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Turnpike Troubadours, Charles Wesley Godwin, Koe Wetzel & More Reveal Their Favorite Country Albums Of 2025
Do you ever wonder what your favorite artists are listening to?
I know I do, and as we find ourselves in the throes of every music media outlet’s year-end lists, I decided to put the ball in the artists’ court and let them speak out on what they think the top country album of the year is. We did this for the first time last year, and Sierra Ferrell’s iconic record Trail of Flowers and JR Carroll’s long-awaited debut Dark Cloud were the most popular choices with three picks each.
This year, nearly double the number of artists agreed to participate, and still, only 7 albums received multiple picks, a testament to the amount of incredible albums released in 2025. 44 artists got back to me with their favorite album (or two) of the year, and their picks covered 30 different albums. I can attest that each and every one of these albums (and the artists that picked them) is well worth checking out.
If you read all the way through you’ll see that Evan Felker of Turnpike Troubadours said it best, calling it an “Outstanding year for music I love.” And I couldn’t agree more. So without further ado, see for yourself which album Charles Wesley Godwin, Turnpike Troubadours, Koe Wetzel, and dozens of other artists picked as their favorite record of 2025.
Benjamin Tod: Songbird by Waylon Jennings
“Waylon’s record is hands down the most important album that was released in 2025. Hearing Waylon’s voice shine through under the tedious production of Shooter Jennings is simply unmatched. ‘Songbird’ is a ’77 Highboy in a Prius world.”
BJ Barham (of American Aquarium): Cruel Joke by Ken Pomeroy
“We had Ken out opening some shows for us last year and fell in love with the songs that would become ‘Cruel Joke.’ She has an incredible voice, but the writing takes center stage in a really beautiful way. A lot of great releases this year, but I find myself always coming back to this one.”
Briscoe: Still In The Runnin’ by The Wilder Blue & Darling Blue by The Marcus King Band
Truett Heintzelman on Still In The Runnin’ – “This record just rules, plain and simple. I love the entire thing, and ‘The Queen of Austin’ is one of the best songs to come out in a long while. It’s already timeless.”
Philip Lupton on Darling Blue – “Great songs, great production, and great collaborations: This is my new favorite Marcus King record. Not to mention one of my favorite album covers of all time. My current favorite track is “Somebody Else” with Jesse Welles.”
Brit Taylor: Trailer Trash by Adam Chaffins
“Well the world knows I love Kentucky artists. Especially those from Appalachia! And I guess I’m particularly keen on this one, but Adam Chaffins released a hella good EP earlier this year produced by Frank Rogers. ‘Kentucky Girl’ is my favorite track. Duh.”
Charles Wesley Godwin: The Price of Admission by Turnpike Troubadours
“Turnpike managed to do what we all strive to do as musicians. Make unique, beautiful songs that mean something to you. This album gave me goosebumps on multiple occasions and continues to do so. It’s inspiring work. In my opinion, they should be taking pictured on the red carpet with a handful of Grammy’s in February.”
Chase Rice: The Price of Admission by Turnpike Troubadours
Clay Street Unit: The King is Back by Luke Bell
“A wonderful surprise at the end of the year. Luke Bell has the locked in honky tonk feeling, matched with his great songwriting, unique vocals, and killer band, it makes for great listening. Having more from his collection is a treat we all enjoy. RIP.”
Colby Acuff: The Price of Admission by Turnpike Troubadours
“I was in high school when I found this band and I was in love from first listen. ‘Diamonds & Gasoline’ had been an all time favorite record for me, and when I got my first listen through of ‘Price of Admission’ I felt like I was that same freshman in high school all over again. It felt like classic Turnpike but in a totally new way. My favorite song off the record is ‘Searching for a Light.’ Which was definitely in my top ten songs listened to this year. Overall I love Turnpike and ‘Price of Admission’ is up there for one of my favorite projects they have ever done. Long live country music, and long live the Turnpike Troubadours.”
Dexter & the Moonrocks: The Price of Admission by Turnpike Troubadours
“Evan Felker is the best songwriter alive. Red Dirt music rocks. Argue with a wall.”
