DISClaimer Single Reviews: Post Malone & Luke Combs Bring The ‘Sound Of Country Music Joy’
Ballads and boppers vie for our attention this week in DISClaimer.
On the ballad side of things, we present the great Jamey Johnson, the highly promising Hueston and the undeniable star power of Diffie/Keith/Combs. Picking up the honky-tonking tempo are Jon Pardi, Ella Langley & Riley Green, Chris Stapleton and Caylee Hammack.
The Disc of the Day comes from the “tempo” column, as Post Malone & Luke Combs show us just how splendidly country can rock and still be as country as grits.
The DISCovery Award goes to teen newcomer Carrie Brockwell.
HUESTON / “Still Alive & Kickin’”
Writers: Brandon Sammons/David Ray Stevens; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Silver Wings/UMG
– The electronic pop track stays softly in the background, which gives plenty of space for his echoey, deeply soulful vocal. Refreshingly different. Highly promising.
JOE DIFFIE, TOBY KEITH & LUKE COMBS / “Ships That Don’t Come In”
Writers: Dave Gibson/Paul Nelson; Producers: Joe Diffie, Joey Moi, Lonnie Wilson; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records
– This debuted during the Toby Keith tribute special that aired on NBC last week (Aug. 28). It is the last thing the star recorded before his death. To start with, the song is a masterwork. All three singers are country music vocal titans. Toby kicks it off, phrasing magnificently. Then Luke takes over, adding his special magic. Diffie, who was among the earliest COVID victims, brings his 1992 hit home with class and dignity. Country music heaven.
TANNER ADELL / “Silverado”
Writers: Akil “worldwidefresh” King/Anthony Germaine White/Ben Stennis/Jared Tyler Mullins/Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor/Tanner Adell; Producers: Akil “worldwidefresh” King, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Tanner Adell; Label: LVRN Records
– You’d think with six songwriters that someone would have been able to come up with a melody. A few real instruments added to the hip-hop beats would have helped, too.
CHRIS STAPLETON / “Think I’m In Love With You”
Writer: Chris Stapleton; Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Totally awesome. A groove-soaked, rump shaking, classic soul sound. Stapleton is an artist who grips you tightly with every note he sings.
ELLA LANGLEY & RILEY GREEN / “You Look Like You Love Me”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Ella Langley/Riley Green; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– Delightfully country. She’s tipsy and ready to be picked up. He’s willing and able. The whole honky-tonk is along for the ride.
JAMEY JOHNSON / “Sober”
Writers: James Slater/Jamey Johnson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Gassed Records
– Johnson remains one of our most towering country vocalists, and this spare, stripped-down track lets him emote magnificently on the ballad. Harmonica, organ, piano and percussion frame his delivery of a lyric addressing the difficulty of staying sober in a culture that surrounds us with drinking celebration. The whole performance rings with honesty and truth. I love this artist so much.
CARTER FAITH / “Alright”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Carter Faith/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– She handles the tricky melody with aplomb, and the track is imaginatively produced. The challenging attempt is quite admirable, and I remain a fan, but I don’t hear this as a “hit.”
JON PARDI / “Friday Night Heartbreaker”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Daniel Ross/Jessie Jo Dillon/Josh Miller/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Pardi is warning us about this gal. But she still sounds like an upbeat, honky-tonkin’ good time. Jump in.
CAYLEE HAMMACK / “Breaking Dishes”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Gordie Sampson/Mikey Reaves; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– She’s over him for good. The shuffling track is uber cool, and her singing, as always, is just terrific. This gal is busting with talent and has long deserved major stardom. Here’s hoping that this personality-packed bopper brings it to her. An A+ effort.
COREY KENT / “Black Bandana”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Corey Kent/Jordan Dozzi/Rocky Block; Producer: Chris Farren; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The title tune of Kent’s album is a slow-burn anthem of persevering against all odds. When life gets tough, don’t wave a white flag of surrender. Be a black bandana and “give ‘em hell, don’t give up hope.” Gently but unrelentingly uplifting. This soulful kid has got something special.
CARRIE BROCKWELL / “Find A Way”
Writers: Carrie Brockwell/Christian Stalnecker; Producer: Brian Fechino; Label: CB
– The 18-year-old Belmont freshman is moving into her dorm while promoting this sparkling tune about her journey to Music Row. Twinkling mandolin notes, sighing steel, tasteful drumming and chiming guitars frame a heart-in-throat vocalist of assured ability. Startlingly accomplished for a teen talent.
POST MALONE & LUKE COMBS / “Guy For That”
Writers: Austin Post/Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/Hoskins/James McNair/Louis Bell/Luke Combs; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Louis Bell; Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
– The sound of country music joy. These two romp through this country rocker like a couple of colts let loose in a pasture. Turn it up and dance along.
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