Top 10 Country Albums Every Country Music Fan Must Have

As I was growing up, I wasn't much of a country music fan I must admit. I didn't really start listening to country until when I was probably in my late teen years. When I decided to come up with a list of the country albums that every fan must have, it wasn't hard to think of the first country albums I started listening to or the more recent albums that continue making me a country music fan.

Feels So Right, Alabama, 1981. Way back when I was 12 years old, I did listen to Alabama, but only because they crossed over to the pop music charts. A couple of their songs, like the title track and "Love in the First Degree" from this album, were crossovers since they sound very similar to the soft rock ballads we often hear on the radio. I was lucky enough to see these guys perform live at the Indiana State Fairgrounds when I was older. This concert was right after the Persian Gulf War in 1991 so Randy Owens, the lead singer, made a point of thanking the soldiers who were fighting over there. He even pulled a little girl on stage with him whose daddy was overseas. Alabama had always been a favorite, but Randy made them even more of a favorite by his actions that night.

No Fences, Garth Brooks, 1990. With songs like "Friends in Low Places" and "The Thunder Rolls" on this album, how could it not be a part of the albums every fan must have? While this album was Garth's second one, it is probably one of his best-selling albums to date because of "Friends in Low Places." It's one of those catchy songs that you can't stop singing no matter how hard you try.

Come On Over, Shania Twain, 1997. One of my most favorite female country singers has to be Shania, and this album contains many of her big hits, such as "Man! I Feel like a Woman," "Don't Be Stupid," and "You're Still the One." This album was probably one of her biggest sellers as well.

Wide Open Spaces, Dixie Chicks, 1998. Now before you give me a bad time for even mentioning the Dixie Chicks, you must admit they did have a great album when this was released before the lead singer Natalie Maines opened her mouth and inserted her foot about former President Bush. I had the opportunity to see the gals for free at the Indiana State Fairgrounds when this album was first released, and I must say they put on a good show and really seemed to care about their fans. "There's Your Trouble," the title track, and "I Can Love You Better" all became hits on the country charts.

Breathe, Faith Hill, 1999. Another favorite female country singer, Faith's song "The Way You Love Me" is one of my favorite songs. This song came out right around the time my son was born, and as a way to ease him into sleep at night, I used to sing the chorus over and over to him. He would just lay there and look at me, eventually falling asleep.

Greatest Hits 2, Toby Keith, 2004. This album has received many hours of play time because it's a favorite in my household; both of my children enjoy Toby's biggest hits. This album is full of his hits, like "I Wanna Talk About Me" and "Courtesy of Red, White and Blue," and five new songs, two of which were live versions of previous songs. I like hearing the live versions of songs, especially when I have yet to see him perform live in concert.

Some Hearts, Carrie Underwood, 2005. As her debut album after winning AmericanIdol, Carrie has had several hit songs such as "Jesus Take the Wheel," "Wasted," and "Before He Cheats." I am not sure why I like her, but I do think Carrie sings with such emotion that it makes it hard not to listen to her.

Love on the Inside, Sugarland, 2008. Even though this album is Sugarland's third one, it is the duo's first successful album. I have just recently become a fan and had the pleasure of seeing them open for Kenny Chesney a couple of months ago. Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush work well together and sing such great songs as "It Happens," "All I Want to Do," and "Already Gone." My personal favorite song that isn't a hit is "Joey," but they didn't sing it in concert either.

Fearless, Taylor Swift, 2008. As I watched the Country Music Awards recently, this album won album of the year so it's a must for anyone who enjoys hearing a 19-year-old belt out her songs just as Leann Rimes did years ago. Listening to "Love Story" and "You Belong to Me" makes me want to be young all over again, but only for a few minutes. As an English teacher, I smile at how Taylor incorporates Romeo and Juliet's story into "Love Story," such an inspiring way to get students to read the play.

Greatest Hits II, Kenny Chesney, 2009. This album is my newest favorite as well as the man who sings the songs. I must admit I have just recently become a huge fan of Kenny's, and I realize now that I have missed quite a bit by not being a fan sooner. This album consists of many of his hits, including "Beer in Mexico," "Summertime," and "I Go Back" except for a new one called "Out Last Night." Kenny is such a talented songwriter and singer that this a must for any country music fan. I must also add that if you haven't seen him in concert that is a must, too; he puts on one heck of a show.