If you had told me 20 years ago that one day more than 20 percent (seven out of 30) of my ’30 Greatest Living American Songwriters’ would be from the Country/Country Adjacent category, I’d have called you crazy. But here we are.

Several of these artists would be more accurately labeled as Americana or country folk, but they all got their start very much in the traditional country space. And when a great songwriter taps into the emotional directness of the genre, special things happen.

The only artist in this category my list shares with The New York Times is Lucinda Williams. Here are the rest…

Brandi Carlile
The first thing you’re likely to notice about Carlile is her powerful, expressive voice. But her songs are what has made her one of the most respected and decorated artists in recent years. Her empathy and intelligence shine through every one of her compositions.

Jason Isbell
Isbell’s name came up a lot as a notable snub on the NYT list. His reputation as a writer of nuanced, introspective songs has grown over the past several years and he is now widely recognized as one of the best in the business. Isbell is equally deft at writing tough rockers and delicate ballads, and every one of his albums is a gem.

Miranda Lambert
One Times panelist said Lambert just missed the cut for their list, so at least they were on the right track. Over the last two decades, she has gone from country’s freshest new face to the genre’s grande dame, delivering songs that nod to country traditions but break ground in inventive ways.

Lyle Lovett
Lovett has largely gone dark since his stellar run in the 80s and 90s, but that batch of a half dozen albums, culminating in 1996’s The Road to Ensenada, is one of the greatest runs in popular music. His genre-busting style, blending jazz and blues with his Texas country roots, is uniquely wonderful.

Tift Merritt
I was very excited to learn that Merritt has a new album due out this year after a nine-year drought. She is a treasure, mixing the sensitivity and eclecticism of Joni Mitchell with the earthy grit of Bonnie Raitt. I’ll never understand why she hasn’t become a major star.

Brad Paisley
The man who opened my eyes and ears to the country genre. Paisley is a heartland poet who can crack a joke or elicit a tear with equal agility, and his guitar virtuosity is unmatched in the genre. If you’re ever down, fire up 2003’s Mud On the Tires and bask in the sweet perfection.