DISClaimer Single Reviews: Unearthed Johnny Cash Track Is ‘Hearty And Satisfying’
It’s Ladies Day here at DISClaimer.
Leading the pack in this stack of sounds are Clare Dunn, Tiera Kennedy, Kylie Frey and Chapel Hart. They have the discs to beat.
But let’s be honest. Does anyone ever top The Man in Black? Johnny Cash wins the Disc of the Day prize.
The DISCovery Award goes to a hip-hop artist whose new music is veering into country music territory. That’s Virginia-born Shaboozey, who is gearing up for the release next month of an album titled Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going.
DYLAN GOSSETT / “Somewhere Between”
Writer: Dylan Gossett; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– It’s a rumbling, riding-the-rails song with poetic images that pile up on each other but go nowhere. The Texan sings at the top of his range. He made some noise with a tune called “Coal” last year. This seems unlikely to duplicate that.
ZAC BROWN BAND & MAC MCANALLY / “Pirates & Parrots”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Ben Simonetti/Drew Parker/Erik Dylan/Jonathan Singleton/Wyatt McCubbin/Zac Brown; Producers: Ben Simonetti/Zac Brown; Label: Home Grown Music/Warner Music Nashville
– This is eloquently sweet and touching as a eulogy for the departed Jimmy Buffett. It’s a dear farewell to a widely beloved music legend, and it hits an emotional bullseye. Strings sigh as the singers harmonize on the island vibe. “Adios, my friend/Anchor where that ocean ends/We’ll pick up where you left off/Strumming on a sailor’s song.”
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS & CHARLES KELLEY / “How Do You Do That”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Tom Jordan/Charles Kelley/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Karley Scott Collins; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Love her husky vocal and his pitch-perfect harmony work. Not crazy about the song or the too-busy, heavily electronic production.
JOHNNY CASH / “Well Alright”
Writer: Johnny Cash; Producers: Johnny Cash/John Carter Cash/David Ferguson/Josh Matas/Mike Daniel; Label: Mercury
– I’m really excited about the upcoming Cash album Songwriter (due June 28). It is comprised of 1993 song demos by the legend. He was in fine voice, and it has been surrounded by newly recorded, brilliant production by his talented son and his longtime studio confederate “Fergie” Ferguson. This advanced taste is a light-hearted ditty about finding love in a laundromat. The band, featuring Marty Stuart, kicks up some rockabilly stardust that echoes Cash’s early Sun singles. Hearty and satisfying.
SHABOOZEY / “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Writers: Collins Obinna Chibueze/Jerrel Jones/Joe Kent/Mark Williams/Nevin Sastry/Sean Cook; Producers: Sean Cook/Nevin Sastry; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– Guitar strums, hand claps, sing-along guys and a little whistling carry this jaunty, good-time, rhythm-happy drinking song. It quotes a little from the 2004 pop hit “Tipsy” by St. Louis hip-hopper J-Kwon. Shaboozey is a Nigerian American whose billing is derived from people mispronouncing his last name. You can also find him on two tracks on the Beyoncé album.
CHAPEL HART / “Perfect For Me”
Writers: Danica Hart/Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle/Leslie Satcher; Producers: none listed; Label: CH
– The America’s Got Talent trio just seems to go from strength to strength. Chapel Hart performs this dandy, blue-collar romance track with vim and verve. Taken from its Glory Days collection, the group showcased it at the 10th anniversary celebration of CMT’s Next Women of Country franchise this week at City Winery. I just love these gals.
LANCE COWAN / “This Heart of Mine”
Writer: Lance Cowan; Producers: Jason Stelluto/Scott Paschall; Label: Lantzapalooza Müzik
– This gentle, lovelorn ballad has a lovely, folkie quality. The single is drawn from an excellent, melody-rich album titled So Far So Good. Known for decades on Music Row as a publicist, Cowan is also a superb troubadour tunesmith. Start with this, then explore the many other fine audio textures on the collection.
Writers: André Romell Young/Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr./Daniel Webster/Harry Wayne Casey/Mark Adams/Raymond Guy Turner/Richard Finch/Stephen Washington/Steve Arrington; Producers: Joey Moi/Hardy; Label: Big Loud Records
– Our own Hardy was tapped by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre to re-imagine their 1994 Snoop hit to accompany the launch of a beverage named for it. The bouncy ditty threads the line between hillbilly and hip-hop.
Writers: Tiera Kennedy/David Devaul/Joe Fox/Cameron Bedell; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: TK
– Her soft soprano begins this wistful meditation with simple acoustic-guitar accompaniment. Steel and strings quietly enter, backing her romantic musing as the track wafts along. Gorgeous, soothing listening. Kennedy’s profile got a bump up when she sang on “Blackbiird” with Beyoncé this month.
Writers: Clare Dunn/Jeff Trott; Producer: Jeff Trott; Label: CD
– The title tune of Dunn’s new EP is a crunchy bopper with stacked vocal harmonies and irresistibly catchy hooks. Her throaty alto is a voice to cherish. She has been on the Nashville scene for a decade, but to date, the industry has not given this talented woman her due. Wake up, people.
Writers: Darryl Worley/Phil O’Donnell; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Here’s a summer anthem. Worley’s been working hard, and now it’s time for some relaxation. That means driving in circles out in the field, dontcha know. Each to his own therapy.
Writers: Adam Wright/Kylie Frey/Neal Coty; Producers: Trent Willmon/Paul Worleyl; Label: Deep Frey’d Music
– This sprightly Texas two-stepper is a cautionary tune to the ladies. “You think you want a cowboy/Until you get a cowboy.” She’s hip to his heartbreaking ways. “If you’re lucky enough some day/He’s gonna saddle up and ride away.” Dancefloor ready.
- DISClaimer Single Reviews: Riley Green ‘Keeps The Sultry Mood Rolling’ - February 13, 2025
- DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rascal Flatts & The Jonas Brothers Collab On Disc Of The Day - February 6, 2025
- DISClaimer Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert Is ‘At The Top Of Her Game’ - January 31, 2025