10 Best Albums of 2013

     Writing a great song is a work of art, but creating an entire album of great songs is a much tougher task.  2013 saw its fair share of great albums from many of country's biggest stars and hottest up and comers.  As a new website, I only included 5 albums last year.  This year, the list has been extended to 10.  In all honesty, it could have been many more.  Without further ado, here are the Keep It Country Kids Top 10 Albums of the Year.

Remembering Ray Price

     Country music legend Ray Price went home to be with the Lord on Monday.  Ray Price was 87 years old, and lost his battle with pancreatic cancer with his family and loved ones near at his ranch.  Ray was a influential giant in the direction of country music, both in the past and the present.

Alan Jackson "The Bluegrass Album" Album Review

     When Alan Jackson releases an album, you know it will be a gem.  He is a living legend who needs no introduction.  As radio airplay seems to have left him by the wayside, Alan has no plans to hang up his cowboy hat and rest on his laurels.  Alan is still making fantastic country music, but now without the confines of pushing for radio success.  The result is a concept album that ranks right up with the best releases of 2013 so far.

Jason Boland and The Stragglers "Dark and Dirty Mile" Album Review

     Texas legend Jason Boland and his band, The Stragglers, released Dark And Dirty Mile earlier in 2013.  Boland is known for straight up honky-tonk music and toe tapping melodies.   Much like George Strait, when Jason Boland and the Stragglers release an album, its pretty much a given that it will be solid country gold.

Matt Woods "Deadman's Blues" Single Review

     Matt Woods is a talented singer-songwriter making his name known on the underground country circuit.  The key to making the jump from nobody to big star isn't too complicated in this world.  Its all about the song.  Matt Woods has had some good ones, but "Deadman's Blues" is an absolute masterpiece that knocks you back when you hear it.

Brandy Clark "12 Stories" Album Review

      2013 has been simply heaven for fans who love real country music by great female singer-songwriters.  Brandy Clark joins a long list of women making waves with her debut album 12 Stories.  Brandy was already known a top-shelf songwriter, but now she can be regarded for her own singing career as well. 12 Stories is top to bottom one of the best country albums of the year.

Carolina Still "The Color of Rust" Album Review

     If you haven't heard of Carolina Still, now would be a good time to get on board.  This band is simply a straight up, in your face, loud and proud mix of country, folk, and bluegrass.  Their album The Color of Rust was released earlier in 2013, and it is one of my favorite releases of the past year.  If you like Old Crow Medicine Show, you're gonna love these guys.

Luke Bryan "Drink A Beer" Single Review

     Everybody's favorite hip shaking country boy has released his new single, "Drink A Beer", to country radio.  Luke has put out some of the worst country songs imaginable over the past few years, which is a shame after starting out so strong early in his career.  Luke let the fame and promise of fortune cloud his judgement, and changed him from an aw shucks country boy singing about life to a wanna be sex symbol with party song after party song.  On this single, Luke finds a medium between the two that should please his early fans and his newer ones.

Hank3 "Brothers of the 4x4" Album Review

     Hank Williams III, or Hank3 as he officially goes by now, is one of the biggest names in independent country music.  He has recorded some huge albums like Straight To Hell and Broke, Lovesick, and Driftin' that turned a whole new generation on to traditional country sounds with a modern twist.  Hank3 has now released Brothers of the 4x4, his first album in a few years.  This album has a lot to take in, and a wide range of sounds, and isn't one to be digested in one sitting.

Kellie Pickler "The Woman I Am" Album Review

    Kellie Pickler's newest album, The Woman I Am, is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. 100 Proof was one of the top albums of 2012, and everyone, including myself, was excited to hear how she would follow up such a timeless collection.  When expectations are this high, it can be tough to live up to them.  However, Kellie does an outstanding job once again.