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Country & Americana · 1980s

The Best Country & Americana Albums of the 1980s

Our pick of the essential country & americana records released in the 1980s, ranked.

  1. 1
    Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.Dwight Yoakam

    Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.

    Dwight Yoakam · 1986 · Country & Americana

    A sharp Bakersfield-revival debut of honky-tonk fire. Tuneful and acclaimed. A genre highlight.

  2. 2
    Storms of LifeRandy Travis

    Storms of Life

    Randy Travis · 1986 · Country & Americana

    A neo-traditionalist debut that revived classic country. Warm and acclaimed. A landmark.

  3. 3
    Guitar TownSteve Earle

    Guitar Town

    Steve Earle · 1986 · Country & Americana

    A sharp, rootsy debut of new-traditionalist country. Tough and acclaimed. A genre highlight.

  4. 4
    Copperhead RoadSteve Earle

    Copperhead Road

    Steve Earle · 1988 · Country & Americana

    A rootsy, rock-edged peak, home to its title song. Tough and beloved. A high point.

  5. 5
    I Am What I AmGeorge Jones

    I Am What I Am

    George Jones · 1980 · Country & Americana

    A peak of classic country balladry, home to 'He Stopped Loving Her Today'. Devastating and beloved. A genre cornerstone.