Country singers like Steve Earle?

I'm slowly becoming a country convert due my dad. I noticed that's where a lot of really inventive musicians are going. I've always liked Steve Earle, even before this, and was wondering if you could recommend someone a bit newer that's like him? I'm less into the Red-neck/ hillbilly stuff but noticed he can tell some pretty good stories and I really love a good acoustic geetair. Thanks for the help.