Gabe Lee: Every Ghost by Kelsey Waldon
“People talk about favorite country singers like it’s going out of style. Put down your phones and put on this record. Reasons why? This artist has her whole dang band on the album. So it’s as real as it gets. Second, Kentucky has the baddest country writers around these days. Fight me. Lastly, it’s a true blue, modern honky tonk record y’all. Very few short of Charley Yeehaw Crockett are doing this, and if it came down to roping and riding, I bet Kelsey has the edge.”
Jake Kohn: I Hope We Can Still Be Friends by Dean Johnson
“It’s a 10/10 in every way, packed with incredible vocals, songwriting, and highly moving melodies. Everybody should hear that album.”
Jason Boland (of Jason Boland & the Stragglers): Songbird by Waylon Jennings
“I had no idea how moved I would be by experiencing an audible time capsule from one of the greatest country artists of all time. Hearing the raw vintage expression of these hidden ge,s was a true gift. Every track on ‘Songbird’ is instant canon in the Waylon Jennings catalog.”
Jason Scott & the High Heat: Snipe Hunter by Tyler Childers
Jesse Daniel: The Price of Admission by Turnpike Troubadours
Josh Abbott (of Josh Abbott Band, The Panhandlers): Parker McCollum by Parker McCollum
“Parker McCollum’s album is a winner top to bottom, no skips. I’m biased because we’re friends, but there’s a reason it’s finally his self titled effort and he doesn’t take that lightly. ‘Solid Country Gold’ goes for days.”
Kaitlin Butts: Welcome to Cherry Valley by Carter Faith
“‘If I Had Never Lost My Mind’ was my #1 song on my Spotify wrapped which is totally on brand and correct. Carter is truly paving her own way, mixing cinematic string sections, pedal to the floor heaters, songs from the heart and crafting a sound that is so unique to her. 11/10 record. Other fav songs from the album: ‘Burn My Memory,’ ‘Betty,’ and ‘Bar Star.’
Kelsey Waldon: Planting by the Signs by SG Goodman
“It may not have a fiddle and a steel guitar on it, but I promise SG is more country than most of y’all. ‘I Can See The Devil’ and ‘Snapping Turtles’ are my two favorites, but the whole album is a masterpiece in lyricism from SG’s unique perspective. It is a type of rural storytelling that is deeply connected to the land, its people, our communities and our culture… Something that I actually feel a lot of modern country music is disconnected from today. It is a beautiful record that has inspired me a lot.”
Koe Wetzel: Whomp Whack Thunder by Whiskey Myers
“Whiskey Myers never disappoints. ‘WWT’ shows why they’re one of the best southern rock bands out there. Forever rockin’ with the boys from East Texas.”
Leon Majcen: Memories & Empties by Colter Wall
“Me and the guys listened to it for the first time after a 9 hour drive from Aspen to Amarillo while on tour. We parked in front of the hotel that we were staying at and played it on repeat while throwing around a football that we found in the parking lot, chain smoking cigarettes and taking swigs from a bottle of Casamigos. Will never forget hearing that album for the first time.”
Meg McRee: Snipe Hunter by Tyler Childers
“I love the way he pushes himself artistically and evolves with each record without caring what people are gonna say about it. So many artists these days only make the sh*t they know people want from them & I love that Tyler takes the risk every time.”
Mountain Grass Unit: All God’s Children by East Nash Grass
Nicholas Jamerson: Flying by Justin Clyde Williams
“It epitomizes the plight and pleasures of the road dog, troubadour life.”
Noeline Hofmann: The Price of Admission by Turnpike Troubadours
Nolan Taylor: Only Hoping by Al Nichols
“It was my favorite album of the year produced by M.C. Taylor from Hiss Golden messenger & what a beautifully produced record it was. From the whimsical songwriting to the hauntingly beautiful vocals Al really tapped into something special with this record. I couldn’t recommend it enough to anyone. I think Al will be a name we will all get to know soon enough, I was lucky enough to have met him this year on the road & I hope for many more encounters.”
Paul Cauthen: When I Write the Song by Jake Worthington
Randall King: When I Write The Song by Jake Worthington
Red Shahan: Making a Livin’ (Not a Killin’) by Leon Majcen
“This record reminds me of home and a time when things were slower and back when the Paluxy River was my playground. Hot nights on a trailer house porch, first love and heartache, and the encompassing characters of my hometown. Well done Leon!”
