Dust Off Your Stetson: 20 Country Records For Your Midnight Rodeo

If you thought country music was all about pickup trucks and heartbreak, think again! The world of country music is as diverse as a rodeo clown's wardrobe. From the outlaw grit of Chris Stapleton to the electronic pop-infused charm of Kacey Musgraves, these 20 country albums are the cream of the country crop.

Saddle up and get ready to two-step down to these vinyl gems!

1/ 'Golden Hour' by Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves' 'Golden Hour' isn't just a record; it's a shimmering beacon of country-pop perfection that turned Nashville on its rhinestone-studded head. With its dreamy vibes and cosmic twang, this album catapulted Kacey to superstar status and snagged her a GRAMMY for Album of the Year in 2019. Hits like "High Horse" will have you grooving like a cosmic cowboy on a neon-lit dance floor while tender moments like "Rainbow" will put all your worries at ease. Yee-haw meets disco ball – 'Golden Hour' proves that in the universe of music, there's always room for a little more stardust.

2/ 'Rustin' In The Rain' by Tyler Childers 

Tyler Childers' 'Rustin' In The Rain' is like a shot of moonshine straight to the soul. With its gritty storytelling and Appalachian soul, this album hit the country scene like a thunderstorm in a trailer park. While it might not have grabbed as many trophies as a raccoon at a trash can, its hit tracks like "In Your Love" and "Phone Calls and Emails" became anthems for folks who know that life ain't all sunshine and sweet tea. No glitz, no glamour – just Tyler, his guitar, and the raw essence of country music. This album is the real deal, y'all!

3/ 'Proof of Life' by Joy Oladokun

Joy Oladokun's 'Proof of Life' is a stellar addition in the country music landscape especially with her stunning collaboration with fellow star Chris Stapleton. With her powerful storytelling and a voice that could melt the polar ice caps, Joy made waves that rippled through the industry as heard in tracks like "Keeping the Light On", "Changes" and "Sweet Symphony" with fellow star Chris Stapleton. 

4/ 'Take It Like A Man' by Amanda Shires

Amanda Shires' 'Take It Like A Man' is the sonic equivalent of a poker face at a high-stakes game in the Wild West. Songs like the title track and "Hawk For The Dove" all pack a punch that'll knock your boots off. Collaborating with heavyweights like her husband Jason Isbell, Amanda brings a cool and edgy energy to country music, proving that she's not just a player in the game – she's the whole dang deck of cards.

5/ 'Girl' by Maren Morris 

Maren Morris' 'Girl' is a bold, badass declaration that country girls rule the world. While it may not have filled her trophy case like a Nashville hoedown, this album's hit tracks like "Girl" and "The Bones" struck a chord with fans and critics alike, earning Maren a GRAMMY for Best Country Solo Performance. With a voice that can make a steel guitar weep and seamless incorporations of pop and indie-rock, Maren proves that country music is a genre that's evolving faster than you can say "yee-haw." She's not just a girl; she's a country powerhouse.

6/ 'The Man From Waco' by Charley Crockett 

Charley Crockett's 'The Man From Waco' is like a cool breeze on a sweltering Texas day, offering a refreshing twist on the classic country sound. While it might not have racked up awards like a cattle rancher counting cattle, this album's hit tracks like "Just Like Honey are pure Lone Star gold. Charley's blend of blues and country, not to mention his swagger, prove that he's a modern-day outlaw in the world of country music. He's the kind of man who can make the prairie dust dance and the jukebox sing.

7/ 'In These Silent Days' by Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile's 'In These Silent Days' is a hauntingly beautiful journey through the depths of emotion. While it might not have collected trophies like a pawnshop owner, this album's hit tracks like "Right On Time" and "You and Me on the Rock" have struck a chord with listeners worldwide. Brandi's fearless storytelling and powerful vocals make her a force to be reckoned with in the world of country music, proving that sometimes silence can be the loudest and most impactful thing of all.

8/ 'Bronco' by Orville Peck 

Orville Peck's 'Bronco' is the kind of album that struts into the room wearing a cowboy hat and leaves everyone speechless. While it might not have scooped up awards like a lasso at a rodeo, this album's hit tracks like "C'mon Baby, Cry" and "The Curse of the Blackened Eye" showcase Orville's enigmatic persona and genre-bending style. Orville Peck has taken the country world by storm, proving that you can't put this bronco in a box – it's a wild ride of mystery, music, and moxie.

9/ 'Remember Her Name' by Mickey Guyton

Mickey Guyton's 'Remember Her Name' is a seismic shift in the country music landscape, breaking barriers and setting the stage for a new era. While it may not have accumulated awards like a jukebox collects quarters, this album's hit tracks like "Remember Her Name" and "Black Like Me" have become anthems of empowerment in country music. Mickey's powerful voice and unapologetic storytelling prove that she's not just a name to remember – she's a force to be reckoned with, tearing down walls and leaving a trail of shattered stereotypes in her wake.

