If you enjoy Western movies or the elements associated with them, you’ll love these albums that represent the genre. While some country songs are known for being summer favorites, these albums fit a different kind of storytelling. Although some legends have succeeded in this, new artists are also helping to push this forward, just like modern-day rock stars.
While capturing the Western theme accurately can be challenging, these artists have done it well. Through storytelling and instrumentals, they can create the ideal atmosphere. In fact, there are songs so remarkable that they could be added to the list of tracks that should have reached number one on the charts because they were among the best.
Over the years, the genre has been appreciated, with many musicians receiving award nominations. The music industry has always valued a well-crafted Western-themed country or folk album. There is an acknowledgment of all the work that goes into creating this and how each strum of the guitar must be perfect.
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Jimmy Dean – Big Bad John And Other Fabulous Songs And Tales
This Was An Award-Winning Release
There are numerous accomplishments for which Jimmy Dean was known throughout his career, with one of his highlights being his album, Big Bad John and Other Fabulous Songs and Tales. Throughout this record, there are many great stories that Dean shares. Perhaps the greatest is the first song and title track, “Big John,” which became a sensation.
It was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Best Country & Western Recording and Song of the Year.
This tune reached the number one spot on multiple Billboard charts, including the Hot 100. Additionally, it was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Best Country & Western Recording and Song of the Year. It was the perfect example of the kind of folklore that Dean shared, capturing imaginations while possessing the same essence as a good old-fashioned Western.
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The Handsome Family – Signing Bones
A Legendary Cover Was Created
The legend of the Handsome Family’s 2003 release, Singing Bones, has grown over time. This record has a moody atmosphere, with many thought-provoking tunes. One of the best tracks on this record is “Dry Bones.” This is a cover of the 1929 song originally sung by Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Although the song is decades old, the band captured its spirit.
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Another song that has become popular is “Far from Any Road.” The tune has been featured in various shows, such as True Detective and The Simpsons. Additionally, it was used by Guns N’ Roses as the opening song for their 2014 tour. With these two songs as the backbone, the album continues to be appreciated for the emotion it conveys.
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Charley Crockett – $10 Cowboy
The Success Of Charley Crockett Continues
A modern artist who has been working tirelessly to perfect this kind of music is Charley Crockett. After his first album in 2015, he remained busy releasing many projects. He received recognition in 2022 and followed up in 2024 with his biggest record yet, $10. Throughout the 12 tracks, Crockett showcases his ability to tell stories in his unique style.
Not only did this put him back on the Billboard 200, but it also secured him a Top 30 finish in their Top Country Albums rankings. Then he received arguably his biggest accolade when he was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Americana Album. Now, Crockett is among the greats of today, with listeners closely watching his work.
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The Highwaymen – Highwayman
Supergroups Don’t Get Much Bigger Than This
One of the most special occurrences that can happen in music is when a supergroup is formed. When some of the greatest musicians get together, it can create magic, as seen many times in the rock genre. The Highwaymen, consisting of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, were one of the biggest groups ever to form.
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The outlaw country pioneers released their first album in 1985. Throughout the ten tracks, they showcase a masterclass in performing, blending their four unique voices together. The love for this record has only grown over time, as it is now platinum-selling. It is not only a special piece for this kind of music, but also for the industry overall.
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Orville Peck – Pony
A New Voice Emerges
Orville Peck is known for having a unique style as an artist. Peck’s debut album in 2019, Pony, highlights this as it tackles different country genres while seamlessly blending in other elements. Over the course of the 12 tracks, which last just over 41 minutes, Peck takes listeners on a true journey of genre blending and storytelling.
Some have considered the performances on the album to be reminiscent of Glen Campbell and Loretta Lynn.
The album ended up on three different Billboard rankings. The notoriety also got Peck nominated for a Juno Award. Additionally, Peck was able to perform for mainstream audiences, such as on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Some have considered the performances on the album to be reminiscent of Glen Campbell and Loretta Lynn, a huge compliment to Peck’s abilities.
5
Colter Wall – Songs Of The Plains
There Were Many Stories Wall Wanted To Tell
For his sophomore album in 2018, Colter Wall hit on three of the most associated genres with the Western theme: Americana, Folk, and Country. Over the course of the 11 tracks, Wall is seen touching on each one at times. His delivery is very calculated, but it helps make the words more impactful, including with his cover of “Calgary Round-Up.”
Of the three Billboard charts it placed on, it reached the Top 10 on two of those. Many publications touted Wall’s accomplishments with this album. Each placed it among the very best country releases of 2018. It was a tremendous way for Wall to follow his debut and for listeners to know that this particular music was in good hands.
4
Sturgill Simpson – High Top Mountain
What Was Old Is New Again
Creating his first record wasn’t easy for Sturgill Simpson, as the singer not only had to put in effort, but also invest his own money. This was a huge risk if it didn’t pay off, but he had an unwavering belief in himself. Using the genre that George Strait helped make famous as his guide, Simpson laid down the 12-tracks.
The composition, which was a journey across the neotraditional country genre, became a hit. He would even see it rank as the 31st record on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. His performance with this material has been compared to the likes of Waylon Jennings. This gave Simpson the start he needed, as he continued making many more records.
3
Johnny Cash – At Folsom Prison
Cash Delivers The Outlaw Country
When it comes to live performances, one of the most famous is Johnny Cash playing at Folsom Prison. The event was so historic that it was even recorded as a live album, showcasing Cash and his band from that day. This included his wife, June, who sang vocals alongside him, along with many other musicians brought in for the show.
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The record has 16 songs listed, where Cash sings with all his might, telling these stories in a way only he could. There was something truly awe-inspiring about the way these songs resonated in a live environment. It became so beloved that it was ranked as the number one record on the Top Country Albums chart.
2
Riders In The Sky – Three On The Trail
This Debut Made Quite An Impression
Throughout their illustrious career, Riders in the Sky have accomplished so much. From working with Disney to their own CBS children’s show, the band has done it all. However, all that success had to start somewhere, and for Riders in the Sky, it began with their debut album, Three on the Trail, which was released in 1979.
They endeared themselves to listeners thanks to their good nature and abilities.
In many ways, they take after one of the first Western singing groups, Sons of the Pioneers. They endeared themselves to listeners thanks to their good nature and abilities. Although it didn’t bring them the most success they’d experienced, it was a great start to show what they were all about, and it was the foundation upon which they built.
1
Marty Robbins – Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
One Of The Greatest Western Songs Is On Here
If you’re looking for an album that represents a Western, it’s hard to find a better choice than Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs by Marty Robbins. He was inspired by the likes of Gene Autry, and this record was one of the best contributions he could make to the genre. Robbins even recorded the tracks in a single 8-hour session.
The National Recording Registry is a list of sound recordings deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,” maintained by the Library of Congress for all time preservation.
Two standout songs from this record are “El Paso” and “Big Iron.” The latter is considered one of the very best Western songs of all time. This recording is so important that it was even selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2017, ensuring it will always be remembered.