Robert Earl Keen: The Black Dog & the Wandering Boy by James McMurtry
“It’s a master class of journalistic songwriting. ‘The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy‘ has the most explosive opening songs of any of his albums, as well as being the most revealing of who he is.”
Shane Smith (of Shane Smith & the Saints): Son of Dad (Deluxe) by Stephen Wilson Jr.
“We met and played together in Norway this summer and I got to tell him in person how much I have enjoyed this record. There are so many unique songs living together on that one album and I think his sound overall is one of a kind.”
Sierra Hull: Nature of Necessities by Adam Wright
“Feels SO hard to choose a fav album or song when so much great music came out this year! One of my favorites lately has been ‘Nature of Necessity’ by the incredible Adam Wright. Particularly the song ‘Dreamer and the Realist.’ The song is so simple, yet so beautiful and reminds me of my own personal struggle sometimes to walk the line between chasing dreams and keeping my feet on the ground. I recently had to sit down and learn this song because it was always running through my head!”
Tammy Rogers King of The Steeldrivers: Son of Dad (Deluxe) by Stephen Wilson Jr.
“A really fresh sound… Love the production and his songwriting hits be in the best way! Very inspiring!”
Taylor Hunnicutt: These Days by Tanner Usrey OR And What Was Left Behind by Muscadine Bloodline
The Castellows: The Price of Admission by Turnpike Troubadours
The Droptines: The Black Dog & the Wandering Boy by James McMurtry
“Each song on this record plays like a movie that only he can direct. It’s what songwriters should study in depth.”
Tommy Prine: Thinking Too Much by Joshua Slone
“Songs are just top notch and I love that he took a chance on the production and it all really paid off.”
Turnpike Troubadours: (Evan Felker didn’t really pick an album, but GOATs don’t have to play by the rules and I’m surprised we even heard from him, so we’re including his response anyway).
Evan Felker (Frontman): “Too many great records. Charley Crockett, Colter Wall, Rhett Miller. The song that caught me out of left field was ‘Luck of the Draw’ by Laci Kaye Booth. ‘Nose to the Grindstone’ by Tyler Childers was one that I had somehow missed and became obsessed with. Outstanding year for music I love.”
Hank Early (Pedal Steel, Utility): Memories & Empties by Colter Wall OR All Hat by Joshua Hedley
RC Edwards (Bass): Songbird by Waylon Jennings
Waylon Wyatt: The Price of Admission by Turnpike Troubadours
“The album ‘The Price of Admission’ rings well with me because I’ve always been a big fan of the Turnpike boys and them growing up just a state over, I relate to their lyrics a good bit.”
William Clark Green: West Texas Degenerate by Treaty Oak Revival
“Selfishly for helping Sam write the title track ‘West Texas Degenerate,’ and also watching these guys blow the hell up. Couldn’t happen to a nicer group of guys. Hats off to them.”
Willow Avalon: Foxes in the Snow by Jason Isbell
“Jason Isbell’s ‘Foxes in the Snow’ is my favorite record of the year. The songs ‘Ride to Robert’s’ and ‘Good While it Lasted’ were on repeat for me this year. I’ll always be in awe and forever a fan of his songwriting and storytelling.”
Zane Williams (of The Wilder Blue): Dollar A Day by Charley Crockett
“I don’t know how that dude cranks out so much high quality music. He must live in the studio and on the road. I admire the hustle and love the combination of funky grooves with an old school country aesthetic.”
Honorable Mention – Cleto Cordero of Flatland Cavalry: The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean (Not a country album, but we’ll include it nonetheless because Cleto is the man anyway).
For those who are keeping score: Of these artists that were kind enough to participate and shout out their favorite album of the year, Turnpike’s iconic record The Price of Admission was by far the most popular choice, with eight other artists listing it as their top album of 2025. Waylon Jennings’ Songbird received three picks, and the new albums from Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, Jake Worthington, and James McMurtry all received two, as well as Stephen Wilson Jr.’s deluxe version of his record Son of Dad.
What a year it has been in country music.The post Turnpike Troubadours, Charles Wesley Godwin, Koe Wetzel & More Reveal Their Favorite Country Albums Of 2025 first appeared on Whiskey Riff.
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