Here's what country music had to offer in 2011. Included here are my selections for the year's best country albums and songs, a rundown of the biggest commercial successes of 2011, and some of the events that made 2011 so memorable.
Best Country Albums of 2011
Image courtesy of Sony Nashville Records
While many of country's biggest names lit up the singles charts, they failed to put together cohesive records that stood up over multiple listens. That goes a long way toward explaining my selections for the best country albums of 2011.
Best Country Songs of 2011
Image courtesy of MCA Nashville Records
Here you'll find singles everyone's heard of, and songs by lesser-known artists worthy of more attention. These are my picks for the best country songs of 2011.
Top Country Albums of 2011
Image courtesy of Big Machine Records
Gold, platinum, multi-platinum -- these are the country records that tore up the charts and put smiles on the faces of music execs.
Top Country Singles of 2011
Image courtesy of Columbia Nashville Records
You heard them on the radio. You couldn't avoid the music videos on CMT. Here are the top-selling country singles of the year, with special appearances by the usual suspects: Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, and Miranda Lambert.
Highlights of the 2011 CMA Awards
Image courtesy of Rick Diamond / Getty Images
At the 2011 CMA Awards, Taylor Swift won Entertainer of the Year for the third time in a row, and Jason Aldean won Album of the Year for My Kinda Party. This slideshow features the most unforgettable moments from the broadcast.
Notable Album Releases of 2011
Image courtesy of Skaggs Family Records
Here is a complete rundown of the notable album releases of 2011 -- from Jeff Bridges's solo debut to new records by Glen Campbell and Merle Haggard. You'll find information on each album as well as links to reviews and artist profiles.
