It was, honestly, a pretty lousy year for music. This list of Best Metal, Country and Hard Rock of 2017 highlights five exceptions, and some key honorable mentions.

A very topical album, a group of overlooked Southern rockers and the return of a country legend highlight this Best Country and Southern Rock of 2016 list.

This won’t compete with those classic late-1970s and early-1980s records, but it does seem that Hank Williams Jr. has found his way again. It’s about time.

Jackson Taylor’s ‘Cantina del Diablo’ reminds us that underneath the fun-loving, boozy persona we often see, there’s a damned good songwriter.

Whiskey Myers boasts a classic Southern rock sound, but they also draw from modern rock, country and the Red Dirt scene.

With “Rock ‘n’ Roll Again,” Blackberry Smoke got my toes tapping. There’s not much more you can ask for from this type of song.

I still can’t figure out why this wasn’t a huge summer hit.

Sturgill Simpson? The genuine article. Bob Wayne? Back with his best ever.

Two albums into his solo career, Sturgill Simpson remains one of the most interesting characters in country music.

This long-awaited Hellbound Glory EP finds Leroy Virgil seemingly growing up. Is that a good thing?