Parker McCollum Looks Back On Year Of Successes In 2021 [Interview]

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Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations

MCA Nashville recording artist Parker McCollum had a busy year in 2021. With the release of his major label debut album Gold Chain Cowboy, a rigorous touring schedule and the launch of his first fan club, the Texas native celebrated many milestones.

On the touring front, McCollum entertained 17,000 people at the stage he graduated high school on, becoming the highest paid act to ever play there. He also sold out venues such as Dallas’ Dos Equis Pavilion, the AT&T Center in San Antonio, and the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, among others.

Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations

After touring shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic, McCollum and his band were among the masses happy to hit the road in spring of 2021. From mid-April through the end of the year, the guys played approximately 90 shows across the country, including as the opening act on Dierks Bentley‘s 22-date “Beers On Me Tour 2022.”

“Dierks is the definition of a superstar. The attention to detail, commitment, and energy that [he and his crew] put in every night on that tour is impressive,” McCollum shares with MusicRow. “Every single thing that you could think about from the beginning of the day to the end and throughout the show is thought about, taken care of, and prepared for. To have that level of commitment after you’ve been doing it for as long as he has is pretty impressive.

“Being the first-of-three on a tour, you’re [often] forgotten about. I think he realized that we weren’t like most first-of-three’s that he’s had, though. We’ve played over a thousand shows and sold out shows all across the country, so it wasn’t like it was our first time,” McCollum explains. “He really catered to that, understood that, and let us do our thing.”

On the radio front, McCollum earned his first No. 1 hit with his Platinum-certified debut single “Pretty Heart” in late 2020. He was also the most spun new artist on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart throughout 2020, earning him MusicRow‘s Breakout Artist of the Year award in early 2021.

McCollum’s current radio single, “To Be Loved By You,” is nearing Top 10 at country radio. The track reached the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on Dec. 10, 2021.

“When I was a kid, I would hear about my favorite artists and albums going Platinum or Gold and it just sounded so cool,” he shares. “Now to sit in my house every day and have a Gold and Platinum record, and hopefully another one coming… It’s almost cliche to say, but sometimes I pinch myself and say, ‘Is this shit real?’”

Both “To Be Loved By You” and “Pretty Heart” are featured on McCollum’s major label debut album, Gold Chain Cowboy, which was released last summer. The record’s success comes on the heels of his major label backed Hollywood Gold EP from fall of 2020 and his previously released independent projects.

Though not new to the country music scene, McCollum found himself on a plethora of artist to watch lists in 2021 from the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard, HITS Magazine, SiriusXM, CMT, RIAA and more. He also notched his first ACM nomination for New Male Artist of the Year and made his Grand Ole Opry debut early last year.

“I knew what I wanted to do when I was really young. I knew I wanted to sing country music for a living, and I knew that I wanted to do it on the highest level. I didn’t really set much of a timeline for myself,” McCollum offers. “I knew from the very beginning, one way or another, that I was going to be doing this for the rest of my life.

“I’ve always said I want the slowest, sweetest, most wonderful ride to the top that I could possibly have. My goal was to do this for a long time, so as long as I’m still doing it when I’m 50, 60, 70 years old, I think that would be pretty cool.”

Towards the end of 2021, McCollum unveiled his Gold Chain Cowboy Club NFT in partnership with MusicFX, a digital community connecting artists to their fan bases through NFTs. Marking his first fan club and one of the first artist to have an NFT fan club, the campaign features multiple tiers of membership, including the Gold Chain Cowboy Black Card: Signature Edition which saw a first week sell-out.

Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of True Public Relations

“When I heard ‘fan club,’ I really perked up. Fans pay money to come see me play, they stream my music online, they buy a shirt and a hat in merch. My fans are the bomb. They are unbelievably loyal and committed, and they’ve been with me a long time,” gushes McCollum. “For $100 they can be winning all kinds of exclusive stuff and own a digital copy of something that belongs to them and to me. It seemed like a great way for my fans to be one step closer to me and what we’ve got going on.”

