Jordan Davis Takes ‘Next Thing You Know’ To No. 1 On MusicRow Chart

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Jordan Davis returns to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Next Thing You Know.”

Co-written with Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne, the tune appears on Davis’ Bluebird Days album, which also includes his multi-week No. 1 “What My World Spins Around” and award-winning collaboration with Luke Bryan, “Buy Dirt.”

Davis will hit the road on his “Damn Good Time Tour” starting in August and running through October, bringing with him a myriad of openers, including James, Avery Anna, Gabby Barrett, Danielle Bradbery, Flatland Calvary, Dylan Marlowe, Kameron Marlowe, Mike Ryan, Connor Smith and Georgia Webster.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Carrie Underwood ‘Rocks Out On This Defiant Stomper’

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It’s an all-female country roundup in this edition of DISClaimer.

Tanya Tucker, Brandy Clark and Joydyn Shellhart have the best songs. There are memories of Tina Turner and Olivia Newton John lingering in the air. Hannah Dasher, Harper Grace and Morgan Wade sound like stars in training.

If there’s a downside to all of this, it’s that this stack of releases is way ballad heavy. The two ear catching tempo tunes belong to Runaway June and to Carrie Underwood, who wins the Disc of the Day award.

To our list of DisCovery winners, add the name of the HuneyFire duo. They have all the spark needed to start a fire.

HARPER GRACE / “Oh Say Can You See”
Writers: Harper Grace/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Alex Kline/Tedd T; Label: Curb Records
– I am wild about her “Sparkle” debut single. This autobiographical ballad track is promise fulfilled. It’s an anti-bullying lyric addressed to her hurting, 11-year-old self. She tells herself that she’ll get off her knees and sing to crowds one day.

BRANDY CLARK & BRANDI CARLILE / “Dear Insecurity”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Michael Pollack; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– Clark is firing on all cylinders this year. She is Tony nominated for the Shucked Broadway musical, and she has a new album produced by Americana superstar Brandi Carlile, who is her duet partner on this lilting ballad. Strings soar while the brilliant song craftswoman weaves her magic spell. Have I mentioned I also think that she is an awesome singer?

HUNEYFIRE / “Too Late for Sorry”
Writers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Producers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Label: Double Decades Entertainment
– This is an Afro-Latina mother-daughter country act. Both women sing the fire outta this torrid heartache ballad. They swap verses powerfully, but don’t actually harmonize, which is a disappointment. Mom Cheaza Figueroa is the daughter of former Ikette Barbara Cook, who danced and sang backing the late, great Tina Turner. Daughter Marriana Nevarez’s father Alfred Nevarez is a founding member of the hit pop group All-4-One (”I Swear,” “I Can Love You Like That”).

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Out of That Truck”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Lydia Vaughan; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Carrie rocks out on this defiant stomper addressed to her ex. She vows that no matter how hard he tries, he’ll never erase her memory from his truck, because they shared so much in it. A winner.

HANNAH DASHER / “Ugly Houses”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Robert Arthur; Producer: Ilya Toshinskiy; Label: HD
– Delightful. I dig everything about this bodacious artist. What’s not to like? She has wit and charm and is as country as grits. She even has her own YouTube channel.

TANYA TUCKER / “When the Rodeo Is Over”
Writers: Billy Don Burns/Craig Dillingham/Brandi Carlile; Producers: Shooter Jennings/Brandi Carlile; Label: Fantasy
– Sad and wistful. Tucker pushes emotional buttons as she unspools the tale of a broken-down, wino cowboy who used to be a rodeo champ. This downbeat narrative ballad is what country music does best. Bless her for always having her heart in the right place. The new album is titled Sweet Western Sound. And it is.

MORGAN WADE / “Psychopath”
Writer: Morgan Wade; Producer: Sadler Vaden; Label: Ladylike Records/RCA Nashville
– The title tune of Wade’s sophomore album doesn’t sound like you might expect, given that it is such a emotionally charged word. Rather, it’s a lilting love song. Listen for yourself. I think you’ll dig it.

KELLY LANG & OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN / “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”
Writers: Barry Gibb/Robin Gibb; Producer: Kelly Lang; Label: Primary Wave Music
– The late Olivia’s swan song was this duet with the lustrous Nashville vocalist Kelly Lang. The ultra melodic 1971 Bee Gees oldie sounds shimmering when they harmonize.

