20 Country Albums Every Rock Fan Should Listen To

There's an old adage that a lot of the punk rock players of the '80s have resorted to the more rustic side of country in their old age. Even though it doesn't always turn out that clean, there's still a lot of connection between the honesty present in punk lyrics and the blunt songwriting you find from the old records of someone like Hank Williams. However, if you want a healthier bridge between rock and country, you can't do much better than Lucinda Williams.

Instead of sticking in one lane, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road occupies a bit of a different position in the world of country rock, with songs that slide between rock, folk, and almost blues in some places. Much like the many country artists that have come before her, Williams doesn't pull too many punches here, even going so far as to draft in legends like Emmylou Harris to make some of her choruses hit home.

Rather than staying in her own lane in the '90s, Williams also garnered respect in the alternative community as one of the few country artists who had a bit more attitude than your Garth Brooks's of the world. The gravel may be a little harsh at first, but for any rock fan, it's becomes a thing of beauty real fast.