With 2016 quickly drawing to a close (really, it’s coming faster than I thought) it’s time to start looking back at the year that was.

So, here we are today with the 10 albums that I’ve found myself listening to the most in 2016. Some were released this year and caught my ear instantly. Some were released in 2015 and carried over into this year.

And one was released almost 40 years ago, but still holds up as well as you could ever imagine.

I don’t have these albums ranked by anything other than them being on the list. I don’t have spin or stream numbers, no stats at all, but I can tell what tracks have been played the most, and a little more.

Arkells: Morning Report (2016)

Most played track: A Little Rain (A Song For Pete)

We were lucky to hear much of Morning Report live at WayHome before the album came out. And that early (and awesome exposure) had me hooked. Being able to pop these songs on to play in sequence or on shuffle is a treat, with great hooks, fun beats, and memories attached to one of the most fun live sets of the year.

Meghan Patrick: Grace & Grit (2016)

Most played track: I Won’t Drink

We’d been waiting for Meghan to release this album for more than 2 years… and I was not disappointed. From top to bottom Grace & Grit delivers. If you want upbeat party and dance country, it’s there with Bow Chicka Wow Wow and Grace & Grit. And if you want slowed down, hit you in the heart tracks you’ll find Still Loving You and Thanks To You. If you still haven’t listened to this album yet, it’s time.

The Bros. Landreth: Let It Lie (Deluxe) (2015)

Most played track: I Am The Fool

You might not know this album – but maybe you do since it’s the 2015 Juno winner for Roots Traditional Album of the Year. The instrumental and lyrical work on the album have drawn me in on many occasions since I first started listening. Put it on when you’re in a mellow mood and let it ride. Trust me.

Charles Kelley: The Driver (2016)

Most played track: Leaving Nashville

I was looking forward to this album… and to say that I wasn’t disappointed would be one of the biggest understatements of the year. The only complaint is that there are only 9 tracks on the album. The Driver was a smash hit, but Leaving Nashville is the one that I have played the most. Take a listen and let the story hit you. Then listen to the rest of the record.

Cam: Untamed (2015)

Most played track: Village

Untamed dropped in December 2015 to all kinds of critical and fan praise… and it has stayed hot for an entire year. And while it’s nearly impossible to pick one song to connect to more than any other, Village stands out for me. It’s the one that made me cry at Boots & Hearts 2016, and it’s the one that I could listen to and think on over and over again. If you still only know Cam’s radio hits, you owe it to yourself to listen to Untamed.

Fleetwood Mac: Rumours (1977)

Most played track: The Chain

I told you one of these albums was nearly 40 years old! Fleetwood Mac made magic when they made this album. And in 2016 I listened to it on vinyl, on CD, and have it downloaded to my phone via Spotify. Track to track it holds up and is an example of music standing the test of time. Listen to the musicianship, the lyrics, the harmonies, all of it… and enjoy!

Autumn Hill: Anchor (2015)

Most played track: Mixtape

I love this duo. In fact, if there’s a list of artists I’d like to see live far more often, Autumn Hill is on it. And if they wanted to play this album from front to back, in order or on shuffle, I’d be totally okay with that. I’d also be able to sing along to every track. But the upbeat, nostalgic nature of Mixtape sits at the top of my rotation.

Ryan Adams: 1989 (2015)

Most played track: Stay

Yes, I love T.Swift’s 1989, I’ve listened and loved it since it came out. But the longer these songs exist in the universe, the more I find myself listening to Adams play and sing them. They are as much reinterpretations as they are covers, and Stay has become a different song in the hands of the indie hero.

Brett Kissel: Pick Me Up (2015)

Most played track: Pick Me Up

Dear Brett, keep this sh*t up. Kissel has been on fire, and the release of this record has been a big part of that. The Albertan hit the nail on the head with tracks like Airwaves and Cool With That… and his duet with Carolyn Dawn Johnson on I Didn’t Fall In Love With Your Hair will live on as one of the most impactful songs in a long time. But Pick Me Up has been played more than any other in my ears. That’s just they way it goes.

Maren Morris: Hero (2016)

Most played track: My Church

If you’ve listened to this album you know why I’ve listened to it so much. Maren Morris is at the beginning of what could be a very long, loud career. And to listen to her sing songs like Sugar and I Could Use A Love Song right beside 80s Mercedes and Rich is a privilege as a country music fan. But, for me, since the day it was released, My Church has been a jam and I’ve listened to it more than any of the other 10 tracks.

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Joshua Murray

creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.