Congratulations, Brantley Gilbert! The Boot's readers have selected his May 2014 release, 'Just as I Am,' as 2014's Album of the Year.

The Album of the Year title was determined through a poll featuring 2014's 12 Album of the Month winners. Gilbert defeated the second-place Blackberry Smoke by less than 1 percent (47.18 percent of votes for Gilbert, 47.07 percent for Blackberry Smoke). Other competitors included Kenny ChesneyEric Church, the Doobie BrothersSara Evans, Florida Georgia LineLucy HaleJennifer Nettles, Sunny SweeneyJosh Thompson and Carrie Underwood.

'Just as I Am,' which took home the trophy for Favorite Country Album at the 2014 American Music Awards, is deeply personal. Gilbert co-wrote all 11 songs on the record.

“I have always said that each of my albums has told a story ... my story, and this album is no different," he says. "I have gone through a lot the past few years ... a lot of highs and lows, and all of that is reflected in this project."

Three singles so far have been released from the disc: 'Bottoms Up,' the album's lead single, which hit No. 1; 'Small Town Throwdown,' a collaboration with Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett; and, most recently, 'One Hell of an Amen.'

The year 2014 was a big one for Gilbert in other ways, too: He got engaged, spent a bunch of time on the road, led a charity motorcycle ride, contributed to a Motley Crue tribute album, headlined a panel at the Billboard Touring Conference and closed out the year with a New Year's Eve performance.

And 2015 is shaping up to be pretty eventful as well: Gilbert is set to join Chesney on the road this summer ... and it looks like a wedding is right around the corner!

Brantley Gilbert, ‘Just as I Am’ Track Listing:

1. ‘If You Want a Bad Boy’
2. ’17 Again’
3. ‘Bottoms Up’
4. ‘That Was Us’
5. ‘I’m Gone’
6. ‘My Baby’s Guns N’ Roses’
7. ‘Lights of My Hometown’
8. ‘One Hell of an Amen’
9. ‘Small Town Throwdown’
10. ‘Let It Ride’
11. ‘My Faith in You’

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