10 Top Country CDs of the Decade

The last decade has brought forth many talented artists. A famous country song asked "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes" and many stopped listening to country saying what is represented as country on the radio or at award shows isn't country to them. Country songs touch reality. They bring music that people relate to and both superstars and newcomers have spots on my list. These are CDs that are on the list to grab when it comes time for a road trip.

If you're looking for good country music that combines upbeat tunes with songs that matter with those tear-your-heart-out ballads and a spark of American tribute check out these CDs and artists. There's not a Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift or Sugarland CD on the list, although they've had commercial success on radio and awards shows. I - like many - don't consider those the best country has to offer. I like what's real and I can relate to. Experts don't have to play it on radio when requested, but can't stop us from buying it. These define a decade.

"Rainbow Man" from Jeff Bates is a cd that even when it was new had a familiar feel. Solid songs - which are a hallmark of all of Jeff's CDs - are sometimes compared to legend Conway Twitty, but Jeff truly has is own unique sound. Several span the decade and any one could be included here.

"Stephen Cochran" is the debut offering from a talented artist who can rock up a southern rock tune and is the only one to perform "Amarillo By Morning" that really pays tribute to the song and the man who made it famous. Stephen has had some success with the single "Friday Night Fireside" but there are several solid songs on this CD. Tradition yet original...check this cd out and look for the new one in 2010.

Darryl Worley "Have You Forgotten" stands out among several top offerings from Darryl. With several songs that stand out in defining the decade the title song perhaps leads the way in support of our soldiers in Afghanistan following 9/11.

Montgomery Gentry "You Do Your Thing" is not a greatest hits offering but is close to it! Including hits such as the title Gone, If You Ever Stop Loving Me as well as outstanding non-singles such as "Talking To My Angel" and "I Ain't Got It All That Bad." Embracing life wide open is a hallmark of Montgomery Gentry and this highlights that well.

Ray Scott "Crazy Like Me" - ignored by the professionals in the industry this is a country cd that won't be confused with pop. With songs like the title to the making fun of serious issues of "Everybody's Girlfriend" and serious reflections of "Poor Folks" and "Slow Down" this is a cd to find for those who want 'real country' back.

Jimmy Wayne "Do You Believe Me Now" is outstanding from start to finish. Inspirational doesn't have to be slow. Awesome in messages of not being defined by what others think with several great songs. He further makes it personal with the toe tapping "Kerosene Kid."

Billy Currington "Little Bit of Everything" is one of several worthy CDs from Billy Currington. An argument could be made for any of them but with the #1 "People Are Crazy" and some other favorites this one gets my nudge for the list.

Billy Ray Cyrus "Home At Last" is another much underrated cd. Although "Ready Set Go" got some airplay there are several awesome songs on a CD that deserves more play. Real without being too sentimental, gritty without being too rough. I'm usually not fond of remakes but his versions of "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" add to the cd.

Reba "Keep On Loving You" is a don't miss. Reba spent some of the decade on a television show but when she returned to music it was with the same attention to detail and finding what works for her.

George Strait's 50 Number Ones has to be among the top not only in defining several decades of country music but in reaching the all time milestone. There is little question that George Strait is COUNTRY.

Country music is alive and well and all these artists continue to bring us music that is entertaining and captures the everyday and things we all go through, relate to or honor. It makes country real.