9 Country and Americana Albums to Look Forward to in 2018

With the new year in full swing, it's time to look forward to the promise of new country and Americana album releases. From a rising Australian Americana artist to an outspoken Texas singer-songwriter, here are nine 2018 country albums to look forward to in the new year.

Don't Talk About It, Ruby Boots

Aussie-turned-Nashville-favorite Ruby Boots turned heads in Music City with her stellar 2016 sophomore album Solitude. Now she's gearing up to release Don't Talk About It on Bloodshot Records in early 2018. Taking inspiration from her homeland and all the places of her well-traveled life, Ruby Boots' music is a mix of country soul and classic rock road warriors like Tom Petty. From the slowburning title track to the hard-rocking "It's So Cruel," Don't Talk About It is sure to be one of the most exciting releases of 2018.

Concrete and Mud, Sam Morrow

Los Angeles-based artist Sam Morrow has been one of the West Coast's best kept country secrets for a few years now. But that's all about to change with the release of his upcoming album Concrete and Mud, which is expected to put him in the national spotlight. Morrow channels the gritty soul of southern rock with a Cali-swagger that's all his own.

Here's To You, Montgomery Gentry

Shortly before Troy Gentry's tragic death in September, Montgomery Gentry recorded new music for their upcoming album Here's to You, out Feb. 2. The duo's final album, which will include the single "Better Me," is expected to be an emotional and fitting tribute to the life, talent and legacy of Troy Gentry.

Solid Ground, Wade Bowen

Texas troubadour Wade Bowen will release his latest album, Solid Ground, on Feb. 9. The album, featuring the lost-love story "Acuña" and the Texas Tornadoes-flavored "Day of the Dead," is expected to be Bowen's most Texas album to date. And for an artist who's put his heart and soul into Texas dance halls and honky tonks, that's saying something. Solid Ground also features appearances by fellow Lone Star state favorites Miranda Lambert and Jack Ingram.

Things Change, American Aquarium

The title of American Aquarium's upcoming album couldn't be more fitting. The last few years have been a time of change for frontman B.J. Barham. He got sober, got married, embarked on a 48-state solo acoustic tour and (amicably) parted ways with his longtime band members. Now with an all-new lineup and an album of fresh new songs produced by acclaimed singer-songwriter John Fullbright, American Aquarium will release their highly anticipated seventh studio album Things Change in 2018. 

By the Way, I Forgive You, Brandi Carlile

Americana-favorite Brandi Carlile will release By the Way, I Forgive You, co-produced by Dave Cobb and Shooter Jennings, on Feb. 16. The album's lead single,"The Joke," is already turning heads for its deeply personal and compassionate outlook on the state of the world.

Steak Night at the Prairie Rose, Mike and the Moonpies

Tried and true Texas honky-tonkers Mike and the Moonpies will release their latest album Steak Night at the Prairie Rose on Feb. 2. From the rollicking "Road Crew," a tribute to highway ramblers, to the pensive "Beaches of Biloxi," the album is a must-have for fans of traditional country.

Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves will release her fourth major label album, Golden Hour, in early 2018. Musgraves calls the album a "trippy" look at the different sides of her identity and promises a healthy dose of love songs inspired by her new husband, fellow singer-songwriter Ruston Kelly. While we don't know much more about her latest album, the Texas-born singer-songwriter always delivers. Golden Hour is one of 2018's most anticipated album releases.   

What It's Like To Fly Alone, Courtney Patton

Texas-based singer-songwriter Courtney Patton will release her long-awaited new LP What It's Like To Fly Alone on Feb. 16. Patton has said the project explores how we have to "fly alone" through many aspects of life, including grief, loss and finding our own way. Last July, Patton gave us a preview of "The Hawk Song," an original composition that's based on her path as a musician.

WATCH: Courtney Patton Performs 'The Hawk Song'