The year's best, in rank order. 1. Vince Gill, "These Days" (MCA Nashville). Gill's four-disc set of original songs pulls together his talents as singer, songwriter, musician, arranger and producer. The 43 songs range from country to bluegrass, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock and gospel.

2. Julie Roberts, "Men and Mascara" (Mercury). On this brilliantly gloomy album, Roberts chokes back tears and questions her role in a string of failed relationships. And with lines such as "men and mascara always run," she hurts the way Tammy Wynette hurt and in terms Wynette would understand.

3. Bradley Walker, "Highway of Dreams" (Rounder). A delightful country-and-bluegrass debut. Walker, who comes from Alabama, has a twang that falls somewhere between those of Randy Travis and Keith Whitley.

4. Shawn Camp, "Fireball" (Skeeterbit Records). Hot, explosive and filled with clever surprises, "Fireball" makes a complete package from a gifted all-around talent.

5. Linda Ronstadt and Ann Savoy, "Adieu False Heart" (Vanguard). This inspired acoustic collection of Cajun and country ballads flew under the radar. Nevertheless, the blend of Savoy's sumptuous alto with Ronstadt's stratospheric soprano confirms that sisterhood is powerful.

6. Dave Evans, "Pretty Green Hills" (Rebel). Blue-collar bluegrass that's hardcore, raw and real. Evans sings bluegrass the way Son House sang the blues: from deep within the emotional abyss where loss, loneliness and alienation moan to be heard.

7. Eric Church, "Sinners Like Me" (Capitol). With his penetrating lyrics and weathered voice, this Caldwell County native projects maturity and self-awareness beyond his 28 years. The autobiographical title track and the anticipatory "Two Pink Lines" are among the reasons this debut is so exciting.

8. Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, "Legends of Western Swing: Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys" (Columbia/ Legacy). Every phase of Wills' career, from 1932 to 1973, is covered on this four-disc, 105-track set. With extensive notes, revealing photographs and brilliant sound, it's a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions have earned him berths in the country and rock 'n' roll halls of fame.

9. The Grascals, "Long List of Heartaches" (Rounder). High lonesome singing, world-class musicianship and an imaginative bluegrass-country repertoire result in a Grammy-nominated sophomore release as adventuresome as it is rooted in tradition.

10. Willie Nelson, "You Don't Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker" (Lost Highway). Nelson's tribute to the late songwriter includes such honky-tonk standards as "You Don't Know Me" and the Western Swing classics "Miss Molly" and "Bubbles in My Beer."