If your musical tastes are anything like mine, you’ll remember 2010 as one of the worst years for country music in a very long time. Mainstream country was almost unbearable, and some of the year’s most promising Americana releases (Ryan Bingham, Robert Plant) were lackluster affairs that failed to live up to their predecessors.
But, for every Colt Ford there’s a Jamey Johnson, and for every Danny Gokey there’s a Gary Allan. And just like every year, a handful of talented artists stepped up and delivered albums full of inspired music. Here’s a list of the ten best albums of the year.
#10. Darrell Scott – A Crooked Road
Songwriter Darrell Scott, who has penned such hits as Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly” and the Dixie Chicks’ “Long Time Gone” (as well as the modern roots staple “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive”) followed up his critically acclaimed 2008 album Modern Hymns with a collection that’s every bit a worthy successor. A Crooked Road is a dense (20 songs over two discs), emotionally complex album on which Scott compliments introspective ballads with tracks that feature flourishes of bluegrass instrumentation. His songwriting shines especially brightly on the uncomfortably honest “The Day Before Thanksgiving,” a song perfectly suited to a year (2010) characterized by economic stagnation and political frustration. “It’s the day before Thanksgiving I’m not feeling much of thanks,” he sings. “Just a low-grade desperation that leaves me reeling in the ranks.” Elsewhere, “Snow Queen and Drama Llama” employs grungy electric guitars and gives the collection a shot of adrenaline. The songs are good, but Scott’s sense of musicality and pacing makes this lengthy playlist an essential album.
#9. Rose’s Pawn Shop – Dancing on the Gallows
Indie country (especially that of the self-released variety) is typically—how should I say this—terrible. And when I write “terrible,” I don’t mean merely mediocre—I mean “undeniably terrible by any set of reasonable stands.” So, I was simply blown away when I first listened to the sophomore effort from Los Angeles outfit Rose’s Pawn Shop this summer. Dancing on the Gallows features genuinely interesting songwriting, and the record sounds great from a production standpoint. What really makes this album so compelling, however, is the way it successfully blends sounds and styles together into something that’s actually unique and progressive. Rose’s Pawn Shop brings together subtle rockabilly rhythms with Celtic flare, occasional bluegrass flavor and even a spattering of Texas honky tonk, and the result is a sound that really can’t be described in terms of anything else. It’s unique, and worthwhile. If you overlooked Dancing on the Gallows (and it’s likely that you did), rectify that mistake as soon as possible.
#8. Marty Stuart – Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions
Ghost Train plays like a history lesson taught by a master professor, as Stuart—one of country music’s eminent historians—meticulously constructs new compositions that sound like classics. Like a history lesson, the content can be dry and tedious—especially for the casual observer. Ghost Train is only concerned with breathing life into old things, and the result is a record that’s incomparably accurate but not especially valuable to listeners who don’t already possess a great interest in the types of songs presented. Still, it’s difficult to understate Ghost Train’s excellence. Stuart executes his vision of traditional country music to perfection and underscores it with astonishingly crisp production. The Johnny Cash co-write “Hangman” is essential listening.
#7. The SteelDrivers – Reckless
Reckless, The SteelDrivers’ sophomore album, was released five months after lead singer Chris Stapleton announced that he was leaving the fast-rising bluegrass band. That fact zapped some of the energy from the lead-up to its release, and shifted media focus away from the music and onto the switch at vocalist. That is undoubtedly one of the year’s greatest injustices, because Reckless is every bit as good (if not better) than its predecessor. Stapleton sings his bluegrass like he’s a rockstar, driving powerfully through a series of impeccably written songs that sound progressive (even when they stick to traditional themes) and founder Mike Henderson inventively adds slide guitar throughout.
#6. Taylor Swift – Speak Now
The most courageous release of 2010, a brave Taylor Swift poured herself into 14 songs and turned them over to the world. Any observer who has been paying attention over the last five years already knew that Swift is a deft songwriter who understands how to take the personal and make it universal. But what’s most striking about Speak Now is the way she takes what’s personal and keeps it personal. Songs like “Mean,” “Back to December” and “Dear John” are not just epistolary works of fiction that draw from her experiences; they’re secrets culled from a deeply personal place, and they show weakness, and flaw, and failure. There are few artists—young or old, country or pop—who have the courage to wear those things on their sleeve. If Speak Now doesn’t prove that Swift is the real deal, I don’t know what will.
#5. Kasey Chambers – Little Bird
Long one of country music’s (and/or Americana music’s) most under-appreciated artists, Australian singer/songwriter Kasey Chambers finally “broke out” in 2008, thanks to the masterful roots album Rattlin’ Bones (which she recorded with her husband Shane Nicholson). The follow-up to that record is Little Bird, which was only released in Oz. It’s a logical successor; the album is full of what music critic Juli Thanki described as “rootsy pop-rock with sharp lyrics and oodles of hooky melodies.” In addition to those hooky melodies, you’ll find songs like “Somewhere,” a mournful ballad which proves that few modern singers do heartbreak and sadness as well as Chambers.
