I tend to listen to CDs for the songwriting. But sometimes it is for the productions (but they still have to be well written).
These are what I have been listening to for the last year (or so). Others may find some value in them.
If you have specific CDs that have captured your attention, add them to the list.
I'm always looking for "the next thing" to add to my iPod...
Let's have a running list...
Brandy Clark - 12 Stories
This is one of the best written Country CDs I've ever heard. Actually, no need for the "Country" qualifier...
Anyone interested in songwriting ought to own this and listen with every fiber of your soul...
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdDs7tHcsAGLFvMxvGv3jt74n9-JFDPkcKacey Musgraves - Same Trailer Different Park
Almost as good as Brandy... nice simple, open productions..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du_NnTzjs2oJason Isbell - Southeastern
Soulful writing. Simple productions for the most part - and all these songs need...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdwnGG29Upw&list=PLCw7uifZvD5vtxDgpFsXPeIiAyWjtY0PXLee Brice - Hard2Love (had to list each of these because they did not group together)
Well-written commercial Country with exceptional (modern) production...
Hard To Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtFwuPnzidEA Woman Like You (if you don't like this song, there's something wrong with you....)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQYORsIfFE0That's When You Know It's Over
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN1jZaZbBhwDon't Believe Everything You Think
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cr4oYF7QAEI Drive Your Truck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCSMCgqlc-0See About A Girl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf2YAKYnWjELife Off My Years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtM7vs9gdZgSeven Days a Thousand Times
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC3Z8FHK-5cBeer (this is actually a GOOD Country song about Beer....)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDlTEJ_thJgThat Way Again By Lee Brice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fgmrM0Rh1M