After Sugarland, Who Else Belongs on Year-End List?
While most people spend this time of year deciding which dishes to make for Thanksgiving dinner, I usually spend the weeks leading up to the holiday thinking about which albums to name as my albums of the year.
Last year, I spent hours listening and thinking and totally over-analyzing. And I came up with my top five for the Chicago Tribune: Miranda Lambert's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Luke Bryan's I'll Stay Me, Martina McBride's Waking Up Laughing, Little Big Town's A Place to Land and Tim McGraw's Let It Go. Those seemed to sum up 2007 for me, with a range of music from feisty tempos to heartfelt weepers.
I know that 2008 was pretty much my "I-heart-Sugarland" year. I can honestly say that their Love on the Inside CD spent more time in my minivan's car stereo than any other. But after that, I am having trouble narrowing it down. I think because the music this year was all just too good. Also causing me much too much deliberation is that what seems like the best in the beginning of the year can easily be forgotten by the time the fourth quarter comes out. Like will Ashton Shepherd's March debut with Sounds So Good overshadow Taylor Swift's sophomore effort, Fearless, which will be released Tuesday (Nov. 11)? And what about all the guys in the middle of the year, like stalwarts Phil Vassar and George Strait? I love love, love their albums, but will they get pushed out to make way for new major label work from James Otto and Jamey Johnson and crossover artists Jessica Simpson and Jewel?
So I'm asking readers to help me make some decisions. Give me your opinion on what mainstream music stood out for you. And why. (And I do not consider "because he's hot" a valid barometer for measuring the artistic merits of an album.) Together, I think we can get to the bottom of the best of the best.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Holly says:
I love James Otto so much! (smiles)
May that CMA Best New Artist of the Year award go right to him on Wednesday night!!! (smiles)
God bless you and him always!!!
Holly in East Tennessee
Jan says:
I would martina mcbride would be my favorite. I seen her in concert in birmingham, al and she was remarkable. Her voice was perfect.
MR says:
I love “Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love” by Trisha Yearwood. Ashton Shephard - break out star.
Jan says:
Sorry I meant to say martina mcbride would be my favorite. There is no way some of the new female artist is in the same class as Miss Mcbride.
yessir says:
Play- Brad Paisley
Rick says:
I’ll list the only albums I’ve purchased this year that actually had singles on the mainstream country charts:
1.) Joey + Rory “the Life of a Song” - A traditional folk country gem of the highest caliber. There is no questioning whether this is country music or not. Kudos to CMT for sponsoring “Can You Duet” and ultimately giving rise to this album’s creation.
2.) Ashton Shepherd’s “Sounds So Good” - What an amazing voice and songwriter with her own unique sound. I don’t personally care for the vocal theatrics of Jennifer Nettles and find Ashton’s pure country sensibilities far more to my liking. I just hope Ashton never sells out to pop country marketplace pressures.
3.) Jamey Johnson “That Lonesome Song” - A true descendant of the country music “outlaw movement” who made a darn near perfect album doing it his way. Jamey’s about as close to being a modern day David Allen Coe as you’ll find these days, and in my mind that’s high praise indeed.
4.) Crystal Shawanda “Dawn of a New Day” - After seeing Crystal do an acoustic set in Long Beach, CA in October I’m now aware of what this gal is truly capable of. This album hints at Crystal’s full potential if she’d write more songs from deep inside and the label would record them. A creative force to be reckoned with.
5.) Lee Ann Womack “Call Me Crazy” - Probably the finest traditional country female vocalist still active on the charts. “Call Me Crazy” successfully mixes the traditional idiom with modern country elements in a way that works, a rare feat indeed. Another fine album to be savored by long time fans of country music.
Chris D. says:
I agree with Sugarland’s, but here are my other 4:
“Call Me Crazy” by LAW- Not quite as good as her last album, but good in different ways. I especially love “Either Way” and “The Bees”.
“Coal” by Kathy Mattea- This album is traditional, heartbreaking, and gorgeous, all the coal miners should be proud of Kathy for making this masterpiece.
“The Life Of A Song” by Joey + Rory- a very unique album with great material and a traditional sound with a fresh voice. How can one say no?
