Country Music

  1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. Country Music

Top 10 Top Picks - Penny Rondinella's Top 10 Albums for 2004

From Shelly Fabian, for About.com

Each year, country music puts out some outstanding albums. AboutCountry reviewer Penny Rondinella gives us her choices for the Top 10 Albums for 2004.

1. Chris Young – I Wish I Was Lying

I see a bright future for Chris because he has it all: Talent, Heart and Looks. A wholesome true country artist with a passion for Country Music. His self-produced CD is one you have to add to your collection of Country Music.

2. Gretchen Wilson – Here For The Party

Country music has been looking for a hot new female artist for quite some time now. Gretchen Wilson is the answer to they're prayers with her traditional country leaning songs and voice.

3. Travis Tritt – My Honky Tonk History

Tritt's reputation as country's "Outlaw" is heard on this album along with his roots of southern-rock and blues. Get ready to rock and listen to some of what I believe to be some of his best work.

4. Live Like You Were Dying – Tim McGraw

This is Tim McGraw's ninth Curb Records album, and features his touring band, the Dancehall Doctors, for their second consecutive project.

5. Jeffrey Steele - Outlaw

Not only can this guy write #1 hits, he plays a mean guitar and has an incredible voice as well. He really shows his talent off on this album. Jeff s southern rock style comes right from his soul. "Outlaw" shows the wide variety of music he creates. I'm really enjoying this album. It's a keeper.

6. Mark Chesnutt – Savin’ The Honky Tonk

Classic Chesnutt dedicating this album to all the Honky Tonks and bands playing the hard core country music today.

7. Joe Nichols - Revelation

Joe Nichols continues in the type of traditional country music he included on his debut album, 'Man With a Memory.' All the songs have a good story to them, however there is an overabundance of slow tempo songs.

8. Trent Willmon – Trent Willmon

Trent has that country sound I like to hear. When I heard him say: "When I drink beer, everybody's my best friend." I knew he was going to be good. Not too bad to look at either. He's one of my CD player's new best friend. A beer man that I hear can repair your car in the morning, cater your dinner party in the evening, ride the roughest bronco, and sing the sweetest love songs. On this album you'll find all kinds of emotions going on, and Trent can sing them all. What a voice!!!!

9. Randy Travis - Passing Through

Randy's remarkable baritone voice sings both inspirational and country songs on his 16th album. I think everyone will find something on this album that they will relate to. Randy has a talent for telling stories through his songs and puts you right in the song with the people he's talking about. This album hits on many different subject matters. From believing in Angels to being an alcoholic and losing your family. "Passing Through" is an awesome title for this album.

10. Keith Urban – Be Here

As the follow-up to Keith's, Double-Platinum-selling "Golden Road," "Be Here" delivers more of the guitar-driven music that Keith Urban fans love. From the fast paced "Days Go By" to the melancholy "Tonight I Wanna Cry" and everything in between, "here" is a good place to be.

Explore Country Music

About.com Special Features

Country Music

  1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. Country Music

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.