JORDYN SHELLHART / “Maybe Someday You’ll Have a Daughter”
Writers: Jordyn Shellhart/Courtney Dashe; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– When people ask me who I’m excited about these days, I tell them, “Jordyn Shellhart.” This extraordinary song is one reason why. In the lyric, she gives herself to a no-good guy who breaks her heart. Her loss of innocence, her abandonment and her pain spill out eloquently as she muses about his future. Her debut album is titled Primrose. I urge you to experience it.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Hands on the Wheel”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The title tune of her debut EP is a moody, bluesy and utterly compelling mid-tempo rush. Her gravely, aching voice grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. She’s drivin’ and cryin,’ trying to keep it between the lines as she speeds to heal a broken heart.

LORI McKENNA & HILLARY LINDSEY / “Killing Me”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Hillary Lindsey/Luke Laird; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label CN Records
– This has a charming, jingle-jangle quality. The track rumbles along merrily, but the lyric is anything but merry. “Would it kill you to be happy?/Because trying to make you happy is killing me.” She’s pretty miserable, folks, no matter what the rhythm section says.

RUNAWAY JUNE / “Make Me Wanna Smoke”
Writers: Jason Sellers/Ella Langley/Bobby Hamrick; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall and Stevie Woodward romp their way through this thumping urban rocker with sass to spare. The relationship might be wrong, but she’s going for it anyway.

UMG Nashville Names Chelsea Blythe Exec. VP Of A&R

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Chelsea Blythe. Photo: Cécile Boko

Universal Music Group Nashville has named Chelsea Blythe as its Executive Vice President of A&R.

Blythe began her career as an A&R intern at Interscope Records before becoming the department coordinator where she worked on award-winning artists including Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Rae Sremmurd and Mike WiLL Made-It. Moving to Columbia Records in 2016, Blythe climbed to Vice President of A&R, signed Symba as her first artist, played a role in signing Baby Keem to the label and developed multi-Platinum-selling artists Polo G and The Kid LAROI.

In 2021, Blythe reunited with celebrated A&R executive Tunji Balogun, who found Blythe for that pivotal first internship, at Def Jam Records. As Sr. Vice President of A&R at Def Jam, Blythe led A&R efforts on Armani White, 26AR, and Anella Herim among others.

“I’m so excited to bring Chelsea to UMG Nashville as EVP A&R,” says UMGN Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe. “Her bold leadership, dynamic spirit, and passion for the music and artists will align perfectly with the culture we are building. Her love for country music brought her to Nashville and her dynamic presence and impeccable instincts will help lead our artist development strategy and innovate the future of country music.”

“I’m very excited to begin this chapter of my career with UMGN,” says Blythe. “I have immense respect and passion for country music, and I am honored that Cindy has recognized my enthusiasm with this opportunity. I am inspired by her unwavering leadership and look forward to implementing my experience in this role while building with the country community.”

CRB Issues Initial Determination For Phonorecords III Appeal

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The Copyright Royalty Board has issued its initial determination in the remand/appeal of Phonorecords III, which upheld the 15.1% headline rate increase that was determined in 2018.

Now, a 15-day window opens for rehearing motions. Then the U.S. Copyright Office also must undertake a legal review for error, which they have up to 60 days to complete.

Following those steps, a determination will be published, starting a clock of at most 6 months for DSPs to make retroactive adjustments/arrearage payments, meaning the arrearage payments would come early next year.

National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) President & CEO David Israelite says, “We are pleased the court finally has confirmed the result of Phono 3, a case which was decided in 2018. This initial remand decision upholds the 15.1% headline rate increase we fought for, however the length of time we have waited for this decision proves the Copyright Royalty Board system is woefully flawed. Now songwriters have some certainty about their rates, and we will ensure they receive the hundreds of millions of dollars that digital streaming companies owe them during this adjustment period.”

Of the initial determination, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Executive Director Bart Herbison shares, “The testimonies of the three songwriter witnesses in this trial were powerful, convincing and illustrated the difficulty of songwriters earning a living in the streaming era—as well as the importance and value of the composition in the commercial music process. Steve Bogard, Liz Rose and Lee Miller, all NSAI board members, were moving and informative and played a huge role in the historic increase.”

Herbison adds, “The process is long and difficult requiring time and preparation. We are thankful to these songwriters and to the NMPA.”

