Ten country albums you should own

20 January 2012

by The McClymonts

Iris DeMent
Infamous Angel

This is my all time favourite country album. I first heard Our Town on the final series of Northern Exposure then heard John Laws playing it. She’s amazing. The CD stays in Grafton at dad’s house; I’m scared I’ll lose it, and it’s become a tradition that when I go back there I always play it, without fail.



Dolly Parton, Emmy Lou Harris and Linda Ronstadt
Trio

When we were growing up, three- part harmony songs were hard to come by, especially female singers in country. But then the three queens of country music collaborated and produced this amazing record.



Deanna Carter
Did I Shave My Legs For This?

When I heard Deanna sing I was instantly a fan, her husky voice and great songs made me love this girl from the get go. I didn’t know at the time but she’s June Carter’s grand- daughter. The song Strawberry Wine is still a favourite of mine.



Dixie Chicks
Wide Open Spaces

It was so hard to pick my favourite Dixie Chicks album ‘cos they are all so good, but their debut album was a force to be reckoned with. What a group; they still are, in my opinion, the best modern-day trio. Great songs and energy.



Alison Krauss and Union Station
Now That I Found You

She’s an all rounder: singer/songwriter/musician/ producer - you name it, she can do it, and well. This is another timeless album; it was one of her earlier albums but a great collection of awesome songs. Her voice is like an angel.



Dolly Parton’s catalogue

I tried to find my favourite album of Dolly’s on Google but found so many, so I came to the conclusion that she is my all time favourite artist. No-one beats her, she is the number one queen of country music. As a young girl she was the only one who could make me go to bed and sleep.



Madison Violet
No Fool For Trying

These two girls are from Canada and I was introduced to them not that long ago. I became an instant fan when I heard them, the sound of the record and the songs (which are all written by them) just amaze me. I play this record just before bed, or when I want to chill out and let my mind wander.



Don Williams
You’re My Best Friend

Don’s music was played to us by our dad. He’s played Don throughout our childhood and his music is etched into us – his soulful, deep, rich voice can bring you to tears he’s so good – and Don always brings back the best memories when we were younger, of being with our family.



Shooter Jennings
Electric Rodeo

He’s the son of Waylon Jennings but by no means is he anything like his dad. A friend gave me this record a while ago and it’s always played in our house, at least three times a week. He’s a modern day alt-country badarse outlaw with songs straight from his experiences. He’s awesome! My favourite song of his is Aviators - he’s got a wicked sense of humour.



Shania Twain
Come On Over

I don’t know anyone from high school days who didn’t have this record. Another great album full of hit songs; she truly paved the way for modern country music. I love her!