Each year, country music puts out some outstanding albums. AboutCountry staff writer Matt Bjorke gives us his choices for the Top 10 Albums for 2005.
Rodney Crowell is probably one of the finest singer/songwriters in Americana and country music. He's related by marriage into the greatest country music dynasty of all time (he was married to Rosanne Cash), and he's written songs for everyone from Waylon Jennings to Tim McGraw, but above all else, his songs have to them an ethereal, otherworld quality that makes them transcend mere genre boundaries and reach into the very depth of the soul.
If you were disappointed in Lee Ann Womack's last album, 'Something Worth Leaving Behind,' fear not because the traditional Lee Ann Womack is back. 'There's More Where That Came From' has a total of thirteen tracks, each with their own country sound - which is something true fans of the genre will appreciate.
George Strait is as great as ever. After delving into the more "pop-influenced" country in the late 1990's, George returned to the "twang" with 2003's "Honkytonkville" and had one of his most critically acclaimed albums ever. "Somewhere Down In Texas" is another keeper.
Almost halfway through 2005 and I have found my favorite album of the year. I don't know if any upcoming releases will be able to top Bobby Pinson's "Man Like Me." It's simply an incredible album start to finish.
After experiencing the pitfalls of being on a financially insecure record label, Hometown News decided to take things into their own hands and have crafted a fine sophomore album that blends traditional country with folk-like harmonies. It's a record full of great songs that hopefully will find its way into the hearts of many fans.
With music similar to that found on his Platinum-selling debut, he follows the adage "Why fix what ain't broke." This one is sure to do as well as his debut, if not even better. The tunes really seem to fit him, even those that he didn't co-write. If you like your country with some rock, and a touch of bluegrass, this album is a perfect choice for your collection.
This talented singer-songwriter snaps out of the gate with his fifth release, a sharp collection of traditional country songs, nicely recorded in the old Golden-Age style with a warm tenor voice and a whole lot of heart.
After a break from the music industry, Trisha is back with a vengeance. This album is fun to listen to. She has chosen songs she can have some fun with as well as a few ballads where she can really show off her vocal abilities. It is a great addition to any CD collection.
After a long five year stint between albums, Eric took things into his own hands on "The Lower East Side of Life" and it really shows. There's a passion here that wasn't always evident on his first CD and there's definitely a distinctive artistic identity and a willingness to step out on a limb and take a chance with song subjects.
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.
