Roots, Toots n' Hoots Blog

Best of 2020: Guyton, Isbell lead the way

Jeffrey Remz  |  February 8, 2021

To say that 2020 was a crazy year is an understatement affecting us in our personal, professional and cultural lives as well. Yes, lots of music was released, albeit some of it delayed for many months due to COVID, but unfortunately the concert business died in March.

A few artists stood out this past year. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd last May in Minneapolis, a few songs from Black artists struck a nerve, but none as much as "Black Like Me" by the wonderful singer Mickey Guyton. In a genre that's very white, male, southern and rural oriented, Guyton was a standout. The song tells what it's like growing up Black in America. It is not a pretty picture.

There are other great songs and albums out there, including Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit's "Reunions," a highly personal album.

So, enjoy the list and recall great music and let's hope for a healthy 2021.

Top country singles
1. Mickey Guyton - Black Like Me
2. Ingrid Andress - More Hearts Than Mine
3. Luke Combs - Even Though I'm Leaving
4. Luke Combs & Eric Church - Does To Me
5. Chris Stapleton - Starting Over
6. Kelsea Ballerini - Hole in the Bottle
7. Eric Church – Stick That in Your Country Song
8. Miranda Lambert - Bluebird
9. Luke Combs - Lovin' On You
10. Maddie & Tae - Die From A Broken Heart
11. Brothers Osborne – All Night

Top country albums
1. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit - Reunions
2. Chris Stapleton – Starting Over
3. Ingrid Andress – Lady Like
4. Brent Cobb, Keep 'Em on They Toes
5. Colter Wall - Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs
6. Dixie Chicks – Gaslighter
7. Margo Price – That's How Rumors Get Started
8. Maddie & Tae – The Way It Feels
9. Brandy Clark – Your Life is a Record
10 Hot Country Knights – The K Is Silent

Best Male Vocalist
1. Luke Combs
2. Chris Stapleton
3. Eric Church

Best Female Vocalist
1. Miranda Lambert
2. Carrie Underwood
3. Ingrid Andress

Best Duo, Trio or Group
1. Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
2. Dixie Chicks
3. Brothers Osborne

Best Songwriter
1. Lori McKenna
2. Brandy Clark
3 .Luke Combs

Best New Act
1. Ingrid Andress
2. Tenille Townes
3. Tyler Booth

Best Overall Act
1. Luke Combs
2. Chris Stapleton
3. Miranda Lambert