DISClaimer Single Reviews: Eric Church Benefit Track Is A ‘Moving, Spiritual, Uplifting Recording’

/by

Eric Church. Photo: Robby Klein

The Disc of the Day competition is intense today.

There are at least six contenders—Tyler Hubbard, Zach Top, Steve Earle, Kane Brown, the Madeline Merlo & Dustin Lynch collab and the winner, Eric Church. He’s already the most awarded artist in this column’s history, but with this new soul sound and the generosity of his spirit, he’s undeniable.

Give a DISCovery Award to Annie Bosko for her sterling work alongside the mighty Joe Nichols.

DASHA / “Bye Bye Bye”
Writers: Anna Dasha Novotny/Bardo William Novotny/Cole Hutzler/Kenneth Travis Heidelman; Producers: Bardo, Travis Heidelman; Label: Warner Records
– Country’s new dance princess has equalled the Platinum-selling “Austin” with this latest ear worm. It’s a kiss-off tune with a ridiculously catchy hook plus a feisty video that features her dragging the ex, feet-first, behind her John Deere tractor. Love her bopping charms.

ERIC CHURCH / “Darkest Hour”
Writer: Eric Church; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– The Chief has stepped up to the plate to extend a helping hand to the devastated victims of Hurricane Helene in his home state. He is donating his songwriting royalties from this moving, spiritual, uplifting recording of falsetto blue-eyed soul to provide aid today and forever to his fellow North Carolinians. The social responsibility is as admirable as the beautiful song is. Applause, applause.

MADELINE MERLO & DUSTIN LYNCH / “Broken Heart Thing”
Writers: James McNair/Lalo Guzman/Madeline Merlo/Michael Tyler/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– The two-time CCMA winner and 2024 CMT Next Woman of Country honoree unfurls a radiant, powerful delivery of this ultra melodic heartache tune. She’s simply sensational. Lynch offers vocal support and his own verse, but this is her show all the way. Absolutely play this. Merlo will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on the 16th.

STEVE EARLE / “Sister Angelina”
Writer: David Olney; Producer: Gwil Owen; Label: New West Records
– Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney is a tribute album that drops next week. Earle’s track from it is the advance listen. The Latin rhythms play beautifully against the dark-night-of-the-soul lyric. If you don’t know who Olney was, you need remedial Nashville-music education, because he is one of the greatest songwriters the city has ever produced. Just ask Lucinda Williams, the McCrary Sisters, Mary Gauthier, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Janis Ian and the rest of the stellar cast of this 17-track double album salute. “David Olney was the best of us,” says Earle. Amen, brother.

KANE BROWN / “Backseat Driver”
Writers: Jacob Davis/Jordan Walker; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Zone 4
– He listens to his adorable daughter babbling about the passing scene from the backseat of his car. He wishes he had her wonder, her curiosity and her innocence. Warmth and love in every note. If you can’t get behind this, you’re made of stone.

ZACH TOP / “Beer For Breakfast”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Kevin Denney/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– The surprise CMA nominee this year is this indie-label traditionalist. He’s getting my vote, because there has not been a by-God COUNTRY singer this fine in ages. On top of that, his current single is a hillbilly hoot. Sign me up for this fan club. Oh, and give Lainey Wilson a rose for taking him out on tour with her. Make this man a star.

BRETT YOUNG / “Say Less”
Writers: Ben Caver/Brett Young/Justin Ebach; Producers: Dann Huff, Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
– He’s always a romantic guy. This time, the swoon-y lyric is backed by some kick-butt percussion and ringing guitar work. Swirling energy—grab her hand and dance into the bedroom.

KIP MOORE / “Live Here To Work”
Writer: Kip Moore; Producers: Jaren Johnston, Kip Moore; Label: Virgin Music
– Moore tries on some rocking “outlaw” duds, and they fit just fine. Backbeats and guitar snarling abound. This is fire. Waylon would be pleased.

TYLER HUBBARD / “Heroes”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– Single moms, farmers, teachers, first responders, coaches and everyday citizens who make the world go ‘round. These are the real-life heroes, sings Hubbard. Written with insight and sung with conviction.

JOE NICHOLS & ANNIE BOSKO / “Better Than You”
Writers: Derek George/John Pierce; Producers: Derek George, Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Terrific listening. The charismatic Nichols takes charge from the opening notes while the production throbs subtly behind him. Then Bosko gets her turn, and she holds her own. Then she locks in a harmony vocal as they take the power ballad home. Goosebump-thrilling sounding.

THE COWARD BROTHERS / “Always”
Writers: Henry Coward/Howard Coward; Producers: Henry Coward, Howard Coward; Label: New West Records
– Ethereal and echoey, with whispery backing vocals and ghostly guitar. It’s more of a sonic slab than an actual country song. The imaginary “Coward” duo is comprised of Elvis Costello and T-Bone Burnett, and this is drawn from their 20-song soundtrack of their audio “biography.” Just so you know, Elvis is “Howard Coward” and T-Bone is “Henry Coward.”

CONOR CLEMMONS / “Growin’ To Do”
Writers: Conor Clemmons/Griffen Palmer/Will Hoge; Producer: Derek Drye; Label: 1929 Records
– Don’t be so much in a hurry to grow up. You only get to be young once. Clemmons sings with confidence, and the song is wonderfully written. The track is poorly mixed, with the electric guitars competing with his vocal to the point where you have to strain to catch the lyrics.

Robert K Oermann
Latest posts by Robert K Oermann (see all)