DISClaimer Single Reviews: Deborah Allen ‘Proves She’s Still A World-Class Singer’

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Got the winter blues? Perhaps the country stars can help with that.

Our Male Performance du jour is bound to get your spirits up. It’s by Cole Swindell, and he’s rocking on “Drinkaby.” Today’s Female Disc of the Day belongs to veteran Deborah Allen, who proves she’s still a world-class singer on “All Or Nothing At All.”

Our Group winner is Dailey & Vincent. The sheer beauty of the band’s performance of “Colder Than Winter” is certain to warm your heart.

The DisCovery Award goes to Jordyn Shellhart. I can’t wait to hear more from this new talent.

Crank up the stereo and get cozy with these sounds.

JAKE OWEN / “My Boots Miss Yours”
Writers: Blake Bollinger/Brad Clawson/Brett Sheroky; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
— It’s a twangin’ dancefloor natural with pep in its step. Hillbilly romance on the hoof.

LUKE COMBS / “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old”
Writers: Luke Combs/Rob Snyder/Channing Wilson; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House/Columbia
— Homespun wisdom delivered by one of the most gripping vocalists in our genre. The themes of maturity and thoughtfulness are embedded in this beautifully crafted lyric.

ELIVIE SHANE / “Sympathy for the Devil”
Writers: Mick Jagger/Keith Richards; Producer: Robert Deaton/Danny Rader/Oscar Charles; Label: BBR
— Stoned Cold Country is a 60th anniversary tribute album to the Stones, with tracks by Jimmie Allen, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne with The War & Treaty, Eric Church, Steve Earle, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris & more. The “My Boy” singer Elvie Shane tackles this 1968 classic by fronting a track featuring buzz-saw guitar, congas and keyboards. He brings the lyric front and center, which means you’ll really grasp it, perhaps for the first time. Not only that, the sensational singer invests it with tremendous soul. I approached this with skepticism, but by the time he was finished, I was floored.

COLE SWINDELL / “Drinkaby”
Writers: Jon Pardi/Jordan Schmidt/HARDY/Hunter Phelps; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner
— A rockin’ good time. Technically, the lyric is about a breakup. But it’s really about a party. How’s this for a lyric—“Hush little cowboy don’t you cry/Bartender’s got you some whiskey on ice.” This one’s heading to the top.

DAILEY & VINCENT / “Colder Than Winter”
Writer: Vince Gill; Producer: Paul Worley; Label: BMG
— Heart stoppingly gorgeous. Gill’s ballad is taken to stratospheric emotional heights by Jamie Dailey’s thrilling vocal performance. The stunning production features the songwriter’s guitar solo, sighing strings and deft percussion and bass accents. The Grammy winning Opry stars move from bluegrass to mainstream country with their new Let’s Sing Some Country! album, which is where you’ll find this awesome masterpiece.

DEBORAH ALLEN / “All Or Nothing at All”
Writers: Deborah Allen/Margaret Phillips; Producer: Deborah Allen; Label: Orchard Entertainment
— Allen struts her vocal chops on this stately, monumental-sounding torch ballad. Her soprano shouts contrast with husky intimacies in the oomphy production. Well done, sister.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Five Years”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Jesse Slack; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner
— This is an extraordinary piece of songwriting. The singer looks at her downbeat present and muses about her uncertain future with intimacy, insight and artistry. It’s wonderfully candid and sung with endearing melancholy. Her best work to date.

MARGO PRICE / “Radio”
Writers: Margo Price/Sharon Van Etton; Producer: Margo Price/Jonathan Wilson/Dexter Green; Label: Loma Vista
— The turn toward pop on Price’s new Strays album suits her well. The stacked harmonies, throbbing guitars and insistent drum pattern on this track are audio delights. As always, her songwriting shines. The eye-catching video features some nude dancing and tipping the pizza delivery boy with a joint. Also recommended on the album are her tunes “Lydia” and “Change of Heart.”

JORDYN SHELLHART / “Who Are You Mad At”
Writers: Jordyn Shellhart/Marc Beeson/Allen Shamblin; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner
— Her languid soprano delivery is kinda dreamy. The sweet-sad song is addressed to a beau who’s been bruised in love. A charismatic, highly listenable debut.

TIGIRLILY GOLD / “Shoot Tequila”
Writers: Kendra Slaubaugh/Krista Slaubaugh/Kevin Griffin/David Mescon; Producers: Pete Good/Shane McAnally; Label: Monument
— Rowdy, cute and clever. A femme drinking song with twin-like harmonies.

WILLIE JONES / “Them Girls Do”
Writers: Willie Jones/Justin Ebach/Nick Autry; Producer: Justin Ebach; Label: Sony
— An ode to party girls, taken at a leisurely pace with some banjo plucks. Pleasant but routine.

Robert K Oermann
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