Chris Stapleton’s debut album Traveller has been crowned the top country album of the 21st century on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

In a remarkable achievement nearly a decade after its release, Chris Stapleton’s Traveller has officially been recognised as the number one country album of the 21st century on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The critically acclaimed record, which introduced Stapleton’s soulful voice and songwriting prowess to the world in 2015, has now secured its place in country music history.

Traveller is no stranger to accolades. Since its release, the album has consistently remained on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, building momentum through word-of-mouth, electrifying live performances, and the genre-crossing appeal of Stapleton’s sound. Now, after spending more than 500 weeks on the chart, Traveller has been confirmed as the longest-charting and highest-performing country album of the 2000s and beyond.

An Instant Classic That Kept Growing
Released in May 2015, Traveller marked a significant moment not only in Chris Stapleton’s career but in the country music genre as a whole. At the time, country radio was dominated by pop-leaning sounds and bro-country anthems. Stapleton offered something different — a return to roots, blending outlaw country with blues, Southern rock, and raw, emotional storytelling.

The album features standout tracks such as “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Fire Away,” and the title track “Traveller,” all of which showcase Stapleton’s gravelly, soul-drenched voice and heartfelt lyrics. “Tennessee Whiskey” in particular became a breakout hit, aided by Stapleton’s memorable duet with Justin Timberlake at the 2015 CMA Awards, which propelled the album to number one and earned Stapleton a wave of mainstream attention.

But beyond the hype and high-profile performances, Traveller has proven to be a record with enduring impact. Its appeal lies in its authenticity — something that resonates deeply with both traditional country fans and a broader audience hungry for substance over style.

Redefining Modern Country Music
Chris Stapleton’s success with Traveller has had a ripple effect throughout the country music world. The album challenged the genre’s direction and opened the door for a new wave of artists embracing more traditional sounds, storytelling, and musicianship. It reminded listeners — and industry gatekeepers — that genuine artistry can still thrive in a commercial landscape.

Stapleton himself has since become one of the most respected figures in country music, releasing multiple acclaimed albums, earning numerous awards, and collaborating with major names across genres, from Adele and Taylor Swift to Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran. Yet Traveller remains his defining work, the foundation upon which everything else was built.

Chart Dominance That Shows No Signs of Slowing
What makes Traveller’s chart-topping achievement especially remarkable is its staying power. Unlike many albums that peak and quickly fade, Traveller has maintained a steady presence for nearly a decade. It has spent over 500 weeks on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, a feat that reflects consistent fan engagement and enduring sales and streaming numbers.

This latest milestone — being named the top country album of the 21st century — underscores just how influential and beloved Traveller has become. In an era where musical trends change rapidly and attention spans are shorter than ever, Chris Stapleton’s masterpiece has defied the odds.

Legacy Set in Stone
As Traveller continues to reach new listeners and inspire both fans and fellow artists alike, its legacy as a modern country classic is firmly cemented. Chris Stapleton may have set out on a personal journey with Traveller, but in doing so, he ended up steering the entire genre in a new direction.

Now officially recognised as the number one country album of the 21st century, Traveller stands not just as a success story, but as a defining moment in country music’s evolution.