As we’re wrapping up the final days of 2022, we’re celebrating the best projects from both independents and majors that were released this past year!

Navigating the pandemic as each of these artists returned to the road (or even debuted on the road) they built a fanbase that took their music to new heights. Many of the releases throughout these albums saw viral moments on TikTok, which is no doubt a major player in the success of an artist in today’s age.

The chosen Country Artists to Watch in 2023 Ben Burgess, Brady Lee, Becca Bowen, and Bailey Zimmerman all proved their status within the genre with project releases.

We’re proud to reveal our official list of best country albums and EPs for 2023 below.

“Tears the Size of Texas” – Ben Burgess

Standout Track: White Picket Fence

Project Type: Album

“Lost My Heartbreak” – David J

Standout Track: Lost My Heartbreak

Project Type: EP

“Canaan Cox” – Canaan Cox

Standout Track: As You Leave

Project Type: Album

“SUBJECT TO CHANGE” – Kelsea Ballerini

Standout Track: Weather

Project Type: Album

“One of These Days” – Sophia Scott

Standout Track: Don’t Tempt Me

Project Type: EP

“Close” – Mitch Bradford

Standout Track: More Than Life

Project Type: Album

“Like You’ve Never Been Loved” – Becca Bowen

Standout Track: How It All Went Down

Project Type: Album

“Raised” – Hailey Whitters

Standout Track: Everything She Ain’t

Project Type: Album

“Russell Dickerson” – Russell Dickerson

Standout Track: I Wonder

Project Type: Album

“Backyard Vacation” – Brady Lee

Standout Track: Spin You Around

Project Type: EP

“My Jesus” – Anne Wilson

Standout Track: Mamas

Project Type: Album

“Coming Up Roses” – Chris Moreno

Standout Track: Running In Place

Project Type: EP

“Welcome to the Block Party” – Priscilla Block

Standout Track: Like A Boy

Project Type: Album

“Caroline Kid” – Caroline Kid

Standout Track: Wyoming

Project Type: EP

“Flower Shops: The Album” – ERNEST

Standout Track: Flower Shops

Project Type: Album

“Be That Girl” – Abby Anderson

Standout Track: Where Did All The Cowboys Go

Project Type: EP

“This Is The Heavy” – Mitchell Tenpenny

Standout Track: More Than Whiskey Does

Project Type: Album

“Dillashaw” – Johnny Dailey

Standout Track: 24

Project Type: Album

“Leave The Light On” – Bailey Zimmerman

Standout Track: Never Leave

Project Type: EP

“Bell Bottom Country” – Lainey Wilson

Standout Track: Hillbilly Hippy

Project Type: Album

“Stereotype” – Cole Swindell

Standout Track: She Had Me At Heads Carolina

Project Type: Album