Margo Cilker review – perfectly crafted Americana for the open road
In a small pub gig, this extraordinary US singer-songwriter makes country and western her newly minted own
Amanda Shires: Take It Like a Man review – reimagining country strong
The frequently epic seventh album from the Nashville iconoclast digs into the sexuality, stoicism and vulnerability of modern womanhood
Joan Shelley: The Spur review – timeless and vital Americana
Pretty but unsentimental reflections on putting down roots inform the singer-songwriter’s elegant seventh album
Tami Neilson: Kingmaker review – the queen of Kiwi country at her imperious best
The award-winning singer’s effortless fifth album channels Patsy Cline and features a soaring duet with fan Willie Nelson
Judy Collins: Spellbound review – nostalgic first album of originals
The folk legend’s first ever collection of self-written songs gazes back over a life lived with exquisite effect
Billy Strings: Renewal review – bold and beautifully written bluegrass
Revelations about heartbreak, America and addiction combine with banjo workouts in a testament to complex humanity
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss: Raise the Roof review – uplifting and enthralling
From blue-eyed soul to English folk, the unlikely dream team’s second instalment of covers is a welcome dose of musical reassurance
Kacey Musgraves: Star-Crossed review – a tragedy of wifely strife
The bliss of Musgraves’ Grammy-winning Golden Hour sours on this follow-up, with a breakup narrative that is a little too tidy
Hiss Golden Messenger: Quietly Blowing It review – a gentle kind of protest music
MC Taylor offers up soulful Dylan-esque country rockers about the impact of the system on ordinary lives
Valerie June: The Moon and the Stars review – psychedelic Memphis soul
The Tennessee singer-songwriter’s bittersweet country soul with an astral bent fares best when it’s kept simple
Loretta Lynn: Still Woman Enough review – strident and timeless at 88
An album of flinty classics and sparky duets, full of resolve – the extraordinary country singer shows no sign of slowing
Barry Gibb: Greenfields – The Gibb Brothers’ Songbook Vol 1 review – a spin in the country
With subtle, beautiful arrangements, this foray into country-pop with covers by the likes of Dolly Parton, Jason Isbell and Gillian Welch is testament to the Bee Gees’ greatness
Frazey Ford review – an emotional, imperfect, lyrical balm
The cult Canadian country singer cooks up an exquisite livestreamed set with honeyed funk, buttery vocals and plenty of soul
The Chicks: Gaslighter review – former Dixies dish on divorce
There’s more going on here than a name change: the band’s trademark country-pop-with-attitude is fuelled by stories of rage and psychological abuse
The Chicks: Gaslighter; Margo Price: That’s How Rumors Get Started – review
These country music outsiders expand the genre’s boundaries while staying true to its spirit on two rich, outspoken albums