It's been a hell of a year for Chris Stapleton.
That might be a simple statement, and it probably isn't enough to truly describe just how big 2017 has been for the long haired, bearded singer-songwriter. But it's a good place to start.
The calendar year included the release of two albums ( From A Room: Volume 1, From A Room: Volume 2), a massive tour, shows on festival stages, and made a memory for life when he joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Wrigley Field on June 29.
And while Stapleton doesn't seem like the kind of artist that chases trophies, the Kentucky native was named Male Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards in November. He also picked up the Album of the Year award for From A Room: Volume 1 on the same night, and Chris Stapleton has three Grammy nominations (Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance, Best Country Song) that we'll find out about in late January 2018.
On May 27, 2017 Stapleton released the first of his two albums in the year. And it was immediately clear that success was coming. Fans and critics bought in, with From A Room: Volume 1 debuting at #1 in Canada and #2 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts. In fact, the US album sales in week one were the most sales for a country album in one week in more than a year and a half.
The country, bluesy, southern rock touched music flows from track to track on both of the albums - guided by Stapleton's rich voice and songwriting chops. And at nine songs and 32 minutes each, the two records compliment each other well. Listening to one may leave you feel like you want more... but listening to both won't make you feel like you've overdosed on the music.
We could use Stapleton as the start of a long and in depth discussion about the country music single charts, because it feels like Broken Halos and Either Way should have been top ten hits. They weren't, but did hit #13 and #17 respectively, and didn't do anything to slow the momentum that Chris Stapleton has created over the last few years, and particularly in 2017.
Chris Stapleton also endeared himself to the internet in 2017, most recently on Jimmy Kimmel Live with guest host Chris Pratt. If you haven't seen the clip, press play on the video here and watch Stapleton and Pratt sing (I've Had) Time Of My Life, and get up to some fun antics.
Stapleton also participated in Jimmy Kimmel's Mean Tweets, Country Music Edition #3 this November, following up his involvement in 2016. Check those out too!
Before Chris Stapleton became a fan favourite after the release of his debut album, Traveller, and his #1 single, Tennessee Whiskey, he was known as Nashville's favourite singer. He was a hit songwriter. He was a dude that worked hard and had the respect of the people he worked with and in proximity to in the industry.
And now, after three albums, hundreds of live shows, hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify and YouTube, and well deserved award wins, Chris Stapleton is the well-known and beloved artist that he deserves to be.
2017 gave country music fans 18 new songs from Chris Stapleton on two albums. And while part of me wished for all of the songs in May, it was awesome to listen to From A Room: Volume 2 when it was released on December 1.
To enjoy the songwriting and storytelling of Chris Stapleton is to love music. And if you're looking for music to enjoy while you sit and drink your choice of Tennessee whiskey or Kentucky bourbon, Mr. Stapleton's songs are damn fine choices.
So, do yourself a favour, pour yourself a drink, and hit play on From A Room: Volumes 1 and 2. There's a reason you're going to see them on Album of the Year posts all over the internet... and it's because Chris Stapleton had a hell of a year in 2017.
