DISClaimer Single Reviews: Riley Green ‘Keeps The Sultry Mood Rolling’
Riley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan
The sound of love is in the air this week.
In keeping with the Valentine’s Day holiday, the country stars are full of romance in this column. To get in the mood, lend your ears to Mackenzie Carpenter & Midland, to Thomas Rhett and to Disc of the Day winner Riley Green as well as to our DISCovery Awardee, Adrien Nunez.
For those of you on the losing side of love, I direct your attention to this week’s country heartbreakers Jordan Davis and Karley Scott Collins. Happy listening.
KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Jenni”
Writers: Jacob Durrett/Jordan Dozzi/Kashus Culpepper; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records
– The groove is set by cool harmonica blowing, simple percussion and full-band production. His vocal yearns for love and exudes honesty. I’m in.
THOMAS RHETT / “After All the Bars Are Closed”
Writers: Jacob Kasher Hindlin/Jaxson Free/John Byron/Julian Bunetta/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Dann Huff, Julian Bunetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– He and his honey want to stay up all night together, to the accompaniment of finger snaps and ringing guitar notes. Jaunty. Pleasant.
VALERIE JUNE / “Joy, Joy!”
Writer: Valerie June Hockett; Producer: M. Ward; Label: Concord Records
– This Americana star leans into a horn-punctuated r&b groove on the lead single from her upcoming album. Her double tracked, lilting vocal has a childlike innocence as she sings of bliss.
JORDAN DAVIS / “In Case You Missed It”
Writers: Jacob Davis/Jordan Davis/Paul DiGiovanni/Travis Wood; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– There’s something warm and endearing in his singing. The hearty tune sounds like a party, but the lyric is a heartbreaker. Loaded with folkie soul.
ADRIEN NUNEZ / “All I Ever Do”
Writers: Adrien Nunez/Cole Miracle/Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Producer: Steinza; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– The happy love song bounces along with joy in each step. His bright lead vocal is joined by a shouting, sing-along chorus on the hooky parts, and the production is admirably understated. Smooth listening.
RILEY GREEN / “Worst Way”
Writer: Riley Green; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– He has s-e-x on his mind, and he lets her know it. The feel-good, midtempo track keeps the sultry mood rolling right along. Green’s streak of chart-toppers ought to continue with this dandy outing.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Runner”
Writers: Ashley Ray/Karley Scott Collins/Sam Backoff/Zane Callister; Producers: Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her husky drawl is gripping to the max. The ballad describes a heart so broken that it has made her cynical about love and unwilling to trust anyone. The lyric is wonderfully poetic. This is a very cool sounding track.
CHRIS JANSON / “Stay Rowdy”
Writers: Blake Bollinger/Chris Janson/Michael Tyler/Thomas Archer; Producers: Blake Bollinger, Chris Janson; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– This has the country rocking vibe of ’90s country. As usual, Janson knows how to let the good times roll.
BILL MEDLEY / “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
Writers: Bobby Braddock/Curly Putman; Producer: Fred Mollin; Label: Curb Records
– The Righteous Brother has immortalized everything from “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” to “I’ve Had the Time of My Life.” Medley also has a country past, having charted in the genre half a dozen times in the ‘80s. His forthcoming album is devoted to classic country songs. It probably wasn’t the best idea to cover this iconic George Jones number, especially not by making the death ballad sound even more lugubrious. But I’m still a fan.
ANA CHRISTINA CASH / “Last Call”
Writers: Ana Cristina Cash/Jodi Marr/Willie Breeding; Producer: John Carter Cash, Willie Breeding; Label: Avondale Records
– This lady has always been a fiery vocal stylist. This sassy, empowering outing rocks smartly with a snappy rhythm to match her spitfire performance. The artist is also issuing a Spanish-language version, “Tu Ultima Llamada.” She and hubby John Carter Cash are slated for the Opry’s Valentine’s Day edition tomorrow (Feb. 14). The show’s theme is “It Takes Two: The Opry Celebrates Country Duos,” and other guests will include those lovebirds of The War and Treaty
LARRY FLEET / “Hard Work and Holy Water”
Writers: Barry Dean/Larry Fleet/Luke Laird; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: LF
– Fleet remains a mighty strong country vocalist. The blue-collar song is perfect for him, and the clean production couldn’t be more flawless. This is my kinda country. “Can I get a back-road Hallelujah?” he asks. Yes, you can.
MACKENZIE CARPENTER & MIDLAND / “I Wish You Would”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Jamie Moore/Jonathan Hutcherson/Mackenzie Carpenter; Producer: Jamie Moore; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Nice work. The track has a seductive rhythmic roll, guitars twanging gently and beautifully harmonized vocals. Put this sensuous one on “Repeat.”
