Best Country Albums for Fall Listening

As the fall season approaches, we want to get you in the spirit with some great country music. Here is a list of our favorite albums that remind us of the cool breeze fall brings.

1. Red (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift

It wouldn’t be fall without Taylor Swift’s 2021 re-recorded Red album. As most fans know, Swift has a way of creating music that is truly meaningful. The lyrics are visual, the storylines are complex, and her voice just never misses. It wouldn’t be autumn without “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)." This song captures every emotion of love and heartbreak all at once. The lyrics are so descriptive, even within the first verse: “I walked through the door with you / The air was cold / But something about it felt like home somehow / And I, left my scarf there at your sister's house / And you've still got it in your drawer even now.” From other songs that emote fall feelings like “The Lucky One” to “Holy Ground," Red (Taylor’s Version) was made for fall listening.

2. Back Home Again by John Denver

John Denver is known for his classic, easy-listening country music. Back Home Again feels like a warm hug on a cold day. The album captures the nostalgia of fall tradition in the south. “Annie’s Song” is a gentle lullaby for a crisp day, while “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” is an upbeat jive for the sunniest of fall days. It wouldn’t be a Denver album without “Back Home Again." The lyrics are full of fall imagery: “There's a fire softly burning / Supper's on the stove / It's the light in your eyes / That makes him warm / Hey it's good to be back home again / Sometimes this old farm feels like a long-lost friend / Yes, and hey it's good to be back home again.” This is the perfect album for easy listening.

3. Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks

This classic 90s country album is a breath of fresh air. The Chicks capture the feeling of running through a meadow in the cool, autumn breeze throughout this entire album. “Wide Open Spaces” is without a doubt a no-skip on this album, along with “Never Say Die” and “Loving Arms." In fact, this album is crucial to the season of fall. “Wide Open Spaces” captures new beginnings: “She needs wide open spaces / Room to make her big mistakes / She needs new faces / She knows the highest stakes.” The Chicks are essential for fall country music.

4. #1s… And Then Some by Brooks & Dunn

This two-disc compilation album is a combination of soft, easy songs and upbeat, dancing songs. “Neon Moon” and “It’s Getting Better All the Time” are two easy-going songs that feel like the chilly, restful nights of fall. Meanwhile, “Hillbilly Deluxe” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” are for the action-packed fall nights at the bar. Brooks & Dunn’s music may not strike fans as “fall listening," but it’s because they offer a variety of classics for any time and for any feeling. No matter what you may be doing this fall, make sure to listen to #1s… And Then Some.

5. Jekyll + Hyde by Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band often makes summertime music, however, Jekyll + Hyde feels more made for autumn. The album is most known for “Homegrown”. This song captures the feeling of fall in a small town, with lyrics stating, “We got a fire goin' down by the riverside. / Sip whiskey out the bottle, livin' like well never die. / C'mon and stay a while if you don't believe me. Cause I know, / I got some good friends that live down the street, / Got a good lookin' woman with her arms 'round me, / Live in a small town where it feels like home, / I've got everything I need, and nothin' that I don't.” Other cold feeling songs on the album include “Dress Blues," “Wildfire," and “Bittersweet." This album is a soft, warm jacket that fits perfectly in the cold air.

6. Unapologetically by Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini’s Unapologetically is the unexpected fall album we love. The album ranges from heartbreak to love stories in so many simple ways. “I Hate Love Songs” is a prime example of a love story in time for fall. Similar to Taylor Swift’s style, “I Hate Love Songs” is a soft melody with meaningful lyrics: “And I'll always love you but I don't have to sing it / 'For worse or for better' and don't rhyme / They say I got the right one so now I should write one / But I'd rather just show you tonight.” Another wonderful song for fall is Ballerini’s cover of “Landslide”. Her angelic voice and soft guitar reflect the feelings of heartbreak and change.

7. Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves

Fall wouldn’t be complete without Kacey Musgraves. Her music has a soft feeling, but Golden Hour truly captures the aura of fall. Her album radiates warmth, with songs like “Slow Burn," “Happy & Sad,” and “Rainbow." “Slow Burn” is a look at life from a step back. Fall is often a season of slowing down and looking at things from a different perspective. Her lyrics state just that: “I'm alright with a slow burn / Taking my time, let the world turn / I'm gonna do it my way, it'll be alright / If we burn it down and it takes all night / It's a slow burn, yeah.”

8. The Complete Trio Collection by Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt

This classic country compilation album contains the iconic voices of Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt. The gentle folk twang of their voices combined is comfort all can enjoy. The album is full of heartbreak, and gloomy songs with a slow beat. If you’re in the mood for something sad, listen to “Making Plans," “You’ll Never Be the Sun," and “My Blue Tears." These songs may be about classic country heartbreak, but they blend well with the leaves falling and the cold weather.

9. California Sunrise by Jon Pardi

Pardi’s 2010’s country music is unmatched, especially his album, California Sunrise. The title track is a prime example of the “heading into fall” feeling. It matches the feeling of the still September heat, yet the cool breeze is on its way. The lyrics do it justice: “You could hear the wind howling across the ocean / And the taste of the wine and the buzz feel in my head / And the only wildfire was burning right beside me / And we had us a night I'll never forget.” Other songs on this album that capture a similar feeling include “Head Over Boots” and “She Ain’t In It."

10. One Stone by Trixie Mattel

Trixie Mattel may be known for her career as a drag queen; however, she makes incredible country folk music that feels like a campfire. One Stone includes seven heartfelt songs that all convey deeper meaning to Mattel. The ones that sound the most like the season are “Red Side of the Moon," “Little Sister," and “The Well." Her lyrics in “The Well” are beautiful, as she states, “Well I walk the line and I stood by my man / The ring of fire burned me in my hand / Beneath the neon moon I’m in the light / Tell me do I ever cross your mind.” Her folk sound is perfect for campfire music on a cold, fall evening.

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