10/ 'Southeastern' by Jason Isbell

Jason Isbell's 'Southeastern' is the kind of album that can make a whiskey sour cry. Hit tracks like "Cover Me Up" and "Elephant" earned Jason a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim. With raw and honest storytelling about his battle with addiction and redemption, Jason's 'Southeastern' is like a shot of truth in the arm of country music, proving that the South has a lot more to offer than just sweet tea and porch swings.

11/ 'Big Time' by Angel Olsen 

Angel Olsen's 'Big Time' is a record that's as enigmatic as a midnight rendezvous. Stunning songs like "Big Time" and "All the Good Times" have left a mark on the indie country scene. With her hauntingly introspective lyrics and ethereal melodies, Angel Olsen is the cool, enigmatic artist that the genre needs, proving that country music isn't just about boots and banjos – it's about bending boundaries and breaking and mending hearts.

12/ 'Higher' by Chris Stapleton 

Chris Stapleton's 'Higher' is the kind of album that can make a campfire song feel like an arena anthem. Standout tracks like "White Horse" showcase Chris's gritty vocals and soulful storytelling. Collaborations with legendary musicians like Miranda Lambert have solidified Chris as a heavyweight in modern country, proving that when it comes to setting the musical bar higher, he's the man to beat.

13/ 'Stick Season' by Noah Kahan

Noah Kahan's 'Stick Season' is the musical equivalent of a cozy cabin retreat during a New England winter. While it might not have racked up awards like a snowstorm stacks drifts, this album's hit tracks like "Stick Season" and "Northern Attitude" resonate with listeners, capturing the ups and downs of life. Noah's authentic storytelling and emotional depth prove that he's not just another singer-songwriter – he's the voice of a chilly yet beautiful season, turning frost into musical fire.

14/ 'Come Get Your Wife' by Elle King

Elle King's 'Come Get Your Wife' is a rock 'n' roll country rollercoaster that grabs you by the collar and takes you for a wild ride. Tracks like "Worth a Shot" and "Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)" are a sassy, unapologetic take on modern love and life. Elle's raspy vocals and fearless attitude prove that she's the queen of cool, and this album is a whirlwind tour of her rock-infused country kingdom.

15/ 'The Highwomen' by The Highwomen

The Highwomen's self-titled record is a country masterpiece that boldly celebrates the resilience and power of women in the industry. Soaring tracks like "Redesigning Women" and "Crowded Table" struck a chord with listeners, emphasizing unity and female empowerment. With an all-star lineup including Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires, The Highwomen brought a fresh, edgy sound to country music, proving that women aren't just a footnote in the genre's history – they're writing a whole new chapter.

16/ 'Whitsitt Chapel' by Jelly Roll

Jelly Roll's 'Whitsitt Chapel' is like a gritty, late-night confessional in the heart of the South. Tracks like "Save Me" and "Need a Favor" resonate with listeners, serving as a raw and honest snapshot of life's ups and downs. Collaborating with fellow renegades like Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll proves that he's the outlaw poet of the modern South, mixing hip-hop swagger with country storytelling for a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

17/ 'Little Songs' by Colter Wall

Colter Wall's 'Little Songs' is huge in showcasing his timeless storytelling and deep baritone that feels like a campfire under the stars. Tunes like "Corralling the Blues" and "Evangelina" will transport you to the rugged, dusty landscapes of the American West. It is the modern embodiment of outlaw country – a must-listen for anyone looking to explore the grittier side of the genre.

18/ 'Strays' by Margo Price

Margo Price's 'Strays' is the sonic equivalent of a whiskey-soaked jukebox in a honky-tonk bar. Songs like "Been To The Mountain" and "Radio" with Sharon Van Etten are anthems of rebellion and resilience, proving that Margo's the renegade outlaw of country, giving Nashville a run for its rhinestones and leaving a trail of strays in her wake.

19/ 'One Thing At A Time' by Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen's record 'One Thing At A Time' is like a wild night in Nashville condensed into musical form. Hit tracks like "Last Night" and "Man Made A Bar" have become anthems for the party-loving crowd, making it the perfect soundtrack for a rowdy night out or a boot-stompin' hoedown.

20/ 'Fallow & Variations' by Fanny Lumsden

Fanny Lumsden's 'Fallow & Variations' is a breath of fresh country air, a musical journey through the vast Australian outback. While it might not have racked up awards like kangaroos in the bush, this album's hit tracks like "Mountain Song" and "This Too Shall Pass" are a captivating blend of storytelling and melody. 

So there you have it, folks, a wild ride through the heart of country music with these phenomenal albums. From Kacey Musgraves' cosmic twang to Fanny Lumsden's Aussie outback tales, these records prove that country isn't just about twangin' and sangin'. It's about storytelling, rebellion, and authenticity, and these artists are raising the bar higher than a squirrel in a sunflower field. So, dust off that old record player, crank up the volume, and let these vinyl gems transport you to a world where boots are made for walkin', and the music is as cool as a catfish sippin' sweet tea on a hot summer day. Y'all, it's time to get your honky-tonk on!

(Photo of Orville Peck by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella)