DISClaimer Single Reviews: New Warren Zeiders Has ‘Right Touches Of Twang’
Warren Zeiders. Photo: Alex Green
Today, everything sounds like summertime to me.
That’s certainly the case with our Disc of the Day contenders Emily Ann Roberts & Ian Munsick, Jody King & Larry Cordle, Brothers Osborne, The Family, Jo Dee Messina and our winner, Warren Zeiders.
Hand a DISCovery Award to Hannah Harper and wish her a bon voyage as she enters the format.
HANNAH HARPER / “Married Into This Town”
Writers: Hannah Harper/Kenneth Mackey/Scott Steppakoff; Producers: Hannah Harper, Michael Hynes; Label: Atlantic Outpost/19 Recordings
– Breezy and charming. Refreshingly country, from her Appalachian-tinged soprano to the acoustic-based production and the bucolic lyric. Harper is this year’s American Idol winner, the first female country vocalist to triumph on the show since Carrie Underwood 21 years ago.
WARREN ZEIDERS / “No Brakes”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Jenna Johnson/Jeff Garrison/VWillz/Warren Zeiders; Producers: Ben Johnson, Jeff Garrison; Label: Warner Records
– Nicely done. He’s headed for a heartache, but is barreling toward it nonetheless in this midtempo excursion. He sings with open-throated authority, and the production has just the right touches of twang.
LAMONT LANDERS / “Lonely Girl”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Jesse Frasure; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lucille Records
– He’s a pop-soul vocalist fronting a spare, snare-drummed production. Too rocking for country and too minimalist for rock.
BROTHERS OSBORNE / “R.I.P.”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Hunter Phelps/TJ Osborne; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: MCA
– TJ Osborne’s baritone is more commanding than ever on this stompin’ kiss-off jam. The relationship is dead, and he’s rocking, sassing, and moving on. Sizzling production and charged-up attitude prevail.
DAILEY & VINCENT / “A Beautiful Life”
Writers: Bill Anderson/Carrie Underwood/Jon Randall; Producer: none listed; Label: Pillar Stone Records
– The bopping title tune of their new album is a splash of sunshine, ultimate bluegrass positivity. Instrumental dexterity meets hillbilly soul singing.
GARY LeVOX / “Paradise”
Writers: Chaz Bosarge/Rudy Perez; Producer: Rudy Perez; Label: Gaither Music Group
– A stirring, hopeful, uplifting, inspirational anthem yearning for love and peace. Complete with gospel choir.
CHARLIE WORSHAM / “Wrap My Porch Around”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Jaren Johnston/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Charlie Worsham, Jaren Johnston; Label: CW
– A country toe tapper with “summer sound” written all over it. Hot picking joy.
STEPHEN WILSON JR. & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Hardwired”
Writers: Adam Hood/Black Francis/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producers: Ben West, Stephen Wilson Jr.; Label: Big Loud Records
– Dense and complex, this murky rocker marries Wilson’s familiar, gruff, soulful voice with an electronic production and Lambert’s ghostly singing. Left field and fascinating. Meanwhile his “Gary” single continues its forward progress.
THE FAMILY / “I’ll Take It”
Writers: Christian White/Phillip White; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Black Cow Records
– This is a Muscle Shoals summit meeting of family members. Dylan LeBlanc is an established singer-songwriter. Partner Angela Hacker is an acclaimed singer and former Nashville Star winner. His son James LeBlanc and her son Bay Simpson are both singer-songwriters. The four of them, dubbed The Family, have a debut album titled Delusions of Grandeur. Its focus track is an echoey, swirling, country-pop jewel. James takes the lead and swims in a sea of flawless vocal harmonies. Essential listening.
CHRIS JANSON / “Fight for a Girl”
Writers: Blake Bollinger/Chris Janson/Michael Tyler/Thomas Archer; Producers: Blake Bollinger, Chris Janson; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Records Nashville
– With its minimal melody and electronic audio, this has a hip-hop-pop vibe blended with his country vocal phrasing. Two mixes are available, the other being for A/C airplay. I could do without either one.
JO DEE MESSINA / “Message in a Bottle”
Writers: David Spencer/Ethan Hulse/Jo Dee Messina; Producer: David Spencer; Label: Dreambound Records
– Very well written. Messina wails a cautionary tale of drinking your way into trouble. The track kicks butt and her performance is spitfire perfect.
EMILY ANN ROBERTS & IAN MUNSICK / “Jack & Jill Daniel’s”
Writers: Emily Ann Roberts/Jeremy Spillman/Ryan Beaver/Trent Willmon; Producer: Brandon Hood, ; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Sony Music Nashville
– Cute and clever as the dickens. Fiddles sway and steel soars as they harmonize marvelously while she breaks his heart. A surefire playlist bopper.
JODY KING & LARRY CORDLE / “Jet Airliner”
Writer: Paul Pena; Producer: none listed; Label: Mighty Cord Records
– I have always loved this Steve Miller Band rock classic. Banjo wizard King and country singer Cordle transform it into a bluegrass romp. An ear-to-ear smile that must be heard.
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