9. 16 Horsepower "Low Estate" (1997)

What it is: Alternative Country (not boring indie rock)
Favorite Track: Fire Spirit

You don't need to resort to the old Johnny Cash line the next time you go to defend the horrible genre that is country, a new saviour has arrived... er... fifteen years ago. That saviour is 16 Horsepower, and this album is proof that even in the cheesiest, blandest, most uninspired genres, there are gems to be found.

I mentioned in the description that this is alt. country, but if you are expecting something like that borefest band Wilco, you will be sorely dissapointed. This is more country than anything else, but there's reasons that this won't put you off like the hick pop that floods the radio.

16 Horsepower blends traditional country elements (fiddles, banjo, southern accents) but adds their own modern twist. The end result is a (as far as country music goes) quite eclectic album. You have the softer, folk-esque songs such as Brimstone Rock as well as the almost straight rock of Fire Spirit. Relaxing or exciting, it's all enjoyable and accessible, whether you like folk, country, or rock. You'll find some odd elements thrown in here, such as the use of accordion in a rather Irish-sounding song, and French lyrics.

David Eugene Edward's lyrics commonly include Christian themes with many biblical references, but not in a preachy way. Some of the topics he covers include finding God, living in sin, and other topics not related to Christianity. Don't let the themes put you off, because he's not praising the Lord or telling you to read your Bible, not to mention his lyrics are excellent.

16 Horsepower are definitely a band worth listening to, even if you're convinced that you'll hate country. Give this album a listen, let it surprise you.