Are you a fan of traditional country music? If so, you’re in luck! This genre is making a comeback and there are some great new artists to check out. Here are ten of the best traditional country music genres to explore in 2023.
Table of Contents
The Beatles – Abbey Road: 50th Anniversary Edition
It’s been 50 years since the Beatles recorded Abbey Road, and this new anniversary edition includes a wealth of previously unreleased material, including alternate takes of some of the album’s most iconic tracks. The result is a fascinating look at how the album came together, and a reminder of just how brilliant the Beatles were at their peak.
The new edition includes three discs: a remastered version of the original album, a disc of alternate takes and demos, and a third disc of live recordings. The alternate takes are particularly interesting, as they offer a glimpse into the creative process of the Beatles at work. For example, on the alternate take of “Here Comes the Sun”, you can hear George Harrison trying out different guitar parts until he comes up with the perfect riff.
The live tracks are also great, and include performances of “Come Together”, “Something”, and “Octopus’s Garden”. These tracks were recorded at the Beatles’ final concert, on 30th January 1969, and they offer a rare chance to hear the band playing live during their final months.
Overall, this is a must-have for any Beatles fan. It’s an essential part of their history, and it’s fascinating to hear how these classic songs came together. If you’re a fan of the Beatles, or just want to know more about one of the greatest bands of all time, then this is the perfect place to start.
Bob Dylan – Blood On The Tracks
It’s been a long time since I’ve been this blown away by an album. Blood on the Tracks is simply one of the most stunningly beautiful and emotionally powerful albums I’ve ever heard. Each and every song is a gem, and Dylan’s performance is nothing short of perfection.
This is an album that should be experienced in its entirety, from start to finish. There’s not a wasted moment or a false note to be found anywhere. Every song is essential, and each one feels like a little piece of a larger puzzle. Blood on the Tracks is a true masterpiece, and it stands alongside Dylan’s best work as one of the greatest albums of all time.
If you’re looking for a place to start with Dylan, or if you’re just looking for an incredible album to add to your collection, Blood on the Tracks is absolutely essential. It’s one of those rare albums that manages to be both timeless and completely of its time, and it’s an absolute must-hear.
Miles Davis – Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” is a masterful work of art that has stood the test of time. This album was recorded in 1959, and yet it still sounds fresh and relevant today. It is a perfect example of Miles Davis’ unique approach to jazz, and it features some of the most beautiful and memorable melodies ever written. The band on this album is absolutely stellar, featuring such greats as John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb. Every performance is top-notch, and the interplay between the musicians is simply incredible.
The title track, “So What”, is one of the most famous jazz tunes of all time, and for good reason. It is a perfect example of Miles Davis’ ability to take a simple melody and turn it into something truly special. His solo on this tune is absolutely stunning, and it is a perfect showcase for his unique style. “All Blues” is another highlight, featuring a gorgeous melody and some stunning solos from Evans and Coltrane. “Flamenco Sketches” is a beautiful ballad that features some of the most beautiful playing on the album.
There are simply too many highlights to mention here, but suffice it to say that “Kind of Blue” is an essential album for any fan of jazz. It is a timeless classic that belongs in every music collection.
John Coltrane – A Love Supreme
John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme is a true classic in the jazz genre. I remember hearing it for the first time as a college student and being blown away by its sheer brilliance. Every note Coltrane plays is dripping with emotion and soul, and the result is a truly transcendent musical experience.
A Love Supreme is comprised of four parts: “Acknowledgement,” “Resolution,” “Pursuance,” and “Psalm.” Each part is distinct yet seamlessly flows into the next, creating a cohesive whole. The album opener, “Acknowledgement,” sets the tone with its uplifting, spiritual vibe. Coltrane’s saxophone playing is absolutely stunning throughout the entire album, but it really soars on this track.
The second part, “Resolution,” is my personal favorite. It starts off with a slow, simmering build that eventually explodes into an energetic frenzy. Coltrane’s playing is absolutely wild here, but it never feels out of control. It’s simply exhilarating to listen to.
The third part, “Pursuance,” is a bit more subdued than the previous two tracks. But don’t let that fool you; there’s still plenty of fire in Coltrane’s playing. This track features some beautiful interplay between Coltrane and pianist McCoy Tyner.
The album closer, “Psalm,” is a gorgeous ballad that brings the album to a peaceful conclusion. Coltrane’s saxophone playing is incredibly moving and soulful here. It’s the perfect way to end this truly remarkable album.
