Each year, country music puts out some outstanding albums. AboutCountry staff writer Sue Bauman gives us her choices for the Top 10 Albums for 2006.
When this Granite Falls, North Carolina native blew into the Nashville scene last February during the Country Radio Broadcaster's Seminar, I knew then he was going to be someone to watch. Having written all 12 songs on his first CD released in July, this incredibly talented singer/songwriter gives us a very personal look into his life. From first to last, every song is honest and real, tells a story you want to hear and more often than not, relates to something in your own life. If you like your country rockin' and real, you must add this one to your collection. Hands down, the best this year.
I chose this album not necessarily for it's country content but for it's passion. Whether it's his three time Male Vocalist-winning lead vocals or his un-matched guitar rifts, Keith pours everything he has into each song. This CD broke a record the day it's first release came out. "Once In A Lifetime" entered the charts as the highest debuting single on the Country Music charts 62 year history. With songs like,
"Stupid Boy," and
"Raise the Barn," surely to be released as singles, I think both will at the very least add to a growing list of Keith's number one's.
This year's Nashville Star winner holds the promise of being one of the more "traditionalists" when it comes to a country sound. I couldn't wait for the first single,
"Drinkin' Me Lonely" to be released. Written by Chris himself, this song and others from the CD gave me a great dose of the more traditional sounding country I crave.
This Hannah, South Carolina native comes from the deep south, and has a beautiful deep voice to match. Having been previously known as the new "Randy Travis," with this sophomore release, Josh really arrives with his own style. With more than a hint of bluegrass, gospel and country this whole album resonates with confidence. Josh is gonna be around for a long time and this CD is just one of the many reasons why.
This legendary performer's 2006 release is yet another example of why he is the King of Country. After a career spanning more than 25 years, this CD has given Strait his 53rd number one single,
"Give It Away." With 15 songs included, each single released will surely add to the already long list of number ones.
Little Bit Of Life is the perfect title to this or any CD Craig Morgan has released. As in the song
"Little Bit Of Life," and others, Craig always seems to find songs that make you wanna sing along and reminisce. This CD is no exception.
With Alan's beautiful voice and heartfelt deliverance how could anyone not like this album full of timeless gospel favorites. From
"How Great Thou Art," to
"The Old Rugged Cross" I liked every song on it. If you like Gospel music, you have to include this one in your collection.
I loved this CD from start to finish. With the soft sweet lyrics of
"One Wing In The Fire," to the driving in hard beat of
"Country Is My Rock," this newcomer is making listeners stand up and listen.
I loved this album for the harmonies. I bought the CD after I heard the first single, "Leave The Pieces." With Michelle Branch crossing over from pop to country, I was a little hesitant to buy the CD. I was pleasantly surprised by most of the 12 songs contained and very much enjoyed this fresh new harmonic sound from Michelle and Jessica Harp.
The threesome continue cranking out huge hits with the release of this CD. I included it on my list mainly for that reason but I do find myself digging into the shelves of my collection for a little taste of
Me and My Gang. "What Hurt's The Most" is probably my favorite and had one heck of a run on the charts.
