Robert K. Oermann Highlights Exceptional Nashville Music With DISClaimer

Shortly after MusicRow Magazine was established in 1981, respected music critic, author and historian Robert K. Oermann began reviewing the newest music to come out of Nashville with his weekly DISClaimer column.

Each week, Oermann shares his thoughts on a collection of new tunes. His reviews have become an iconic part of MusicRow.

In each week’s DISClaimer column, Oermann chooses a Disc of the Day as a highlight of the pack. Below are his 2023 Disc of the Day winners. Click here to listen to a playlist of the Disc of the Day from 2023.

ASHLEY McBRYDE, CAYLEE HAMMACK & PILLBOX PATTI / “Brenda Put Your Bra On”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Brandy Clark/Benjy Dvis/Connie Harrington/Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner
–Howlingly good. White-trash domestic upheaval depicted with wit, sass and salt. The storytelling talent, funny-bone tickling and vocal panache in this are all beyond great. McBryde rules!

LUKAS GRAHAM & MICKEY GUYTON / “Home Movies”
Writers: David LaBrel/Jaramye Daniels/Nicolle Galyon/Rory Andrew; Producers: Rory Andrew/Markus Artved; Label: Warner
–Graham’s strong, penetrating delivery is powerful enough. In fact, he’s downright hair raising in his upper register. Add Guyton’s sensational soprano and you’ve got total audio magic. The superb production is the icing on this scrumptious cake. He is a Danish pop artist with billions of international streams, and this stunning duet stakes his claim for country stardom. In a word, awesome.

JORDAN DAVIS / “No Time Soon”
Writers: Jacob Davis/Jordan Davis/Matt Jenkins/Josh Jenkins; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA
–Mr. Davis gets all steamy and sexy on this rumbling, compelling country rocker. He advises his paramour to lay down for some love making that won’t quit for quite some time. This one’s going straight to the top with no stops.

CHRIS YOUNG / “Looking for You”
Writers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/James McNair/Emily Weisband; Producers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Label: RCA
–One of my favorite male country voices returns with a pile driver that begs to be cranked up to “10.” The quest for love has seldom rocked so splendidly.

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.

KANE BROWN & KATELYN BROWN / “Thank God”
Writers: Christian Stainecker/Jared Mullis/Jaxson Free/Josh Hoge/Kyle Fishman; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
– Mr. and Mrs. Brown are all giddy in love on this sweet, lilting outing. I’m happy to report that she is a fine singer in her own right. My only disappointment was that Katelyn didn’t break into vocal harmony with Kane until the very last phrase of the song.

DARIUS RUCKER / “Lift Me Up”
Writers: Rihanna/Ryan Coogler/Ludwig Goransson/Tems; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: UMG
– Wakanda forever! Right on the heels of Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance comes Rucker’s fine cover of her Oscar-nominated theme song from the Black Panther franchise. Beautifully produced, spiritually uplifting and soul stirring. It builds to anthem-level intensity before receding into an intimate prayer. Essential.

BROTHERS OSBORNE & ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Play Ball”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Brandy Clark/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Ratiere; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner
– If there was an award for Country Concert of the Year, I’d be polishing a statuette for Ashley McBryde. Her “Welcome to Lindeville” all-star gathering at the Ryman last week was the most wildly entertaining and meaningful country event of our era. I have already told you about her extraordinary album’s “Bonfire at Tina’s,” “Gospel Night at the Strip Club” and “Brenda Put Your Bra On,” all of which were stunning in live performance. One thing the concert revealed was how important is the album’s producer, John Osborne. He and his brilliant vocalist brother T.J. turned this exquisite song into an an epic small-town poem about the groundskeeper at Dennis Linde Field. In a word, awesome.

BRAD PAISLEY / “Same Here”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Lee Thomas Miller/Taylor Goldsmith; Producer: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Label: EMI
– Released on the first anniversary of the terrible Ukraine invasion, this yearning ballad is awash in nostalgia, longing and reflection. The third verse addresses our brothers overseas who pray for peace and freedom. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes a moving cameo vocal appearance, and proceeds will benefit Ukrainian relief efforts. This is country stardom at its finest.

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Light on in the Kitchen”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Connie Harrington/Jessi Alexander; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Life advice, set to rippling guitars, shuffling percussion and tinkling mandolin. The singer carries strength and love with her everywhere, thanks to the support and wisdom of mama. Immensely tender and wonderfully listenable. I believed every word, and that’s the mark of a great country record.

