The Best Country & Americana Albums of the 2010s
Our pick of the essential country & americana records released in the 2010s, ranked.
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1Metamodern Sounds in Country MusicSturgill Simpson
Metamodern Sounds in Country Music
A trippy, traditional-yet-psychedelic record that reframed what modern country could be. Bold and soulful. A genre highlight.
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2TravellerChris Stapleton
Traveller
A soulful, gravel-voiced album that revived outlaw spirit for the mainstream. Warm and assured. A modern country breakthrough.
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3Midwest Farmer's DaughterMargo Price
Midwest Farmer's Daughter
A sharp, traditional-leaning debut of hard-won storytelling. Honest and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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4PurgatoryTyler Childers
Purgatory
A vivid, traditional-leaning Appalachian country breakthrough. Raw and acclaimed. A modern highlight.
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5Same Trailer Different ParkKacey Musgraves
Same Trailer Different Park
A witty, sharp country debut. Tuneful and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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6A Sailor's Guide to EarthSturgill Simpson
A Sailor's Guide to Earth
A genre-bending, soul-and-strings country peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.
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7Colter WallColter Wall
Colter Wall
A weathered, deep-voiced traditional-country debut. Raw and acclaimed. A breakthrough.
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8Country SquireTyler Childers
Country Squire
A vivid, traditional-leaning peak of Appalachian storytelling. Warm and acclaimed. A standout.
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9Golden HourKacey Musgraves
Golden Hour
A dreamy, crossover country-pop record of warmth and craft, blending disco shimmer and steel guitar. Beloved and acclaimed. Her masterpiece.
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10This One's for YouLuke Combs
This One's for You
A blockbuster mainstream-country debut of huge hits. Tuneful and enormous. A breakthrough.