The 20th century is a defining moment in history. Although vast, the era produced several iconic albums that stand the est of time. We picked four country albums that defined the 20th century.
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1. "Jolene" by Dolly Parton
By the time Jolene was released in 1973, Parton was already proving her status as a country music superstar. But the record, her 13th, also proved that Parton was willing to push the boundaries of what female artists were expected to do in country music.
The title track alone was scandalous enough, at least for that era. It was even true, although Parton tells NPR that the name was fictitious. But the record also included "Another Woman's Man," "When Someone Wants to Leave" and the legendary "I Will Always Love You." It's likely that without Jolene, female country artists would have had the bravery to release some of their own bold songs.
2. "Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!" by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar! is the debut album from Johnny Cash. If there was ever a record to hint at what a country music supestar's career would look like, it's this one. Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar! includes "Cry! Cry! Cry!," "I Walk the Line," and "Folsom Prison Blues."
It's rare that a debut album includes so many of an artist's most beloved songs. Fortunately, Cash wasn't most artists. Cash went on to release well over a hundred albums throughout his legendary career.
3. "Coal Miner's Daughter" by Loretta Lynn
In an era where country music artists, especially female ones, tried to make themselves appear as polished as possible, Loretta Lynn leaned into her rural upbringing. Proudly singing, "Well, I was born a coal miner's daughter," the title track became the impetus for an entire record of authentically Lynn songs.
Other standout tracks include "For the Good Times," "Snowbird" and "Another Man Loved Me Last Night." Lynn released dozens of record, but it's Coal Miner's Daughter that seems to give the best glimpse into who Lynn really was, not just as an artist, but as a woman as well.
4. "No Fences" by Garth Brooks
Country music had no idea what was about to happen to the genre when Garth Brooks released his sophomore No Fences album in 1990. By the time the record was released, Brooks had already had a string of hits at radio, including "If Tomorrow Never Comes" and "The Dance."
But with No Fences, Brooks proved that he was not about to let a genre, even one that he loved, dictate the kind of music he wanted to make. Brooks' debut single from No Fences, "Friends in Low Places," became his signature song (and ultimately the name of his Nashville bar). The project also has "Unanswered Prayers," "Two of a Kind, Workin' On a Full House" and "The Thunder Rolls."
Brooks unapologetically changed country music with No Fences.