SHANIA TWAIN / “Queen of Me”
Writers: Shania Twain/Adam Messinger; Producer: Adam Messinger; Label: Republic
– More hooks than a tuna boat. It’s all here: A totally cool vocal performance, an ear-worm melody, fabulous production thump and a self-affirming lyric. She makes records like no one else. This is the title tune of her latest.

LUKE COMBS / “5 Leaf Clover”
Writers: Luke Combs/Jessi Alexander/Chase McGill; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House/Columbia Nashville
His heart is in his throat on this beautiful song of gratitude and blessings. His mighty voice is unfurled in majesty as he soars professing love on the choruses. The production is wonderfully shaded and restrained. The new Combs album drops tomorrow, and that is where you’ll find this mini masterpiece.

BRANDY CLARK / “Buried”
Writers: Brandy Clark, Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– This is a stunning ballad of ache and loss by one of our greatest living country songwriters. Clark’s broken-hearted delivery is shadowed by gentle acoustic guitar plucking and soft vocal harmonies. Among the many brilliant touches in the writing is the artful placing of the song’s title as the song’s very last word. She is just so awesome. It’s an advance track from her forthcoming fourth album. With Shane McAnally, Clark is also the cowriter of the Broadway musical Shucked, which opens in New York on April 4. Last Sunday’s New York Times had an extensive piece about it.

TANYA TUCKER / “Kindness”
Writers: Tim Hanseroth/Phil Hanseroth; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Label: Fantasy
– Pensive and powerful. The living legend exudes enduring charisma in this stunning, stirring performance. An echoey atmosphere surrounds her as she sings of a turbulent life yearning toward peace. It’s an advance track from her forthcoming Sweet Western Sound collection that reunites her with Carlile and Jennings. I love this woman’s style: She rode a magnificent black stallion on the streets of downtown Nashville this week to announce it, as well as her upcoming June 3-4 concerts at the Ryman. Oh, and one more thing: FINALLY she is going into the Country Music Hall of Fame, where she so richly and deservedly belongs. I have been wishing for this day for years.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Nobody’s Nobody”
Writers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne/Mike Elizondo/Kendell Marvel; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: EMI
– Stately, stomping, scintillating, searing and sensational. The moody, drama-laden vocal unspools a message of inclusion for both sinners and saints. Meanwhile, the band flavors the piping-hot track with buzz-saw guitars, chant-like harmonies and pounding percussion. These guys always deliver in spades.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Girl in the Mirror”
Writers: Megan Moroney/Jessie Jo Dillon/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville
– I absolutely adore her “Tennessee Orange” single. Here’s another demonstration that we’re in the presence of a major, major new talent. She gazes into the mirror, but doesn’t recognize her own reflection because he’s bent her all out of shape. “You can’t love the boy more than you love the girl in the mirror,” she sings with a palpable ache in her throat.

COLBIE CAILLAT / “Worth It”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Liz Rose/AJ Pruis; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– Pop star Caillat has always had country tendencies. On this power ballad, she realizes the relationship is kaput, but doesn’t regret a thing. “I know it wasn’t perfect, but loving you was worth it,” she sings in the hooky refrain. The echoey production atmosphere gives the whole thing a dreamy quality.

OLD DOMINION / “I Should Have Married You”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers/Geoff Sprung/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally; Producers: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally; Label: Arista Nashville
– Enchanting. The rippling production, twirling melody, percussive effects and hearty vocals combine to weave a delightful tapestry of sound. The summertime vibe and merry tempo contrast with a lyric of regret. There’s a reason why this is the five-time ACM Group of the Year, and this is it.

CHRIS JANSON, DOLLY PARTON & SLASH / “21 Forever”
Writers: Chris Janson/Tommy Cecil/Tom Douglas; Producers: Julian Raymond/Chris Janson/Scott Borchetta; Label: BMLG Records
– Yes, it’s a sensational collaboration. But the song is so awesome and powerful that it doesn’t need any guest stars at all. That said, Janson turns in the finest vocal of his career to date, and I’ll go to my grave loving Dolly. Hang on for the extended, breath-taking Slash guitar solo at the coda. A magnificent recording.

LEE BRICE / “Save the Roses”
Writers: Lee Brice/Joe Leathers/Kyle Jacobs; Producers: Ben Glover/Kyle Jacobs; Label: Curb Records
– I love this man. He’s a song magnet who gets to me every time. Brice is a superb country singer who delivers a lyric like no one else in this business. In this case, it is a powerful, chesty elegy to the late songwriter Kyle Jacobs, and I promise it will hit you in your heart.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Out of That Truck”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Lydia Vaughan; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Carrie rocks out on this defiant stomper addressed to her ex. She vows that no matter how hard he tries, he’ll never erase her memory from his truck, because they shared so much in it. A winner.

