Eli Young made the list of best country albums from duos and groups in 2008 as well as one of the top 10 CDs you may have missed in 2008 list. Below are both lists in their entirety so you can see who else made the cut.
Best Country Albums from Duos and Groups in 2008
By Shelly Fabian, About.com
We'd like to present what we feel are the cream of the crop when it comes to country group and duo releases in 2008. We've chosen the best in traditional, contemporary and bluegrass music. Note: Greatest Hits or Christmas collections were not included in our choices.
Eli Young Band - 'Jet Black and Jealous'
Universal South
The Eli Young Band is a newer band out of Texas. With a really solid blend of country and rock, as well as really smooth, tight harmonies, they are fast becoming a musical force to be reckoned with. Their songs are powerful both musically and lyrically. The album was released on September 16th.
Joey + Rory - 'The Life of a Song'
Sugarhill
Most people were introduced to Joey + Rory on CMT's Can You Duet show. You may have seen their television ads for Overstock.com. Their debut single "Cheater, Cheater" is making its way up the charts, showing a great traditional sound that is seldom heard on country radio today. If you enjoy traditional sounding music, this album is one I highly recommend adding to your collection. Their harmonies are awesome, and they have a unique sound. The album was released on October 28th.
Lady Antebellum - 'Lady Antebellum'
Capitol Nashville
Lady Antebellum have had a stellar year in 2008. They released their self-titled debut album on April 15th. Their debut single "Love Don't Live Here" peaked at No. 3, and their album debuted at No. 1. The group also picked up two major awards -- ACM New Group/Duo and CMA New Artist Award. Not bad at all.
Little Big Town - 'A Place to Land' (Deluxe Edition)
Capitol Nashville
Little Big Town recently left their old label, Equity Records, to move to major label powerhouse Capitol Nashville. The first thing they did upon joining the new label was to record some new tracks to add to their album A Place To Land, and re-release it on Capitol Nashville. New tracks include the live version of "Life in a Northern Town," with Sugarland and Jake Owen, "Good Lord Willing," "Love Profound" and "You're Gonna Love Me." The album was released on October 14th.
Montgomery Gentry - 'Back When I Knew It All'
Columbia Nashville
Montgomery Gentry are back with one of their best albums to date. This album is a return to the rockin' music that was found on earlier albums, and if it doesn't get you moving then you're not listening with the right set of ears. The album includes a duet with Toby Keith on the song "I Pick My Parties," as well as the recent No.1 with out a title cut
Sugarland - 'Love on the Inside'
Mercury Nashville
Sugarland puts out another excellent record with Love on the Inside. The first single "All I Want to Do" topped the charts, and the second single "Already Gone" seems desitined to do the same. One of my favorite tracks is the humorous "Steve Earle," which talks about the numerous wives he's had. Jennifer sings "Steve Earle, Steve Earle, please write a song for me. I promise, I won't take a dime when it comes my time to leave." The album was released on July 22nd.
The Grascals - 'Keep on Walkin''
Rounder Records
The Grascals were the recepients of the International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainer of the Year in 2006 and 2007. The band has become known for not only their talent, but for their song selections. Keep On Walkin' is full of bluegrass tunes that will have your feet tapping from start to finish. The album was released on July 15th.
The Lost Trailers - 'Holler Back'
Sony BMG
The Lost Trailers are one of the hardest working acts in country music today. This is the group's second major label album. The title track was a Top 10 single for the group, peaking at No. 9 on the charts. The album was released on August 26th.
The Road Hammers - 'Blood, Sweat & Steel'
Montage Records
The album Blood, Sweat & Steel is filled with fun music to listen to from an extremely high energy group. The group is originally from Canada, and had great success in their homeland. There are quite a few truck driving songs, as well as some originals, like the autobiographical "I'm a Road Hammer." My favorite track is the band's cover of the Del Reeve's song "Girl on a Billboard." If you enjoy country rock, I think you'll enjoy the Road Hammers sound. The album was released on June 24th.
Zac Brown Band - 'The Foundation'
Atlantic
The Zac Brown band seemed to come out of nowhere with the huge hit "Chicken Fried," but they've been playing over 200 dates a year, so they were definitely getting some exposure. With the release of their debut album, The Foundation, they are showing off their unique sound that consists of country, reggae, and even some bluegrass that will have you jamming within the first song. The album was released on November 18th.
