First off, year-end lists are hard to do. Especially rank ordering, which becomes murky as you proceed down the list. That being said number one was a no brainer for me. Marcus King’s “Young Blood” was addictive start to finish with his blues-tinged 70’s arena rock. Below is the rest of my list:
2. Old Crow Medicine Show – Paint This Town
This is OCMS at its best with energy that is off the chain. These songs will certainly add fun to their energetic live shows.
3. Whiskey Myers – Tornillo
“Tornillo” didn’t break any new ground, instead continuing to blaze the path of previous records. However, the maturity they are gaining as songwriters continues to allow the band to grow.
4. Charley Crockett – The Man from Waco
The prolific Crockett had two albums during ’22 that were worthy of this spot. However, I only reserved him one and I chose “The Man from Waco”.
5. Wilco – Cruel Country
The laid back country tinged recording was some of Tweedy and the boys best work in years.
The rest of the list without commentary:
6. Zach Bryan – American Heartbreak
7. 49 Winchester – Fortune Favors the Bold
8. Arlo McKinley – The Mess We’re In
9. Vandoliers – Self-Titled
10. Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway – Crooked Tree
11. Ian Noe – River Fools and Mountain Saints
12. Kelsey Waldon – No Regular Dog
13. Nikki Lane – Denim and Diamonds
14. Aoife O’Donovan – Age of Apathy
15. Trampled by Turtles – Alpenglow
16. The Cactus Blossoms – One Day
17. Sarah Borges – Together Alone
18. Adam Hood – Bad Days Better
19. Caamp – Lavender Days
20. Joshua Hedley – Neon Blue
21. Infamous Stringdusters – Touch the Fray
22. American Aquarium – Chicamacomico
23. Plains – I walked with you a ways
24. Black Keys – Dropout Boogie
25. Isaac Hoskins – Bender
About the author: Chip and his family live in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!