WENDY MOTEN / “Don’t Give Up”
Writers: Wendy Moten/David Santos; Producers: Paul Worley/Wendy Moten; Label: Radio Eye Music
– After more than 20 years as a background vocalist for others, Moten shot to national fame via competing on The Voice last year. She was an inspiration to mature performers everywhere when she became a fan-favorite finalist. Her new single is similarly inspiring, a life philosophy about persevering through the storms. Not only that, it’s a groove-saturated sonic slab of soul. Everything about this is electrifying, from the sizzling organ to the rump-shaking rhythm section, from the tasty guitar licks to her shout-to-the-heavens vocal. All together now: “Hallelujah!”

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Burn It Down”
Writers: Parker McCollum/Hillary Lindsay/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: MCA Nashville
– The smoldering heartache song bursts into flame on its bridge and keeps on burning to its smoking-ashes finale. McCollum’s delivery is appropriately edgy and pained. The man is a star.

GABBY BARRETT / “Glory Days”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Emily Weisband/Seth Mosley/James McNair; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This youngster is a queen of catchy hooks, as this rapid, rushing rocker underscores. She savors the simple joys of everyday love while beats thump all around her. “I Hope,” “The Good Ones” and “Pick Me Up” were the country-pop gems that propelled her debut album. This lead-off track of her sophomore collection suggests that she’s only just begun. Barrett heads to her home turf on Aug. 11 for a post-game concert when the Pirates play the Reds at PNC Park, which is baseball’s most perfect venue.

BRAD PAISLEY / “So Many Summers”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Ross Copperman/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Label: Loaded Goat/UMG
– Live it up and have a good time, because you only get so many summers. “Swing for the fence, jump in the water …and tell her you love her.” A word of wisdom from the senior citizen at the playground. And it RAWKS. Play this on repeat.

TIM McGRAW / “Hey Whiskey”
Writers: Brad Hutsell/Joel Hutsell/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producers: Tim McGraw/Byron Gallimore; Label: Big Machine Records
– Eloquently heartbreaking. He addresses the drink that took his money, drove away a good woman, occupied his life and left him in hell. Sighing steel and brushed percussion hurt with every note. One more reason to eagerly anticipate the release of his new Standing Room Only collection in August.

JO DEE MESSINA / “Just To Be Loved”
Writers: Jess Cates/Jordan Mohilowski/Tim Nichols/Jo Dee Messina; Producer: Jordan Mohilowski; Label: JDM
– Messina is having a moment, thanks to the revival of “Heads Carolina Tails California.” Her comeback single is a beautifully produced bopper with rippling mandolin, burbling bass, stacked vocals, crisp percussion and a breezy summertime vibe. Her voice remains as hearty and warm as ever. The lyric’s message about being true to yourself is lovely, too. So delightful sounding that I didn’t want it to end.

DAVID NAIL / “Silverado”
Writers: David Nail/Grant Vogel/Robyn Collins; Producer: Grant Vogel; Label: One Five Sound, LLC
– Let’s face it: The man was born to sing. And what woman could resist this come-on? He wants to take it slow, get to know her and ride off to unknown adventures in his truck. The echoey track takes on layer after lovely layer as this wafting, romantic ode unfurls.

HANNAH DASHER / “(I’m the One That Taught Him) That Thing You Like”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Brandon Hood/Wynn Varble; Producers: none listed; Label: HD
– Witty, bluesy and twanging. She takes the new girlfriend aside to let her know just how intimately she knows the boy on this unreleased track. A fabulous sonic slab. I remain a massive fan.

CHRIS YOUNG / “Young Love & Saturday Nights”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Jesse Frasure/Josh Thompson/David Bowie; Producers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Chris DeStafano; Label: RCA
– The melody quotes “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie, but this uptempo romp is country all the way. It’s a joyous celebration of old trucks, small towns, radio tunes and necking in the parking lot. Roll down the windows and crank it up on a carefree weekend.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “White Horse”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Dan Wilson; Producers: Dave Cobb/Morgane Stapleton/Chris Stapleton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– His voice is such a torrent of sound that he can make your heart beat faster without hardly trying. This fiery single blurs the lines between country and southern rock while confirming his bonfire intensity as a performer. Undeniable.