With his eyes locked on 2022, McCollum has high hopes. The goals at the top of his list involve new music.

“If I could put out a second full album that was way better than the one I put out six months ago by the end of this year or even the first quarter of 2023, I’d be really happy. If I can pull that off this year then that would be a miracle,” he sums.

Sam Hunt Graces The Top Of MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart With ’23’

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After 18 weeks climbing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, Sam Hunt’s “23” moves to No. 1. The single is the first of new music for Hunt following his chart-topping album, Southside, which features three back-to-back No. 1s: “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” “Kinfolks,” and “Hard To Forget.”

“23” was co-written by Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Chris LaCorte. LaCorte also produced the track.

Hunt played a stripped down version of “23” at the iconic Ocean Way Studios in Nashville.

YouTube video

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Americana Releases Bring Warmth To Cold Nashville Winter

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Keb’ Mo’. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

The winter wind is chilling, but the sounds of Americana are warm indeed.

This week’s overview of the genre’s current music boasts the star power of Rodney Crowell & Lisa Morales, John Hiatt & Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show and Jackson Browne.

Towering above ‘em all is Disc of the Day winner Keb’ Mo,’ an artist who never fails to impress.

The DISCovery Award this week goes to Sarah White of Richmond, Virginia.

JOHN HIATT WITH THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND / “All the Lilacs in Ohio”
Writer: John Hiatt; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: New West
–The album is titled Leftover Feelings, but there is nothing “leftover” sounding about it. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hiatt unfurls yet another stunning set of his creations on this current collection. We generally think of him as a rocker, but with dobro master Douglas and his band “singing along” with their instruments, Hiatt touches the soul with aching ballads and, in this case, a lively bluegrassy pop outing with a bleak, lost-love lyric. This disc is presently nominated for a Grammy as the Americana Album of the Year.

LISA MORALES & RODNEY CROWELL / “Flyin’ and Cryin’”
Writers: Lisa Morales/Rodney Crowell; Producer: David Garza; Label: LM
–This single is a teaser for Morales’s upcoming album. With an ultra-subtle production of sighing strings, gently brushed drums and acoustic strumming, the duet achingly delineates a lost relationship. Rodney’s seasoned tones match Lisa’s resonant delivery exquisitely. She was half of Sisters Morales until sailing on as a solo with two prior CDs. Her sibling Roberta died of cancer last year. Mexican American Lisa Morales hails from Tuscon and is a cousin of the legendary Linda Ronstadt.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Bombs Away”
Writer: Ketch Secor; Producers: Matt Ross-Spang/Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO
–The string band rampages through this divorce song with breakneck fearlessness. If you’re going through the Big D, the best approach is to dive into the unknown with guts and glory, say these Opry stars. That’s Molly Tuttle providing the hot-damn banjo licks. Raucous and delightful, this is the second single from the band’s upcoming CD, following in the footsteps of the title tune, “Paint This Town.”

KEB’ MO’ / “Good to Be (Home Again)”
Writers: Kevin Moore/Mark Ramos Nishita; Producers: Kevin Moore/ Vince Gill; Label: Rounder
–Languid and loose-limbed, this contemplative groover celebrates the artist reconnecting with his roots. (The Nashvillian recently bought his childhood home in Compton, California and renovated it.) It is the title tune of an album that dropped last Friday. You’ll find collaborations with Darius Rucker, Kristin Chenoweth and Old Crow Medicine Show on the new collection, but as this sterling track demonstrates, Keb’ Mo’ soars even higher when he’s on his own. He remains one of the Americana genre’s greatest song craftsmen. Put this one on “repeat” again and again.

JACKSON BROWNE / “Downhill From Everywhere”
Writers: Jackson Browne/Jeff Young/Greg Leisz; Producer: Jackson Browne; Label: Inside
–Browne’s comeback Downhill From Everywhere is Grammy nominated as 2021’s Americana Album of the Year. Its title tune is a punchy folk rocker with a downcast ecological, anti-pollution lyric bolstered by intense vocal bursts. It’s very much in tune with his classic sound. He’s still that Laurel Canyon boomer you’ve known for all these years.

SARAH JAROSZ / “Mama”
Writer: Sarah Jarosz; Producer: Sarah Jarosz; Label: Rounder
–Sarah’s current Blue Heron Suite has a Best Folk Album Grammy nomination this year. This ethereal lead-off track has a lovely simplicity with her deftly plucked acoustic guitar backing her breathy, wistful, poignant soprano.

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Survivor”
Writers: Nathaniel David Rateliff/Patrick Blair Meese/Sam Cohen; Producer: Brad Cook, RMB & Elijah Thomson; Label: Stax
–Drawn from this act’s new album, The Future, this dramatic funk-rock track mixes shuddering horn blasts with stinging electric guitar zaps and a stop-start undertow rhythm track. Atop it all is the front man’s seering, fierce lead vocal. It’s a wild ride.

KATIE GUSTAFSON / “See Me Now”
Writers: Katie Gustafson/Sam Ashworth; Producer: Sam Ashworth; Label: Mother Trucker
–Her echoey soprano vocal is surrounded by a swirl of electronics and a deep pool of twang bass. The introspective lyric took on extra significance to the Nashville singer-songwriter when she overcame breast cancer last year.

BRENT COBB / “When It’s My Time”
Writers: Brent Cobb/Layne Cobb/Mike Harmeier; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Ol’ Buddy
–Already one of the Americana genre’s standout singer-songwriters, Cobb turns his talent to gospel music on his upcoming CD. This advance track luxuriates in his captivating Georgia-accented phrasing with stately church keyboards and guitars. Not to mention soulful, Southern-fried backing vocals. Righteous in the extreme. Essential listening.

ELI PAPERBOY REED / “Mama Tried”
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: none listed’ Label: Yep Roc
–Now here’s a concept. White soul singer Reed is releasing an entire album of Merle Haggard songs, reinterpreted as horn-punctuated R&B tunes. It’s not my cup of tea, but you have to admit that it is intriguing. His blistering vocal attack threatens to overwhelm the story telling in “Mama Tried,” but otherwise the soul-music setting brings out new shades in the Hag’s hit.

TYLER CHILDERS / “Long Violent History”
Writer: Tyler Childers; Producers: Tyler Childers/Jesse Wells; Label: Hickman Holler
–This is the title tune of Childers’s 2021 CD, which is somewhat oddly nominated as a Best Folk album at this year’s Grammy Awards. His stone-country vocal on this struggling-Appalachia lyric is backed in waltz time by twin fiddles, perfectly picked banjo, mandolin chops and thumped bass. I don’t care what you call it, this man’s music is simply electrifying.

SARAH WHITE / “Different Drum”
Writer: Michael Nesmith; Producer: Stewart Myers; Label: White Star Sound
–White’s cover of this Linda Ronstadt/Stone Poneys classic is an intriguing introduction to a creative alto vocalist. Her slightly behind-the-beat phrasing and conversational pauses are wonderfully ear catching. The deep twang in the production is cool, too. It’s a marvelous tribute to the late, great Michael Nesmith.

Eric Church To Open 6-Story Lower Broadway Spot, Chief’s

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Eric Church. Photo: Joe Pugliese

Eric Church will be the next country artist with a spot on Nashville’s lower Broadway.

The multi-Platinum superstar will open Chief’s in a six-story property at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway, which was formerly The Cotton Eyed Joe.

Partnering with real estate and hospitality entrepreneur Ben Weprin, the co-owners have plans to begin renovating the food, beverage and live entertainment space this year.

