The Best Country Music of 2007

2007 was a great year for country music, with many artists releasing great albums and singles. Here are some of the best country music releases of 2007.

Best Overall Album: George Strait, “It Just Comes Natural”

George Strait’s “It Just Comes Natural” was one of the most-anticipated albums of 2007, and it didn’t disappoint. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country charts and #2 on the Billboard 200, and went on to be certified platinum. It features some of Strait’s best work in years, including the singles “Wrapped” and “Give It Away.”

Best Male Vocalist: George Strait

George Strait was named Best Male Vocalist of 2007 by the Academy of Country Music. He has won this award a total of 13 times, more than any other artist in the history of the ACMs.

Best Female Vocalist: Gretchen Wilson

Gretchen Wilson exploded onto the country music scene in 2004 with her debut album Here for the Party. Her raucous style and rebel attitude quickly earned her a large and devoted fan base, and she followed up her debut with two more successful albums, All Jacked Up and One of the Boys.

Wilson’s debut album was bolstered by the success of its first single, “Redneck Woman,” which became one of the most popular country songs of all time. It was followed by several other hit singles, including “Here for the Party,” “When I Think About Cheatin’,” and “Homewrecker.” All three albums were certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

In 2007, Wilson was named Best Female Vocalist at both the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards. She was also nominated for several Grammy Awards, but did not win any.

Wilson has continued to release new music throughout her career, including the singles “Work Hard, Play Harder” (2010), “I Got Your Country Right Here” (2011), and “Shut Up and Drive” (2014). She released her fourth studio album, Right on Time, in 2013.

Best Vocal Duo: Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn were one of the most successful country music duo of all time. They released their first album in 1991 and their last in 2007, and they were honored with the Best Vocal Duo award at the 2007 Country Music Awards.

Best Vocal Group: Rascal Flatts

It was a great year for country music, and no group had a bigger impact than Rascal Flatts. The trio’s fourth album, Me and My Gang, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and quickly became the best-selling country album of the year. Thanks to hit singles like “What Hurts the Most” and “My Wish,” Rascal Flatts spent an astounding seven weeks at No. 1 on the Country Songs chart, cementing their status as one of the biggest country groups in the world.

Best New Artist: Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2007. She released her debut album, Some Hearts, in 2005 and it went on to become the best-selling solo female album of all time. In 2007, she released her second album, Carnival Ride, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

Best Entertainer: Kenny Chesney

Chesney was the big winner at the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, taking home the coveted Entertainer of the Year trophy for the second consecutive year. It was a banner year for Chesney, who also won Top Male Vocalist and Album of the Year (for 2006’s “The Road and the Radio”).