DISClaimer Single Reviews: Willie Nelson Creates An ‘Audio Wonderland’

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Willie Nelson. Photo: Pamela Springsteen.

You would be forgiven if you dozed off during this listening session.

Dreamy, wafting ballads are being offered by Kacey Musgraves, Ashlie Amber and Cyndi Thomson. But wake up for the slow meditation by Kenny Chesney, which is a beautifully written and performed song of real substance.

On the upbeat side of things, don’t miss the tempo tunes from Kane Brown, Brothers Osborne and Sierra Ferrell. These are all worth your attention.

Rising above them all is the old master, Willie Nelson. His delivery of a brilliant Rodney Crowell song is our Disc of the Day.

The Secret Sisters have been making records since 2010, and have generally been embraced as an Americana act. Their debut appearance in this column signifies that they belong in mainstream country, too. Give Laura Rogers and Lydia Rogers Slagle a DISCovery Award.

HAILEY WHITTERS & BEN RECTOR / “Color Up My World”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Ben Rector/Brett Tyler; Producers: Ben Rector/Austin Goodloe; Label: OK Kid Recordings, LLC
– Completely country and totally joyous. The banjo-fiddle production had me smiling from ear to ear, and their hillbilly harmonies tickled me with delight.

WILLIE NELSON / “The Border”
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Rodney Crowell; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy Recordings
– This vivid word portrait of a border patrol worker paints a picture encompassing the suffering of migrants, the dangers of policing, and the evil profiteering of smugglers. Nelson’s weathered tenor vocal is a marvel of shaded emotions, and the rippling guitars in Latin rhythm are an audio wonderland.

THE SECRET SISTERS / “Paperweight”
Writers: Lydia Slagle/Kate York; Producers: Ben Tanner/John Paul White; Label: New West Records
– A little twang, a little rockabilly, a little Everly harmony singing, and a whole lot of pleasure. A breezy, toe-tapping blast. If you aren’t hip to these gals, I suggest a binge-listening session with their music ASAP.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Break Mine”
Writers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne/Pete Good/Shane McAnally; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: EMI Nashville
– A rumbling freight train of romance beckons. Climb aboard and enjoy the ride.

CYNDI THOMSON / “The Georgia In Me”
Writers: Cyndi Thomson/Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: County Line Entertainment
– She sings of “back home roots that run real deep” in this nostalgic, comeback ballad. It might be a bit too mellow for radio playlists.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Wherever You Are Tonight”
Writers: Gary Burr/Mike Reid; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair Records/Warner Music Nashville
– “We go, but never leave,” he sings. This contemplative piano ballad reflects on those we’ve lost, maintaining that although they have passed on, they remain alive in our hearts. “You’re not gone, just out of sight/You’re here with me, wherever you are tonight.” Very touching. An end-of-life anthem that will endure.

SIERRA FERRELL / “American Dreaming”
Writers: Melody Walker/Sierra Ferrell; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Rounder
– This is the lead-off song/single/video of her Trail of Flowers album, which drops this week. Ferrell celebrated it with back-to-back Ryman shows that launched her 2024 tour. The song is a hooky ode for a wandering troubadour, delivered in a world-weary voice of intimacy, tenderness, and toughness. Effortlessly charismatic. Have I mentioned that I am a major, major fan of this lady?

KANE BROWN / “Fiddle In The Band”
Writers: Gabe Foust/Jordan Walker/Kane Brown/Russell Sutton; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Brown rocks out on this flaming barn burner. Guitars grind, drums pound and fiddles scream as he drawls the tune.

ASHLIE AMBER / “Keep You Around”
Writers: Jane Bach/Cheyanne Cope/Douglas Romanow; Producer: Victor Wilson; Label: AA
– Floating on soft gusts of sound as her breathy soprano spins a mood of romance. A promising disc debut from our latest Black country contestant.

TYLER HUBBARD / “Vegas”
Writers: Andy Albert/Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– He’s ready to say “I do” in Las Vegas pronto. Is she? The busy, “rushing” production clutters the sound but also drives the vibe forward.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Bayou Boy”
Writers: Will Bundy/Beau Bailey/Graham Barham; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– It’s all about the attitude, in this case some swampy, bluesy tenor wailing with a dash of hillbilly pride. Nice backbeats.

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Too Good To Be True”
Writers: Anna Nalick/Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– A very pretty, pristine production anchored by acoustic-guitar plucking showcases her gentle, whispered vocal. Chill easy listening.

Robert K Oermann
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