There are some country albums that are essential listens. They are so classic and exquisitely done that they are immortal. Of course, opinions will differ as to which LPs represent the very best of country music. But these four have a lot going for them in that category. Recorded by beloved, respected superstars, they have stood the test of time along with frequent (sometimes fickle and feverish) cultural shifts. Years from now, they will still be considered very special and meaningful.
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'Some Hearts' By Carrie Underwood
This year marks the 20th anniversary since the release of Underwood's freshman effort, Some Hearts. Per her web site, "The album quickly became the best-selling debut country album of all time, featuring timeless #1 hits such as 'Jesus, Take the Wheel,' 'Before He Cheats,' and 'Wasted....'" Underwood also won American Idol in 2005, so that was certainly a big year for her. She has continued to sustain and grow her popularity in the last two decades. An electrifying performer, Underwood convincingly proved she is here to stay with this album.
'Come On Over' By Shania Twain
Twain hurtled into country music history with Come On Over. The momentous 1997 LP set so many records, per The Boot. For example, it is "the best-selling country album of the 1990s, the best-selling country album of all time, the best-selling studio album by a female artist, of any genre, of all time." It led the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for almost a year. But the greatest thing about the album is the songs. From the playful, teasing tone of "That Don't Impress Me Much" to the tender sentimentality of "From This Moment On," Twain permanently staked her claim in country with this masterpiece.
'Golden Ring' By George Jones And Tammy Wynette
These two stars had a brief, tempestuous marriage from 1969 to 1975. But that did not get in the way of their music. Their talent superseded their troubles. Golden Ring dropped in 1976, the year after they parted ways as a couple. Clearly, though, Jones and Wynette preserved the magic that made them a fan favorite team. The album topped Billboard's Country Album chart. The emotions it conveys were all too real and raw, harrowing rather than happy. Still, it's an exceptional work from two brilliant artists. The purity of their voices is utterly stirring.
'Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room' By Dwight Yoakam
This 1988 album from Yoakam showcased two terrific chart-toppers, "I Sang Dixie" and "Streets of Bakersfield." But that is not the reason the LP is significant. Per The Boot, it represented "a swing back towards traditional country, and saw Yoakam at what was arguably the peak of his commercial and fan success." More definitive proof that traditional country never, ever goes away or goes out of style.
