It seems like all the guys in mainstream country are off in truck land. They may think they're "outlaws" with their ripped jeans and wallet chains but it seems like the ladies of country are the ones keeping the traditional country sound alive. Here are some of the top female artists to watch out for, all of them have new records out this year.
Holly Williams-
Just because she is the granddaughter of Hank Williams Sr. doesn't mean she will make super twangy honky tonk music to follow in his footsteps. I think she is receiving the amount of success she is because she just does her own thing. She has a very soft Americana sound with many country elements, vivid story-like lyrics and a beautiful voice. Her album The Highway was one of the best albums of the year so far.
Kacey Musgraves-
Kacey is unquestionably one of the best things mainstream country has got going for it. Same Trailer Different Park was one of, if not the best mainstream country album of the year. It seems like every hit country song today is about fun times and partying. Kacey sings songs that are darker and a whole lot deeper than the country pop stars. I'm pleasantly surprised that the mainstream country fan base likes her as much as they do.
Ashley Monroe & The Pistol Annies-
Ashley's album Like A Rose and the Pistol Annies' Annie Up all sold a decent amount of copies, nothing groundbreaking, but still good. The reason is because people know Miranda Lambert, so they support the Annies as well, and guess what? Both albums were country, really good country, and get this, people bought it, and they liked it! Ashley, Miranda, and Angaleena are an example of how accepting country fans would be of a change. There were rumors this year of a Pistol Annies break up because of cancelled tour dates. I think they are all just busy doing their own thing right now. Ashley just recorded an album, Miranda is working on a new one, and Angaleena is working on hers too, which according to her Twitter will be "some good old fashioned country music." Together or apart, the girls can each bring a lot of good into country today.
Amanda Shires-
You can call her Americana, rock, folk, country, whatever, Amanda is the perfect example of someone who doesn't need to be labeled. I don't care how country it is as long as it's good. That is how I feel towards most things. Days when music is becoming so repetitive and unoriginal, music like hers really stops you in your tracks. Her songs are like dark poetry and her voice perfectly fits it. Her album Down Fell The Doves is another one of the best things I've heard this year. It's not country in a traditional sense like Ashley Monroe's is, but it is so good. Her incredible fiddle playing and other country elements always push her music into the country genre, and I will gladly accept that.
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