In 2019 when Pacific Northwest songwriter and performer Brandi Carlile won the Grammy Award for Best Americana Album for her LP By the Way, I Forgive You, a change was in the air. For a genre of music that at times is undefinable—is it folk? is it rock?—Carlile and her success somehow signified a new sense of ownership.
Videos by American Songwriter
Ever since, Americana has been a style of music that can be whatever it wants—as long as it mirrors the state of the country from which it comes. Often there are acoustic guitars and lively percussion. But more than anything, the music must shine a light on the country and do so with a bit of a twang here and there. Indeed, to that end, we wanted to explore three Americana albums that perfectly exemplify the genre today.
[RELATED: Exclusive: Allison Russell Talks Grammy Nominations and Living a “Joyful” Life]
By the Way, I Forgive You by Brandi Carlile (2018)
When this album came out, Brandi Carlile was already a known quantity thanks to songs like “The Story.” But when By the Way, I Forgive You hit shelves and streaming services, it took her up about a billion notches. She became the torchbearer for the Americana genre, its newly crowned royalty. And ever since, Carlile has been using her power for good—partnering with legends like Elton John, Dolly Parton, and Joni Mitchell, and bringing up new voices like Allison Russell. The biggest song on Carlile’s 2018 offering was “The Joke,” a song about who gets the last laugh (hint: it’s not the bullies).
The Returner by Allison Russell (2023)
In many ways, Carlile walked so Allison Russell could run. Indeed, in 2021, Russell released her debut LP Outside Child, which earned her astonishing praise and three Grammy nominations. The album highlights Russell’s abusive and devastating upbringing and her triumph despite it. That victory was again felt on her beautiful 2023 follow-up, The Returner. On that record, music fans heard someone in her power, demonstrating what she’s learned from successes and how she leveled up, poised and ready to share her point of view—including a song that tells the story of the original mother, Eve.
The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers by Valerie June (2021)
There may be no voice more recognizable in Americana music than Valerie June’s elastic, high-pitched twang. She’s a woman who is as focused on spirituality and listening to the music of space and time as she is writing her own songs. She’s a treasure. And her 2021 album The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers earned her a well-deserved Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song for “Call Me a Fool.” Check out that sublime offering here below.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.