Top 10 Country CDs of 2009

There are many good CDs that have been released in 2009. My list of the top 10 country albums of 2009 is perhaps different from many. In my opinion the best albums of 2009 didn't necessarily get the adulation of the charts and popularity. They weren't represented at the awards shows. However it doesn't take awards and popularity of being everywhere to produce good music.

It is good music that gets me to buy CDs. My choices for top country albums of 2009 then go to those that make a difference. Therefore my list varies from the ones at awards shows. Ten of the best albums of 2009 in country music, in no particular order:

"Sounds Like Life To Me" from Darryl Worley is solid country music that - yes - sounds like life. Country music is life and be it celebrating, reflecting or remembering. The title song reminds us so often what we think is horrid times it's really just "life"! It's not as bad or tragic as we imagine it being. At the same time there's the direct hit to wake up and live today in "You Never Know." If you don't have this CD you should.

"Keep On Loving You" is another solid life offering from Reba. With hit singles "Strange" and "Consider Me Gone" Reba has not missed a step musically with "being away" for the television series. Good music and as always finding songs that fit HER. Some artists find those songs that fit them and recognize a great song might not be great for them too. Reba knows what works and sticks to it but at the same time brings new material that is fresh.

"2^nd Time Around" is a solid CD from Mark Wills that also benefits a great organization in USA Cares, which helps soldiers and their families. Not just re-recordings of some of his hits they're done in a way that feels right now. A highlight, appropriately, is winding down the cd with a song recorded in Iraq performing for the soldiers there. It's not often you get great music and a chance to help others - you can do both with this and should! If you like "real country" these lead the list.

"Prayer of a Common Man" is Phil Vassar's entry into the top CDs list. I don't know why he's too often overlooked today. He puts out good music, has a great live show and writes his own songs. From the serious tribute of the title song to the fun loving "Bobbi with an I" this is a good listen folks!

"Revolution" from Miranda Lambert not only broke out of the gate with hit singles but highlights some outstanding songs that are not yet singles. For the country with "attitude" she projects that including on the hit "White Liar".

"Back To Tennessee" is another too-overlooked offering from Billy Ray Cyrus. The title song holds a lot of truth about people and home. "Somebody Said A Prayer" and are other highlights of another solid cd. It seems people hear his name and still hear "Achy Breaky Heart" which in a way is a shame as he's got so many other songs that warrant a listen. Take a listen to this!

"It's America" from Rodney Atkins has not seemed to gather the frenzy of "If You're Going Through Hell" but with the title hit song and several good, solid, real life songs on it it's every bit as honest and real. There's live it up songs and get-serious songs - upbeat and ballads.

"Off The Hillbilly Hook" was a 2009 introductory release from Trailer Choir that warrants a mention for doing their own music no matter what is at the top of the charts. With a powerful song in "What Would You Say" as well as the not so serious "Rockin the Beer Gut" they can knock you down with a song as well as kick up the heels. They're original, they know what works for them and they stick with it. If you want something that doesn't sound like everyone else take a listen to this!

"Sarah Smile" is a late 2009 release from Jimmy Wayne and another winner. While remakes can be tricky this one was done tastefully and works. Start to finish Jimmy Wayne puts together CDs not just collections of songs. Some of the best in my opinion aren't necessarily singles but are songs that matter.

Little Bit of Everything" was some time coming for Billy Currington fans and worth the wait. A non-single favorite is "Every Reason Not to Go" which holds so many true lines we can relate to ("you fight traffic all day long then you gotta pay to park..") Another top listen is the #1 song "People Are Crazy."

If you are tired of the same stuff on the radio, if you bemoan country music as represented on the award shows not being the country you listen to or just want to hear "reality country" give these a listen. Good music, good stories. "Sounds Like Life to Me" indeed!