The Vandoliers had a big 2025

Dallas, y’all, it’s time to pop a Lone Star and toast to two of our own. Rolling Stone has just released its highly anticipated list of the 25 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2025, and a pair of our favorite North Texas artists have landed in the top 10. 

Vandoliers’ raucous, soul-baring album Life Behind Bars snagged the No. 7 spot, while Charley Crockett’s timeless Dollar a Day strutted in at No. 5. It’s a moment of pride for Big D, where country music’s heart beats loud and proud — and this year, it’s beating to the rhythm of these two stellar records.

For Vandoliers, Life Behind Bars is more than just an album title; it’s a raw, unflinching memoir set to a backdrop of rollicking country-punk. Frontwoman Jenni Rose, who came out as trans earlier this year, has poured her heart and soul into this record, and it shows. The album is a whiskey-soaked journey through heartbreak, resilience and redemption, with tracks like “Your Picture” and “You Can’t Party with the Lights On” (featuring Joshua Ray Walker and Taylor Hunnicutt) delivering gut-punch lyrics wrapped in the band’s signature high-octane sound.

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“It’s surreal to be in the top 10 of a list like this,” Rose shared with the Observer. “It’s an honor to be in the company we are surrounded by. I can’t thank Rolling Stone enough for sharing my story this year and for believing in our band and this album. Life won’t ever be the same.”

The Vandoliers, known for their electrifying live shows and genre-blurring style, have always been a band that defies easy categorization. With Life Behind Bars, they’ve cemented their place as one of the most exciting acts in Americana today. And with Rose’s fearless leadership, they’re not just making music, they’re making history.

Meanwhile, Charley Crockett continues to prove he’s the modern-day troubadour we didn’t know we needed. Dollar a Day is a masterclass in storytelling, blending Crockett’s velvety baritone with a rich tapestry of sounds. The album feels like a sepia-toned postcard from another era, with songs like “Crucified Son” and the title track painting vivid portraits of life on the margins.


“Crockett’s music is a study in contrast,” wrote the Observer in its review of the album. “Managing to sound classically country while experimenting, incorporating elements of the blues, jazz, and soul music to give songs their own unique flavor.”

Crockett, who’s no stranger to critical acclaim, has built a career on authenticity and grit. His music is a love letter to the roots of country, but it’s also deeply personal, reflecting his own journey from busking on street corners to headlining marquee stages. With Dollar a Day, he’s once again reminded us why he’s one of the most compelling voices in the genre.

For Dallas, this double win is a testament to the city’s rich musical heritage and its ability to nurture artists who push boundaries and tell stories that resonate far beyond the city limits. Vandoliers and Charley Crockett may be two very different acts, but they share a common thread: a deep respect for the traditions of country and Americana, coupled with a fearless drive to make those traditions their own.

So, here’s to Vandoliers and Charley Crockett, two artists who’ve not only put Dallas on the map but have also reminded us why music matters. Whether you’re raising a glass at Adair’s Saloon or cruising down Interstate 35 with the windows down, let their music be the soundtrack to your celebration. After all, it’s not every day that Dallas gets to claim two spots in the top 10 of Rolling Stone’s best-of list.

Dallas, take a bow. This one’s for you.