Bailey Bryan – So Far EP
Why it made the list:
Not heard of Bailey Bryan yet? Don’t worry, you will soon. She’s one for
the new generation of country fans as is clear from her social media inspired
music video for the poppy and relatable lead single Own It. Listen to it a couple of times and you’ll be singing along
too. Whilst only a 5 song EP, Bailey manages to fit in a variety of different
styles, from radio ready tracks like the early Taylor Swift sounding Used To (think Tim McGraw, Fifteen vibes) to
ballads such as Hard Drive Home and
the piano-driven Scars. Named as an
Artist of Tomorrow by Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, So Far is a strong introduction to an artist I’m sure we’ll be
hearing a lot more from over coming years.
Top Tracks: Used
To, Own It, Hard Drive Home
Raelynn – WildHorse
Why it made the list:
It’s rare that I find an album where I enjoy every song in equal measure,
but somehow Raelynn has managed just that with her debut album. WildHorse is a modern country album with
both songs that you can imagine rocking out to at her concert like The Apple and those you can imagine
belting out at karaoke night like Lonely
Call and Love Triangle. Raelynn
has an extremely strong voice (no surprises there, having been a contestant on The Voice in 2012) which coupled with
the beat-driven vibe prevalent throughout the album makes for a fierce
combination. However, that’s not all – each song tells a unique story, ranging
from youthful insecurity, dealing with a broken family, and knowing when you’re
in love, so if you’re into storytelling and meaningful lyrics, this is an album
for you. It’s really, really good.
Top Tracks: Love
Triangle, Diamonds, Say
Midland – Midland EP
Why it made the list:
Another EP, but this one’s very different from the above albums. The EP
starts with the retro Drinkin Problem that
wouldn’t seem out of place in a diner jukebox. In fact, the whole EP is filled
with classic sounds coupled with smart lyrics as made clear in Check Cashin’ Country, which assures us
that whilst they might have been made for mainstream media, they ‘sure aren’t
in it for the money’ but instead, their aim is to bring back an authentic sound
to country music, and they certainly achieve just that. Somehow they’ve taken
traditional country and put a very modern spin on it, but it’s difficult to
determine which side comes through more. They’ve certainly brought back a lot
of what we’ve been missing in the genre for the past few years. If Blake
Shelton and Kenny Chesney have room on your playlist, consider adding Midland
to that bunch. I’ll take another round please.
Top Tracks: Drinkin’
Problem, Electric Rodeo, Check Cashin’ Country
Charlie Worsham – Beginning of Things
Why it made the list:
If I didn’t know these songs were all on the same album, I’m not sure I’d
be able to tell what genre each of them was in, let alone that they’re all by
the same artist. We’ve certainly got some real downhome country with tracks
like Southern By the Grace of God, in
fact one of the most country songs I’ve heard in a long time as noted by lyrics
such as “country is as country does, and
look here cause you can’t out-country me”. And yet, the next song Call You Up is a completely different
big band style track, whilst Birthday
Suit could slide easily into a rock album. I won’t lie, not all tracks are
to my liking, and I might skip one or two of the more humorous songs when it
comes on my shuffle, but with an album with such variety, that’s to be
expected. However, I know that side of country has a very popular fanbase and
that a lot of Charlie’s fans love those tracks. I’m just glad he included
something for everyone.
Top Tracks: The
Beginning of Things, Call You Up, Cut Your Groove
Do you agree with my
list? What albums are you most looking forward to hearing in 2017? Let me know
by commenting below, and make sure to follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry to
stay up to date with future additions to my Top Albums series, as well as
reviews and interviews from your favourite artists!
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