10 Country Albums That Turned 20 in 2021

The year 2001 was a year of change and transition for country music. Many of the year's biggest releases came from a combination of new and emerging acts like Jessica Andrews and Carolyn Dawn Johnson, alongside established artists from the 90s like Tim McGraw and Brooks & Dunn. Sonically, the mainstream hitmakers of the genre largely began to slowly move away from its twangier sound and into a more adult contemporary style that would proceed the wave of 2010s bro-country.

The country charts showed a mix of new original records from artists like George Strait, Garth Brooks, Chely Wright and Diamond Rio, as well as greatest hits compilations from Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Clint Black. The year supplied some of the genre's most well-known hits that are still spun regularly, whether on country radio or fans' own streaming playlists.

Take a look back at the 10 iconic country albums that turned 20 in 2021: