocals with on country tunes that add a little funk, blues and rock flare into each of the tracks. This is an album that will make old fans smile with nostalgia, while giving Gretchen a handful of new listeners thanks to well penned tracks and her beautiful soulful voice.
She is on an indie label now and writes, records and produces her own music. Indie does not mean obscure. Indie music is any music that has been crafted and released through an independent record label or by the band themselves without the support and backing of a major label. There is a common misconception that someone who has achieved mainstream success can no longer be an indie artist.
To be honest, Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift could be considered Indie Artists because their label is an Indie label. Goyte, Jack White and others are also indie acts that have mainstream success.
#8 - Out of the Ruins – Peter Clayton
No Label
Release 2013
(Not yet available on iTunes. Currently Available on CDBaby)
With a 1970s flare, Peter Clayton has crafted an album of original songs that feel like you’ve been listening to them all of your life. Songs like Mary Hattam and Wanting You will bring you back to the years of Gordon Lightfoot and you’ll find yourself singing along before you know it.
The only drawback on this album is the noticeable use of autotune on a few tracks. But it is still one heck of a collection. Still he is an Australian country singer that people will take notice of.
#7 - Jason Isbell - Southeastern
Dark and moody, Jason Isbell’s Southeastern feels like you are watching his life unfold without being able to flinch from the brutal honesty. Tracks like ‘Elephant’ explore watching a friend dying from cancer, while ‘Traveling Alone’ will likely sucker punch you as it leaves you bawling on the ground. This is classic songwriting and a real winner.
Southeastern Records
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Rating: 4.5
# 6 – Brandy Clark – 12 Stories
Slate Creek Records
Release Date: 8/28/2013
Rating: 4.55
A respected songwriter in her own right, Brandy Clark released her debut album on a small Texas label. The result is 12 incredible stories that unfold beautifully with the music attached to them.
# 5 – Holly Williams – The Highway
Georgiana Records
Release Date: February 5, 2013
Rating: 4.6
Yes, she is Hank Williams’s granddaughter. But outside of that bit of notoriety, the focus is placed on the music. This is an album that is focused on her raspy voice and her craft for writing songs that draw you in without the modern gimmicks that some of the pop girls are forced to focus on. There is a sense of pain and despair with just the right amount of hope to make this album one to listen to time and again.
Though I'm not really into the genre too much other than Tay, I might stick around.