A Love Supreme is one of those rare albums that just seems to get better with each listen. I never tire of hearing it, and I’m continually discovering new things to appreciate about it. If you’re a fan of jazz, or even just good music in general, you owe it to yourself to check out this essential album.
The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
It’s no secret that Pet Sounds is one of the greatest albums of all time. But what makes it so great? Is it the Beach Boys’ songwriting? The arrangements? The production? All of the above?
I’d argue that it’s a combination of all those elements, but what really puts Pet Sounds over the top is the sheer emotion that bleeds through every note. This is an album about love, loss, and yearning, and you can feel every bit of that emotion in Brian Wilson’s voice and in the music itself.
There isn’t a single bad song on Pet Sounds. From the opener, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” to the closing track, “Caroline No,” every song is a winner. And while there are plenty of great pop songs here (“Sloop John B,” “God Only Knows”), there are also some beautiful ballads (“Don’t Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder),” “I Know There’s an Answer”).
Pet Sounds is an album that everyone should own. It’s a timeless classic that will never sound dated. If you don’t own it already, what are you waiting for?
Led Zeppelin – IV
Led Zeppelin’s fourth album is one of their most popular and well-known, containing some of their best-loved songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Rock and Roll.” It’s a classic hard rock album that still sounds fresh and relevant today. The band is in top form on this album, with Jimmy Page’s guitar work sounding particularly inspired. John Bonham’s drumming is also stellar, as always. Robert Plant’s vocals are as powerful as ever. Overall, this is a must-have album for any fan of hard rock or classic rock in general.
Pink Floyd – The Dark Side Of The Moon
Released in 1973, Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” is one of the most popular and influential albums of all time. The album topped the charts in the US and UK, and has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. “The Dark Side of the Moon” is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time, and is considered by many to be Pink Floyd’s masterpiece.
The album’s concept is based on the mental breakdown of former Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett. Barrett was the band’s original frontman, but left Pink Floyd in 1968 due to mental health issues. “The Dark Side of the Moon” is a tribute to Barrett, and explores the themes of madness, death, and loss.
Musically, “The Dark Side of the Moon” is a tour de force. The album features some of Pink Floyd’s most iconic tracks, including “Money”, “Us and Them”, and “Brain Damage/Eclipse”. The album’s production is impeccable, and features innovative use of synthesizers and other studio techniques.
Pink Floyd are one of the most important and influential bands in rock history, and “The Dark Side of the Moon” is their defining achievement. If you haven’t heard this album yet, you owe it to yourself to give it a listen.
The Rolling Stones – Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones – Exile On Main Street
4.5 out of 5 stars
2,711 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,972 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
#112 in Classic Rock (CDs & Vinyl)
The long-awaited reissue of one of the best albums ever made. The Rolling Stones went to France to escape the pressures of success and the hassles of the tax man, and ended up making an album that would become their masterpiece. This is a band at the peak of their powers, with every member playing at the top of their game. The result is an album that is raw, dirty, and downright beautiful.
The original album has been remastered and sounds better than ever. The bonus tracks are also excellent, and provide a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind this classic album. The packaging is top-notch, and includes a booklet with new liner notes by Bill Wyman and a history of the album by Rolling Stone journalist David Fricke.
This is an essential album for any fan of rock music, and belongs in every music collection.
David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars
It was Ziggy Stardust that made David Bowie a household name. The album was released in 1972 to critical acclaim, but it was the title track and its iconic accompanying music video that really captured the public’s imagination. The song tells the story of a fictional rock star who is sent to Earth by aliens to save the world from destruction. The character of Ziggy Stardust was inspired by British rock legend Vince Taylor, who Bowie had met while he was working as a cabaret singer in London. The album also features the hits “Suffragette City” and “Changes”, which cemented Bowie’s reputation as a master of reinvention.
Nirvana – Nevermind
Nirvana’s “Nevermind” is one of the most important and influential albums of the past 25 years. It was released on September 24, 1991, on DGC Records, and it became a commercial and critical success. It was produced by Butch Vig and Nirvana, and it features some of the band’s most well-known and popular songs, such as “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Come As You Are,” and “Lithium.” The album helped to popularize alternative rock and grunge music, and it has been ranked highly on numerous lists of the greatest albums of all time.
Nirvana’s “Nevermind” is a truly classic album. It is an essential part of any music collection, and it is a must-have for any fan of Nirvana or alternative rock.