U.S. country record sales rose 12 percent last year, with fans buying 77.9 million albums contrasted to 2003 purchases of 69.3 million.

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"The vision of our industry leaders, the loyalty of our fan base, the caliber of our artist community and the breakthrough success of some of our bright new talent all contributed to this achievement," said Ed Benson, executive director of the Country Music Association.

The top three country albums were Kenny Chesney's "When the Sun Goes Down," which sold 3.1 million units: Gretchen Wilson's "Here for the Party," which racked up 2.9 million in sales, and Tim McGraw's late-year release "Live Like You Were Dying," which has already sold 2.8 million copies, the Nashville Tennessean reported Thursday.

Those three releases also placed fourth, fifth and sixth among the list of best-selling albums in all genres.

The last few years have been a see-saw for the country artists. Record sales were down some 10 percent in 2003 from 2002 when sales rose 12.3 percent over 2001 levels.

Meanwhile, Christian-Gospel music sales held steady last year, said John Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association.