Morgan Wallen Continues To Shatter All-Genre Records With ‘One Thing At A Time’

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Morgan Wallen performs at American Family Field. Photo: David Lehr

Morgan Wallen continues to make history as his third studio album, One Thing At A Time, notches its 11th consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The last album to spend 11 consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 came in 1987 with Whitney Houston‘s Whitney, which featured mega-hits “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” and “So Emotional.” Prior to that it was 1976 into 1977 as Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life, featuring “Isn’t She Lovely” and “I Wish,” logged its first consecutive 13 weeks at No. 1.

Wallen’s 2021 sophomore album, Dangerous: The Double Album, notches its 120th non-consecutive weeks in the Billboard 200 Top 10, second in longevity only to 173 weeks held by the Original Cast Recording, My Fair Lady, in 1956. The five-time Platinum project also continues to surpass records previously held by Adele and Bruce Springsteen.

“These stats are all so humbling and being mentioned in the same sentence as Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston is something I never could have imagined,” Wallen says. “But I’m most grateful to everyone who listens to my music. That’s the connection that means the most to me and it’s the best compliment out there—the fact that you guys like it.”

One Thing At A Time has yielded three No. 1 hits, including the 10-week No. 1 “You Proof,” three-week No. 1 “Thought You Should Know” and the latest pop-crossover hit “Last Night.” The latter became the fastest-climbing No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay charts since 2015 at just 11 weeks, has spent six non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and now claims the longest Hot 100 reign—surpassing Kenny Rogers’ “Lady” and Johnny Horton’s “The Battle of New Orleans,” which spent six week at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 1980 and 1959, respectively.

After a period of vocal rest, Wallen will take his record-breaking music back out on the road with his “One Night At A Time World Tour” picking back up on June 22 at Chicago’s Wrigley Field.

Riser House Records Signs Lanco

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Eleanor Kohl, Bryan Coleman, Alex Seif, Jennifer Johnson, Megan Schultz, Lauren Spahn and Brandon Perdue; (L-R, front row): Jared Hampton, Tripp Howell, Brandon Lancaster and Chandler Baldwin. Photo: Shannon Bradley

Lanco, the band behind the multi-Platinum, two-week No. 1 “Greatest Love Story,” has signed with Riser House Records.

The Nashville-based group came to prominence in 2017 with the hit off their No. 1 debut album Hallelujah Nights. Following the success of the project, Lanco won the ACM Award for New Vocal Duo or Group and has since been nominated for CMT, CMA, AMA and iHeart Radio Awards.

The news of Lanco’s new record deal begins a new era for the band, whose forthcoming single, “Sound of a Saturday Night,” is set for release on June 2.

“We spent the past couple of years writing with each other and some of our favorite songwriters, getting back in the studio with Jay Joyce and pushing ourselves harder than we ever have to make music that represents who we are today,” says Lanco. “Riser House shares our vision for the future and we couldn’t be more thankful for an incredible team that will help us introduce this new chapter of Lanco to the world. We back.”

“We are so thrilled to work with Lanco,” says Riser House Entertainment President & Co-Founder Jennifer Johnson. “They are a great group of humans with a vast fanbase. Brandon Lancaster has a clear vision and path for their brand and sound. Their music is uniquely compelling and we are excited to take them to the next level.”

‘Human’ Co-Writers Enter Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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The co-writers of Cody Johnson‘s rising single “Human,” Travis Meadows and Tony Lane, have entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.

Ashley Gorley marks another week at No. 1 on the chart. He is a co-writer on 14 charting songs, including Chris Janson’s “All I Need Is You,” Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine,” Dierks Bentley’s “Gold,” Hardy’s “Truck Bed,” Nate Smith’s “World On Fire” and Morgan Wallen’s “You Proof,” “Everything I Love,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Whiskey Friends,” “Cowgirls,” “Me + All Your Reasons,” “Last Night” and “One Thing At A Time.”

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Morgan Wallen Takes ‘Last Night’ To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer

In just 11 weeks since entering the chart, Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” is the No. 1 song on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

The tune was written by John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin and Ryan Vojtesak, and appears on Wallen’s third studio album One Thing At A Time.

Wallen is currently on doctor-ordered vocal rest after suffering vocal fold trauma, forcing him to reschedule six weeks of shows. Although he was unable to attend, the country superstar was awarded the Male Artist of the Year trophy at last week’s ACM Awards.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Bailey Zimmerman Shatters Global Amazon Music Record [Exclusive]

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Bailey Zimmerman

Bailey Zimmerman continues his record-breaking streak following the release of his debut album Religiously. The Album. on Friday (May 12). The album’s first-day streams exceeded any other debut country album ever on Amazon Music globally. The project also earned the most first-week streams of any debut country album on Amazon Music globally.

