Country Albums that Every Rock Fan Should Own

Our friends at Rolling Stone have come up with a list of essential country music albums for the non country music fan. I mean, who doesn't like country? Besides maybe, Kanye West. There are some of my favorite albums on here, and honestly, if some of these would be released today, they would still hold up, even amidst the pop and alt country that is so popular right now.

Here's a couple of my personal fave's:

Dolly Parton's 1971 'Coat of Many Colors' - the title cut alone is worth the price. This was Dolly's 8th solo album, had 2 top ten songs, and really started her on her journey to being a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Steve Earle's 1988 'Copperhead Road' - Steve was an admitted wild and crazy guy, who did not in any way play by the rules for a country music audience. He was aiming squarely for rock & roll, and did a great job of introducing elements of rock and bluegrass to the country audience, who was kinda shocked at his audacity to even call this a 'Country' record.

Roseanne Cash's 1981 'Seven Year Ache' - this, to me, says everything about country music at the beginning of the 80's - it's just a tad bit alt. She was the daughter of country music royalty, but still managed to get some hits on her own with then husband-producer Rodney Crowell. It had 3 #1 songs on it, and I would buy it again today.

Randy Travis' 1986 'Storms of Life' - This was a groundbreaking album for country music, and for Randy's career. His debut proved to be a little more dark than his clean cut image belied - and that was BEFORE everyone knew he was a juvenile delinquent on the verge of being jailed....again. Just listen to 'Diggin' Up Bones' and tell me that's not what this format is all about. Traditional country music at its best.

Tammy Wynette's 1969 'Stand by Your Man' -  if you are looking for twang, then this is the album for you. NOBODY could make a lyric sound like it was an actual part of her life like Tammy. This was released the year before she married George Jones, by the way. This album influenced so many people in so many different types of music - and still does to this day, long after Ms Tammy has been gone.

Thank you, Rolling Stone, for giving even us avid country music fans a list of the most essential albums in our format. It is worth revisiting, and passing along to people who might not be familiar with the players, but love the tunes.