BEST BETTS:

Here they are! My 10 Favorite Country Albums of 2007  1. Miranda Lambert, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend OK, I’ll admit it – nothing’s sexier than a woman who kinda scares the hell out of me (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Gunpowder and Lead”) … except maybe for one who makes me a little weepy (“Love Letters,” “Easy from Now On.”) I remain entirely baffled as to why Miranda Lambert is not yet the huge star she should be. Kudos to the CMA though, for recognizing her undeniable talent this year. 2. Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, Raising Sand A somewhat daring experiment that works on all levels. What these two bring out in each other was initially unexpected and ultimately nothing less than astounding. 3. Joe Nichols, Real Things “My Whiskey Years” is by far my favorite country song of 2007. And the rest of this record should be required listening for young country hopefuls striving for credibilty. Sure, Joe Nichols is still relatively young himself, but he came flying out of the chute sounding like an old pro, and he just keeps getting better and better.   4. Teddy Thompson, Upfront and Down Low British lad born to folk-rock royalty (Richard and Linda Thompson), interprets classic American country from Ernest Tubb, Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Dolly Parton. Teaches young neo-traditionalist wannabes a thing or two along the way. 5. Mindy Smith, My Holiday I know, I know, it’s a Christmas record. But I started listening to it in October and I seriously doubt that even the onslaught of the new year will undo the spell this beautiful collection of traditional holiday tunes and wonderful originals has cast on me. 6. Porter Wagoner, Wagonmaster Credit the über-cool Marty Stuart, who produced this shiny little rhinestone of a record, with pulling off the comeback of the year. And celebrate Porter for reminding us why he mattered, and why he always will. 7. Kelly Willis, Translated from Love Her odd but thoroughly infectious cover version of the jumpy pop nugget “Teddy Boys” is just one of the myriad of surprises to be discovered on this eclectic, exciting collection. Irresistible from start to finish. 8. Brad Paisley, 5th Gear Singer-guitarist-comic genius: Brad is getting so good at crafting near-perfect albums that it’s easy to take him for granted. He also happens to be one of the best live performers working today. So why does he still not have a CMA Entertainer of the Year trophy? 9. Levon Helm, Dirt Farmer He played Loretta Lynn’s daddy in Coal Miner’s Daughter, and shaped the influential sound of rock pioneers The Band as both drummer and vocalist. He also survived cancer of the vocal cords and returned with one of the sweetest country albums we’ve heard in years. 10. Trisha Yearwood, Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love This is the singer – and the artist – I always knew Trisha Yearwood had in her, but for some reason I never quite "got." I get it now. Gorgeous in every way. Your turn! Which albums were your favorites of 2007? Write to me at stevebetts@countryhound.com