Rolling Stone All Access The Year in Review with Brian Dunne
Dec 17, 2025
Josh Crutchmer and Marissa R. Moss, both Rolling Stone contributors specializing in country music, dive into the year's best albums, discussing standouts like Charlie Crockett's 'Dollar a Day' and Tyler Childers' 'Snipe Hunter.' They reflect on notable omissions from the top list and advocate for more women in country. Featured musical guest Brian Dunne shares insights about his solo album 'Clams Casino,' its New York roots, and the influence of Bruce Springsteen on his work, as well as the artistic struggles of a working-class musician.
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Country Can Be A Prog-Rock Album
- Eric Church's Evangeline vs. the Machine demands album listening and pushes country into prog-rock territory.
- The record uses strings, horns, and flute to explore art versus AI and rewards full-album attention.
Risky Reinvention Can Redefine Legacy
- Tyler Childers' Snipe Hunter repositions him as a visionary artist willing to reshape country aesthetics.
- The album intentionally courts mixed reactions and may be seen as a bellwether in his catalog.
From Rising Star To Lasting Standard
- A new generation from the Zach Bryan wave needs to level up from 'next big thing' status to enduring stars.
- Identifying which artists will set standards over the next decade matters more than temporary hype.