It’s no secret that sounds and styles of country music have evolved greatly over time. But the music of today was built on the traditional country foundation from previous decades. Modern-day artists often cite ’90s country artists as influences, while artists of that generation point to the giants that came before them like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Below, we look at seven traditional country albums that are worth listening to.
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1. Red Headed Stranger — Willie Nelson
Decades before there was Garth Brooks‘ No Fences, Willie Nelson released an album that would help shape his own style of country music, Red Headed Stranger. The 1975 project features such classics as “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” the title track, and a cover of the gospel hymn “Just As I Am.” Nelson’s songwriting and organic production helped solidify him as a country outlaw, setting the tone for the rest of his trailblazing career.
2. Showcase — Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline‘s life was cut short in a tragic plane crash in March 1963, but she left behind a discography that captures her legacy. One of those albums is Showcase. Released as her sophomore album in 1961, Showcase proved Cline to be a crossover star with hits like “I Fall to Pieces,” “Walkin’ After Midnight” and the iconic “Crazy.” The album is a traditional country classic from top to bottom and Cline’s voice feels comforting while possessing the power to take you back in time.
3. Coat of Many Colors — Dolly Parton
In 1971, Dolly Parton dropped one of her best albums ever with Coat of Many Colors. The title track alone makes this album a vital part of traditional country music, with Parton herself citing it as her favorite song she’s written. “My Blue Tears” and “Here I Am” are other standouts on this must-listen traditional country album.
4. Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar! — Johnny Cash
In 1957, Johnny Cash changed the game of country music when he released his debut album, Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar! With his blend of rock, country and a little bit of blues, Cash established himself as a fearless songwriter with such staples as “I Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” This is one of Cash’s many albums not to be missed.
5. Storms of Life — Randy Travis
Though Randy Travis rose to fame in the 1980s, he kept the sounds of traditional country music alive and well throughout his discography. One of the albums that best suits this claim is Storms of Life. The 1986 album boasts some of Travis’ signature tunes like “1982,” “Diggin’ Up Bones” and a cover of Keith Whitley‘s “On the Other Hand.” The album shows off his distinct baritone voice that’s a natural fit for traditional country music.
6. No Fences — Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks’ No Fences is one of country music’s definitive albums. This blockbuster 1990 album turned Brooks from a country star into an international superstar. Though it may not have been considered traditional country at the time, the album leans more into that category now thanks to the legacy of such classic hits as “The Thunder Rolls,” “Friends in Low Places” and “Unanswered Prayers.”
7. Why Not Me — The Judds
When The Judds, the mother-daughter duo of Naomi and Wynonna Judd, released their debut album, Why Not Me, in 1984, they likely didn’t know it would become a classic in the traditional country music canon. The album shows off their powerful harmonies on such hits as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Love is Alive” and the title track, making it a traditional country album worth revisiting.
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