In many ways, 2024 was a year of growth in the country music industry. With artists like Beyonce and Post Malone busting on to the scene, the sound of the genre faced a period of change and upheaval. Along side this shift to the mainstream, we have also seen a movement back towards a more traditional country sound with artists like Sierra Ferrell and Zach Top gaining popularity.
10. F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
Included on the list for its star-studded list of collaborations and chart topping tunes, Post Malone found huge success in this venture into country music. Although it held impressive rankings on the charts with 18 tracks breaking the Billboard Top 100, it lacks the lyrical complexity and sincerity to be placed higher in the ranking.
9. Cold Beer and Country Music – Zach Top
Drawing heavily from 90s honky tonk styles, Zach Top’s rise throughout 2024 is truly remarkable. With the lively single, “Sounds Like the Radio,” he provides a fresh take on the nostalgic twang missing in modern country. Gaining popularity on social media for his music and distinctive look (I mean look at that mustache), the album is a welcome disruption to the sounds of country radio.
8. Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
Known for both the humor and brutal honesty in her songs, Moroney did not disappoint with her newest project. Continuing her own brand of “sad-girl country” or “emo-cowgirl” music, tracks like “28th of June,” “No Caller ID,” and “Miss Universe” are depressing in the best way possible. A well seasoned writer herself, Moroney teamed up with major Nashville players Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter, Ashley Gourley, Jessie Jo Dillion and more to create a collection of catchy, meaningful tunes.
7. Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Although notably similar to her previous album “Bell Bottom Country,” Wilson’s newest project holds a plethora of electrifying vocal performances and quality writing. Tracks like “Hang Tight Honey” and “Ring Finger” provide a rocky edge while subject, instrumentation, and vocal stylings ground the album in its genre of radio-country. Whirlwind is a safe choice. It is a cohesive and strategic release expected of our reigning Entertainer of the Year.
6. Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
Don’t be mad at this one! Although the album received it’s fair share of push back from long-time country fans, there is no denying that Cowboy Carter in a highly influential release this year in country music. With an impressive list of collaborations and interesting takes on classic covers (“Blackbird” and “Jolene”) this native Texan has surely left her mark on country music. The inclusion of other black female country artists in a rendition of McCartney’s “Blackbird” was a powerful addition. While we do believe that every track on the album might not be considered country music, the same can be said for a few Wallen tracks. Whether you enjoyed the album or not, there is no denying that Beyoncé made waves with this one.
5. Where I’ve Been, Isn’t where I’m Going – Shaboozey
Spending 19 weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts, Shaboozey was able to tie the record for longest running #1 with the release of “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Though the popularity of this single is unmatched, the album holds multiple tracks covering the distance between Hip-hop and country. Though “Anabelle” and “Drink Don’t Need No Mix” lean more into the former, the rest of the album is a great blending of genres backed up by pretty decent songwriting. This album is so high on the list due to its popularity and genuine quality. The album somehow perfectly captured the essence of modern commercial country music while remaining fresh and innovative.
4. Fathers and Sons – Luke Combs
Cry about it. No really– this one’s an emotional one. Combs takes a look at fatherhood as both a a son and a father and we are all better for it. The writing is genuine and the love is real. Each song is well written and has a smart, yet powerful hook. The downfall of this album may be that the tracks sound too similar to the to the ballads on Comb’s previous albums while also lacking a proper uptempo jam. In spite of this, the album receives a high ranking do to it’s effective songwriting and rare level of emotional honestly not exhibited my many men in the genre. Whether your a father or a son or have a father or a son you can find something meaningful on the album.
3. About a Woman – Thomas Rhett
Labelled “boyfriend country” by some, Rhett’s music seems to have been upgraded to husband status. While a good bit of the album may be predictable, Rhett moves to the use of “Wallen-esque” trap beats for “After All the Bars are Closed” and “Gone Country.” The title track “Somethin’ Bout a Woman” is a quality collaboration with Teddy Swims that is both catchy and interesting. Our favorite track off the album, a rather unexpected inclusion, is “Boots,” reminiscent of Elvis and the 50s blues. We were also surprised to hear “Don’t Wanna Dance” which is based off Whitney Houston’s chart topper “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” Overall the album has all the comfort of “boyfriend country” with the added flare of modern production. Although it was a rather safe release, the album serves as a great contribution to the modern pop-country landscape.
2. Trail of Flowers – Sierra Ferrell
Long a powerful voice in Americana music, Ferrell’s newest album is just– wow. With a timeless voice and effortless story telling “Trail of Flowers” is perfectly made. There is simply nothing like it. Compared to her previous release of “Long Time Coming,” Ferrel adds a broader instrumentation and a courser, less traditional subject matter. The album starts with a stunner– the beautifully written “American Dreaming,” an intimate yet relatable look into her life on the road. She continues on to blend bluegrass, jazz, and folk creating tracks that are both unique and ear-catching. For fiddle-lovers “Fox Hunt” and “I Could Drive You Crazy” do not disappoint, and for a more Western feel “Rosemary” and “Chittlin’ Cookin’ Time In Cheatham County” are must-listens. If you disagree with this ranking, go ahead and listen to the album… magical, right?
1. Twisters: The Album
Though a rather unorthodox choice for the #1 Album of 2024, this soundtrack exceeded expectations on all fronts. It checks all the boxes. Whether you are a fan of modern country, Bluegrass, Americana, rock-country, or really just any type of good music, Twisters has something for you. The album has tracks by four artists already ranked on this list (Combs, Moroney, Wilson, Rhett), newer faces like Sam Barber and Wyatt Flores, and veterans such as Miranda Lambert and Shania Twain. The album’s first single “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” written and performed by Luke Combs, went #1 on the Country charts.
This collection of work is a great representation about the state of country music today and where the genre will be heading in to 2025. The inclusion of non-mainstream artists, and non-cookie-cutter songs are proof that listeners love great music and radio play no longer dictates what country music is.
Goodbye 2024! You gave us some great music.
We’ll see y’all in the New Year…