EXILE / “Rough Around the Edges”
Writers: Les Taylor/Larry Cordle/J.P. Pennington; Producers: J.P. Pennington/Sonny LeMaire; Label: Clearwater Records
– The band’s first new radio single in more than 30 years is a frothing rocker that shows the veteran act’s spit and fire are undimmed by time. The tempo is in overdrive, the guitars stutter mightily, keyboards sizzle and the vocals wail. And if you listen closely, the lyric is as cute as all get out. I love this.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Tuscon Too Late”
Writers: Jordan Davis/Jacob Davis/Josh Jenkins/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– Quite well written. The gently rolling tempo and his expressively resigned delivery sell this busted-heart song like gangbusters. I love a good, sad, country tune, and this one’s a pip. Classic, classy stuff.

CARLY PEARCE / “Country Music Made Me Do It”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally; Producers: Carly Pearce/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally; Label: Big Machine Records
– Charming. This lilting, endearing performance is an ode to the soundtrack of her life, and Pearce sings every note with truth and authenticity. She was born to wear a country crown.

CHARLIE WORSHAM & LUKE COMBS / “How I Learned to Pray”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Jeremy Spillman/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: Warner
– Beautifully done. Worsham’s pitch-perfect voice and guitar eloquence carry the poignant piece with a wonderfully sympathetic assist by Combs. If you don’t already love Charlie Worsham, you are way behind the times. Get on board and get ready for Compadres, an October EP featuring collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Kip Moore, Dierks Bentley and Elle King as well as this little moment of musical magic.

WALKER HAYES / “Good With Me”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Shane McAnally/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Walker Hayes/Joe Thibodeau; Label: Monument Records/RCA
– Just when you were wondering what happened to the “Fancy Like” guy, he’s back with a hillbilly earworm that is just as delightful. This ditty is one big grin from start to finish. I love that the verses touch on hot-button topics and the choruses toss ‘em all out the window to warble merrily about good times at the lake. A complete delight.

BILLY CURRINGTON / “Anchor Man”
Writers: Paul Overstreet/Scotty Emerick; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Wistful and yearning. It will take you out beyond the reef onto the open sea with a breeze in your face. The song’s protagonist is a former news anchor who has chucked it all to ignore headlines and deadlines and spend his days fishing. It wasn’t intended as such, but it kinda sounds like an audio homage to the late and much mourned Jimmy Buffett.

COLBIE CAILLAT & SHERYL CROW / “I’ll Be Here”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Brett James/Jason Reeves/Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records/The Orchard
– This is the title tune of Caillat’s new country album (due Oct. 6). It is an uplifting, breezy tempo tune that exudes love and light, supportive friendship and spirit-lifting trust. She and Crow have migrated here from pop and both righteously belong in the country firmament, because they’re better country singers than half of the people that are already in the format. Play and believe.

TYLER CHILDERS / “In Your Love”
Writers: Tyler Childers/Geno Seale; Producers: Tyler Childers/The Food Stamps; Label: Hickman Holler/RCA Records
– This guy’s new Rustin’ In The Rain album is an all-genre sales sensation and his new arena tour has sold out everywhere, including two nights at Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks and Rupp Arena as well as two nights next April at Bridgestone. The penetrating country singer-songwriter is becoming a total rock star without any radio support. Americana Highways calls him, “one of the most talented and important musical forces in American music.” Amen to that. The brilliantly acted video for this love song has stirred some controversy since it depicts two male coal miners who fall in love until one is felled by black lung. If you are not on this man’s express train to stardom, get on board now.

ALLISON RUSSELL / “The Returner”
Writers: Allison Russell/Drew Lindsay/JT Nero; Producers: Allison Russell/Dim Star; Label: Fantasy
– The title tune of this gifted artist’s latest collection is a slow groove that’s equal parts gospel, folk and soul. The lyric of surrender and inspiration glows with mysticism and is drenched in sisterly harmony vocals. This album is essential. Russell’s social activism was saluted with the Seigenthaler Free Speech Award at the Americana Awards on Wednesday eve.

THE SHINDELLAS / “Ooh La La”
Writers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony (Louis York); Producers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony (Louis York); Label: Weirdo Workshop/Thirty Tigers
– The “girl group” sound of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s is not dead. It lives on in the delicious sound of this Nashville trio. They swing lightly to the groove-soaked beats of this sunny love ditty, alternating solo vocal step-outs with creamy harmonies. As fizzy and sweet as a soda-fountain concoction. There’s a video out now, and you’ll find it on the group’s new album, Shindo, which drops Oct. 20. Can’t wait that long? The Shindellas’ Americana showcase is Saturday (Sept. 23) at 7 p.m. at The Basement East.

