Each year, country music puts out some outstanding albums. AboutCountry staff writer Jolene Downs gives us her choices for the Top 10 Albums for 2005.
I'm just about willing to grant Brad Paisley the crown as today's king of feel-good real country music. His songs are chipper, cheerful, fun to listen to, and always so very true to the heart of country music you cannot argue there's any lack of grit. This stuff is so country it's out in the field chewing on a straw. Not to say he can't and doesn't touch the heart. Brad's new disc is just as warm and wonderful as his first ones were: fun, sweet, and real.
This CD is one of the best I've listened to in a very long time. Every song was sung from the heart and invoked memories of Americana at its best. Craig has a very traditional sound, and his material fits his voice and personality like a glove. You won't find someone trying to fit with a popular 'niche' to achieve success. With Craig, he achieves success while remaining true to his love of the music he makes. This album is definitely a keeper.
Dolly's latest album is a collection of favorite soft rock songs from the 60's and 70's that now have a definite blue grass twang in their sound. She has invited friends like Joe Nichols, Keith Urban, Nickel Creek, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) and many others to join her in singing songs like "Crimson & Clover," "Turn, Turn, Turn" and "Me and Bobby McGee." It is a great trip down memory lane and well worth checking it out.
George Jones' voice is just as smooth as ever, maybe even more so. This album is a collection of songs that he wished he had recorded, but "passed on," and we have the rare treat of getting to hear some favorite songs done by a living legend. It is an excellent album, and one that is very easy to listen to. It is a great addition to any music collection.
This two CD set is an amazing legacy of recordings that George Jones has made with various artists over the years. Everyone from Tammy Wynette to Elvis Costello, Patti Page, Johnny Cash, Janie Fricke, Loretta Lynn, Lacy J. Dalton and the list is virtually endless. This set is an absolute must have for the true collector of great country music. It doesn't get much better than George Jones, unless it is George Jones singing along with other country greats.
Gretchen's sophomore album is just as strong as her first. She proves she can hold her own with the boys on the drinking songs, and make you run for a box of tissues with her ballads. She's a woman with her own mind, and she isn't afraid to be who she is. Anyone who loves great country music will enjoy this CD. The lyrics are a little politically incorrect at times, but she is singing about real life and not a fantasy world. To me, this is what country music has always been about.
With his third album release, Joe Nichols continues to keep his strong traditional roots and sing from the heart. This is an excellent album and if this is the direction 'new' country is headed then the future of country music is in excellent shape. There are excellent song choices with something that will fit just about any music mood you are in. From upbeat songs to tear-jerking ballads, it is a terrific addition to any collection.
The first word that comes to mind after listening to these four CD's is WOW! 'Cash, The Legend' has grouped over 100 songs on four different CD's. There is also a little flip section with an autobiography and many photos. It is almost impossible to do this awesome project justice with just a couple of short paragraphs. This is an excellent compilation of the songs of Johnny Cash from beginning to end. This is a must have for any Cash collector.
They say that everything that's old is new again. Well that is sure the case with Martina McBride's new CD called 'Timeless.' You get 18 classic country songs from the 60's and 70's that made country music great! This is one that you will definitely want to give a listen to.
This is truly one of the best CD's I have listened to in a long time. Ray Scott has a great baritone and the songs have lots of steel and make you want to find the nearest Honky Tonk and dance the night away. It is a very traditional CD and brings back hope that country music may be back on the right track. If you love real country music, you will love this CD.
