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Our well-regarded Alternative Country Music Chart offers eight different charts on one page of the top new and classic alt country songs, EPs and albums. These charts showcase the hottest artists in alternative country music. The "Alt-Country" or "Alternative Country" sub-genre of country music is currently one of the most interesting and inventive sub-genres of country music. Indeed, alt country began as some artists wanted to explore music outside of country music - bringing in musical influences from punk, rock, folk. Thus, the alt-country movement was born using many of the instruments already popular in country music, such as the guitar, bass guitar, piano, harmonica, fiddle, cello and steel guitar. - The Alternative Country Music Chart is published daily by 2 pm CST (Nashville/Austin time). CountryChart.com publishes the Alt Country Music Chart 365 times every year. Alt country music does have some distinct characteristics that separate it from tradit...

  Brand New Alternative Country Music: Top Brand New Alt Country Songs, EPs and Albums Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner Just Added Alternative Country Music: Top Newly Added Alt Country Songs, EPs and Albums - First Time Digital Releases Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner

  Alt Country Albums Chart: Top 100 Alternative Music Country Music Records Chart Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner

Alt Country Songs Chart: Top 100 Alternative Music Country Singles Music Chart Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner

Texas country aficionados rejoice, because the world's best Red Dirt band is bringing fans "Good Luck & True Love" with a new album. Reckless Kelly carefully planned every detail on the project, including one of the best CD packages of any country album this year. Great cover art is important, but it's the music that matters most to Reckless Kelly, and the album begins with the mid-tempo, Red Dirt anthem "Give It A Try." However, the cut "Save Me From Myself" really kickstarts the album, and the song with the melodic chorus is certain to be another #1 hit for Reckless Kelly. "Guarded Heart" is a classic country love song and features angst-ridden vocals and superb instrumentation. Indeed, it proves to be the perfect intro for the album's biggest surprise, the hard-rockin' "She Likes Money, He Likes Love," which will please concertgoers and radio program managers looking for an upbeat country hit. The traditi...

Musical wunderkinds The Greencards have enchanted musicians like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan so much that they invited the group to tour with them. Now, in their fourth studio project, "The Brick Album," The Greencards will once again wow the CD buying public with their brand of Americana/bluegrass/alt rock fusion that has led to a diverse and well-deserved following among young hipsters and older fans of traditional country. Sam Bush is featured on the first song "Make It Out West," and the experimental cut is a satisfying musical experience. However, the album really amps up the country flavor with the quiet "Faded" and the intelligent lyrics of "Naked On The River." These two cuts ramp up the anticipation for the latin-infused country track "Heart Fixer" featuring country star Vince Gill. However, it is the bluegrass instrumental tune "Adelaide" that emerges as the song with the best instrumentation on the entire albu...

The nature-loving San Gabriel, California country girl named Gwendolyn is best described by one simple word: refreshing. With the current crop of over-produced country music fare, it is exhilarating and indeed comforting to hear an artist like Gwendolyn, who lets her voice be the star of the show on her stimulating new album "Bright Light." Much of Gwendolyn's charm is derived from her pure country voice that has an air of innocence. "Bright Light" begins with the appropriately titled "Discover Me." However, it is the stunning vocal performance on the title track "Bright Light" that will begin to truly entice listeners to yearn for more. The catchy-melodic track is perfectly produced by Ethan Allen (Patty Griffin). The country quotient rises considerably with the interestingly-titled "Tater Tots And Whiskey Shots," a song that would make legends of country proud. The next cut "Shake A Leg" may be the album's best...

Creating a winning sound is no easy feat, but the four good ole boys of the Folk Family Revival make it look easy on their new album "Unfolding." The front of the album cover is absolutely beautiful, but the back cover unexpectedly gives absolutely no clue to the age, ethnicity or gender of Folk Family Revival members. In fact, the cover leaves little impression at all except to suggest that some folk music will be on offer. The album begins with a somewhat mysterious instrumental intro that leads into a great surprise: the uptempo cut titled "Unfolding." In fact, the song is superb and features elements of Red Dirt, traditional country and only hints of folk and Americana. The passionate vocals from Mason Lankford are intense - as is the instrumentation from two of Mason's brothers (Barrett and Lincoln). Adopted brother and friend Caleb Pace (Guitars / Mandolin / Lap Steel) rounds out the foursome. The bluesy "Fallin'" offers a comfortable...