Zimmerman is the 2023 country Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist, which means he receives support platform wide. As part of the Breakthrough program, Zimmerman and his team get to work alongside Amazon Music to develop a long-term, customized global plan tailored to their specific needs. This includes video and audio content, global marketing support, custom merch stores on the Amazon website and increased visibility across Amazon Music’s playlists and programming.

For Zimmerman, the Breakthrough Artist program allowed him to participate in Stagecoach opportunities including a backstage livestream interview on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, meet-and-greet and merch giveaways with fans at the Amazon Music Live lounge, along with a dedicated Breakthrough billboard placement in Palm Springs. He was also a featured guest on Country Heat Weekly podcast, performed at the 58th annual ACM Awards as a part of the annual Breakthrough performance and came together with Amazon Music to celebrate his new album with an album release event in Austin.

In June, Zimmerman will participate in a CMA Fest activation, make a special guest appearance on Country Grammar Radio on Amazon Music, participate in Country Music Month initiatives and will receive campaign support from Amazon Live.

Zimmerman’s record-breaking success with Religiously. The Album. marks the third consecutive time that a country Breakthrough Artist has broken this record. Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist, Gabby Barrett, broke the record in 2020, as did Breland in 2022, exemplifying the strength of the program.

“Amazon Music is dedicated to championing artists in all facets of their career and our Breakthrough Program allows us to work alongside artists in a special way,” Amazon Music’s Artist Relations Co-Lead, Chris Graham, tells MusicRow. “Breakthrough includes increased visibility across our stations and playlists, such as Amazon Country Music’s global playlist Country Heat, but it also extends to livestream performances (including Festivals), bespoke marketing activations and events, social promotion, merch offerings, Amazon Original songs, editorial content and more.”

He adds, “Breakthrough is intentionally a long-term program that allows us to get behind an artist for several months. That long-game perspective is key to finding and growing a fanbase for our Breakthrough Artists on Amazon Music and executing on their behalf throughout the campaign and beyond. It really allows us to take the time to build with them and take our customers and their fans along for the ride; and in turn, breaking some records along the way!”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lee Brice Honors Late Collaborator, Kyle Jacobs

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Kyle Jacobs and Lee Brice

We’re mixing it up with hard country, pop country, blues, rock and folk-pop in this edition of DISClaimer.

For real meat-and-potatoes country music, I prescribe Brennen Leigh, Thompson Square, Chase Matthew and Colby Acuff.

We have two excellent entries by Black country stylists this week. One is from a previous favorite, O.N.E. The Duo. The other comes from our DISCovery Award winner, Tae Lewis.

Towering above everybody else is the sublime single by Lee Brice, which earns the Disc of the Day prize.

TAE LEWIS / “Summer of 21”
Writers: Brian Alexander/Mary Kutter/Chris Sligh/Heath Warren/Tae Lewis; Producers: Taylor Bias/Lukas Scott Klingensmith; Label: Tae Lewis Music
– Nostalgia for that summertime beach romance with oomphy production to match his sterling, range-y, tenor-vocal performance. Best debut disc I’ve heard in ages. Lewis is one of the Black Opry talents.

JD DARLING / “1995”
Writer: Jonathan Darling; Producers: John Kennedy/JD Darling; Label: JD Darling
– He has an honest, slightly pitchy baritone, and the spare production is attractive. His song is kinda simplistic, sing-songy and overly wordy, but the overall listening experience goes down smoothly. He’s still on the amateur side of things. But keep him writing. He’s on the path.

LEE BRICE / “Save the Roses”
Writers: Lee Brice/Joe Leathers/Kyle Jacobs; Producers: Ben Glover/Kyle Jacobs; Label: Curb Records
– I love this man. He’s a song magnet who gets to me every time. Brice is a superb country singer who delivers a lyric like no one else in this business. In this case, it is a powerful, chesty elegy to the late songwriter Kyle Jacobs, and I promise it will hit you in your heart.

BRENNEN LEIGH / “I Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin Yet”
Writers: Brennen Leigh/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Chris Scruggs; Label: Signature Sounds
– I’ve been a fan of this talented Texan for years. She is unashamedly country down to her fingertips, unafraid to bask in fiddles and steel while delivering songs of beers & tears. This is the title tune of her Nashville album, which drops June 16. On board in the CD’s cast are Rodney Crowell, Chris Scruggs and Marty Stuart. This exquisitely retro tune will make you want to grab a partner and two-step across that dance floor. To coin a phrase—This is music to my ears.

