Top Country albums turning 50 in 2024
Check out our list of Country albums turning 50 this year
Country music has been at the heart of music for decades, with the genre rapidly growing in recent years. Let's take a look back at some of musical genres most iconic albums.
Willie Nelson, 'Phases and Stages'
American country music icon and one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in the country music genre, released 'Phases and Stages' in 1974. This concept album tells the story of a divorce from both the male and female perspectives. Nelson reflects uopn personal experiences with divorce and explores the emotional journey of love and loss, with tracks including "Pretend I Never Happened," and "It's Not Supposed to Be That Way." "Phases and Stages".
Anne Murray, 'A Love Song'
Known for her contributions to various genres, including country, pop, and adult contemporary music. The Canadian singer's album featured a collection of love songs, showcasing her smooth and expressive vocal style. Some of the notable tracks from the "Love Song" album include the title track "A Love Song," that won a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, "Just One Look," and "Another Pot O' Tea."
Jimmy Buffett, 'Living and Dying in 3/4 Time'
This album is one of Buffett's early works and includes songs that showcase his signature mix of country, folk, and Gulf and Western music. Despite this album having not initially achieved massive commercial success, it played a significant role in shaping Buffett's career and unique musical identity. The album contains "Pencil Thin Moustache," and "Nautical Wheelers." With the song "Come Monday" becoming one of Jimmy Buffett's most well-known songs and a fan favourite.
Elvis Presley, 'Good Times'
This album features a mix of musical styles, showcasing Elvis's versatility. Some of the songs on the "Good Times" album include "Take Good Care of Her," "Loving Arms," and "I've Got a Thing About You Baby.". The album did have some success though upon its original release, becoming a Cashbox Country Albums number 1 hit and charting in the Top 50 in the UK.
Tammy Wynette, 'Another Lonely Song'
Tammy Wynette, often referred to as the "First Lady of Country Music," was known for her emotive and powerful vocal delivery. The title track, "Another Lonely Song," was one of the notable singles from the album and became a hit on the country music charts, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. The album also includes songs like "Daddy Doll" and "I'm Gonna Keep on Loving Him."
Dolly Parton, 'Jolene'
Jolene became one of Dolly's most iconic and successful tracks, telling the story of a woman pleading with another woman named Jolene not to take away her man. The album features the famous title track along with other notable songs like "I Will Always Love You," which also became one of Dolly Parton's signature songs.
J.J. Cale, 'Okie'
"Okie" is the third studio album by the American singer-songwriter and musician J.J. Cale. The album features Cale's distinctive blend of blues, rock, and Tulsa Sound. Some of the notable tracks from "Okie" include "I Got the Same Old Blues," that was later recorded by Eric Clapton, Bobby Bland, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Bryan Ferry. Other tracks include "Cajun Moon," and the title track "Okie."
Waylon Jennings, 'This Time'
Waylon Jennings was a key figure in the outlaw country movement, which sought to break away from the conventions of mainstream country music. The album 'This Time' held a notable blend of country and outlaw country elements, showcasing Jennings' distinctive voice and style. The title track 'This Time' reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in June 1974 and was his first of fourteen country No. 1 hits.
Johnny Cash, 'Ragged Ol Flag'
The title track, "Ragged Old Flag," is a spoken-word recitation by Cash accompanied by background music, reflecting on the history and symbolism of the American flag amid the Watergate scandal. The album also includes other songs such as "Don't Go Near the Water," "I'm a Worried Man," and "The General Lee."
Kris Kristofferson, 'Spooky Lady's Sideshow'
This album marked Kristofferson's fourth studio album and featured a mix of country and folk influences, showcasing his song writing and distinctive style. Notable tracks include "Easter Island," "Lover Please," and "I've Got to Have You.", demonstrating Kristofferson's poetic song writing.
Olivia Newton-John, ‘If You Love Me, Let Me Know’
This album marked a significant point in her career and features the hit title track "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)," which became a chart-topping single. Newton-John's versatile voice and the pop-country sound of the album contributed to its commercial success. The album was nominated for the Country Music Association Award for Album of the Year in 1974 and was the first album by a non-American artist to be nominated.
Glen Campbell, 'Houston (I’m Comin’ to See You)'
Glen Campbell standalone single 'Houston (I'm Comin' to See You)' is a love song in which the narrator expresses his intention to travel to Houston to be with a loved one. This song is known for its catchy melody and was part of Glen Campbell's successful career in both country and pop music during the 1960s and 1970s
John Denver, 'Back Home Again'
The title track, "Back Home Again," became one of his signature songs and a major hit. The album also includes other well-known tracks such as "Annie's Song" and "Sweet Surrender." The album reflected his folk and country influences, heartfelt lyrics, and distinctive voice. The single was the first of three number ones on the country music chart where it stayed for a single week.
Charley Pride, 'Pride of America'
'Pride of America' is Charely Pride's nineteenth studio album including tracks, "Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town" and "Then Who Am I". The album peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Merle Haggard, 'Merle Haggard Presents His 30th Album'
This marked Haggard's thirtieth studio album and continued his prolific career in country music. Some of the tracks on this album include "Old Man from the Mountain", "Things Aren't Funny Anymore" and "The Seashores of Old Mexico".
Porter Wagoner + Dolly Parton, 'Porter 'n' Dolly'
The musical pair recorded several successful albums together during their partnership. Some of their popular songs include "Please Don't Stop Loving Me" which was their only duet to reach #1 on the U.S. country singles chart and "If You Go, I'll Follow You.". Parton re-recorded "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" for her 1976 album All I Can Do and "Together You and I" for her 2011 album, Better Day.
Johnny Cash, 'The Junkie and the Juicehead Minus Me'
Some of the tracks from the album include "I'm Gonna Try to Be That Way," "I Hardly Ever Sing Beer Drinking Songs," and the title track "The Junkie and the Juicehead Minus Me." As always, Johnny Cash used his storytelling abilities to convey powerful messages through his music. The album includes solo performances by Cash's daughter Rosanne Cash, and stepdaughters Rosie Nix Adams and Carlene Carter prior to the launch of their own solo careers.