The Editorials
Top 5 Albums of 2003
Written by Jeff Krasky
It’s hard to believe that 2003 has already rocketed past and left us sitting thinking about the direction of country music and the best albums of the year yet again. In 2002 the quality of the music put out by the major labels was of such dismal quality that only the Dixie Chicks were able to make the list with their fantastic record Home. The rest of the spots went to artists on smaller upstart labels or independents where the artist has some more creative control. So it’s nice to note this year that the big artists on major labels have picked it up and manage to grab some of the spots on this list.
2004 is going to be an interesting year. There is no doubt that the success of bluegrass and alt-country are putting some pressure on the major labels and the artists signed there. Due to this we’re starting to see a slow decline in some of the extreme pop recordings and the appearance of some more traditional sounds. This is a much needed balance and hopefully it continues. There is nothing wrong with either style but without some balance everything begins to sound the same and that’s not good for anyone.
And now, the best of 2003…
Patty Loveless On Your Way Home
Epic Records
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How great is it to have Patty Loveless back on the top of her game? After taking a few years off and working on some bluegrass projects she returns with a rock solid mainstream release which should put her right back on the top of the country music world. Patty’s distinct vocals and flawless song selection are back in full force. Just one listen to the haunting title track or the roaring single “Lovin’ All Night” will remind you of just what we’ve been missing in Patty’s absence.
Click here to read the complete review.
Terri Clark Pain To Kill
Mercury Records
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When radio almost completely ignored Terri’s fantastic Fearless release things were starting to look bleak for the talented Canadian. How does she respond? By firing off a set of hits from her newest album Pain To Kill. The album is a perfect blend of Terri’s rough around the edges styling and mainstream country pop. The singles “I Just Wanna Be Mad,” “Three Mississippi,” and “I Wanna Do It All” have all be highlights of radio this year. Terri’s star is finally shining as brightly as it deserves to and you have Pain To Kill to thank for that.
Click here to read the complete review.
Shelby Lynne Identity Crisis
Capitol Records
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This album couldn’t be more appropriately named. Shelby Lynne started her career out singing mainstream country songs before giving Nashville the finger and releasing I Am Shelby Lynne, a soulful release produced by former Sheryl Crow producer Bill Bottrell. The critical acclaim followed and the much more popish album Love, Shelby was released. It seemed as if country had lost yet another great talent. Then Identity Crisis hit the music store shelves. It’s a stripped down joy of an acoustic album full of raw emotion. This is the best alt country record of the year and cements Shelby Lynne as a force to be reckoned with. One listen to “Telephone” or “Evil Man” and you will be caught under Shelby’s spell. This is without a doubt the most distinct album of the year.
Click here to read the complete review.
Gillian Welch Soul Journey
Alcony Records
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There is no one recording today that sounds anything like Gillian Welch. This time out she has added to her trademark two guitars and vocals sound with a full band on some tracks. It’s all so tastefully done that you don’t notice. The focus is still on Gillian’s haunting voice but this time there is some more up-tempo. Songs like “Look At Miss Ohio” and “Wayside/Back In Time” are absolute winners. Gillian has proven time and time again that when she puts a record out, it’s an instant album of the year contender.
Click here to read the complete review.
Rhonda Vincent One Step Ahead
Rounder Records
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When you look at Rhonda Vincent you’re looking at the current queen of bluegrass. With the popularity of bluegrass exploded Rhonda has put out the best album of her career. Solid writing, energetic vocal delivery, and masterful mandolin playing drive this record along. Just turn on “One Step Ahead,” “Kentucky Borderline,” or “You Can’t Take It With You When You Go” to get more familiar with this incredible talent. Click here to read the complete review.
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