Essential 1960s country rock

The best Country Rock albums of the 1960s.

Where to start with 1960–1969 country rock — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top of the 1960s — country rock

Top picks from 1960–1969, ranked by where we would start.

How Great Thou Art

Elvis Presley

How Great Thou Art

A heartfelt collection of gospel classics, showcasing Elvis's powerful voice amid lush arrangements and deep spiritual themes.

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Elvis for Everyone!

Elvis Presley

Elvis for Everyone!

A collection of heartfelt ballads and vibrant rock tracks that showcase Elvis's versatility across genres.

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Ballads of the Hills and Plains

Hank Williams Jr.

Ballads of the Hills and Plains

A vibrant tapestry of storytelling, where traditional country melodies intertwine with Southern rock's raw energy and bluesy undertones.

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Luke the Drifter, Jr. Vol. 2

Hank Williams Jr.

Luke the Drifter, Jr. Vol. 2

A reflective blend of country storytelling and heartfelt melodies, capturing the essence of everyday struggles and joys.

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Neil Young

Neil Young

Neil Young

A reflective blend of folk and rock, layered with introspective lyrics and melodic simplicity.

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Bringing It All Back Home

Bob Dylan

Bringing It All Back Home

A groundbreaking fusion of folk and rock, marked by vivid storytelling and a raw, electric energy.

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John Wesley Harding

Bob Dylan

John Wesley Harding

A return to stripped-down storytelling, where folk melodies intertwine with vivid narratives and characters from American folklore.

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Ricochet

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Ricochet

A blend of folk-rock and country sounds, laced with playful lyrics and vivid storytelling that captures the spirit of the late '60s.

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My Own Peculiar Way

Willie Nelson

My Own Peculiar Way

A blend of heartfelt storytelling and tender melodies wrapped in Willie Nelson's signature laid-back vocal style.

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Texas in My Soul

Willie Nelson

Texas in My Soul

A heartfelt tribute to Texas, blending traditional country melodies with vivid storytelling and a sense of place.

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Rare Junk

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Rare Junk

A fusion of folk, country, and rock, blending acoustic rhythms with heartfelt storytelling and intricate harmonies.

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Leavin' Town

Waylon Jennings

Leavin' Town

A blend of heartfelt melodies and poignant storytelling, anchored by traditional country instrumentation and Jennings' distinctive vocal delivery.

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Jewels

Waylon Jennings

Jewels

A heartfelt blend of traditional country rhythms and introspective lyrics reflecting the struggles of love and life.

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Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival

A gritty blend of swamp rock and bluesy melodies that captures the raw energy of American roots music.

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Willy and the Poor Boys

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Willy and the Poor Boys

A lively blend of swamp rock and social commentary, infused with catchy melodies and a distinctive Americana spirit.

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Ballad of Easy Rider

The Byrds

Ballad of Easy Rider

A reflective blend of folk rock and country influences, capturing the spirit of a changing America in the late 1960s.

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Turn! Turn! Turn!

The Byrds

Turn! Turn! Turn!

A harmonious blend of folk rock and jangly guitars, infused with poetic lyrics and a reflective spirit.

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Petite fille

Johnny Hallyday

Petite fille

A vibrant blend of rock and chanson, infused with Johnny Hallyday's charismatic vocals and emotive storytelling.

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Pour moi la vie va commencer

Johnny Hallyday

Pour moi la vie va commencer

A vibrant blend of rock and chanson that captures the exuberance of youthful dreams and heartfelt longing.

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Alabama Wild Man

Jerry Reed

Alabama Wild Man

A lively blend of honky-tonk rhythms and catchy melodies that showcase Jerry Reed's playful storytelling and virtuosic guitar work.

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The Gilded Palace of Sin

The Flying Burrito Brothers

The Gilded Palace of Sin

'The Gilded Palace of Sin' showcases the band's innovative approach to music, featuring a mix of poignant storytelling and vibrant instrumentation. It's an album that captures the essence of what makes The Flying Burrito Brothers unique and influential.

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The Unbelievable Guitar and Voice of Jerry Reed

Jerry Reed

The Unbelievable Guitar and Voice of Jerry Reed

This album showcases Reed's exceptional guitar skills alongside his storytelling prowess, making it an ideal starting point. It captures the essence of his sound while highlighting the playful and rhythmic quality that defines his music.

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The Band

The Band

The Band

A rich tapestry of Americana, blending soulful melodies with rootsy narratives and a sense of timeless storytelling.

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Music from Big Pink

The Band

Music from Big Pink

A rustic tapestry of Americana woven with soulful harmonies and deeply resonant storytelling.

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