10. When I Go I Ghost by Cory Branan
Branan has never been known to pull his punches and he lives up to that reputation on When I Go I Ghost. From the opening rock blast of “When In Rome, When In Memphis” to the brooding closer “Of Two Minds”, Branan unleashes songs filled with biting lyrics and catchy melodies.
9. St. Paul’s Boulevard by Michael McDermott
McDermott has set a high bar for emotional depth in songwriting throughout his career, and St. Paul’s Boulevard fulfills that promise. Songs like “The Arsonist”, “New Year’s Day”, and “Peace, Love and Brilliant Colors” combine melancholy and joy to dramatic – and anthemic – effect.
8. Emerald Blue by Andrew Duhon
New Orleans’ Duhon is the consummate craftsman. His songs are the perfect combination of songwriting and musicianship, filled with lyrics profound and melodies stirring.
7. White Trash Revelry by Adeem the Artist
Adeem the Artist takes stock of the American South, exploring topics social, economic, and political. The tales aren’t always pretty but are approached with a mix of candor and wit. The results are as thought-provoking as they are satisfying.
6. The Liar by John Fullbright
Album’s like The Liar, Fullbright’s first in 8 years, make one wish that the Oklahoma artist was more prolific. The sheer brilliance of the songwriting and musicianship is breathtaking.
5. Butch Walker… as Glenn by Butch Walker
I’ll admit that, coming out of the pandemic, I was hoping for a full-on electric guitar album from Walker. But far be it for me to question Walker – his pseudo-concept tribute to the 1970’s piano artists, well, rocks. Walker shares a mix of enchanting ballads and boisterous rockers, all anchored by his tremendous sense of melody and showmanship.
4. At First There Was Nothing by Anthony D’Amato
As if his work with Fantastic Cat wasn’t enough, D’Amato followed it up with a solo album that builds on his reputation as one of the most literate songwriters of his generation. At First There Was Nothing crackles with intelligence and sophistication.
3. True North by Caroline Spence
The emotional depth and imagery of Spence’s lyrics are captivating, all the better when set against such alluring – and quietly anthemic – melodies.
2. I Walked With You a Ways by Plains
Jess Williamson and Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield team up for one heck of a country album. Both artists brought songs to the collaboration, all outstanding, but it’s the combination of their voices the imbue the album with its emotional honesty and charm.
1. The Very Best of Fantastic Cat by Fantastic Cat
Ask four singer-songwriters to bring some songs to the studio to see what happens and you’d be hard pressed to get much better than the aptly titled The Very Best of Fantastic Cat. There are amped-up folk songs, pulsing rockers, and plenty of pop goodness, all enriched by the group’s harmonies and musicality. And as good as Anthony D’Amato, Brian Dunne, Mike Montali, and Don DiLego are in the studio, they’re even better live. And they’ve got a solid social media game as well.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.