Start Here

“Girl in a Country Song” showed that Maddie & Tae can stuff sexist stereotypes into the woodchipper. *Start Here* shows they excel at catchy hooks, sweet melodies, and evocative moments. Their youthful perspective makes “Downside of Growing Up” required listening for high schoolers (and their parents). And their talent for flipping expectations reappears on “Shut Up and Fish.” They flirt with pop but are committed to country, honky-tonk, and bluegrass traditions—making them a must for fans of Dixie Chicks and pre-*1989* T-Swizzle. The line for the Maddie & Tae bandwagon starts here. Climb aboard.

How do you follow a manifesto? In the case of 20 year olds Madison Marlow and Tae Dye, the task is doubly fraught, since that manifesto &#82...

The best country music and Americana albums of 2015, chosen by Culture Editor Martin Chilton unless stated.