“Sounds So Good” by Ashton Shepherd- my least favorite of these 5, but this album is very entertaining, and shows a bright spark of a new artists that needs to be a star.
If I could, I would also vote “A Place To Land” by LBT, it was great last year, and the three new tracks made it even better, and hopefully they will be around for a long time.
Chris D. says:
Whoops! I didn’t notice the “mainstream” part, so I guess Coal doesn’t really count, but it’s still a stellar album. Also don’t think I’m down on Call Me Crazy, it’s just amazing in a different way, it’s more contemporary, but still traditional. It’s contemporary country done perfectly while TMWTCF was straight up traditional.
MiaT says:
OK Miss Alison this is a hard task. It was a great music year. I always forget about the albums that came out earlier in the year. I have to say that lately I am lovin’ Brad Paisleys “Play”. I just can feel how much he just “loves” that guitar. But I know it just came out & its going to be tagged as a holiday album but..Faith Hill’s “Joy to the World” is my favorite. Her voice is just amazing. I love how she kept all the songs traditional. Faith Hill would be first on my list!
jasmine gines says:
i like faith hill too [mia-t] she does have an amazing voice and she’s pretty
Michael says:
CARNIVAL RIDE- CARRIE UNDERWOOD. How can you seriously put jessica simpson on your list, and blow off Carrie??
Carnival ride has 4 number 1 hits, and is nominated for Album of the year.
To not include her album is a joke.
Miranda’s album came out in 2007, didn’t it?
Melissa says:
TAYLOR SWIFT ALL THE WAY :)
Zelma says:
I love Ashton Shepherd’s album and Jamey Johnson, talk about real country music. Also, Lee Ann Womack’s new one seems great, haven’t given it a good listen yet, but those would be in my top 5. and have you heard emmylou harris’ new cd, I think its one of her best.
And Little Big Town’s A Place To Land was released again this year, so it can totally be in your top 5 again, plus I think its way better now with that song good lord willin and the creek don’t rise. its awesome, that should be their next single.
mine are
1. little big town-a place to land
2. emmylou harris-all I intended to be
3. jamey johnson-that lonesome song
4. ashton shepherd-sounds so good
5.lee ann womack-call me crazy
Andrea says:
I absolutely agree on Sugarland. This is my album of the year 2008. No doubt.
And in my top 5 are:
2. Darius Rucker - Learn to live
It was a big surprise for me - and a great record!
3. Cadillac Sky - Gravity’s our enemy
(Maybe it’s not mainstream. But I need to name it anyway.)
4 or 5. (in no particular order)
Keith Anderson - C’MON
Phil Stacey - Phil Stacey
Greetings from Germany! :-)
Chris Bryan says:
I think there is two different country music now
1. This is the pop goes country style this is what radio is playing every hour Sugarland, Jessica Simpson, and Taylor Swift would be in these will be your award winners
2. Then there is what i simply call country music these are your real winners this year should be Ashton Shepherd, Jamey Johnson, and King George.
vp says:
I really don’t know how you could leave Carrie Underwood off that list, and even have the mear mention of Jessica (flop) Simpson. Also how can you mention the fourth quarter TS comes out today and from what I hear the reviews are 50/50, kudos for the writing, but people are tired of the same old story she tells over and over. Ashton Shepard great pick. Brad Paisley for sure. Darius Rucker best crossover. Alan Jackson STSM, GT. Still mind boggled about the Carrie thing.
Tom says:
I personally think that Jamey Johnson’s “that lonesome song” is the best album of the year when I got it this august I have listened to it more than any other CD i have gotten in a long time. As I listened to it I thought “man, this sounds like something Waylon or Merle would sing.”
Deanna Elkins says:
I Tim how are you i live in Georgia and im a very big fan of yours and my son loves your son fly away he is 6 years old and he can sign that whole song with out words and i hope you get back 2 me
lorendasue says:
I’ve bought CD’s from these country artists this year:
James Otto - He has THE best male voice in the pack.
