At the end of the 20th century, country music was predictably in a mood to look back. The year enjoyed the evocation of various Nashville Sounds, was gifted with George Jones’ last great album ever, and was particularly tuned into its bluegrass roots: Dolly Parton and alt-country pioneer Steve Earle went all high and lonesome, and Marty Stuart duetted with Earl Scruggs. (Plus, Jim Lauderdale teamed with Ralph Stanley and his Clinch Mountain Boys on a swell bluegrass album that didn’t quite make the cut here.) Still, the only direction is forward: Cue the Dixie Chicks, ready to fly.