#4. Gary Allan – Get Off on the Pain
With Get Off on the Pain, Gary Allan reminded us that mainstream country music can be made for adults, too. Of course, lines like “Sometimes I think I get off on the pain,” “Come on over, kick me to the ground and kiss me when I’m down” and “Hurry home lover, I’m wearing nothing but a smile” doomed the record at country radio, but that lack of airplay doesn’t detract from Allan’s accomplishment. This is a gritty, sexy record full of great songs that Allan sings with passion. It’s cool to hate doesn’t mainstream country these days, but don’t overlook a gem just because it has a bit of polish.
#3. Elizabeth Cook – Welder
Cook came into her own with Welder, her most balanced and powerful record yet. The album soars high on the spunk of opener “All The Time,” the sex of “El Camino” and the sass of “Yes To Booty,” but it’s a pair of deeply personal ballads (“Heroin Addict Sister” and “Mama’s Funeral”) that gives the album its soul.
#2. Peter Cooper – The Lloyd Green Album
Peter Cooper is best known as the country music reporter for Nashville’s daily newspaper The Tennessean, but he’s also a gifted songwriter with a quirky sense of humor and a keen eye for detail. For the follow-up to his acclaimed 2008 album Mission Door, Cooper enlisted the services of legendary steel guitar player Lloyd Green, who lends his masterful musianship to each of the album’s 12 tracks, including a sterling cover of Tom T. Hall’s “Mama, Bake a Pie,” on which the instrumentalist’s mournful licks brilliantly compliment Cooper’s delivery of the ballad. The album’s highlight, however, is “Elmer, The Dancer,” which intricately tells the story of a quiet, snowy night in a South Milwaukee polka bar. It’s a character piece, but if there’s a better rumination on the death of America’s rust belt I have yet to hear it.
#1. Jamey Johnson – The Guitar Song
The Guitar Song isn’t a perfect record. It’s long, slow and unwieldy, like the unedited version of a manuscript that contains a few too many of the author’s tangents, subplots and indulgences. But, as an artistic achievement, the record is simply monumental. The Guitar Song is 105 minutes of unbridled country music delivered by one of the genre’s most enigmatic figures. Yes, a concentrated, 15-song version of this 25-song double disc would have packed a more focused musical punch, but this bulging tome provides a rare look into the psyche of a unique artist who was given space to create without restriction.
Also read:
Top 10 Country Music Albums of 2010
10 Worst Country Albums of 2010
I was almost surprised to see Swift on this list, since she usually doesn’t get much love on some of these blogs, mostly because of her vocal imperfections. But I have to agree that it is well-deserved – Speak Now was an excellent album.
Our tastes are very different but I find it interesting to see what others are in to. I didn’t find a lot to like this year other than the new ZBB, Don Schlitz’s “Allergic to Crazy” and the new Suzy Bogguss Christmas album, “White Christmas”. I have the new Urban album but haven’t listened to it all the way through yet. I do like his version of the Lori McKenna song, “The Luxury of Knowing”.
Is Canadian Twang dead?
Hey Bob,
I wasn’t aware of the Schlitz album–thanks for the head’s up.
CT isn’t dead–we have just been taking some time off (from all of the sites) to plan for 2011 and hire staff.
That Don Schlitz album is very good. I can’t say that your list matches mine in any way, but it’s interesting nonetheless.
I’d love to compare notes, Leeann.
Interesting list Jim. I find “Welder” to be Elizabeth’s least satisfying album to date but the Americana types have gone for it in a big way, so anything that raises her visibility is alright with me.
“Little Bird” is the only Kasey Chambers album I don’t possess, so I need to get one of my Aussie connections to send me a copy! I’m still trying to recover from Kasey’s temporary pop detour with the “Carnival” album.
The unknown quantity to me that sounds the most interesting is Rose’s Pawn Shop. Shame on them for not playing at any of the normal free show Americana hangouts in Los Angeles! I’l have to give their music a listen and take a looky-see…
I’m going to have to check out Rose’s Pond shop too. Sounds like it’ll be good. It took me some time to warm up to the Cook album, but I really dig it now. I can’t say that it’s my favorite, but it’s definitely one of the best of the year . Rick, Little Bird is very good.
*I can’t say it’s my favorite Cook album, that is…
Rose’s Pawn Shop is my favorite 2010 discovery. Great album, and I’m glad to see the band get some more notice.
