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Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, and Blake Shelton own the 5 Best Country Albums of 2017.

After assembling and releasing the list of the 50 Best Albums of 2017, it’s time to roll out the genre-based, year-in-review lists.  In regards to the album-genre year-in-review lists, many of the selected albums also made the 50 Best Albums of 2017.  In some cases, however, the genre-based lists in general add entries that didn’t quite make the cut in the overall, comprehensive lists. In regards to the 5 Best Country Albums of 2017, Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, and Blake Shelton own the best of the best.

 

 

 

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1. Chris Stapleton, From a Room: Volume 1

Mercury

Chris Stapleton wasn’t generous in regards to the duration of his sophomore album, From a Room: Volume 1 (luckily, Volume 2 arrived in early December). Despite its brevity, Stapleton delivers another superb country effort that stands out because of its authenticity.  While all nine songs are fantastic, arguably the unapologetic “Them Stems” is the crème de la crème.

Gem of Gems: “Them Stems”

 

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2. Chris Stapleton, From a Room: Volume 2

Mercury

From a Room: Vol. 2, like the aforementioned From a Room: Vol. 1, is also comprised of just nine songs. Also like Vol. 1, Vol. 2 showcases tremendous musicianship and incredible consistency. Throughout From a Room: Volume 2, Stapleton embraces outlaw country, contrasting the dominant, modern, pop-oriented style. For this alone, he deserves kudos to the nth degree.

Gem of Gems: “Tryin’ To Untangle My Mind”

 

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3. Thomas Rhett, Life Changes

Big Machine 

Thomas Rhett assembles a pleasant, sound album with Life Changes.  Life Changes is clearly representative of the new generation of country music, which will please some and turn off others. Traditionalists who enjoy their “tractors being sexy” won’t be on board.  More liberal listeners – perhaps even non-country listeners – will enjoy the eclecticism.

Gem of Gems: “Life Changes”

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4. Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, The Rest of Our Life

Sony

The Rest of Our Life turns out to be a successful album for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.  There were big expectations and high anticipation for this project.  All in all, the veteran country musicians don’t disappoint. The Rest of Our Life doesn’t break new ground, but finds both artists contributing to an enjoyable, well-rounded country album. “The Rest of Our Life” is the song to beat.

Gem of Gems: “The Rest of Our Life”

 

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5. Blake Shelton, Texoma Shore

Warner Bros. 

The fifth best country album of 2017 was a toss-up. There were several contenders, including Brantley Gilbert, Chris Young, Walker Hayes, and Luke Bryan.  Ultimately, Blake Shelton wins with his enjoyable, well-rounded Texoma Shore. Shelton serves up great vocals, plenty of charm and personality, and respectable songs. Texoma Shore won’t change your life, but, it’s a solid addition to the country music collection without question.

Gem of Gems: “I’ll Name the Dogs”

Photo Credits: Mercury, Big Machine, Sony, Warner Bros. 

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