JIMMY BUFFETT / “Bubbles Up”
Writers: Jimmy Buffett/Will Kimbrough; Producers: Michael Utley/Mac McAnally; Label: Sun Records
– Warmly philosophical and contemplative. Acoustic guitar strumming and a subtle bass heartbeat underlie Buffett’s relaxed, friendly delivery. Co-written with Nashville guitar treasure Will Kimbrough (a longtime Coral Reefer), the ballad reflects on your life’s journey and encourages optimism and hope. What a eulogy. What a gift.

OLD DOMINION & MEGAN MORONEY / “Can’t Break Up Now”
Writers: Emily Weisband/Tofer Brown/Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion/Ross Copperman; Label: Columbia Nashville
— Country’s new “it girl” teams up with the genre’s top band to create a little audio magic. The power ballad features primo picking and dynamic vocal harmonies. Matthew Ramsey and Moroney portray a troubled couple who have too much invested in one another to call it quits. As you might guess where this group is concerned, the melody is luscious.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “I’m In Love”
Writers: Lee Thomas Miller/Nicolle Galyon/Cameron Bedell; Producers: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud/Pigasus/Songs & Daughters
– Adorable. As cute as a kitten. As fizzy as soda pop. Ya gotta love this little ray of sunshine. Whitters is the reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year and is vying for a similar CMA award next month. Play this.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “It Takes a Woman”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Ronnie Bowman/Jerry Salley; Producers: Chris Stapleton/Dave Cobb/Morgane Stapleton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This stately ballad is exquisite. Wrap your loved one in your arms and slow dance around the room while his magic voice swirls in the air.

SAM HUNT / “Came The Closest”
Writers: Sam Hunt/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally; Producers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell; Label: MCA Nashville
– The guy tried to play it straight for her sake. He cut his hair, shaved, acted nice around her parents, took a 9-to-5 job, quit drinking whiskey and tried settling down. But he’s a rambling man at heart, so they never married and he moved on. The airy production is terrific, and Hunt’s vocal is as warm as a hot toddy. Absolutely, yes.

BRAD PAISLEY / “The Medicine Will”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Brad Paisley/Luke Wooten; Label: EMI Nashville
– Absolutely extraordinary. Paisley takes on the opioid epidemic, which is especially lethal in his West Virginia homeland. His word portrait encompasses coal mining and small-town devastation while offering sympathy and understanding to victims. The dobro-laced production drives a brisk track with an enormously sincere vocal performance. Essential listening.

LUKE COMBS / “Where the Wild Things Are”
Writers: Dave Turnbull/Randy Montana; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– What a voice. This is a mighty, mighty country-music man. And perhaps never more so than on this punchy rocker about a man who follows his big brother to Hollywood. Right up to the death scene, his gripping delivery keeps you on the edge of your seat. A simply brilliant performance of a titanically well-written song. He justifiably stopped the show with this at the CMA Awards.

MICKEY GUYTON / “The Best”
Writers: Mike Chapman/Holly Knight; Producer: none listed; Label: MG
– Guyton tore the house down when she paid homage to Tina Turner during yesterday (Nov. 15)’s CMT Smashing Glass female special. Honorees Tanya Tucker and Patti LaBelle rocked along joyously in the audience while she strutted through this commanding performance. If you didn’t catch it, go to YouTube right now and check it out. Star-making stuff.

TIM MCGRAW / “Runnin’ Outta Love”
Writers: Matt McGinn/Lindsay Rimes/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producers: Tim McGraw/Byron Gallimore; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is downright inspirational. McGraw’s solid delivery of the hope-filled lyric rides atop a splendid, galloping rhythm track that cranks the excitement up. His top-10 tally currently stands at 69. Let’s make it an even 70, shall we?

LUKE GRIMES / “Clay Pigeons”
Writer: Blaze Foley; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Yellowstone star Grimes continues his pursuit of country stardom with this brilliantly written folk-country outing. His relaxed, thoughtful reading of the lyric feels like he’s sitting right next you. The song comes from the late Texas tunesmith Blaze Foley. Essential listening.

BRENDA LEE / “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (Remix)”
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Owen Bradley: Label: MCA Nashville
– Thumpy electronic drumming pounds away as Lee and the Nashville A-Team’s original track echoes in the background. This new remix is packaged with her (superior) 1958 rockabilly version on a new holiday EP. This year, the song made the Music City legend the oldest person in history to have a No. 1 Billboard pop hit. Lee’s 79th birthday was on Monday (Dec. 11). What a double celebration. Rock on, Little Miss Dynamite.