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.

I didn’t get decked, and I did ask Glen Campbell to sign my album.

Marty Stuart calls his backing band the Fabulous Superlatives – and, the thing is, they live up to his claim on every tune.

Jamey Johnson is confident and solid, offering straight-ahead country music that’s performed with conviction.

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.

The show was an hour and a half late. Audience members were understandably nervous. Then, in strode Billy Joe Shaver — all 77 years of him.

Blackberry Smoke’s last album needed a little more grit. If “Waiting for the Thunder” is any indication, maybe we’ll get some of that back.

I wasn’t going to listen to Steven Tyler’s new country-influenced album, but I’m such an Aerosmith fanboy that I unfortunately just couldn’t resist.

The two words that repeatedly came to my mind during Lyle Lovett’s concert were “generosity” and “faith.”

Once again Lucinda Williams excels at making her pain, perseverance and hope relatable to ours, like few others can.