The Best Country Albums of 2016 (So Far)

We've put together a list of our favorite country albums released so far in 2016. Did your favorites make the cut? 

Written by Annie Reuter
The Best Country Albums of 2016 (So Far)

We’re officially halfway through 2016 and there has been no shortage of memorable country albums released. While the year’s not quite over yet and there are plenty of albums lined up to drop in the coming months, we decided to put together a list of our favorite country albums released so far in 2016. Here’s what we think are the eight best albums of 2016:

Aubrie Sellers New City Blues

Aubrie SellersNew City Blues
One listen to Aubrie Sellers’ jaw-dropping New City Blues and the listener is hooked. A mature and timeless release, it’s hard to believe this is the singer’s debut. Sellers’ self-proclaimed “garage country” sound immediately draws the listener in and tracks like the rollicking “Sit Here and Cry” and angst-ridden “Paper Doll” beg to be repeated. At times, the music brings to mind artists like Kacey Musgraves and Ashley Monroe, who have both veered away from the predictable to forge their own paths in country music. But don’t be mistaken, Sellers is a unique talent herself. With a debut album this good, we can’t wait to hear what’s next.

Courtesy Essential Broadcast Media

Courtesy Essential Broadcast Media

Brandy Clark’s Big Day In a Small Town
The follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2013 debut, Big Day In a Small Town continues to showcase why Brandy Clark is one of the most respected artists of the genre. Well known for her storytelling, Clark co-wrote each of the versatile 11 tracks on the release. Songs about teenage pregnancy, cheating and life after high school, the album highlights Clark’s ability to vividly describe each story as if the listener were there herself. The tongue-in-cheek “Daughter” impresses while the mostly acoustic “Three Kids No Husband” pulls on the heartstrings. Never one to shy away from telling it like it is, Clark’s Big Day In a Small Town is easily one of the best albums released in 2016.

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Brothers Osborne’s Pawn Shop
An album titled Pawn Shop can only mean an eclectic group of songs and Brothers Osborne do not disappoint. While the nostalgic “21 Summer” has the guys looking back on old love, their first No. 1 single “Stay A Little Longer” best showcases John’s guitar skills with a minute long instrumental interlude at the end of the song, and it’s no surprise that the album dives deep into those guitar riffs throughout. Brothers Osborne close their debut major label release with the gritty “It Ain’t My Fault” with thumping drums and hand clapped rhythms as TJ’s deep voice blends impeccably with the percussion. It’s a rollicking end to a diverse album that more than lives up to its title.

Charles Kelley - The Driver Album

Charles Kelley’s The Driver
The Driver is the debut solo album from Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and he kicks things into high gear immediately with the energetic and grooving ’70s-esque jam “Your Love.” It’s a song that highlights his powerful and surprisingly gritty vocals and sets the tone for the more throwback sound of the album. While the title track demonstrates Kelley’s power as a songwriter, album closer “Leaving Nashville” makes the greatest mark. A chilling story about the often quick rise and fall of fame as a Nashville songwriter, the piano and string accompaniment furthers the haunting element of the tale that has the character fluctuating between two months away from living in his car and a hit single on the radio. The Driver showcases Kelley’s ability to make each song his own, whether he wrote the track or simply sang on it.

Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley’s Black
Eight albums in, Bentley continues to prove his versatility and steps outside the predictable, something only someone comfortable in his skin can do. Black encompasses 13 tracks that tug on the emotions, some stronger than others. One of the standout moments is the heartbreaking “I’ll Be the Moon,” which features Maren Morris. The song details the struggle of a tortured soul dealing with being the other man in a love triangle. Morris adds a unique perspective to the storyline with her striking harmonies on the chorus and pristine vocals on each verse. While Black has been described by Bentley as a relationship album, it is also a reflection on one man’s journey in life. Self penned songs like “Light It Up” and “Can’t Be Replaced” leave a lasting mark and show Bentley’s confidence and vulnerability as a songwriter and performer.

Photo provided by Warner Music Nashville

Photo provided by Warner Music Nashville

Frankie Ballard’s El Rio
Frankie Ballard’s brand of country music borrows just as much from rock and roll as it does country and his latest release El Rio showcases both genres flawlessly. El Rio impresses musically and vocally for a release that begs to be heard in an arena setting. The standout “Cigarette” is a sexy song that has Ballard singing of wanting to be the cigarette on a girl’s lips so he can be close to her while the beautiful “Good As Gold” has him competing against a rich man for a woman’s affection. A perfect blend of rock and country, El Rio showcases Ballard’s influences while continuing to push his music forward.

Photo courtesy Capitol Records Nashville

Photo courtesy Capitol Records Nashville

Keith Urban’s Ripcord
Keith Urban transcends genres on his eighth studio album, Ripcord. The 13-track release is a remarkably diverse album that pushes boundaries and furthers Urban’s evolution as an artist. While many songs on Ripcord are highlighted with banjo accompaniment, like the edgy opening track “Gone Tomorrow,” drum loops are also prevalent throughout Ripcord, allowing the tracks to cross genre lines. “Sun Don’t Let Me Down,” which features Pitbull, is easy to envision hearing on pop radio with dance floor beats and party anthem flavor thanks to guest raps from Mr. Worldwide himself. Whether it’s slick beats, guitar slinging or vivid storytelling, Urban’s eighth effort launches the singer into uncharted territory.

Photo courtesy Sony Music Nashville

Photo courtesy Sony Music Nashville

Maren MorrisHero
Emotions run deep for Maren Morris on her major label debut, Hero. The Texas native co-wrote each of the 11 tracks on the versatile release, all of which showcase her honest songwriting and unique storytelling. Whether she’s singing of a man who keeps letting her down on “Rich” or transports the listener to worship on her breakout single “My Church,” her vocal ability is undeniable. It is on “I Wish I Was,” though, that best demonstrates Morris’ staying power. A song that has Morris telling a guy they’re not meant to be, it’s a breakup that is strongly felt. Morris’ songwriting skills coupled with her powerful vocals and eclectic music style result in Hero being one of the most unique and enjoyable releases of 2016.