Jewly Hight

Only a seasoned songwriter could capture the subtleties of committed affection the way that McBryde does in "Andy."

Over the last five years, a gradual evolution — characterized by careful and savvy boundary pushing — has taken hold in a genre where innovation always tugs against preservation.

Earlier this decade, it seemed like country's political streak had faded. But in the past five years, a handful of artists have displayed a renewed focus on morality that feels quietly revolutionary.

The choirmaster is known as the "Ed Sullivan of gospel" and has helped launch the careers of artists like Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams.

The members of the sextet talk about honing their artistic identity, getting comfortable in the country lane and letting their consciences guide them.

The unguarded emotion of May Your Kindness Remain is ideally calibrated for our moment.

The bluegrass group Osborne Brothers released their version of "Rocky Top" on Christmas Day 50 years ago. Sonny Osborne retired in 2005, but Bobby is still going strong. The singer released his latest album 'Original' in June.

He's was one of the most recognizable voices in acoustic music, thanks to work with Alison Krauss and on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. Then he got a call from Avicii.

The sisters have sung with Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder and more. And they're Nashville gospel royalty: Their father led the legendary Fairfield Four. Now, they're releasing a live album of their own.

The 26-year-old country singer is a student of old-line outlaw country and its tradition of leathery, knowing tall talk.

Stream the debut album by Brooklyn-based rapper Miss Eaves, who made waves this summer with her body-positive hit, "Thunder Thighs."

Suspended in an undulating soundscape of guitar effects, the emerging Nashville songwriter sings as though she's accessing once-overwhelming sensations from a great distance.

Wright tells NPR that this Nina Simone song is "literally the statement of belonging and affection." A full gospel choir gives it an old, marching, rocking feel.

Atkins' 11-song set depicts high-stakes personal struggles, but the Nashville-based pop singer doesn't treat them as somber affairs.

Though still in her 20s, the fiddler and singer-songwriter has been plying her trade in Nashville for a decade and a half. She talks singing with her siblings and her Jack White-produced solo debut.

Nashville indie-rock star Tristen Gaspadarek bears quietly lacerating witness to vulnerability on her infectious third album.

With a looping station nicknamed "Loop Bryan," Hayes performed material from his two mixtapes at CMA Fest 2017. Here, he talks about writing songs whose unvarnished specificity makes them relatable.

The country-pop singer's debut single, "Own It," is all about embracing fluidity; her influences range from Taylor Swift to Chance the Rapper. We caught up with her at this year's CMA Fest.

The Americana star's new album is a celebration of the British blend of pop, R&B and rock and roll that captivated him as a young child.

The annual festival is a chance for fans to get up close and personal with their favorite country stars — and to discover new artists. Ann Powers and Jewly Hight report back from this year's event.