A little bit more than halfway through the year, and the women of country music are already putting out some of the best music I've heard in a while. Even though this is a list of strictly female artists, I firmly believe that even if the men were included, these are still five of the best records released this year. In no particular order, here we go.
IF NOT FOR YOU BY JOEY FEEK
This album was recorded in 2005, and then shelved, with Feek most likely expecting that it would never see the light of day. Ten years later, it's here! Thank God for that. Feek's voice is ethereal, and her music has this beautifully positive outlook on life. She is fine with hurting, because it's better than having "Nothing to Remember." She thinks it's strong to cry. It's a perspective that has been desperately needed in country music, and is finally here. This album will live on, just like Joey Feek.
ROAD LESS TRAVELED BY LAUREN ALAINA
As for the pop-country albums put out so far this year, this is far and away the best one. We always knew Lauren Alaina had talent — American Idol proved that. But on her six-years-in-the-making sophomore record, she comes into her own as a songwriter as well as a singer, producing some of the best-written songs of the year. She takes the big sister role on Road Less Traveled, teaching listeners all of the lessons she's learned growing up and becoming who she is today.
WRANGLED BY ANGALEENA PRESLEY
If there was one sentence to describe this record, it would be, "Angaleena Presley doesn't give a f**k anymore." From the album cover to song meant to provoke like "Country" there is nothing subtle about this record. But that's the beauty of it. It's great country music, in the in-your-face Angaleena Presley kind of way. Even if you think "Country" is stupid, you probably will like this record. Some hidden gems include the Miranda Lambert & Ashley Monroe co-write "Dreams Don't Come True" and "Groundswell."
PUXICO BY NATALIE HEMBY
Natalie Hemby's first full length record was a surprise, but a welcome one. The album was created to accompany a documentary about the town that Hemby's grandfather lived, Puxico, Illinois. In many ways, this album is a perfect representation of what mainstream country music should aspire to be. It tells stories of real life, stories of a small town, and the stories of people who don't necessarily get the chance to share their story. It's a story of a town, but it has quickly become the story of many listeners.
SPADES & ROSES BY CAROLINE SPENCE
This is the least mainstream record on this list, but that doesn't make it any more important. Caroline Spence may not be a hit songwriter like Hemby, or have the fanbase of Alaina, but her talent is incredible. Spades & Roses is an eleven song record that explores all of the difficulties of life, from divorce to drugs to heartbreak. But it also has an element of self-realization woven throughout, that life is hard sometimes, but I will get through it. It's a must-listen.
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