Another year is winding down, leading us to the moment where we look back at all our favorite releases from 2015. Without further ado, here are my choices for the best albums of the year.
#10. (tie) ANDERSON EAST, Delilah
The Nashville by way of Alabama singer-songwriter is a welcome new talent whose songs are steeped in southern soul. It’s hard to go wrong with sweet soul music punctuated by a stirring horn section, right? Me thinks not.
Featured Twangville coverage of Anderson East: Mea Culpa! A Special Summer Playlist, Part 2 and SXSW 2015 – the Sounds, Part 2
#10. (tie) CHRIS STAPLETON, Traveller
I suppose there’s an irony that Stapleton has written songs from some of the biggest names in pop country. In his own hands, or rather voice, they ring out with an unparalleled grit and authenticity.
Featured Twangville coverage of Chris Stapleton: Mea Culpa! A Special Summer Playlist, Part 3
Like her American contemporary Allison Moorer, Australian singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers channels the emotions of her recent divorce into a provocative collection of songs. Even while she ruminates on her personal experience, she paints in stunningly broad strokes that are universally engrossing.
Featured Twangville coverage of Kasey Chambers: Mea Culpa! A Special Summer Playlist, Part 3 and Monday Morning Video – Kasey Chambers “Pretty Enough”
Hansard’s latest release is a tour de force, filled with songs both spiritual and impassioned. Songs like “Winning Streak” and “Her Mercy” ring out with a sincerity that is as authentic as it is inspiring.
Featured Twangville coverage of Glen Hansard: Mayer’s Playlist for October 2015, Part 2, Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 1, Monday Morning Video – Couch By Couchwest 2015 and Monday Morning Video – Glen Hansard’s Surprise Serenade
Stelling’s debut on Anti- Records heralds the arrival of a remarkable musical voice. His distinctive guitar-playing combined with his intense and evocative lyrics does more than request attention, it commands it.
Featured Twangville coverage of The Bottle Rockets: Mea Culpa! A Special Summer Playlist, Part 3, Tweed River Talk – A Few Words with Christopher Paul Stelling, Monday Morning Video – Christopher Paul Stelling, and Folk Alliance Conference 2015 – The Scene and The Sounds
With their first album in six years, the Americana legends reward the patience of longtime fans with another Americana rock classic. Songwriter Brian Henneman is as sharp – and wry – as ever, accompanied by the welcome ring of electric guitar.
Featured Twangville coverage of The Bottle Rockets: Mayer’s Playlist for October 2015, Part 1, Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 1, and The Bottle Rockets at the Center for the Arts
There’s a reason that Joe Pug makes regular appearances on best of lists. He is one of the leading songwriters of his generation, possessing a style as elegant as it is poignant.
Featured Twangville coverage of Joe Pug: Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2015, Part 1, Monday Morning Video – Joe Pug and the Milk Carton Kids Cover Tom Petty, and Readers’ Pick: JOE PUG, Windfall
There’s an immense warmth to Ritter’s music, as strong as ever on his latest release. For many musicians it is rooted in their songs but in Ritter’s case it starts with his infectious personality and then carries through to his music. Sermon on the Rocks overflows with an enticing sincerity, even when Ritter unleashes some political and social commentary.
Featured Twangville coverage of Josh Ritter: Mayer’s Playlist for October 2015, Part 2, Josh Ritter- Sermon on the Rocks, and Monday Morning Video – Josh Ritter ‘Snow Is Gone’
#3. DAVID RAMIREZ, Fables
The Austin singer-songwriter proves that restraint can be incredibly moving and powerful. His writing is both personal and emotionally-charged, singing love songs of remarkable grace one moment and then turning heartbreak into inspiration the next.
Featured Twangville coverage of David Ramirez: Mea Culpa! A Special Summer Playlist, Part 3, David Ramirez – Fables, and David Ramirez – A Lyric Explained
Moorer delivers a break-up album of unparalleled depth and emotion. She veers between hope and desperation and from defiance to regret, exuding confidence at every step.
Featured Twangville coverage of Allison Moorer: Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2015, Part 2
McMurtry gets personal on his latest release, his first in a long seven years. With a perceptive eye for detail and a knack for vivid storytelling, he tells tales of everyday folk trying to make the most of their lives and loves. The clouds are mostly gray but he tempers the realism with a musical and lyrical compassion. A masterwork from a true songwriting craftsman.
Featured Twangville coverage of James McMurtry: Mayer’s Playlist for February 2015, Monday Morning Video – James McMurtry “These Things I’ve Come to Know”, and Readers’ Pick: Best of Winter 2015
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.