Twelve standout country albums that turn 30 this year

10. When Fallen Angles Fall by Patty Loveless

Other female singers scored bigger than Loveless in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but to her fans, Patty Loveless was the true voice of authentic country music at the end of the millennium. She could record catchy songs, and they could offer some modern touches, but there’s nothing even close to pop on When Fallen Angels Fly. It’s pure country.

She opens with the twangy “A Handful of Dust before carving out a sentimental corner with the gorgeous title track, written by Billy Joe Shaver. She doubles down with the stunning “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” by Gretchen Peters.

But then Loveless cranks up some blues with “Feelin’ Good About Feelin’ Bad” (written by her husband) and rocks out with “Gary Burr’s “I Try to Think About Elvis,” Throughout the ten songs on the album, she shows she can handle a range of styles without sacrificing a thing.

9. Songs for the Daily Planet by Todd Snider

In his early Nashville days, Todd Snider ran errands for John Prine. Some of the magic obviously rubbed off. Snider’s debut didn’t attract very much attention when it was released, but fans instantly recognized an observant writer with sardonic wit. His high, slightly whiney voice delivered his offbeat material with a knowing wink. Announcing the opening track – “My Generation (Pt. 2) - he chants out “My generation, Part two – Verse three – Chapter four – Jackson five – Nikki SIxx!” And we’re off.

That first song is a satiric takedown of his own peers. But he can turn his eyes to his greedy elders on “This Land is Our Land.” Snider’s political leanings are obvious, but he is so funny that even those on the other side can’t help but sing along. The best song on his first album – “Alright Guy” – is a brilliant depiction of a bewildered young slacker who can’t figure out why watching porn and getting high somehow makes him a pariah in a society capable of so much worse.

But just when you think Snider is just a comedian with a guitar, he can hit you with the heartbreak of “You Think You Know Somebody.” Snider was in his late 20s when he released his debut. 1994 also saw the release of Lyle Lovett’s I Love Everybody, comprised of songs that Lovett had written in his 20s. Lovett was a bigger artist then, and remains one to this day. But Snider’s collection of songs in 1994 was better.