Rolling Stone has announced their pick of the five best country albums of 2012, and the list leans traditional. New projects by Kellie Pickler, Jamey Johnson and Texas country band JB and the Moonshine Band made the cut, which was revealed on the magazine's website on Friday (Dec. 7).

Pickler released '100 Proof' in January and -- as promised -- it was a step away from the polished pop-country that has made her famous thus far in her career. Songs like 'Where's Tammy Wynette' and 'Unlock That Honky Tonk' are in line with the rooted, old-school hits of Loretta Lynn and, well… Wynette.

Also among RS' pick for best albums of the year is Jamey Johnson with 'Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran,' a collection of collaborations on songs written by the Cochran. Lionel Richie's 'Tuskegee' is amongst the highest sellers of 2012, and his album of country takes on his catalog was named amongst the five best. Easton Corbin also makes the list with his sophomore album 'All Over the Road,' featuring the title track and 'Lovin' You Is Fun.'

Rolling Stone praised Texas native JB and the Moonshine Band frontman JB Patterson's songwriting on 'Beer for Breakfast,' the band's 2012 release. The group helped fill venues along on the Taste of Country Christmas Tour in late 2012. That tour wraps up on Dec. 15 in Amarillo, Texas.

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