Best Country Albums - First Half of 2007

Fans of country rock will be sure to find some great music on Jack Ingram's This Is It. This is his first studio album in five years, and has not one or two singles from it, but four! They are "Measure Of A Man," "Lips Of An Angel," "Wherever You Are" and "Love You." Three of these were Top 20 songs, including Jack's first No. 1, with "Wherever You Are."

Martina released her ninth album this year, and with it, she wears that hat of artist, producer, and writer. The first single, "Anyway" was her first co-write, and the song was a Top 5 hit. The second single, "How I Feel," is sitting at No. 20 for the week of July 14th. These are just two of the 11 new tracks on this new CD that is filled with Martina's brand of feisty up tempo country, as well as her tender ballads. A must have for any Martina fan!

This is Tim's first studio release since 2004. It has 13 tracks, two of which are duets with his wife Faith Hill, "I Need You" and "Shotgun Rider." Tim's fans will find that this CD offers up the kind of songs that they've come to know and love from the "Indian Outlaw." With it's up-tempo country rockers and it's slow power ballads. It's another solid offering from Tim McGraw.

Out of all the recommendations listed, this is only the second album I personally reviewed. Anyone that enjoyed Jason's self-titled debut will enjoy this album as well. He uses a similar formula of country rock tunes, plus some pretty little ballads, as well, and it works. Add to it the duet with Miranda Lambert, and this album is a sure fire winner.

Anyone that appreciates great traditional country music will just love David Ball's album of covers like the title track, "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down," "Please Help Me I'm Falling," and others. David didn't make an album entirely of covers, but if you didn't know better, you'd think his own "Please Feed The Jukebox" came out of the 1960's. It's just great.

With Brad Paisley albums you know you'll always get your money's worth when it comes to the amount of music on it and 5th Gear is no exception. There is Brad's typical mixture of sentimental, humorous, and fun songs including one instrumental. Of course there are also guests. Carrie Underwood sings a duet with Brad and the "New" Kung Pao Buckaroos consist of old favorites "Whispering" Bill Anderson, Little Jimmy Dickens, and the newly-annointed Buckaroo - Vince Gill.

There's something about a guy with a beautiful baritone voice. As you'll see with my number two pick, I'm fond of baritone singers. Jason has a fantastic voice, and he's a good songwriter as well. "Alyssa Lies" was his debut single, and it really captured people's attention. It peaked at No. 5. His second single, "Livin' Our Love Song" is a song that shows the more up-tempo side of him, and I just love it. The whole album is filled with a mixture of up-tempo and slower songs.

With three legendary country artists, you can hardly go wrong with this album. What's even better is that they're singing both their own hits, and pack them all on two discs of music, and it's sheer sonic heaven. Each of these guys sounds as great as they did in their peak popularity back in the 1960s and 1970s.

I don't often review albums myself. I leave that to my writing staff, as often I don't have the time to do both that and keep up the site. Well, I made an exception when this album came up for grabs. I love Josh Turner's music. He's got a wonderful voice, and I love seeing him live, so how could I lose with this album? I didn't. This is a home run. Not only do you get to hear Josh sing several of his hits, but several album tracks, and several cover songs, including three from some of his musical influences.

I loved Miranda Lambert's debut album, Kerosene, and this, her second, is even better. While many want to classify Miranda as a country rocker, I will agree, that is part of who she is. But, on this album, she also gives us several tender songs, where she's not afraid to show her vulnerability. I really like that.