10. Obviously by Lake Street Dive
Glorious smooth and silken pop, a mix of songs earnest and spirited – Obviously is another gem from Lake Street Dive.
Key Tracks: Hypotheticals, Hush Money, Same Old News, Nobody’s Stopping You Now, Anymore
9. Vessel by The Accidentals
Sav Buist and Katie Larson shift away from their folk origins and lean in a more rock direction but maintain their place as two of their generations more talented musicians and songwriters.
Key Tracks: Count the Rings, Go Getter, Slow and Steady, Wildfire, Cityview
8. 662 by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
I’m continuously amazed at the maturity of Ingram’s brand of brawny blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Did I mention he is only 22? Here’s to a long career’s worth of greatness from Kingfish Ingram.
Key Tracks: 662, She Calls Me Kingfish, Long Distance Woman, Not Gonna Lie, I Got To See You, Rock and Roll
7. You Don’t Really Know Me by Tim Easton
Easton reaches new heights with You Don’t Really Know Me, an album’s worth of songs with lyrical intelligence and depth, not to mention some damn catchy melodies.
Key Tracks: You Don’t Really Know Me, Real Revolution, Speed Limit, Peace of Mind, Running Down Your Soul
6. The Diving Sun (Side A & Side B) by Joe Pug
The fact that several of the tracks on this album are outtakes from earlier releases is a testament to the Joe Pug’s songwriting prowess.
Key Tracks: Crescent Bridge, Wild Kind of Longing, Deep End, None the Wiser, Look Out Desdemona
5. All My Shame by Mando Saenz
There’s a reason that Saenz is a go-to songwriter in Nashville – the storytelling and emotion of his lyrics and the catchiness of his melodies is intoxicating.
Key Tracks: The Deep End, Cautionary Tale, The Leaving Side, In All My Shame, As I Watch You Slowly Drift Away, The More I Need, Talk Is Cheap, Rainbow in the Dark
4. J.T. by Steve Earle and The Dukes
Steve Earle’s tribute to his late son is both a moving tribute and an incredible reminder of the songwriting talent that we lost.
Key Tracks: Ain’t Glad I’m Leaving, Maria, Far Away in Another Town, Turn Out My Lights, Champagne Carolla, Harlem River Blues, Last Words
3. Goodbye L.A. by Jeremy Pinnell
A classic country album, outlaw style. All the better when Pinnell wears his heart on his musical sleeve.
Key Tracks: All of ’em
2. The Horses and the Hounds by James McMurtry
There’s a reason that, when he releases one of his infrequent new albums, James McMurtry has a perpetual home on my top of year lists. His blend of intelligent storytelling and melodic rock and roll never ceases to impress.
Key Tracks: Canola Fields, If It Don’t Bleed, Operation Nevermind, Decent Man, The Horses and the Hounds, Ft. Walton Wake-Up Call, What’s the Matter
1. The Marfa Tapes by Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram
What does it say when my favorite album of the year is a collection of glorified demo tapes. It says that songs matter, and this is an album of great ones.
Key Tracks: All of ’em
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.