There probably isn't another American three-person band that has one member in New York City, one in Austin and the final member in California. However, Fiery Blue makes it work, and their stellar debut proved it. Now, the threesome have produced their best work yet with the new album "Our Secret." Singer-songwriter Simone Stevens (NYC) starts the festivities with the mysterious "Crystal Ball," and the pace actually picks up slightly with the ironically-titled "Slow Down." This folk-country track has radio potential and effectively highlights Gabe Rhodes (Austin, Texas) musicianship and the songwriting talent of Paul Marsteller (San Diego, California) To understand Fiery Blue, you first have to set aside any musical prejudices because these talented folks carefully fuse elements of rock, pop, country, folk, Americana and blues. Although the combination sounds disjointed, the unorthodox Fiery Blue has found a way to make it work. "Wheels U...

The Red Dirt artist Jeremy Steding continues his creative prowess with the Walt Wilkins-produced "I Keep On Livin,' But I Don't Learn" which has been reviewed in our sister magazine - Texas Country Chart. To read the full review, click here or the click the album cover below. "I'll Keep On Livin', But I Don't Learn" includes 11 songs, including the standout title track, the remarkable Americana cut "Arkansas Rain" and the tender "Brandi Sue." Read the full 500-word review by clicking here or visiting TexasCharts.com .

Classifying the music contained in Richard Craine's "The Essence Of My Life" is no easy feat. The Bristol, England singer-songwriter would probably best be described as alt country in America. But that label is too simplistic, because it would seem that the essence of Richard Craine's life can be found in the nooks and crannies of the album's ten songs. "Phoenix Eyes" has  a cool Americana and folk rock vibe that oozes with intensity. The next track, "The River Stroll," will catch listeners off guard, because Craine's intelligent lyrics satisfy the soul. The most surprising track is the classic rock 'n' roll cut "Mistrust, Mistreatment And Misunderstanding," which has a cool retro vibe. The best chance for a radio chart hit is probably "Simple Things," which offers a memorable chorus and an engaging story. "I Love You" also has chart potential. "The Essence Of My Life" is an eclectic ...

No one would call Wil Forbis average. If fact, it would probably be fair to say that Wil Forbis and The Gentleman Scoundrel's new alt-country CD "Shadey's Jukebox" is one of the two or three most eclectically entertaining albums of the year. Besides being a musician, Forbis is also a well-known San Diego pop culture commentator on his site Acid Logic site. However, the album proves that he obviously enjoys exploring all elements of music from pop, to metal to his new-found genre of alt-country. Surprisingly enough, it works. The project begins with the high-energy "Let's Get High On Jesus." While this song will never be mistaken for gospel music, the track has country charm and could be an alt-country and Americana chart hit. The next track, "Hope Kills," is a bluesy country rock cut and "Where There's A Will There's A Way" is a big-band style musical treat. Forbis' country juices begin flowing again on "Larel...

The talent of Circe Link bursts to the surface on her new album "California Kid." The album is brimming over with vibrant energy and engaging lyrics, and the artist and her Discount Candy Family Band make a bold impression on all 11 tracks. The album begins with "Salvation," which showcases Circe Link as an artist who sounds like she could be the love child of Miranda Lambert and Steve Earle. (Don't laugh, because it's truly a high compliment.) The next track "Random Act Of Kindness" offers the softer side of Circe Link with great artistic flourish. Circe Link used to describe her music as "cowboy jazz," but even she recognizes that this moniker is too simplistic. The Los Angeles, California resident is obviously heavily influenced by the flourishing California music scene, and it shows on "Getting High (On Your Own Supply)." The intimate title track "California Kid" is also a winner. The softer side of the art...

Whether in concert or on recorded tracks, the Bart Crow Band never, ever disappoints. The band's new album "Heartworn Tragedy" is no exception. Indeed, the project supplies more hard-edge Texas country than any Red Dirt fan could possibly desire. The album begins with the rockin' title track "Heartworn Tragedy." The heavy lyrics pulsate with intensity, and Bart Crow's vocals have never sounded better. However, the tone of the album softens with the melodic "Saying Goodbye" which has already been warmly embraced by radio. The hard pumping Red Dirt love song "Traded It All For Love" showcases the best elements of the Bart Crow Band, which include Paul Russell, Matt Slagle, David Fralin, Brian Smith, and, of course, Bart Crow. The best cut on "Heartworn Tragedy" is the reflective "Run With The Devil." The sincere lyrics and memorable hook draw in the listener and paint a vivid picture of the hardly-seen sensit...

