In 2024, the country music scene thrived with groundbreaking albums, innovative cross-genre collaborations, and fresh voices that pushed the boundaries of the genre while honoring its roots. Beyoncé’s surprise entry into country with her album Cowboy Carter brought a new audience to the genre. Lainey Wilson continued her dominance with hits like “4x4xU,” and newcomer HunterGirl, Megan Moroney and Shaboozey’s genre-blending “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” became a cultural phenomenon. Together, these artists and releases showcased the genre’s vibrancy and evolution, ensuring country music’s relevance and growth.
BEST ALBUMS: One of the most talked-about releases was by singer Beyoncé with, Cowboy Carter. A bold foray into country music, the album married traditional country instrumentation with Beyoncé’s unparalleled artistry. It debuted at number one on both the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums chart, cementing her as a trailblazer in the genre and making history as the first Black woman to achieve this milestone. The album’s lead single, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” resonated deeply with audiences, staying at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart for an impressive ten weeks and becoming a cultural phenomenon. The album featured Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, Shaboozey, Linda Martel and another newcomer to country music Post Malone.
Post Malone made a significant genre shift with the release of his sixth studio album, F-1 Trillion, marking his official entry into country music. The album features collaborations with prominent country artists, including Tim McGraw, Hank Williams Jr., Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Ernest, Sierra Ferrell, Chris Stapleton, Hardy, and Billy Strings. Production was handled by Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, and Hoskins. F-1 Trillion, was supported by four singles including the lead single, “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen, debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, achieving Post Malone’s sixth number-one song.
Kacey Musgraves captivated fans with her introspective album Deeper Well, a deeply personal project that explored existential themes with her trademark wit and emotional depth. The album, which debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums chart in March 2024, reaffirmed her ability to push the boundaries of country music while staying true to her roots. Zach Top brought a refreshing homage to ’90s country and bluegrass with his debut, Cold Beer & Country Music. His timeless approach to storytelling and melody struck a chord with fans of traditional country, earning him a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
Carly Pearce delivered one of the year’s most heartfelt projects with Hummingbird, an album that underscored her unwavering commitment to authentic country sound. Tracks on the album exemplified her ability to connect deeply with listeners while honoring the genre’s storied traditions. On the other hand, Shane Smith and the Saints brought raw intensity with Norther. The album’s evocative, stormy undertones sent listeners on an emotional journey, blending poetic lyricism with rugged musicality that set it apart as a standout release.
These albums represented more than just standout projects—they highlighted the vast spectrum of country music in 2024. From Beyoncé’s and Post Malone’s groundbreaking entry into the genre to Kacey Musgraves’ reflective lyricism, Zach Top’s nostalgic charm, Carly Pearce’s heartfelt authenticity, and Shane Smith and the Saints’ stormy anthems, each album added a unique layer to the tapestry of country music. Collectively, these works underscored the genre’s ability to evolve while maintaining a deep connection to its roots, making 2024 a banner year for country music.
BEST SONGS: Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” emerged as a cultural phenomenon, tying the record for the longest-running number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with an impressive 19-week reign. Its catchy and relatable lyrics struck a chord nationwide, addressing economic stress with a carefree, singable anthem. Beyoncé ventured into the genre with “Texas Hold ‘Em,” a standout track from her country-inspired album Cowboy Carter. The song showcased her versatility by merging traditional country instrumentation with her powerful vocals, topping the Hot Country Songs.
Lainey Wilson continued her ascent with “4x4xU,” and “Hang Tight Honey,” a song that perfectly combined traditional country elements with modern flair, solidifying her position as one of the genre’s leading voices. Meanwhile, Zach Top paid homage to ’90s country and bluegrass with “Sounds Like The Radio,” a timeless track that deeply resonated with fans of classic country. Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” became her first charting single, peaking at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2024. The track also achieved top ten positions internationally in countries like Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Originating from a songwriting session where Dasha and her collaborators shifted focus from infidelity to a narrative rooted in her personal experiences, the song struck a relatable chord with listeners.
Adding to the vibrant country music landscape, Megan Moroney‘s “No Caller ID,” Erin Kirby‘s “Leaving Eyes,” and Jelly Roll‘s “Liar” each brought unique storytelling and musical perspectives. These songs captivated listeners with their emotional depth and authenticity, showcasing the evolving artistry and diverse narratives that defined country music this year.
BEST NEW ARTIST: Megan Moroney quickly rose to prominence, earning New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards and landing her first Billboard 200 top 10 with her album Am I Okay?. Shaboozey blended hip-hop and country seamlessly, with his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” tying the record for the longest-running number one on the Billboard Hot 100 at 19 weeks. Karley Scott Collins gained recognition for her heartfelt songwriting and Grand Ole Opry debut, collaborating with country heavyweights like Keith Urban. Zach Top‘s debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, charmed fans with its nostalgic ’90s country and bluegrass influences.
Meanwhile, HunterGirl, a American Idol runner-up, made waves with her authentic sound and promising start with BBR Music Group.
