Each year we see a new class of stars appear on the country music horizon. Sometimes an artist will have a huge hit right off the bat, and other times it may take an album or two. The stars listed as the "Class of 1997" are those that made their first impact on country music in that year.
1. Back To You - Anita Cochran
This is Anita's debut album. With it, we learn that Anita isn't just holding a prop on the cover of her album, she truly knows how to play, and proves it by playing all the lead parts on the album.
2. Three Chords & The Truth - Sara Evans
This is an absolutely spectacular country album. From the opening "True Lies" to the amazing, heart-searing closer, "The Week The River Raged," every moment of this album is pure excellence.
3. Just Between You And Me - Kinleys
Jennifer and Heather Kinley have voices that are just meant to be out there and available for public listening. The twins share a special ability to harmonize perfectly, without all the jazzing up that the gals of SHeDAISY do. They are simple and effective and this is the album that showcases that fact.4. Lila - Lila McCann
The first single was "Down Came A Blackbird." She had fun with songs like "I Wanna Fall In Love" and "Yippy Ky Yay." She gets a little more serious with "I'm Already Somebody's Lover." Contrary to the song's title, she is talking about it in a sense that she isn't ready for that commitment on a one-night stand basis.5. Michael Peterson - Michael Peterson
Michael Peterson's debut disc wanders somewhat from real country to pop as he meanders from one extreme to the other, but with his sparkling vocals and pleasant lyrics, it's certainly a good listen.6. Whatever Comes First - Sons of the Desert
The greatness of this CD isn't just held in the singles. The other eight songs make this album complete as any can get without any "filler" tracks. Other than "Leaving October" my favorite track is Phil Vassar's "Drive Away." If you are looking for some fun and well written songs, go search out this fine debut by Sons of the Desert, you will be glad you did.7. Lee Ann Womack - Lee Ann Womack
"Never Again, Again" was the pure country song that introduced us to Lee Ann, while her 2nd single, "The Fool" went all the way to No. 1. "Buckaroo," which peaked at number twenty-eight, showcased the perky/fun side of Lee Ann as the video showed a little boy running around in between shots of her singing. A great sounding duet, "Make Memories With Me," has Mark Chesnutt as the guest vocalist.8. Let Me In - Chely Wright
This album is Chely's third, and contains the singles "Shut Up And Drive," and "I Already Do."