Heartworn Highways (Soundtrack)

While technically a soundtrack to a 1976 documentary, this album is a holy grail for fans of songwriting. It features raw, intimate performances from legends like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and Steve Earle. It captures the 'outlaw' scene in its most stripped-back, human form. There is no polish herejust incredible songs and the people who wrote them.

It is a deeply influential record that has inspired generations of Americana and folk-country artists. If you value songwriting above all else, this is the most important album on this list.