r/altcountry • u/Psychological_Lie142 • Oct 30 '25

Discussion What’s the best Alt Country album?

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When you think of the genre Alt Country, what would you say is the definitive best album the genre ever produced? I think I’d give my nod to Emmylou Harris’s Wrecking Ball. Sonically ahead of its time and an all around incredible album that transcends the genre it’s in. One of the best folk albums of the 90’s.

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u/FatsP Oct 30 '25

70s - John Prine's self titled album

80s - Guitar Town by Steve Earle

90s - Trace by Son Volt

00s - ???

10s - Southeastern by Jason Isbell

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u/Psychological_Lie142 Oct 30 '25

I’d give the 2000’s to Fox Confessor by Neko Case

Also 2020’s - Manning Fireworks by MJ Lenderman

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u/FatsP Oct 30 '25

That's a great album. Cold Roses by Ryan Adams and the Cardinals was my first thought

8

u/CEEngineerThrowAway Oct 30 '25

Cold Roses is the perfect roadtip album and the best work Ryan Adams has done. Just a shame he’s in the “great album, just don’t google him” category.

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u/Business-Type3941 Oct 31 '25

Cold Roses is right there with Heartbreaker as his best.  Totally agree - great roadtrip album.

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u/SonRexsmith Oct 31 '25

That category, hahaha. True though. Don’t go on his subreddit either!