LimeWire Music Blog

Each Tuesday, music fans go to the store, or their favorite digital retailer, to listen to the newest tunes. 2009 offered some great country albums from artists ranging from the legends to the newer acts. Here’s my take on the ten best of the past twelve months!

10. Reba McEntire – Keep On Loving You

Reunited with label head Scott Borchetta, who pushed so many of her records to the top, McEntire proved again why she is the gold standard in country music.

9. Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers – Pilgrimage

Reuniting for the first album together since 1992’s Adios, the brothers Gatlin released a superb collection that re-visited Larry’s genius as a writer in the past (new versions of “Penny Annie,” “Sweet Becky Walker,” and “I’ve Done Enough Dyin’ Today) and the present (”Black Gold”).

8. Tracy Lawrence – The Rock

Over the years, many artists have released albums reflecting their faith. This is an album that Lawrence couldn’t have made ten years ago, but now it works well!

7. Hank Williams, Jr. – 127 Rose Avenue

When he sets his mind to it, Hank Williams Jr. is just as great of a singer as Jones or Haggard. This set is worth it alone for his foray into bluegrass, “All The Roads,” with the Grascals.

6. Joe Nichols – Old Things New

It’s a crime that Nichols isn’t a household name. But, if he keeps making albums like this with the stunning “An Old Friend Of Mine,” he will be soon!

5. John Rich – Son of a Preacher Man

One of the most diverse country albums that saw the light of day in 2009, and proof that Muzik Mafia bravado aside, he’s an incredible artist.

4. Holly Williams – Here With Me

Not as leftfield as her excellent debut, The Ones We Never Knew, Here With Me should be getting a lot more attention. There’s nary a clunker on the album, and I’d say that if her name was Smith or Jones!

3. Patty Loveless – Mountain Soul 2

A sequel of sorts to her much-hailed 2001 masterpiece, Loveless reminds us of what a musical treasure she is with this bluegrass-tinged collection that delves into folk and Appalachian gospel.

2. The Oak Ridge Boys – The Boys Are Back

Every few years, whether it’s Rick Rubin/Johnny Cash or Jack White/Loretta Lynn, there seems to be a collaboration between a country legend and a renegade producer. Dave Cobb, just like the aforementioned producers, simply let the Oak Ridge Boys be themselves. A tip of the hat also goes out to the vastly underrated Shooter Jennings for getting the ball rolling on this one.

1. Keith Urban – Defying Gravity

He’s recorded material before that has reflected his rough times, but there’s something refreshing about an artist who has withstood the bumpy waters to emerge on the other side. I might be the only reviewer to put this at the top, but with health care, the economy, and the war overseas, I don’t want to deal with artists pushing their beliefs. Sometimes, music ought to be just fun, and this was the most fun ride of all in 2009. Memo to Capitol: Please release “Why’s It Feel So Long” as a single. I’ve known since the album was released in March. It’s a hit!