Every week on McLean's Country, Desi Fisher keeps us ahead of the pack with his reviews of the latest country music releases.
We've asked him to go that one step further and select for your consideration, his top 10 country albums of all time!! Not easy. But fair play, he has come up with some belters.
Original Soundtrack White Mansions A&M Records, 1978
Paul Kennerly's masterpiece of the American Civil War, featuring Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, et al. The vinyl version has a superb book included. John Prine John Prine Atlantic Records, 1971
How could one so young write lyrics so meaningful? Kristofferson stated on the liner notes, "we were hearing something ...unlike anything I'd heard before". Kris Kristofferson A Moment Of Forever Justice Records, 1995
So many thought that his great songwriting had dried up. This is a superb album produced by Don Was. "The Promise" is probably KK at his songwriting best. Various Tulare Dust Hightone, 1994
A tribute to Merle Haggard in which each singer makes the song their own. Highlights include "Big City" (Iris Dement) and "Irma Jackson" (Barrence Whitfield). Tom Russell The Man From God Knows Where Hightone, 2000
Great concept album weaved around Irish / Norwegian emigration to the USA, featuring Iris Dement & Dolores Keane among others. Waylon Jennings The Ramblin' Man RCA, 1974
Waylon Jennings at his best. From country rock to ballads, this album has them all. Also features a superlative rendition of "Amanda". Mickey Newbury Frisco Mabel Joy Elektra, 1971
In my opinion the greatest country album ever made! Mickey's use of the rain/thunder effects, his soaring voice and his songwriting make this a masterpiece. Neil Young Old Ways Geffen records, 1983
Young has a great country voice and in the company of Waylon, Willie and top Nashville session men made a great album with an ace cover of "The Wayward Wind". George Jones & Merle Haggard A Taste Of Yesterday's Wine Epic, 1982
When two country superstars get together this is the sort of album they should produce. Wonderful story songs, heartbreak songs and fun songs too. Jimmy Buffett You Had To Be There MCA Records, 1978
I am a parrothead (my secret's out!!). One of my great regrets is not seeing JB in concert, but this makes up for it. Superb songwriter with a great sense of humour. | | | |