DISClaimer Single Reviews: ERNEST & Lukas Nelson Team For Disc Of The Day
ERNEST & Lukas Nelson
Old friends dominate this roundup of current country tunes.
Reaching out with audio handshakes are such long-established hit makers as Luke Bryan, Jo Dee Messina, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain. It’s a crowded roster, but a few newer acts peaked in, too.
Leading the pack are our Disc of the Day winners, Lukas Nelson and ERNEST. I caught Nelson’s set on a recent Opry TV broadcast and was reminded of what a terrific singer and guitarist he has become. His duet with ERNEST is country music poetry.
The DISCovery Award goes to another new duo, Backbeat Troubadours, which features yet another veteran, Mark Collie.
BACKBEAT TROUBADOURS / “True American Racer (500 Miles)”
Writers: Billy Bob Thornton/Mark Collie/Scott Borchetta; Producers: Julian Raymond, Scott Borchetta; Label: Big Machine Records
– This duo is country veteran Mark Collie and Hollywood’s Billy Bob Thornton. The debut single is a barn-burning rocker featuring Slash on guitar. Hang on for a thrill ride. The song is featured on the soundtrack of a new documentary film about racing champ Bobby Rahal.
SHANIA TWAIN / “Dirty Rosie”
Writer: Shania Twain; Producers: Michael Shuman, Zach Dawes; Label: Republic Records
– The electronically processed vocal does nothing for me. Muddy sounding, incomprehensible and not remotely country.
ERNEST & LUKAS NELSON / “Time Is a Thief”
Writers: Jimmy Yeary/Matt Mckinney/Rivers Rutherford; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Nelson’s rippling guitar work floats throughout this eloquent duet performance. Both men sing with gentle assurance. The thoughtful lyric is deeply touching. Essential listening.
KENNY CHESNEY / “Carry On”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jessi Alexander/Matt Jenkins; Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney; Label: HEY NOW Records
– A single with a built-in smile. Kenny says to keep on rockin’ because life is short and fun is what we should do. Jaunty and endearing.
ZACH JOHN KING / “Backwoods”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Michael Lotten/Rhett Akins/Zach John King; Producers: Ryan Wilson, Zach John King; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– In praise of deer hunting, a country girl, his truck, his t-shirt, pine trees, yadadda, yadadda, yadadda.
LUKE BRYAN / “Fish Hunt Golf Drink”
Writers: Chase McGill/Luke Bryan/Matt Dragstrem; Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– The title says it all. The rhythm track is cool.
WAYLON PAYNE / “Holding on to Lonely”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Waylon Payne; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: Big Loud Texas
– Decidedly downbeat, facing a dark night of the soul. Instead of phoning for solace, he shuts himself in, alone. Guitars chime gently, drums shuffle softly, bass twangs deeply and his voice is marvelously aching.
MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Crisco”
Writers: Aaron Raitier/Chill Fellacheck/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– Refreshing and delightfully different. Country lyrics married to a retro ‘70s disco-ish track. A real ear opener from a truly creative superstar.
THE WAR AND TREATY / “Don’t Say Goodbye”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Atlantic Outpost
– Old-school, “quiet storm” soul with a slow, sensuous, seductive track and the duo’s usual vocal mastery. Immerse yourself in this luxurious, midnight-blue pool of dreamy sound.
VINCE GILL / “Nobody Held Her Like Me”
Writers: Jmmy Nalls/Joe Glaser/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– Gill showcases his bluesy side with this aching, mournful, lovelorn ballad. It’s the key song on his seventh in a series of monthly EPs titled 50 Years From Home. Love this. Love him.
DAN MARSHALL / “Middle Man”
Writers: Dan Marshall/John Stevens/Walker Wilson; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Red Van Records
– A blue-collar anthem for the average working man who puts his shoulder to the wheel and one foot in front of the other just to survive and persevere.
JO DEE MESSINA / “Can Anybody”
Writers: Ethan Hulse/Jo Dee Messina; Producer: David Spencer; Label: Dreambound Records
– This woman is singing better than ever, and this power ballad is the soaring proof. It’s a cry for recognition and deliverance that is potent and soul piercing. Charismatic and highly recommended.
CARTER FAITH / “Let’s Go to Vegas”
Writers: Karen Staley; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– This sprightly, peppy remake of Faith Hill’s 1995 hit is the official theme song of this year’s ACM Awards. The show will stream exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Twitch channel this Sunday evening (May 17). Shania Twain hosts.