Alan Jackson - Solid “everyman” (and woman!) songs he wrote solo
I’ve asked for Randy Owen’s CD for Christmas - don’t have the money to buy it for myself right now. That man still has the “it” that makes music wonderful. I saw him live in April and he seems to still have a real love of performing.
I like Taylor Swift, but not enough to spend the money for a CD. I don’t mind the “cross-over” artists, as I think what Jewel and Darius Rucker have done brings something good to the format.
rodgerf says:
Gotta go with Sugarland, cause Jen’s voice makes Angels cry!
Chris N. says:
Looks like Jamey Johnson is going to be tops for me.
BTW, I’m guessing she left off Carrie Underwood because the album came out in 2007, not 2008.
vp says:
The timing (Oct) of Carrie’s Carnival Ride makes it eligable for 2008.
countrymusiclover says:
I’m a huge Carrie Underwood fan! But you guys act like she is the greatest thing that has walked this earth, like she is a God or something it’s pretty sickening actually, there are other artists out there beside Ms Underwood. Kellie, Taylor, and I personally I like Jessica Simpson. I am so sick of everyone on the boards making comparisons to other artists!! So in that aspect, Carrie’s album us eligible because it was released in 2007 not 2008! I’m sure she will be releasing another album this year, and I cannot wait for her new music, but I do listen to other artists out there and just not Carrie’s music.
C-Natural says:
Carrie’s Carnival Ride
Just guessing, but I think Taylor’s Fearless is going to be a favorite (picking it up today!)
Definitely the Sugarland album– maybe one of the best country albums I own, period.
Phil Vassar’s Prayer of a Common man wasn’t his best, but still a great album.
countrymusiclover says:
I’m sorry I meant next year 2009..
DIAMOND says:
my list is sugarland #1 taylor swift #2 faith hill #3 and after that what ever!!
Cricket on Froggy 104 says:
Jamey Johnson is definitely at the top of the list. Ashton Shepherd and Lady Antebellum are on there, and how about Josh Turner’s Everything is Fine? Didn’t that come out this year? And Darius Rucker definitely deserves some kudos for best crossover.
Blake says:
Jamey Johnson, without much competition. A few veteran ladies (Patty Loveless, Kathy Mattea and Lee Ann Womack) will probably figure in my top ten as well. Does the Little Big Town re-release count?
Holly says:
I agree with quite a few people here. How can you include Jessica Simpson in the running but not Carrie? Carrie’s voice is hands down a million times better, and she’s actually a good person (unlike Jessica). I think Carnival Ride can count for this year because Carrie DID re-release it a few weeks ago with some Christmas songs on it. It’s just a great album that should be put into consideration for a positive list of any kind.
I think Brad Paisley’s Play should be included in the consideration. He did something that not many people do: release a primarily instrumental album. He really enjoys playing, so I think that was a neat thing of him to do, release an album like that. He should definitely be considered in your list.
Jeff says:
…..”Gotta go with Sugarland, cause Jen’s voice makes Angels cry!”
It makes em cry alright, but not in a good way!
luvncountry says:
That wasn’t nice Jeff. I LOVE Jennifer’s voice- very unique from the rest of great, albeit the same-sounding voices. I love Carrie, Kellie, and too many others to list, although I can live just fine without Jessica & Jewel.
Sarah says:
I agree… 2008 is the year for Sugarland. I’ve listened to their album almost everyday since its release and I can still not get enough of it. Other favorites this year include..Kellie Pickler’s sophomore self titled cd. I just love the songs and its much better than her debut album. Ashton Shepherd’s Sounds So Good is a beautiful compilation of some blugrassy true country music. She has such a raw voice. I love it. Lady Antebellum’s debut cd is awesome. The first time I listened to it I was like…woah! This is good. I love how they have both beautiful melodies and some up tempos as well. I’m not really sure who to give the fifth slot to, for me that is. It can easily got to Brad, Kenny, or Taylor. I’m sure their albums are wonderful. I have yet to listen to their new albums in their entirety. However, I was just thinking that Little Big Town re-released A Place To Land and I now love it even more with the four bonus cuts added including the Life In A Northern Town with Sugarland and Jake Owen. I’ve been listening to it a lot lately and I can’t get enough of their sound. I think they are a band that has been overlooked for some time now. I believe those five albums are my pick for 2008!!
