Before we consign 2013 to history's musings, here's an album that gives strength to the belief that Nashville is finding an interesting voice again. Clark is a career songwriter, which is maybe why it's taken until her mid-30s to make a debut album. Maybe it is also why 12 Stories is so good – she's had long enough to think about it. The songs are all about women of an age similar to her own, when passion has lost its shine and reality rules in the shape of divorce, drugs, drink and sleazy affairs. Yet Clark colours these 12 stories with clever wordplay, wit and empathy. And if the melodies and arrangements hardly break new ground, the combination of her warm, knowing voice, sassy songs (Stripes) and beer-filled ballads (In Some Corner) make this an outstanding country album. brandyclark.com
Download: In Some Corner, Stripes