Shelly Fabian's Top 10 Country Albums of 2008

If you would have told me my No. 1 album of the year would be from an artist that was formerly a pop star, I would have said you're nuts. But, Darius Rucker is country through and through, and his album is a delight. My favorite track is definitely the honky tonk tune "All I Want." It helps that Darius has a killer voice, and I love the touches of soul he inputs into his songs. Darius Rucker is a welcome addition to country music, and I'm sure hoping that it's a place he will continue to stay, and make more great country music in the years to come.
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Sugarland has been one of my favorite bands (now duos) since they first came out with "Baby Girl" a few years ago. This album expands on the feel-good music that they are known for. I myself have the Deluxe Fan version with the five extra tracks, including the incredible live compilation song with Little Big Town and Jake Owen on "Life in a Northern Town." Probably my very favorite song has to be "Steve Earle." It's just so darn catchy. The whole album is incredible, and is one I have in my CD player quite often.
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When George Strait releases an album, you can be sure you're going to get some quality traditional country music. Troubadour is no exception. With another No. 1 single in "I Saw God Today," and other great tracks like the title cut, "River of Love," and "House of Cash," this is definitely a winner in my book.
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2008 has been an incredible year for the new trio Lady Antebellum as they released their self-titled debut album in April, and saw it debut at No. 1. Later in the year, they won the ACM New Duo/Group award, and the CMA Artist of the Year award (formerly the Horizon Award). What I love about this group is its switching off of lead vocals, similar to what Little Big Town does. They have a great contemporary sound, with awesome harmonies, and I see them having a bright future.
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I've loved Craig Morgan's music since he was on Atlantic Records. He writes much of his own music, and That's Why has a common theme that the average working man (or woman) can relate to. My favorite track on the album is definitely "Everyday Angels." This album caps off another great year for Morgan, who was recently inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. He just keeps getting better all the time.
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Taylor Swift's sophomore album is musically similar to her self-titled debut. I mean, if it's not broke, why fix it? I enjoy the fact that she writes all her own songs as well as sings them. I'm also glad that she doesn't try and write about things she knows nothing about. I may not be a teenager, but I still can enjoy music that appeals to young people.
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Brad Paisley went against the odds, and released a mostly instrumental album. And it works! He includes tributes to wife Kim, and son Huckleberry, and plays with some of the best guitarists around. The first single, the duet with Keith Urban, is a sure shot for No. 1. I love the video they made for the song. I also love that they included the Andy Griffith version of "Waitin' on a Woman."
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Ashton Shepherd is another new artist whose album I knew I would enjoy after hearing her first single, "Taking Off This Pain." She's got a definite traditional sound, and she wrote all but one track on this debut album. Besides the two singles that have been released, I can see several other great tracks possibly becoming singles. One of my favorites is the tear-jerker "How Big Are Angel Wings." I look forward to even more music from this talented Alabama girl.
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It seems like ages since we got to hear the great honky tonk sound that represented the style of music that Alan Jackson played. With a gospel release, and then the adult contemporary-leaning "Like Red on a Rose," it has been a while since we'd had any good honky tonk from Alan. The wait is over, and this album is filled with many great songs, including the recent No. 1 with the title track. The second single "Country Boy" is sure to hit the top of the charts as well. Alan's had 33 number ones in his career so far, and I don't see any signs that he's lost his touch here. Great stuff!
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Jimmy Wayne made his comeback in 2008, after a short absence. And what a splash he made, with the title cut shooting straight to the top of the charts, becoming his first No. 1 song, and the release of this excellent album. Wayne wrote five of the ten tracks on the album, plus we get two re-releases of his biggest hits from his previous album, "I Love You This Much," and "Stay Gone." Add two duets with the lovely Patty Loveless, and pop star John Oates, of Hall and Oates. This is a solid album through and through.
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