Sarah says:
to everyone upset about Carrie being left off the list……
…her album came out in 2007. I believe that is why it was left off because this article is about albums released in 2008!
Kim says:
Why are people so defensive of Carrie Underwood? There’s no reason for it, and its irritating when her fans make it sounds like if she isn’t included, she being put down somehow. Sarah, you’re right, her album was released last year, so it shouldn’t be an issue in this discussion…so why is it?
My picks:
Ashton Shepard “sounds so good”
Crystal Shawanda “dawn of a new day”
Lady A’s debut
Sugarland “love on the inside”
Lee ann womack “call me crazy”
It was a great year for some other country ladies besides the usual blond brigade! hope they get the credit they deserve!
Congrats to hilary lindsey of Lady A on the songwriters award! (article on the news page) that’s really great for her. Great voice, really beautiful, good songwriter, good group all around. Hope they are here to stay for a long time.
Kim says:
Sorry that was supposed to say Hillary Scott, of Lady A. got my songwriters confused. The Lady of Lady A, Hillary Scott!
Nikki says:
Okay, Taylor swift’s new album Fearless is about 30 times better than all of these people. I vote Taylor Swift over all the others.
Sidney says:
Kellie Pickler, Kellie Pickler deluxe edition. Just listen to the songs she co-wrote, they are the stand-outs and true stories. If you’re going to include Taylor’s album you should include Kellie’s since they are best friends and co-wrote a song on Kellie’s album. Hey at least I didn’t say because she’s hot. LOL
Eddie says:
Alison, I bought “Sounds So Good” back in July, and here’s part of what I had to say about it on my blog:
The production on the CD is clean and has much more of a traditional country sound that most current Nashville “product”. And, where the typical new female vocalist in country is a willowy blond with a quavery high pitched voice who has had moderate success in some other area of show business and has “always wanted to sing country”, Shepherd really has been singing country music as long as she can remember. Writing it too.
She has a very twangy voice, singing in a lower register, with an assurance and emotional maturity that belongs to a much older soul. I think mid-1990s Patty Loveless is a very apt comparison.
For both my money and my listening pleasure, Ashton Sheperd is the best country has to offer in 2008.
On the other hand, I have to buck the trend on Sugarland. I loved their first CD, was less interested in the second, and could not care less about their third. No matter the circumstances of her departure, Sugarland’s songwriting lost an emotional vibrancy when Kristen Hall left the band. Their performances are still as good as ever, but the something extra that first caught my attention is simply not there.
Kim says:
That’s a good review. It my #1 this year. That first paragraph just about says all anyone needs to know. Thanks for sharing Eddie!
Alison says:
Thanks for all your ideas, suggestions and criticisms. I really love hearing what other fans were into this year. And, um, last year. There are only seven weeks left until 2008 is over, so I better get started on this list!
Kevin says:
The Statler Brothers, Ronnie Milsap and Bucky Covington are all pretty good and so is Sugarland. I think maybe you should take a look at your own taste in music
King says:
The Statler Brothers are good? Bucky Covington? Wow, man. How about Fats Domino? Louis Armstrong? Wynn Stewart? Bob Dylan? Ray Price? Carl Smith? The Ink Spots? The Faces? All great artists.. Sugarland.. Bucky Covington.. they aren’t pretty good and my taste in music is better than yours. Next question please.
Liz says:
I agree with your Sugarland pick…hands down my favorite album this year, probably next year too. Dolly Parton’s “Backwoods Barbie” got almost zero airplay, but it’s absolutely great. So is Jewel’s “Perfectly Clear”-she’s an excellent singer/songwriter and this CD is acoustic and beautiful- not way overproduced like a lot of other country albums. And Emmylou Harris with “All I Intended To Be”-she’s classic country-bluegrass.
Deepti says:
year too. Dolly Parton’s “Backwoods Barbie” got almost zero airplay, but it’s absolutely great. So is Jewel’s “Perfectly Clear”-she’s an excellent singer/songwriter and this CD is acoustic and beautiful- not way overproduced like a lot of other country albums. And Emmylou