The Top 20 Country and Americana albums of 2020

In a year of uncertainty, one thing has been made clearer than ever. Music is a healer. 2020 has been filled with relentless new releases, from incredible debuts, to established masterpieces. Here is a lowdown of our best records of the year.

*Countdown is opinion based, not sales related. Full albums only, no EPs or deluxe albums included.*

20. Hailey Whitters - The Dream

Five years since her debut album, Black Sheep, and an abundance of songwriting credits later, Hailey Whitters second record sent shockwaves through the Country scene. Impressing with tracks such as "Janice at the Hotel Bar" and "Ten Year Town", Whitters solidified herself as one of the best new Artist/Songwriters in Nashville today.

19. Gabby Barrett - Goldmine

Since winning American Idol in 2019, Gabby Barrett has broken out into Country super stardom. With leading single "I Hope" topping the charts and breaking records, Goldmine had a lot to live up to, which it sure did. Barrett's debut release enabled her to join the list of successful powerhouse Idol winners, following in the footsteps of her self-proclaimed hero, Carrie Underwood.

18. Kree Harrison - Chosen Family Tree

And so another American Idol alum joins the list. 4 years since her last record, This Old Thing, Harrison stunned with a modern yet classic 12 track album, Chosen Family Tree. Her formidable voice combined with traditional Country production created a timely and wholesome record that will transfix you entirely.

17. The Chicks - Gaslighter

One of the most highly anticipated albums of the year, Gaslighter was the official comeback record of legendary girl group, The Chicks. Determining the ambiance of the record right away with the title track; Natalie, Martie and Emily came back stronger and better than ever. Co-produced by the girls alongside Jack Antonoff, it showcases some of their best work in years. Standouts include "My Best Friend's Wedding", "Set Me Free" and "March March."

16. Ashley Ray - Pauline

Hailing the title from her name-sake, Pauline, Ashley Ray dives into her family history, and 14+ years in Nashville, creating an emotional and poignant record for all to hear. With a voice you could recognize instantly, this album shines beyond compare.

15. Dustin Lynch - Tullahoma

Undoubtedly his best record yet, Dustin Lynch proves yet again that he is one of the most established new artists of current years. With standout tracks including "Good Girl", "The World Ain't Yours and Mine" and "Thinking 'Bout You" (Feat. Lauren Alaina) - it seems to produce hit after hit, and will be a sure fire crowd pleaser on tour.

14. Maddie and Tae - The Way It Feels

It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years since Maddie & Tae's debut album, Start Here, that produced now-legendary hit "Girl in a Country Song". Fast forward to 2020, both girls now married and settled down, The Way It Feels showed us a new side to the duo, with a more mature and defined sound, the record stuns and will hit you hard with tracks such as "Die from a Broken Heart" and "Water In His Wine Glass."

13. HARDY - A ROCK

One of the most successful songwriter/producers of recent years, HARDY has been a huge and undeniable presence in Nashville and Country music. This year saw the release of his first major label record, A ROCK. Co-writing all 12 tracks, and producing it to perfection, he determines the record itself as one of the most exciting and forward-thinking Country albums in years.

12. Lindsay Ell - heart theory

A complete emotional rollercoaster, Lindsay Ell's sophomore album, heart theory, takes you to places you've never been before. Each track introduces us to a new side of Ell, and her impeccable musicianship; exceptional songs that are a must-listen include "i don't lovE you", "wAnt me back" and "body language of a break up."

11. Margo Price - That's How Rumors Get Started

Diving more and more into a classic Americana sound, That's How Rumors Get Started brings out the best side and sound of Margo Price. The album, produced by the legendary Sturgill Simpson, was written fully by Price, alongside her husband, Jeremy Ivey on some tracks. A pave-the-way record, that showcases a Country/Rock/Americana blend effortlessly, this will be one that is still on repeat decades later.