“I remember driving through downtown Nashville over 20 years ago with a pawn shop guitar, riding shotgun in a beat-to-hell truck just trying to chase a dream,” shares Church. “Chief’s is the culmination of catching that dream. Like everything else we do in our career, I wouldn’t even attempt a project like this if I didn’t think it would be the best, so that’s what Chief’s will be: the best.”

Rodney Scott. Photo: Angie Mosier

The North Carolina native plans to tap into his roots when it comes to the cuisine at Chief’s, with renowned Charleston pitmaster and James Beard Award winner Rodney Scott bringing his Whole Hog BBQ to Music City.

“I am beyond excited to not only bring Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ to Music City, but to also partner with my good friends Eric and Ben on this project,” says Scott. “Anyone who knows me, knows that I love music – so the opportunity to expand the brand in partnership with an award-winning musician makes this project extra special! I can’t wait to share our Carolina roots and our whole hog BBQ with the incredible people of Nashville.”

Church, who set the Nissan Stadium concert attendance record of 56,521 across the river from where Chief’s will stand, has been closely involved in the planning process for the venue. Chief’s will reflect his storied career of 30 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum singles – from his Sinners Like Me debut through current Top 15-and-climbing single “Heart On Fire” and beyond.

With this announcement, Church will join his peers Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson, and more on Nashville’s Broadway.

“Bringing a seated music venue to Lower Broadway while revitalizing and preserving a historic building is exactly the kind of investment Nashville’s entertainment sector needs,” notes Mayor John Cooper. “I thank the partners involved for keeping the character of the building while creating a new concept for locals and our visitors to enjoy.”

“Pairing Eric’s talent and passion for music and his work ethic with a new restaurant, bar, performance hall and more downtown is a recipe for success,” adds Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp CEO, Butch Spyridon. “The fact that he is doing this in a historic building that will transform the gateway to historic Second Avenue is truly a bonus as that street recovers from 2020’s unfortunate incident.”

“I am partnering with my closest friend and, in my opinion, the greatest hotel entrepreneur on earth, Ben Weprin, and the greatest barbecue chef in the world, Rodney Scott,” continues Church. “Together we will create an experience unique to Nashville and absolutely unparalleled in the world of music, food, fellowship and entertainment. This is my hometown. This is personal. This matters. Every detail of Chief’s will feel that way. I cannot wait to get started. See you in 2023.”

MusicRow To Announce CountryBreakout Award Winners On Feb. 23

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In place of the annual Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards, MusicRow will announce the winners of the 20th annual CountryBreakout Awards virtually on Feb. 23.

Now in its 20th year, the MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards celebrate those who have dominated country radio’s secondary market. Winners in eight categories are determined by spins on the secondary market stations that report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart panel each week.

Winners will be revealed on all MusicRow online platforms, including our website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, on Feb. 23.

Each winner will be featured in MusicRow‘s Country Radio & Streaming issue, also out Wednesday (Feb. 23).

Kenny Chesney Commemorates 34th No. 1 ‘Knowing You’ With Industry Celebration

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Pictured (L-R): Kat Higgins, Kenny Chesney, Brett James, Adam James. Photo: Allister Ann

“Nobody’s done country music better than Kenny Chesney. Period,” said hit songwriter and publisher Brett James. That was the sentiment as the industry gathered to celebrate the country music titan’s 34th No. 1 song, the wistful “Knowing You.”

The tune was co-written by newly inducted Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Brett James, along with Kat Higgins and Adam James. It was Brett’s 26th No. 1 country hit, and Kat and Adam’s first.

BMI’s Clay Bradley led the celebration. He promised that BMI would catch up on all the No. 1 parties that were missed due to the pandemic.

Representatives from Warner Chappell, BMG, Kobalt, and 3 Ring Circus were on hand to gush about their songwriters.