Jay Hart is a name that country music aficionados should remember. On "Breaking Down In The B-Town EP," he has the musical sensibilities of Ryan Adams and the pleasing vocal tone of James Blunt. He's also traveled the world with acts as diverse as Spiritualized and Billy Jo Spears. Likewise, he's played Glastonbury and the Viper Room. And, oh yeah, he's British. In country music, geography matters, but listeners should not hold that against Jay Hart. The first cut, "Time On Our Hands," shows an earnest alt-country singer baring his soul. The production is stellar, and Jay Hart gives a winning vocal performance. "What's Wrong" mixes guitar rock with today's country. Think Matt Nathanson meets Keith Urban. But it works on all levels. Jay Hart has a compelling vocal presence that draws in the listener. The vocal power is reminiscent of Stereophonics lead-singer Kelly Jones. The country quotient rises with "Spending Time Wast...

The members of the Bo Phillips Band are students of Red Dirt music who hail from Stillwater, Oklahoma. However, Bo Phillips was born in Houston, and his Texas roots shine through with his band's terrific new album titled "Dirt Road." Unpaved roads are usually kind of bumpy and unpredictable, but the Bo Phillips Band's "Dirt Road" is filled with heartfelt ballads and rockin' Texas country. The album begins with the soulful "Never." This song has a memorable melody and winning lyrics. The aptly titled "Perfect Girl" is equally pleasing. This radio single is the kind of country song that will make cowgirls dance the night away. The bluesy "Cornfed" provides worthy guitar performances, but the album really hits its stride with the title track "Dirt Road." This cut could and should find its place on the country chart. It's a pleasing mix of Texas country with mainstream sensibilities and a superb vocal perform...

The rock and roll life must suit the hard-working members of Cracker, who have long been known as one of America's best bands. On Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey," Cracker only enhances its already sterling musical reputation, and "Sunrise" is Cracker's best album in well over a decade. The album begins with the spirited "Yalla Yalla (Let's Go)." Cracker only gets better as time goes by, and "Yalla Yalla" is a tasty musical treat. The upbeat mood continues with the stellar "Show Me How This Thing Works." Cracker released "Turn On, Tune In Drop Out With Me" to radio with much success, and the song shows a new, more introspective side of Cracker that is immensely appealing. This track has alt-country and Americana appeal, and the sparkling lyrics and top notch vocal performance create a sizzling record. A full album of similar material would be a chart hit for Cracker. The biggest surprise on the album is th...

To call Tori Sparks sultry is a bit of an understatement, because Sparks is a beautiful musical firecracker that is bursting with raw, alt-country energy that is on full display with her new release "The Scorpion In The Story." The album begins with the roots-infused "Tall Flowers," which has a great Lucinda Williams meets Shania Twain vibe. But the best song on the album is "Leaving Side Of Love." Tori Sparks sings the lyrics with passionate intensity and sincerity. "The Scorpion In The Story" was conceived as a concept album, and Tori Sparks created a collection of experiences from her travels across North America and Europe. "Penny On A Rail" is the biggest surprise on the album, and it showcases the playful style of Tori Sparks. "Merry Go-Round" is the song which offers the most fun, and Tori Sparks takes the listener on a ride they won't soon forget with a glorious vocal performance. "Little Wrecking Ball...

Jason Eady's strong baritone vocals sparkle and surprise on his third album "When The Money's All Gone." Each song is as socially relevant as the album's title, and the Mississippi native's new project is the most musically innovative of his career with elements of soul, gospel, blues, country and Cajun music. The album's cover art shows a long stretch of power lines with what appear to be empty factories in the background. The concept of the album "When The Money's All Gone" is perfect for the tough times we're living in, but Jason Eady's music doesn't seem to dwell on the negative. In fact, the album starts out with a New Orleans-style, gospel party song "God Fearing Blues." It's almost impossible to stop yourself from clapping your hands and tapping your feet when listening to the opening song. The title track, "When The Money's All Gone" is a more sober affair, and the lyrics offer a life lesson...

Musikanto's debut album 'Ghost Pain" is an alt-country and Americana music lover's dream with lush melodies, thought provoking lyrics and breezy, uplifting vocals. Musikanto set out on a solo career after growing up on and Chicago's northside and most recently performed with the Windy City's Sleeper Car. But with "Ghost Pain" it is clearly obvious that Musikanto was born to be a solo act. Musikanto's father enjoyed hard-to-find roots rock and folk music, and this influence shows. But Musikanto's musical style is an interesting amalgamation of the music his father loved combined with elements of soulful British rock, 90s pop/rock and Ryan Adams-style alt-country. This is a powerful and winning combination. The album begins with the melodic "Misty Morning." For someone who has never heard Musikanto, the first song will be a revelation. The artist's name "Musikanto" might indicate the music is soul or R&B. Likewise...