10. Carly Pearce - Carly Pearce

In a year that has been openly tough for Carly Pearce, the beginning of it brought an honest and fitting album that featured Number 1 and CMA winning hit "I Hope You're Happy Now." After the success of her debut record, Every Little Thing, Pearce's self-titled second record surprised everyone with it's matured, sensitive and mastered approach. After already releasing another two non album singles since, it seems CP is unstoppable right now.

9. Ruston Kelly - Shape & Destroy

Capturing an exquisite personal transformation within a record, Ruston Kelly's Shape & Destroy entices you into a new world and beyond. It showcases an extraordinary level of talent and musicianship, and produces vivid imagery with every listen. Play it top to bottom and I guarantee you'll be hooked.

8. Brothers Osborne - Skeletons

It's hard to believe that this is only Brothers Osborne's third studio album. The well established duo honored us this year with Rock-amplified, Skeletons, some of their best work yet. Whilst keeping it Country with hits like "I'm Not For Everyone", the title track and more encompass us into their classic Rock side, and excites fans for what's to be an incredible album tour!

7. Cam - The Otherside

After excelling with her first album, Untamed, Cam's long-awaited second record is a stunning collection of classic Country/Pop hits. Collaborating with Pop icons such as Harry Styles as Sam Smith, as well as Country legends like Natalie Hemby and Hillary Lindsey, it was guaranteed to be a hit. One of the most successful crossover artists of recent years, I still believe there's a lot more to see from Cam, and this is just the beginning.

6. Lori McKenna - The Balladeer

Undoubtedly the GOAT of Country music songwriting, Lori McKenna has just as much to show for herself as an artist. Her album, The Balladeer is an escapism of hopes, prayers and dreams, collated together by comforting, strong and motherly vocals. Debuting collaborations with her fellow 'Love Junkies' Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey, as well as the ladies of Little Big Town, Karen Fairchild and Kimberley Schlapman, the album has numerous standouts, including "Good Fight" and "Two Birds."

5. ballerini - Kelsea Ballerini

After debuting her most Pop focused album yet, kelsea, at the beginning of the year, Kelsea Ballerini surprised us all in September, releasing a stripped down and reimagined version of the record, titling it ballerini. Whilst both albums could be at this point on the list, ballerini, produced alongside Jimmy Robbins, showcases the raw talent and Country-side of KB, making us love her even more.

4. Sam Hunt - Southside

Arguably the most anticipated album of the year, Sam Hunt's Southside reached number 1 and again boasted the talent and attractiveness of Hunt's unique take on Country music. Featuring multi-platinum hit "Body Like a Back Road" and well executed tracks such as "2016" and "Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s" - Hunt yet again proves that whilst his style is distinctive and not to everyone's taste, his ability is undeniable and he makes a damn good record.

3. Ingrid Andress - Lady Like

After having one of the most successful breakthroughs of recent years with her debut single, "More Hearts than Mine", Ingrid Andress set herself up to be one heck of a new artist. Her debut album, Lady Like has already received critical acclaim, alongside a Grammy nomination for 'Best Country Album.' One of the most diverse new artists in the industry, with impeccable taste, style and an enchanting voice, Andress and Lady Like are two of the best things to come from 2020, and I cannot wait for what's to come.

2. Chris Stapleton - Starting Over

Chris Stapleton has modestly and unwittingly become a Country music legend in his own right. His first 3 albums soared the charts, swept the awards, and gained him fans all around the world. Starting Over is no exception. A stunning collation of simple, heartfelt and classic songs, this poetic record is one that will make you laugh, cry and hug the ones you love

1. Little Big Town - Nightfall

"Boondocks", "Pontoon", "Girl Crush", "Better Man" - could it get any better? The answer is yes, yes it can. Grammy-nominated Nightfall is not only Little Big Town's best record to date, but one of the best of the decade. The self-produced album is a pure and total accomplishment of Country magic. Heartbreakers like "Trouble with Forever" and anthems such as "Wine, Beer, Whiskey" make it one for the ages. We will still be listening to this in years to come.

All albums available to buy and stream now. Photo credit to Instagram.

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