Album Reviews

Sammy Arriaga’s Banjos 'n' Bongos EP is what a warm holiday sounds like.

Jennifer Nettles' Playing With Fire is an uncompromising working woman's album that the rest of her fans will enjoy from a safe distance.

Keith Urban’s new Ripcord album is pure country cardio. The thumping, rhythmic collection of songs will make you sweat. Even the ballads come full of energy and urgency

Cole Swindell gets his heart broken — or at least wounded — on many songs from You Should Be Here, his second studio album.

Few albums released in 2016 will have the lyrical integrity of Reckless, Martina McBride's first album on Nash Icon Records. Each of the 10 songs hits like red wine on an empty stomach, with the buzz growing stronger the more you sip.

“Used to Love You Sober” is a fine representative for Kane Brown’s new Chapter 1 EP. With one exception, the newcomer relies on a throaty delivery of spoken word-to-crooning lyrics to tell stories of love or love lost. He’s as advertised.

Producer Dave Cobb's commitment to crafting an album full of stories about life in the rural South is absolute. With Southern Family, 12 artists turned in songs about Southern culture, traditions and grandparents ... lots and lots of grandparents.

Steve Moakler makes being an independent artist look good. His self-titled EP features five dynamic and diverse songs that rely on strong songwriting and effortless storytelling. It's a reminder that you don't need major label support to make great music.

Comparisons between Luke Bryan and Randy Houser will become more convincing after one listens to the 17 songs on Fired Up, Houser's fifth studio album.

Granger Smith is comfortable in his own boots through each of the 15 songs on Remington, his debut album on Wheelhouse Records.