CHASE MATTHEW / “Where There’s Smoke”
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Alysa Vanderheym/Josh Miller/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Chase Matthew Music
– Matthew’s new 25-song album arrives on June 9, but there’s already a lot to preview. Its single is “Love You Again.” The collection’s title tune is “Come Get Your Memory.” There’s a video of “County Line.” Yet another advance is this track marrying heartache and doubt with driving, top-down energy. Modern country with a twang.

DOLLY PARTON / “World on Fire”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: Kent Wells; Label: Big Machine Records, LLC
– Dolly premiered this stomping, apocalyptic, thunderous call for love and unity on last week’s ACM awards show. She’s channeling Queen, U2 and Springsteen as she introduces us to her new rock personna. The chanted barn burner will be found on Rockstar, her 30-track, star-studded rock collection coming this fall. An audio revelation.

O.N.E. The Duo / “Hearts Like Mine”
Writers: Tekitha Washington/Prana Supreme Diggs/Rebecca Lynn Howard/Elisha Hoffman/Lincoln Morris; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Visionary Media Group
– The mother-daughter team displays a glossy, melodic, pop-ish sound on this outing. Their wafting, gently harmonized, feminine bopper is simply lovely. It joins the video of “Feels Good” and last year’s “Stuck in the Middle” as advance tracks. All three songs are drawn from Blood Harmony, O.N.E. The Duo’s debut album, which drops Aug. 11.

RILEY GREEN & LUKE COMBS / “Different ‘Round Here”
Writers: Randy Montana/Jonathan David Singleton/Riley Green; Producer: Dan Huff, Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
– Let’s see: So far, Mr. Green has released duets with Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett and Dustin Lynch. Now here’s another. This redneck anthem features country king Combs. It pre-supposes that their hometown is “different” because it can tell “right is right and wrong is wrong.” Unlike the rest of us?

THOMPSON SQUARE / “Without You”
Writers: Tim Nichols/Anthony Olympia/Brent Rupard; Producers: Derek George, Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Rippling banjo notes set the merry mood as the husband-wife duo rolls out of the driveway and out onto the open road with this zesty, made-for-summer ditty. Keifer sings lead and Shawna shadows him in perfect harmony. The electric guitars soar as the track hits its stride. Highly recommended.

LINDSAY ELL / “Sweet Spot”
Writers: Lindsay Ell/Mark Campbell/Pete Groenwald; Producers: Mark Campbell/Peter Groenwald; Label: WM Canada
– The Canadian guitar-slinging country troubadour unleashes a punchy, pop production that motors along steadily with relentless beats in an echoey atmosphere. Breezy and pleasant. North of the border, she’s the host of Canada’s Got Talent. In a recent People magazine story, she revealed that she has been battling an eating disorder.

GRIFFEN PALMER / “Put Me Through Hello”
Writers: Griffen Palmer/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– He lets her put him through “Hell-oh” every time his ex calls him and reels him back in. The rapid-fire delivery is expertly done, and the production has just the right touches of electric instrumentation, thumping rhythm and swirling atmosphere. This is drawn from Palmer’s debut album, the recently released Unlearn. Nicely done, bro.

TRACY NELSON & WILLIE NELSON / “Honky Tonkin’”
Writer: Hank Williams; Producers: Roger Alan Nichols/Tracy Nelson; Label: BMG
– On her new Life Don’t Miss Nobody album, timeless Nashville blues diva Tracy Nelson dips into the catalogs of Ma Rainey, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Sonny Boy Williamson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Gene McDaniels, the Nevilles and Stephen Foster. Among the highlights is her reunion with Willie. The two last scored a blazing duet success with “After the Fire Is Gone” in 1974. On this upbeat. loosey-goosey rendition of the Hank Williams classic, the two are equally charming. The hot harmonica licks by Mickey Raphael don’t hurt a bit. Throughout the collection, producer Roger Nichols’ tracks are brilliantly imaginative.

COLBY ACUFF / “Playing God Again”
Writers: Colby Acuff/Dwight Baker; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This Idaho singer-songwriter has issued three self-penned indie albums. For his Sony debut, he trots out a fiddle-led romper that tells us to “sit back and let the future unfold” and don’t try to control what you can’t. His energy and his reedy, heartfelt voice are infectious. Also check out the lilting folkie ballad that is his album’s title tune, “Western White Pines.”