Pictured (L-R): Publisher Pat Higdon, BMG’s Chris Oglesby, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Producer Buddy Cannon, Brett James, Kat Higgins, Kenny Chesney, Warner Music Nashville CEO John Esposito, Adam James, 3 Ring Circus’ Jeffrey Steele, Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, BMI Vice President of Creative Clay Bradley. Photo: Allister Ann

Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn spoke on Brett James, who has teamed with Kenny on many of his hits (“When The Sun Goes Down,” “You Save Me,” “Went Out Last Night”).

Ben was also the first of many to recognize the hard work of the Warner Music Nashville promotion team, calling out Kristen Williams and Shari Roth for their leadership in getting “Knowing You,” a country waltz, up the charts.

“From the minute this song was pitched, recorded, and discussed, there was nothing but love and belief for this song,” Ben said, before plugging the song for the ACM’s second-round ballot.

BMG’s Chris Oglesby, who Ben referred to as ‘the reverend,’ doted on Kat Higgins. “I met Kat Higgins a long time ago through the legendary Pat Higdon. Her songs blew me away. They were filled with heart, color, and life,” Chris said. “She approaches every day with wide-eyed wonder and excitement. I’m so proud to represent you.”

Chris also recognized Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery, “Knowing You” co-producer Buddy Cannon, the Warner team, and the creators of the music video—which he aptly plugged for ACM voters.

3 Ring Circus’ Jeffrey Steele and Casey Le’Vasseur spoke about Adam James. They both highlighted Adam’s originality and hard work, with Jeffrey saying his early tapes reminded him of songwriting great Roger Miller. Adam grasped his heart in shock at the compliment.

Warner Music Nashville head John Esposito brought the color to the celebration, as usual. He read off many of Kenny’s impressive stats, recognized his scrappy promo team, and talked about how happy he was to be with industry friends in person.

Espo highlighted that Kenny Chesney is the “people’s superstar,” as dubbed by the Los Angeles Times.

The label head remembered the late night phone conversation that led to Kenny’s joining Warner Music Nashville in 2018. “He said ‘I’m gonna be a Warner Brothers record artist,'” Espo recalled. After grabbing a bottle of wine to celebrate, Espo ended the call with, “Kenny F*cking Chesney is going to be a Warner Brothers artist!”

When it came time to hear from the songwriters, Kat Higgins stepped up to the mic first with her infectious energy.

“Kenny, thank you for being the people’s superstar,” Kat said. “He cares about his fans, and them having that attachment with him, so he wants to deliver song after song for them….To have one in the many hits of yours is a dream for me.”

Pictured (L-R): Kenny Chesney, Grandmother to Adam James Luella Mar, Adam James. Photo: Allister Ann

Adam James echoed Kat’s sentiment. He said that he had asked Kenny who his dream cut was when he moved to town, to which Kenny responded as George Strait.

“I still haven’t gotten it,” Kenny yelled up to the stage, to which Adam responded “I got some ideas if you want to get together.”

“You don’t need me to tell you this, but that’s who you are for so many people,” Adam said. “Kenny Chesney is it.”

The new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer, Brett James, gushed about his co-writers and song partner Kenny.

“Kenny has meant so much to me as a friend and as a partner. He’s meant the world to my career,” Brett said. He also recognized Kenny’s team, saying “You can’t find anybody that has anything bad to say about you or your organization.”

When it was time for the man of the hour to speak, he emerged from his place in the crowd. The humble star had been beaming up at the songwriters and executives for the majority of the celebration, letting them have their moment.

Kenny remembered his first No. 1 record, and commented on how excited he was for Kat and Adam. “I know how hard that is. I know the path you have to cut to get to sit up here. I’m so proud of you both,” he said.

“You don’t hear these kinds of songs, or I haven’t in a while. It was so simple and so real. So beautiful and melodic,” Kenny said. “The first time I heard it, there was a lot of people that came up for me: some had passed, some were not in my life anymore. That’s the genius of the song, it’s not very specific on either/or. I felt like a lot of people would really relate to if if I did in both of those ways.”

