It’s that time a year again when it seems like all of the major publications start posting their “Year in Reviews” and “Top 10 Best”. Some are even posting “decade in review” this year.
In the spirit of the season, I started scouring through the last 12 months of new albums to compile my picks for this year’s top 10 country music album releases.
Best Country Music Albums of 2009
1. Brad Paisley “American Saturday Night” 
Brad Paisley has had some success in the past, but “American Saturday Night” has really become a power player. From the album’s title track to “Welcome to the Future” and “Water”, Paisley not only created an album, he produced a set of future top 10 singles. This album still resides in my car’s cd player.
2. Luke Bryan “Doin’ My Thing”
Luke, if this album is just you doing your thing. THEN KEEP DOING IT!
3. Miranda Lambert “Revolution”
With her your true-to-country-music tunes, Lambert has really taken the reigns of female country music over the last year or so. We’re looking forward to the day when Lambert will really be recognized for this.
4. Rodney Atkins “It’s America”
“It’s America” was a clear-cut hit over the summer and will most likely make its way into “summer classic” status. We hope to see Atkins pick up some nominations for this one.
5. Phil Vassar “Traveling Circus”
Phil Vassar squeaked out this soon-to-be hit just in the nick of time for this list. Released on Tuesday, “Traveling Circus” will most likely be the last new country music album release of 2009. As they say, “save the best for last”.
6. Dierks Bentley “Feel That Fire”
We’ve seen Mr. Bentley persona progress over the years but the themes of his songs seem to be pretty consistent. A consistency, we seem to like.
7. Jason Aldean “Wide Open”
Jason Aldean’s debut album was great, “Relentless” was awesome and now “Wide Open” is super-awesome! Sorry, no pressure on your next album Jason!
8. George Strait “TWANG”
What can I say, long live the King. While I’m not sure if the whole reason I liked this album was for George Strait or because I feel it supports what some consider true country music. And sometimes “I need a little TWANG!”
9. John Rich “Son of a Preacher Man”
John Rich, stickin’ up for the little man! Rich’s biggest hit from his solo album is “Shuttin’ Detroit Down”. Believe it or not, there are several other good songs on this album too. Give it a listen.
10. Pat Green “What I’m For”
Whether it’s a live concert or in album form, Pat Green always puts on a good show. “What I’m For” produced some of Green’s most recent success like “Let Me” and “Footsteps of our Fathers”.
Best New Country Music Artist Album Release
• David Nail – “I’m About to Come Alive”
I remember being stuck in traffic this summer on Lake Shore Drive and along side of me was a Ford F-150 pickup truck being handled by a young woman. As I turned down my radio, I noticed she was blasting David Nail’s “Red Light” over her CD player. I started to think that it was kind of funny because it’s not too often you find a pickup truck on Lake Shore Drive but what would be the chance it would be playing David Nail’s music as at the time he was relatively unknown. I started to ponder some more, as I had time being stuck in Chicago traffic, that Nail’s music is kind of like that pickup truck. It’s roots are country but I can sense a slight urban feel to it.
Best Local Country Music Artist Album Release of the Year
• Katie Quick – “Be The Change”
Katie has some real potential. (Label execs pay attention!) Her passion and talent will hopefully prove her well in the years to come. Hopefully, I’ll be adding her to the overall category in the future.
Best Special Album Release
• Sugarland – “Live on the Inside”
What more can I ask for, I love Sugarland and I’m a sucker for live albums. Way to go Jennifer and Kristian.
About Scott Winterroth, Editor
