Top Albums of 2016 (So Far!): Part 1

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2016 has already shown itself to be a great year for country music, and we’re only halfway through! I’ve been astounded by the top quality albums that have been released this year from country Kings and Queens, as well as some new faces who I’m sure will become big names in no time. In no particular order, here’s my rundown of the top country albums of 2016 so far, why they made the list, and the tracks from each you simply have to listen to.

Jon Pardi – California Sunrise

Why it made the list: You might think Jon Pardi may well be just a one hit wonder after his catchy Head Over Boots, but you’d be wrong. Rather than the other tracks on California Sunrise paling in comparison to the aforementioned single, each one has the ability to hold its own, and I can see potential for a few more singles from the likes of my top tracks listed below. Pardi brings the country twang that a lot of hardcore country fans miss in this day and age of crossover country, complete with fiddles and steel guitars, and with references to Cowboy Hats and Dirt on My Boots, this album would stick out like sore thumb in any other genre, but fits in perfectly to country.

Top Tracks: Heartache on the Dancefloor, Night Shift, California Sunrise

David Nail – Fighter

Why it made the list: Unlike some genres where cookie-cutter same-sounding artists hog the charts, country has some immediately recognisable voices you know as soon as they hit the airwaves. One such voice is that of David Nail, who returns with a number of promising songs on Fighter – no surprise, really, when you consider that some of the tracks were written with help from the likes of Brothers Osborne, Chris Stapleton, and Lori McKenna. Not only do songs like Night’s On Fire automatically make you want to get up and dance, but some of the songs on Fighter perfectly highlight the storytelling aspect that makes country stand out from any other genre. Take Babies for instance, in which Nail sings about how his life was changed by the arrival of his twins born last December, or title track Fighter written about his wife – now that’s what I call country music.

Top Tracks: Fighter, Night’s On Fire, Champagne Promise

Frankie Ballard – El Rio

Why it made the list: Aside from holding a passing resemblance to Back to the Future’s Marty McFly, Frankie Ballard has more than enough reason to be a star given the quality of his latest album El Rio. Less country-pop and more country-rock, songs like Wasting Time and Sweet Time fit Frankie’s gritty vocals like a glove, and wouldn’t sound half as good had they been recorded by anyone else. I hold particular respect for this album after receiving a text from one of my non country-loving friends saying how much she loved It All Started With A Beer, my favourite track from the album., let alone one of my favourite tracks from the year. Frankie has come a long way from Sunshine & Whiskey – if that was his first foray into the country mainstream, El Rio may be the album that catapults him straight to the top tier.

Top Tracks: It All Started With A Beer, Little Bit of Both, Good As Gold

Maren Morris - Hero

Why it made the list: As much as I love country music, one thing it doesn’t always do well is welcome female singers into its fold, with the majority of big name country artists out there being male. However, recent years have seen an influx of spectacular female artists such as Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie & Tae and Cam – with Maren surely next to join this list. Hero is a truly admirable debut album which highlights Maren’s extensive vocal range in the best way possible. There are certainly some tracks which fit right into the radio-ready country pop box like 80s Mercedes and Rich, but juxtaposed with some beautiful ballads such as Once and you’ve got a really well rounded first album that I don’t think I can fault.

Top Tracks: How It’s Done, Sugar, I Could Use A Love Song

There's so many great albums of 2016 already, I had to split this post into two - stay tuned for Part 2 of my Top Albums of 2016 (So Far!) coming soon to Ciara’s Country!

Think I’ve missed any fantastic albums from 2016 so far? Tweet me your thoughts @CiarasCountry