10 Best Country Albums of 2022


The best country albums of 2022 have something in common: they were made with little regard for commercial success or record sales.

In some cases that’s because the artist didn’t have the infrastructure to run a song up to No. 1 on radio airplay charts. Three independent artists make this Top 10 list and a fourth album is the kind of album you’d expect from an indy. Only one artist found below notched a solo No. 1 country airplay hit this year.

Honorable mentions go to full length albums by Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett (EPs were not considered) but artists that valued creativity and a cohesive vision across nine, 11 or even 17 songs were rewarded with recognition. Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert are two hitmakers who did just that. Muscadine Bloodline and American Aquarium are two you may not have heard of that shaped country music in a big way this year.

The lesson is country fans need to look deeper for the most daring, creative music of 2022. Taste of Country’s list of the Best Country Albums of 2022 features 10 critically acclaimed albums, with only the slightest consideration given to sales success. A team of staff writers worked together to shape the list.

Best Country Albums of 2022 – Critic’s Picks

This list of country music’s best albums from 2022 separates artists who aim to make great albums from those simply looking to record great songs. Only one artist found below notched a solo No. 1 country airplay hit this year. Popularity doesn’t always equal quality.

It’s not that albums from country music’s most notable hitmakers aren’t any good. Count Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett as strong honorable mentions for this list but both were edged out by a group that in some ways didn’t have to worry about the confines of commercial success. Randy Houser and Muscadine Bloodline are independant artists. American Aquarium is too and Ashley McBryde released the sort of album you’d expect from an indy act. 

The lesson is country fans need to look deeper for the most daring, creative music of 2022. 

Top 22 Country Songs of 2022, Ranked

There are plenty of feel-good country jams on this list of the top country songs of 2022, but the No. 1 song is one of the best love songs of the decade. These 22 songs are ranked by critical acclaim, radio and sales success, and importance to the genre.
Seven of the 22 artists made our Top Country Songs list from 2021, as well, but there are no song repeats. If a song made a previous list (or didn’t spend most of its time on the charts in 2022), it’s not eligible. So, before you ask where your favorite song is (i.e. Cody Johnson, “‘Til You Can’t”), be sure the miss isn’t just a technicality.



Leslie Jordan’s Best Country Music Moments


The country music community is mourning the loss of charismatic actor, singer, performer and pop culture personality Leslie Jordan, who died on Monday (Oct. 24) at the age of 67. 

According to TMZ, the larger-than-life talent was killed after a suspected medical emergency caused his career to veer off the road and crash into a building in Hollywood, Calif., early Monday morning.

The news of Jordan’s death spread quickly across the entertainment industry, spurring a range of celebrities, musicians and friends to share their own tributes on social media. Jason Isbell, Margo Price and Ty Herndon were among the first artists to share messages of shock and sadness over Jordan’s unexpected death. 

Although Leslie Jordan initially found fame as an actor in the mid ’90s, he had forged strong bonds with many country artists in recent years. His 2021 country gospel album Company’s Comin’ included collaborations with a range of major acts, including Dolly Parton, Chris and Morgane Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Ashley McBryde, Tanya Tucker and T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne.

Jordan, an openly gay man and avid LGBTQ+ advocate, was known for his joyful, positive attitude and cutting sense of humor, which shined through his recordings and live performances.

Take a look back at some of the sweetest snapshots and most memorable moments from Leslie Jordan’s one-of-a-kind career.

PICS: Remembering Leslie Jordan’s Best Country Music Moments

Take a look back at the special moments and incredible collaborations from the life and career of beloved comedian, actor and personality Leslie Jordan, who died Oct. 24, 2022, at the age of 67.





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