The Best Country and Americana Albums of the 1960s
The Nashville sound, the Bakersfield sound, and the first stirrings of outlaw country. These 9 records show country at a creative crossroads.
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1Mama TriedMerle Haggard
Mama Tried
A landmark of Bakersfield country, plain-spoken and powerful. Direct and beloved. His signature record.
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2Wichita LinemanGlen Campbell
Wichita Lineman
A lush, melancholic countrypolitan landmark built on a perfect Jimmy Webb song. Beautiful and beloved. A genre classic.
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3I've Got a Tiger by the TailBuck Owens
I've Got a Tiger by the Tail
A peak of bright Bakersfield honky-tonk. Tuneful and beloved. A genre cornerstone.
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4Branded ManMerle Haggard
Branded Man
An early peak of plain-spoken Bakersfield country. Warm and beloved. A high point.
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5Okie from MuskogeeMerle Haggard
Okie from Muskogee
A live peak built around its famous, much-debated title song. Tuneful and iconic. A genre landmark.
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6Stand by Your ManTammy Wynette
Stand by Your Man
A peak of classic country balladry, home to its iconic title song. Powerful and beloved. A landmark.
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7Gentle on My MindGlen Campbell
Gentle on My Mind
The Jimmy Webb-driven breakthrough that showed Campbell at his most lyrical — country warmth wrapped in immaculate Nashville production.
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8By the Time I Get to PhoenixGlen Campbell
By the Time I Get to Phoenix
Three Webb songs in one album cycle; this one cemented the standard and confirmed Campbell as country's most gifted interpreter.
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9GalvestonGlen Campbell