Top Albums of 2017 (So Far!): Part 3

2017 seems to be flying by, and has been a year of great music from some new and old country faces (check out what albums I thought were worthy of the title of one of the best albums of the year here and here!) The last few months have brought even more fantastic albums – read on to find out which were my favourites! A special mention goes out to Midland’s debut album On The Rocks which definitely deserves a listen – their EP already made this years list!

Thomas Rhett – Life Changes

Why it made the list: For me, country music is all about telling stories through music, and most often this is best done autobiographically. This year, I think you’d struggle to find a more autobiographical album than Thomas Rhett’s Life Changes – look no further than the titular track to get a whistlestop tour of Rhett’s life from getting engaged at 22 to being surprised at the thought of having not one, but two, babies within the space of a few months. The whole album, in fact, is a whistlestop tour of Rhett’s versatility. In terms of content, they range from sweet love songs like the 1950s style Sweetheart to dealing with the knowledge that the one you love doesn’t love you in Marry Me. Whilst most of the songs have a poppy vibe to them, they’re far from the same – take the dubstep inspired Leave Right Now – this is an album that will keep you coming back for more.

Top Tracks: Marry Me, Unforgettable, When You Look Like That

Luke Combs – This One’s For You

Why it made the list: For something a bit more traditional, check out Luke Combs debut album. In an era driven by bro country (a type of music I have no problem with!), Combs brings something different back, as evident in his gruff tone and less pop-infused songs. Sure, there are some key elements of every country album that you can find on This One’s For You – the designated ‘put your lighters up’ track in the form of the title track, a good ole bit of satire in songs like When It Rains It Pours, and stadium anthem track Out There. There’s a lot of songs I like on here, and I enjoy when it comes onto my music shuffle as a nice break from country pop after country pop song. Luke Combs is not quite like Chris Young, Chris Stapleton or Jason Aldean, but if you’re looking for something in between all three, he’s your guy.

Top Tracks: Lonely One, Hurricane, One Number Away

Old Dominion – Happy Endings

Why it made the list: I think fans are always a bit apprehensive about their favourite bands sophomore albums, and I felt the same about Old Dominion particularly given how much I had enjoyed their last album Meat and Candy. Does Happy Endings live up to its predecessor? Well, no, but that’s because Meat and Candy was, in my opinion, so good it really couldn’t be topped. But don’t despair – this is still a great album and that’s why it deserves a place on this list. You’re bound to find a song you love – whether that’s the cutesy Shoe Shopping or the sultry Hotel Key or the fun Be With Me (You can be anything / Why don’t you be with me?). There’s a little something for everyone and every mood, so I like it a lot. Plus, it’s a very cool album cover, and that always wins extra points with me.

Top Tracks: Not Everything’s About You, So You Go, Still Writing Songs About You

Dustin Lynch – Current Mood

Why it made the list: Lynch’s latest album is same-same but different, in that it retains his rocky style that defined his previous albums and yet adds some new elements as if testing the waters to see if they work. Take Small Town Boy which wouldn’t sound out of place if sung by the likes of Sam Hunt or stripping it back to basics with Love Me or Leave Me Alone (featuring the fantastic Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town). This is a Saturday night type of album to get you hyped up for going out or staying in.

Top Tracks: Seein’ Red, Small Town Boy, State Lines

Do you agree with my list or are there some albums you think are missing from this years Top Albums of 2017 (So Far)? Let me know by commenting below, and make sure to follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry to stay up to date with future additions to my Top Albums series, as well as reviews and interviews from your favourite artists!