11. Our Time in the Sun by Jeremie Albino
Bursting with raw emotion, swaggering grooves, and a touch of grit, Jeremie Albino’s Our Time in the Sun is a joyous revival of classic soul. Albino may sing about “Rolling Down the 405” in California, but one listen and you’ll imagine yourself cruising down Highway 72 from Memphis to Muscle Shoals… with the radio blaring. (more Jeremie Albino coverage)
10. Sunset Drive by Denitia
Denitia’s Sunset Drive is a tremendous showcase of the Nashville artist’s warm, earnest voice and knack for crafting melodic hooks. The album is equally notable for its eclectic nature – it’s got a little country, a little folk, a little pop… and a whole lotta goodness. (more Denitia coverage)
9. Rhinestoned by Maggie Antone
Maggie Antone’s debut album Rhinestoned masterfully balances playful drinking songs with more serious acoustic reflections on love and relationships. The spirited collection is a welcome introduction to a songwriter with immense personality and charm. (more Maggie Antone coverage)
8. The In Between by Kevin Gordon
Kevin Gordon’s The In Between fuses gritty rock and roll with lyrics that explore impermanence, uncertainty, and resilience. The result is an album that’s both cathartic and unflinchingly honest, cementing Gordon’s place as a masterful storyteller in the rock and roll canon. (more Kevin Gordon coverage)
7. Baltic Street Hotel by Sophie Gault
Sophie Gault’s Baltic Street Hotel is filled with compelling lyrics about tackling inner demons, the challenges of the music industry, and the importance of self-worth. She sets it against a gritty musical backdrop that bristles with attitude, not to mention plenty of crunchy electric guitars. (more Sophie Gault coverage)
6. 3 AM Revelations by Leeroy Stagger
Leeroy Stagger’s 3 AM Revelations is a roaring rock and roll record that blends modern production with nods to classic rock and punk from the ’70s and ’80s. Songs like the percussion-heavy “Mediocrity Pill” and the anthem “Count to Ten” showcase Stagger’s knack for pairing sharp realism with idealism. (more Leeroy Stagger coverage)
5. East Jesus and Lighthouse on the Shore by Michael McDermott
Michael McDermott’s simultaneous release of Lighthouse on the Shore and East Jesus showcases his impressive lyrical depth, melodic prowess, and emotional introspection. The former album leans acoustic, featuring reflective and poignant narratives like “Bradbury’s Dream” and “Count Your Blessings,” while the latter amplifies his storytelling with electric energy on tracks like “FCO” and “Behind the Eight.” They are united by McDermott’s masterful songwriting and enduring ability to create resonant, thought-provoking music. (more Michael McDermott coverage)
4. Forgotten but Not Gone & Few and Far Between by Christopher Paul Stelling
Christopher Paul Stelling’s Forgotten but Not Gone & Few and Far Between is a sprawling exploration of the emotions surrounding a divorce, deftly navigating from sorrow to anger and everything in-between. The mostly sparse arrangements are centered around Stelling’s acoustic guitar, the singer-songwriter laying bare his emotions with his lyrics and voice. (more Christopher Paul Stelling coverage)
3. Memoriam by Garrett Owen
As the title suggests, Garrett Owen’s Memoriam is a powerful reflection on loss. Engrossing arrangements and the pristine tone of Owen’s voice add depth to lyrics that are poignant and absorbing. (more Garrett Owen coverage)
2. Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat by Fantastic Cat
Noted popsters (and pranksters) embrace the sophomore slump with the follow-up to their amazing debut. And by embrace, I mean they pick it up and body slam it to the ground. Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat is chock full of infectious melodies, wonderful harmonies, and songs as intelligent as they are entertaining. (more Fantastic Cat coverage)
Lizzie No’s Halfsies is a tour de force that shifts effortlessly from heartbreaking ballads to bruising rockers. Songs of heartbreak don’t get much better than “The Heartbreak Store” and “Done”; rockers more compelling than “Lagunita” and “Getaway Car”. On these songs, and the entire album, No brilliantly balances charm and intensity. (more Lizzie No coverage)
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.