Magnolia Recommends: Americana Vinyl

We're pretty big fans of music. But there's a lot of it out there! So we're here to make some vinyl record recommendations from artists in the Americana genre that we love! Who knows - you might just find a new favorite to add to your record collection!

Here are some of our Americana vinyl recommendations!

The Highwomen - The Highwomen

Four female trailblazers in the genre - Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires - came together in 2019 to form The Highwomen (a tribute to the 1980s group The Highwaymen). Their self-titled, debut album places the voices of women at the forefront in a celebration of American mothers, daughters, lesbians, and other women “who refuse to choose between success and family, power and love.” The songs are already household staples, capturing the true spirit of vulnerability and inclusivity.

Similar artists you may like: The Secret Sisters, Patty Griffin, The Staves

Buy The Highwomen - The Highwomen. 

Chris Stapleton - Traveller

His debut solo album, Chris Stapleton spent over a decade creating the tracks for Traveller (2015). Working with other world-renowned artists in the past, such as Adele and Luke Bryan, Stapleton’s record encompasses Bluegrass, Country, Rock, and more all in one. The double album received critical acclaim from Billboard and Rolling Stone as well as the Grammy and Country Music Awards following its initial release. 

Traveller was intended as a soul-searching record. It runs the gamut from the upbeat, passionate “Parachute” to the driving, deep West “Outlaw State of Mind” with a solid drum foundation, heavy bass lines, and a hypnotizing electric guitar riff.

Similar artists you may like: Luke Combs, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, Brent Cobb

Buy Chris Stapleton - Traveller.

Jason Isbell - Southeastern

Considered one of the top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by Rolling Stone, Jason Isbell’s fourth studio album Southeastern (2013) received praise from all facets of the music industry and beyond. Produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, John Prine), Southeastern follows Isbell’s time in rehab and precedes his marriage to fellow musician Amanda Shires. 

A very personal record, the tracks feature poignant songwriting start to finish about Isbell’s life, including struggles with substance abuse, and promote self-reflection from the listener. A true high point of his career, Southeastern plays like peering into Isbell’s heart and soul with its gripping storytelling.

Similar artists you may like: Steve Earle, Ryan Adams, Ryan Bingham, The Drive-By Truckers

Buy Jason Isbell - Southeastern. 

Mipso - Mipso

A band of four, Mipso hail from Chapel Hill, North Carolina and form an ear-blessing blend of Bluegrass, Indie Folk, and Country with their harmonies and a heavy focus on strings. Their self-titled record is the sixth full-length release from the band who first met at UNC Chapell Hill playing at open mic nights. 

Showcasing Mipso’s sound which spans across so many genres, Mipso still manages to explore new textures, sounds, and styles like never before. Going on eight years strong, the band feels as though they’ve fully come into their space and who they are as a group with this release. They pull together each other’s strengths for something truly moving and powerful.

Similar artists you may like: Caamp, Birdtalker, Wilderado, The Lone Bellow

Sara Watkins - Young In All The Wrong Ways

Her third studio album, Young In All The Wrong Ways (2016) is Sara Watkins’ 10-track trip covering the many different sides of her sound and life. “This is a breakup album with myself”, she commented, reflecting on the metamorphic years leading up to the album’s release. 

In some aspects, such as the record’s title track, we get a sense of Watkins’ gritty (but still tender) rock side. But other tracks, like “The Love That Got Away”, feel like peering in on her singing alone in a room with no one else around. These songs are “right place, right time” for Sara’s career and hopefully, contribute towards many more transformational moments for herself and those she shares her music with.

Similar artists you may like: Punch Brothers, I’m With Her, Kathleen Edwards, Chris Thile

The Secret Sisters - Saturn Return

Produced by Brandi Carlile herself, Laura and Lydia Rogers come together to form the Secret Sisters and create Saturn Return (2020). The record is named after an astrological phenomenon in which Saturn returns to the same spot it was in at the time of one’s birth, roughly 29.5 years later. Both sisters underwent their first “Saturn return” while making this record and, with it, found a new sense of individuality within their duo. 

Recorded separately, Laura and Lydia fully became their own artists, songwriters, and performers in this beautifully confident collection of their lives growing up, pre- and post-motherhood, and experiencing lifelong love.

Similar artists you may like: Gillian Welch, First Aid Kit, Mandolin Orange, Sarah Jarosz

Buy The Secret Sisters - Saturn Return. 

What if great Americana records like these were on your doorstep each month? Check out our vinyl subscription to see all the perks you get for joining the club. And for more of what we’re listening to, check out our top indie vinyl recommendations. If you’re interested in refining your listening experience, check out our recommendations for record players, speakers, and more. Visit the Magnolia Record Store for more amazing recommended vinyl.