St. Pierre

St. Pierre

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St. Pierre's Top 10 Country Albums Of 2021

I may be alone here, but I felt pretty uninspired by most of the new music from the bigger names in country music. I won't call anyone out specifically because that's just not cool. But it sounded to me like some of our super stars mailed it in with their new records. It was like their labels told them it was time for a new album and they just put together the first few songs handed to them by producers.

That being said, I think 2021 did give us some really creative country and music that pushed the boundaries of our format. That's the stuff that stood out to me. I'm tired of hearing the same basic formula in songs. I want to hear something different and something that's going to make me stop what I'm doing to pull out my Shazam app to find out who it is.

Below is a list of my top 10 favorite country albums from 2021. I'd love to hear what you think so feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or Twitter. You can find me at @stpierreonair.

1) Morgan Wade - Reckless

No big surprise here. This one was on top of my all genre top 10 and continues to be the most consistent album being played in my car and house. Morgan brings her version of the storytelling that has always made country music special. It's authentic and genuine while also being catchy and easily digestible. For me it's a damn near perfect record.

2) Niko Moon - Good Time

Niko brought the party to country music in 2021 with his debut full length. His mixture of traditional country with southern hip hop influences became the soundtrack for every tailgate and backyard BBQ last summer. Every song is 3 minute party.

3) Walker Hayes - Country Stuff EP

I know it's an EP and I usually stay away from them for my year end lists. The way music comes out is changing. People are releasing EP's that lead to full albums. Walker's was great. It was another breath of fresh air in what was becoming a watered down year of country music. Some people criticize him for his hip hop roots and for breaking through on TikTok with 'Fancy Like.' For me, I think it was exactly the push that he needed to get some old radio programmers to finally recognize the talent and fan appeal that Walker has.

4) Jameson Rodgers - Bet You're From A Small Town

I like Jameson a lot. He seems to be a pretty good dude and I like his attitude about life. I was excited for this album because it was a continuation of his previous EP that I really enjoyed. The song 'Missing One' is in the top 5 of my favorite country songs of all time. It is so incredible. And 'Cold Beer Calling My Name' is one that you'll be hearing on the radio for years.

5) Hailey Whitters - The Dream: Living The Dream (Deluxe)

Technically I stay away from deluxe versions in my top 10 lists. I bent the rules for this one. I didn't discover this record until very late in 2020 and then she dropped a deluxe version this year with some duets that are mind blowing. The song "The Ride" with Jordan Davis gives me chills it's so good. Hailey kind of has a sound like Kacey Musgraves when she first popped on the scene. It has that traditional feel but it still sounds very fresh and current. If you haven't heard the song "Janice At The Hotel Bar" please look it up.

6) Ryan Hurd - Pelago

For the average country fan, Ryan may be better known as Maren Morris' husband. But let me assure you that he is a super talented songwriter and performer in his own right. He's been touring for years and selling out venues across the country. 2021 saw him get his first number 1 song with "Chasing After You." The album 'Pelago' is full of potential hits. Personally my favorite is 'Tab With My Name On It.' I think this record is definitely worth your time.

7) Josh Kerr - 12/12

This is kind of cheating. Josh was releasing songs here and there individually until he put them all together on this project. It's so good. A couple of the songs on the album are among my most listened to songs ever on iTunes. Josh is married to Taylor Dye from Maddie & Tae and they're expecting their first child in 2022. I can't wait to hear what kind of inspiration comes from that experience. As far as songwriters go, he's one of the best in the business.

8) Tenille Arts - Girl To Girl

Tenille is a rising star in country music. What I love about this album is that it's right down the middle. I mean that with so much love. It reminds me of the songwriting and country music that I fell in love with. As much as I love artists and music that pushes boundaries, I also love artists that stay true to their roots and that's what Tenille did with this. I needed this album in my life in 2021. Her duet with Matt Stell is a smash and I hope they push it out to radio in 2022 so I can play it everyday.

9) Sam Williams - Glasshouse Children

I don't know much about Sam. I saw this album pop up on Spotify on release day and it really stood out to me. I spent a lot of time with it. Sam has a strong and unique voice that really stands alone. It does remind me of someone but I can't quite put my finger on it. I think there's a bright future ahead for this guy. And I mean, how many new artists can get Dolly Parton to be a guest vocalist on a song? Sam did it.

10) Lainey Wilson - Sayin' What I'm Thinkin'

Lainey came out this year with the song 'Things A Man Oughta Know' and took the country world by storm. Her vocals are so strong and she also has a traditional yet original sound. 'Things' reminds me a lot of Tom Petty in so many ways. That's not a bad thing at all. I imagine you'll be hearing a lot from her in 2022.


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