Taylor’s over-rated tween bubble gum pop drivel is not even country, much less remotely good. I am very surprised that you continue to worship this over-rated over-exposed Pop tween artist who cannot sing her way out of a paper bag. I usually respect alot of what you say on this blog, but your drinking the wrong koolaid when it comes to Tonedeaf Taylor. All of her songs sound the same, and it doesn’t take “courage” to use her so-called “relationships” to sell albums and gain hype in the tabloids, which is essentially what she does. I pity poor Jake Gwenthal as he will be front and center in her next album after they break up, and she will trash him without mercy, only telling her side of the story. Surely one of these boy toys of hers will eventually tell the truth about what REALLY happened. Not that I care. Most of her relationships seem to be about 2 months long, only with famous boys/men, and always always right around her album release drop time, conveniently, so she can be sure to get her picture in the tabloids to sell more albums. She is so over-rated it is almost sickening. I wonder if people are not even bothering to listen to her offkey warblings when she sings, or are they too mesmerized by her Medusa flopping hair to pay attention? Sad state of music.
I took a chance today and ordered a used/promo copy of the Rose’s Pawn Shop CD at Amazon for a cost of $ 2 plus $ 3 shipping! It better be good Jim or I’m gonna pound you! (lol)
Leeann, I’ve heard some of the songs off Kasey’s new album via Aussie online country radio stations and have liked them quite a bit. Did you ever receive the “Catherine Britt” CD you ordered? I warned you about that one, although Catherine’s version of “Sweet Emmylou” did make Jim’s “50 Best Songs” list! I still say the Harmony James’ album “Tailwind” is the best thing to come out of Australia in the last year or two as its still blows me away. (no pun intended)
I dunno,Rick, I actually like the Catherine Britt album quite a bit. Maybe people being so negative about it made think it’d be terrible or something, but I enjoy it.
…even if not one more soul on this planet would like “speak now”, i’d find it a most excellent album – very much for the same reasons you mentioned up there, jim. same goes for gary allan’s – whether it’s country enough for some purists or not – who cares, it’s great music for grown ups with one or the other scar – or perhaps tatoos. overall, a useful selection.
I don’t understand the negativity towords Catherine Britt’s album. I also thought it was quite enjoyable, and not nearly as poppy as advertized. “Holy River” just barely missed this list.
Jim and Leeann, I was a huge fan of Catherine Britt’s early days as a traditional country artist and just haven’t cared much for “Little Wildflower” or her recent self-titled CD. I was expecting neo-traditional country greatness from Catherine as she matured and instead she jumped the track (and the shark) with “Little Wildflower” and is still lost in the wilderness from my musical perspective. If you had Harmony James’ “Tailwind” CD to compare it directly too, you would better grasp my disappointment. I still think Catherine will make another great “real country” album someday, or at least I’ll keep hoping she does.
Jim, “Holy River” is a re-recorded version of a song Catherine wrote during her time in Nashville. I have an RCA label “company use only” CD with the original demo version of that song that I’ve been listening to for a couple of years, so I’ve grown a bit blase towards it. Oh well…
I was with you until you got to the Taylor Swift… Love seeing Peter Cooper on there but I like the “Master Sessions” with Eric Brace a little better.
Bill, I like that one better too, but I’ve warmed up considerably to the Cooper solo album. I still like his first album best though.
Rick,
I don’t have Little Wildflower.
Nice list, yet I would have ranked Swift 9th or 10th.
@ Alleycat – Have you heard “Speak Now”?
Jamey Johnson at #1? Why?
“Get Off On the Pain” should have been #1, and Jamey Johnson shouldn’t even be on this list. He’s boring, and unengaging.
I’m not comfortable crafting a list that’s set in stone, especially because there is a wealth of material from last year that I just haven’t listened to, but the first half of mine might go something like this as of right now:
1. Gary Allan ‘Get Off on the Pain’
2. Dierks Bentley ‘Up on the Ridge’
3. Jamey Johnson ‘The Guitar Song’
4. Toby Keith ‘Bullets in the Gun’
(despite the frankly mysogynist closing track that bogs down the entire album)
5. Joe Diffie ‘Homecoming: The Bluegrass Album’
Anything further would be speculation. On the inclusion of ‘Up on the Ridge’ and ‘Homecoming,’ I kind of group Americana and bluegrass under the canopy of country; they’re distinct branches that nonetheless remain part of the whole. For instance, I might include ‘Harlem River Blues’ by Justin Townes Earle later on my list. I can honestly say that Taylor Swift would be excluded, and, yes, I’ve listened to ‘Speak Now.’
I’m pretty sure if you leave Taylor Swift off a list of top country albums her dad comes and kills you. And how is she brave? I always see her described as brave but never accompanied by why.
But good choices in Darrell Scott and Kasey Chambers.
@Jason: Thanks for the comment. I feel like I explained why I think she’s courageous pretty well. Doesn’t this count: “But what’s most striking about Speak Now is the way she takes what’s personal and keeps it personal. Songs like “Mean,” “Back to December” and “Dear John” are not just epistolary works of fiction that draw from her experiences; they’re secrets culled from a deeply personal place, and they show weakness, and flaw, and failure. There are few artists—young or old, country or pop—who have the courage to wear those things on their sleeve.”
I think record labels nowadays tend to go for more mainstream artists and albums as they tend to sell more, or at least that’s what they think. My personal favorite album of the year was Taylor Swift’s and she really is one of those artists that dared to pour her soul into her music and it shows.