Country pop was at its peak in the early 2000s. The sheer size of the genre was impressive. However, some genuinely good albums slipped through the cracks in favor of bigger, more mainstream bands. Let’s take a walk through the early aughts with the best country albums from the 2000s that you might have never heard before!
Videos by American Songwriter
1. ‘Gloriana’ by Gloriana
Gloriana’s self-titled album is best known for the single “Wild At Heart”. Released in 2009, the single was a Top 20 hit. The country outfit enjoyed a decent career through the years since its release. However, Gloriana never became a megastar act; it’s not clear why they didn’t catch, but it definitely didn’t have anything to do with the quality of their music.
2. ‘Sunset Man’ by James Otto
James Otto was a bit of an it-boy in 2007, specifically after he released his sexy love song “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” that year, along with the album Sunset Man. By that point, Otto had struggled to get his music on the radio. “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” was a hefty hit. Unfortunately, the chart-topping song was Otto’s only majorly successful release and he’s since become a bit of a one-hit wonder.
3. ‘Waitin’ In The Country’ by Jason Michael Carroll
If you don’t remember this chart-topping album from 2007, you’re not alone. It’s strange how this record has slipped into obscurity through the years, despite it being one of the most successful 2000s country albums out there. However, you might remember the heartwrenching song “Alyssa Lies” from that very album. It’s a powerful country song about child abuse that isn’t an easy listen, but it is a transformative listen.
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4. ‘Stand Still, Look Pretty’ by The Wreckers
Ah, The Wreckers. Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp’s short-live music partnership could have been huge. Their debut (and only) album Stand Still, Look Pretty was a Top 10 hit in 2006. No matter where you went, “Leave The Pieces” was playing everywhere. It’s not clear why the duo stopped making music together, though it may have had something to do with their solo careers.
5. ‘Who I Am’ by Jessica Andrews
This teen country star was positioned to be the next big thing in country pop. Jessica Andrews’ 2000 hit album Who I Am, along with its title track of the same name, was a huge no. 1 hit that year. Andrews was exactly what younger country fans wanted: pop-leaning country songs with positive, empowering energy. In the decade that followed, Andrews only secured one additional Top 20 tune, and it’s definitely a shame she didn’t become as famous as her contemporaries.
Photo by Moses Robinson
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