Top 10 Country CDs You May Have Missed in 2008
With the many new albums that are released each year, sometimes we get overwhelmed with so many choices when it comes to considering which country albums we'll add to our collections. I've compiled a list of albums that you may have missed picking up when they were first released. There should be something for everyone here, and all of it great listening. Here's your chance to give these artists a chance at being a part of your every day listening.
1. Chuck Wicks 'Starting Now'
Sony BMG
Chuck Wicks first got country fans attention with his debut single "Stealing Cinderella." His latest single, "All I Ever Wanted" shows another side of this talented artist. Bringing back the traditional sound of country music, Chuck has proven that he can play with the best that country has to offer.
2. Various Artists 'How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites Live from Grand Ole Opry'
RCA Nashville
This CD has a great combination of artists and songs. It continues a tradition that has been around since the beginning of the Grand Ole Opry and is a must have for any true fan of country music. Each of the twelve tracks here was recorded live. Some of the songs include, "I'll Fly Away" from the Charlie Daniels Band, "The Old Rugged Cross" from Brad Paisley and "A House of Gold" from Dierks Bentley.
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3. Ashton Shepherd 'Sounds So Good'
Mercury Nashville
If traditional country is your style, then you really must check out Sounds So Good. Ashton Shepherd has a voice like an angel, and she wrote ten of the eleven tracks. From the lead single, "Taking Off This Pain," which tells the story of a woman who realizes her man isn't giving her what she needs, to the fun sounds of "The Pickin' Shed" and a great drinking song, "Whiskey Won the Battle." A true gem of a collection.
4. Road Hammers 'Blood, Sweat & Steel'
Montage Records
This is some fun music to listen to from an extremely high energy group. The Road Hammers are from Canada, where they made a name for themselves. But, Canada wasn't enough. They wanted to take make a go of it in the United States. My favorite track is the cover of the old Del Reeves song, "Girl on the Billboard." You'll find out just how low Jason can sing on this track. If you enjoy truck driving songs, and country rock, you'll really enjoy this disc.
5. Randy Travis 'Around the Bend'
Warner Nashville
Over the years, country music has been classified as new and traditional. In the 1980s, when modern country was burning up the charts and the traditional artists couldn't get a song on the radio, Randy Travis broke down the barriers, proving traditional country music was very much alive. Now, after eight years away from mainstream country, Randy Travis is back with an amazing album called Around The Bend.
6. Heidi Newfield 'What Am I Waiting For'
Curb Records
When Heidi Newfield, the former lead singer of Trick Pony, announced she was going solo, everyone worried if it was a wise move or career suicide. Her sweet, country sound mixed with her sassy persona, made it nearly impossible for everyone to not follow her next move. Now, releasing her first solo-project ever, Heidi Newfield asks, What Am I Waiting For?.
7. Crystal Shawanda 'Dawn of a New Day'
RCA Nashville
Like the Roadhammers, Crystal Shawanda has had considerable success in Canada, before being signed to RCA Nashville. Ever since her first single "You Can Let Go Now" was released, fans have been talking about the new girl they're hearing. Dawn of a New Day, (which co-incidentally the translationg of her last name) is eleven songs full of life stories and situations.
8. Jimmy Wayne 'Do You Believe Me Now'
The Valory Music Co.
Jimmy Wayne is back with a great new album. He has a solid song delivery and his music is based on the realities of the relationships of today. The title track recently became Wayne's first No. 1 of his career, and held the spot for three weeks. He sings about real life and he puts a positive spin on it.
9. Keith Anderson 'C'Mon'
Columbia Nashville
When describing talented artists who have never received the credit they deserve, Keith Anderson's name is sure to come up. He is one of the nicest and hardest working guys in the industry. His music is about life, love, and, of course, partying. His fans are loyal, and once you hear his new album C'mon, you will see why.
10. Eli Young Band 'Jet Black and Jealous'
Universal South
If you've never heard of the Eli Young Band, you really should give them a serious listen. With a really solid blend of country and rock, as well as their smooth, tight harmonies, they are fast becoming a musical force to be reckoned with. Their songs are powerful both musically and lyrically.
