The past few years sure felt like a renaissance for country groups getting back together. After both taking a hiatus, Sugarland and Lady Antebellum came back strong with new music. And while we appreciate the solo projects of Jennifer Nettles, Kristian Bush, Charles Kelley et al, there's nothing quite like the original group.
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Speaking of original, Alabama reunited and toured all around the country. Their first new album in 14 years Southern Drawl was a shadow of their former music, but don't pay attention to that. Just go hear them play "Dixieland Delight" and "If You're Gonna Play In Texas" and be happy.
Lonestar is (mostly) back together with Richie McDonald heading up vocal duties once again. Some version of Little Texas came back and put out a record in 2015. Hey, even the flash-in-the-pan-but-ever-so-brillaint Foster & Lloyd reunited for a new record a few years ago.
So that got us thinking: who are some country groups we wish would get back together and release new music?
Brooks & Dunn
Sure, they may be having a great time in Las Vegas with Reba, but Brooks & Dunn are far from "back together." Ronnie Dunn recently released solo work while Kix Brooks became a successful radio host and entrepreneur. A new album and a tour sure would be nice, though.
The Civil Wars
We still don't know why this incredible duo broke up, and we probably never will. Either way, it's a real shame they did, because the two records they released were absolutely electric and filled with once-in-a-lifetime chemistry. As time goes on, they may be reserved to the back burner of cult favorites, but Joy Williams and John Paul White could (and should) be at the top of the Americana game right now.
The Dixie Chicks
Their sold out reunion tour was just enough to remind us all how much we miss (and need) the Dixie Chicks in country music. Sure, we love strong, outspoken artists and the time has never been better for that and all. But also, damn are they talented. Watching those women create music together is a real joy.
Read More: The Story Behind the Dixie Chicks' Controversial Hit 'Goodbye Earl'
The Judds
This one is pretty much a done deal for various reasons, but The Judds sure represented something cool and classic in country music. The mother/daughter component hasn't been replicated to anywhere near this degree of success in any genre.
Cross Canadian Ragweed
One of the original red dirt bands, Cross Canadian Ragweed became a staple in the alternative country scene between 1994 and 2010. The band went on hiatus so drummer Randy Ragsdale could focus on his family. Though Ragsdale gave his blessing for the others to continue the band, the rest of the group decided it wouldn't be the same. Canada and bassist Jeremy Plato formed Cody Canada and the Departed in its stead. While they release great songs in the red dirt vein, seeing the original Cross Canadian Ragweed come back with new music and a tour would be big for the scene.
Uncle Lucius
Too soon? Uncle Lucius hung up the boots in March 2018 after founder Kevin Galloway announced his departure in September 2017. It was a long farewell for fans of the Austin-based Americana folk rockers. There were plenty of highs and lows in the band's arc, but no matter what, they always brought it on stage.
Gloriana
Another four-piece vocal group with serious chops that never quite saw the commercial success they hoped for. You can't help but feel Gloriana eventually got caught up in the music industry mechanisms that slowed their roll. And though they charted eight singles at country radio, it never really felt like we got to hear their full creative potential.
