The best new country albums of 2022

The third full-length album from rising country superstar Zach Bryan boasts a whopping 34 songs, including the stunning (and wildly popular) "Something In The Orange" and "Oklahoma City." The album debuted at No. 5 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, a testament to the widespread appeal of Bryan's eclectic sound and emotive songwriting. 

Co-written entirely by the artist, Humble Quest marks an evolution in Maren Morris's pop-influenced sound. The critics paid attention, praising the album's writing, especially on its lead single, "Circles Around This Town." 

Luke Combs is arguably still the hottest name in country music, and the success of Growin' Up is only further proof. It was a crossover success for Combs, thanks to songs like "Outrunnin' Your Memory," a collaboration with fellow superstar Miranda Lambert, and "Doin' This." 

This mysteriously masked country crooner kept his Roy Orbison vibe alive with 2022's Bronco, an album that exemplifies his unique sonic vibe. 

Fans eagerly awaited Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven, the latest effort from independent country juggernaut Tyler Childers. Many of those fans likely didn't expect that it would be a triple album, with three different takes on each of its gospel-inflected tunes, but most Childers fans will find at least one version of each song to love. 

A testament to Texas band Whiskey Myers' southern-rock sound, the band's sixth full-length album Tornillo was a hit on the country, rock, and independent charts. Largely co-written by frontman Cody Cannon, the album is a lyrical and sonic maturation for one of the most exciting indie country bands out there right now. 

Charley Crockett released not one but two albums in 2022, and both are absolutely worthy listens for fans of his retro country sound. But The Man From Waco is an especially impressive effort, thanks to his ability to blend country, blues, and soul. 

Lindeville is the first concept album from Ashley McBryde, her imagining of a fictional town that's home to a colorful cast of characters. From "Brenda Put Your Bra On" to "Ronnie's Pawn Shop," it's easy to immerse into this richly written and totally dramatic universe. 

There are few voices in the world of Americana more captivating than Amanda Shires. Take It Like A Man is Shires at her most lyrically defiant and sonically sharp while also full of powerful raw emotions. 

With fans in artists like Luke Combs and the Turnpike Troubadours, 49 Winchester are poised for a major break in the coming months. Get in early on the craze by listening to Fortune Favors The Bold, a collection of solid songs from top to bottom. 

Miranda Lambert remains one of the most compelling artists in mainstream country, and Palomino doesn't disappoint. Songs from her stripped-down album "The Marfa Tapes" get full production here — "Geraldene" is a highlight, for sure — along with new fan favorites like "Strange" and "If I Was A Cowboy." 

The buzz continues to grow around Lainey Wilson, whose sophomore effort Bell Bottom Country brings a little vintage groove to her classic country sound. 

Ian Noe is a genuinely talented songwriter who continues to fly a little under the country radar. But his 2022 album River Fools & Mountain Saints is a must-listen for any fan disillusioned with the current state of country radio. 

At this point, Willie Nelson could sing the phone book, and we'd all be thrilled, but improbably, he still keeps making great music. A Beautiful Time is Nelson's whopping 72nd album and includes classic Willie wisdom on songs like "I Don't Go To Funerals" and an excellent cover of Leonard Cohen's "Tower Of Song." 

Technically an EP, Caitlyn Smith's High is still packed with killer country songs. The title track is destined to be one of the decade's best ballads, and "Downtown Baby" is the kind of catchy tune you don't mind having stuck in your head for a few days. 

Arguably the most personal effort from Kane Brown to date, Different Man even includes a collaboration with his wife and fellow artist, Katelyn Brown. There may be a little too much R&B sonic influence for some country fans, but there's no denying Kane Brown's talent. 

Alt-country star in the making Nikki Lane's fourth album titled Denim & Diamonds is packed full of her cheeky and often blunt songwriting that pairs perfectly with the album's rockabilly-inflected vibe. 

Oklahoma newcomer Kaitlin Butts's latest effort, What Else Can She Do, is the kind of album that fans of Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, and Nikki Lane should add to their playlists pronto. Butts' plain-spoken songwriting is the star of the show, and the vocals only add to the appeal.