Best Texas & Oklahoma Albums of 2012 (So Far)

'The Given' is Wade Bowen's first major label release but it's Bowen doing what he does best. We've grown used to getting the best out of Wade when it comes to his records but his latest stands out. The songwriting is exceptionally strong and every song is worthy of radio play. 'The Given' is great for any night of the week, not just Saturday Night!

'Goodbye Normal Street', the third studio album from the Turnpike Troubadours, quite possibly could be their best work yet. And that's saying a lot because 'Diamonds and Gasoline' was pretty damn awesome. The album is solid from start to finish and leaves you begging for more. Music lovers will just have to kick back, relax, and listen to 'Goodbye Normal Street' until we get new music from the Turnpike Troubadours.

Jason Eady is far beyond his time and age when it comes to songwriting and performing. The perfect example of that is his newest album, 'AM Country Heaven'. Most might not know of Jason Eady yet, but after giving this album one listen you'll never forget the name. It's chock full of emotion, passion and a drive that only a musician like Eady can offer up.

Ray Wylie Hubbard is like a fine wine; he only gets better with age. His latest album, 'The Grifter's Hymnal', is an unapologetic masterpiece. It's an album where you can feel every string strummed and feel like you've lived every line written. It's a booze fueled night, a broken heart and a symphony of sound wrapped into one.

'Small Town Family Dream' is what you would expect from the Josh Abbott Band. It's an instant classic fueled by catching tunes, heart ache and radio gold. The South Plains native has come a long way and will continue to shine musically if he releases albums just half as good as 'Small Town Family Dream'.

Rob Baird is young by age, but mature when it comes to his songwriting. His newest album, 'I Swear It's The Truth' might have been written by him when he was young (still is) but it's years beyond what his license might say. Though he's originally from Memphis, he'll continue to take Texas by storm thanks to releases like this one.

John Fullbright's 'From The Ground Up' is perfection from start to finish. It's hard not to listen to the album over and over again, but Fullbright finds a way to surprise you track after track. It's simply beautiful and utterly heartbreaking at the same time. It will be tough for anyone to pen an album this fantastic in 2012. Record companies should be knocking down the door to get a piece of John Fullbright.