After thanking his expansive team, the country giant summed: “I’m so thankful that I get to be the person who gets to get up on stage for the rest of his life and sing this kind of song…Thank you for being here.”

Sea Gayle Music Ups Brandon Gregg To Senior Director Of Operations, Artist Services

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Brandon Gregg

Sea Gayle Music has promoted Brandon Gregg to Senior Director of Operations, Artist Services. In this new role, he’ll be working closely with CEO Chris DuBois, helping to oversee day-to-day operations and business affairs.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with tremendous talent and friends at Sea Gayle Music,” says Gregg. “I look forward to stepping into this new role and accomplishing great things with our writers and staff.”

A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Gregg has been with Sea Gayle Music for 19 years. He first joined the company as a Catalog Manager and most recently served as Director, Artist Services. He previously spent time at EMI Music Publishing before leaving in 2003.

“Brandon has been instrumental in the daily functions and growth of Sea Gayle over the past 19 years. I am thrilled to promote him to a new role,” Dubois adds. “I would also like to thank former Executive Vice President/General Manager Marc Driskill for his hard work and leadership over the past nine years. Marc’s contributions on both the creative and business sides have played a crucial role in the growth and success of our company. As difficult as it is to lose someone like Marc, his departure has created exciting new opportunities within the company.”

Driskill exited his role at Sea Gayle earlier this year to join the team at FirstBank as Sr. VP. In his new role, he will be helping to further expand the bank’s footprint in Nashville

Gregg can be reached at brandon@seagayle.com.

Sea Gayle was founded in 1999 by DuBois, Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers. The company represents the song catalogs of Paisley, Chris Stapleton, Brandy Clark, Jerrod Niemann and Bobby Pinson, among many more.

Jesse Frasure Heads To The Top Of MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jesse Frasure

Jesse Frasure trades spots with Ashley Gorley this week for the top spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Frasure is a co-writer on the charting songs “One Mississippi” (Kane Brown), “Whiskey And Rain” (Michael Ray), “If I Was A Cowboy” (Miranda Lambert), and “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett).

Gorley maintains the No. 2 spot this week, with “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), and “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland) charting.

Eric Church moves up to No. 3 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, signifying the power of a solo write as “Heart On Fire” alone fuels his rise.

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.

Pearce, McBryde Earn MusicRow No. 1

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Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde claim the No. 1 spot this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” The single comes in fifth for greatest spin increase with +159 spins. The duo co-wrote the single with Shane McAnally, who also produced it.

In September, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” earned the most-added milestone. The last time a female duet earned this achievement was in 2007 with Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson’s “Because Of You.”

At the 55th Annual CMA Awards, Pearce took home the award for Female Vocalist of the Year. This duet appears on her album, 29: Written In Stone, which was released in September of last year.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dolly Celebrates Her Birthday With A Disc Of The Day Award

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman

DISClaimer has the best of the new mixed with the best of the vets today.

Our new female contenders include Priscilla Block and Hailey Whitters, both of whom have personality-packed singles for your edification. Among the promising males are Logan Mize, Aaron Lewis, Connor Smith and Seaforth with Jordan Davis.

But veterans claim the two top prizes. Taking home the DISCovery Award is Andrew Farriss. This is his debut solo effort, but he has logged plenty of miles in the Oz rock band INXS (”New Sensation,” “Suicide Blonde,” “Need You Tonight,” etc.).

Yesterday was Dolly Parton’s birthday. My present is a Disc of the Day award for her fresh sounding “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans.”

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “My Bar”
Writers: Priscilla Block/Stone Aielli/Lexi Hayden; Producers: Robbie Artress/Jake Curry/Justin Johnson; Label: Mercury
–She’s wonderfully feisty while claiming her space at her favorite watering hole. When an ex walks in, she lets him know he’s intruding. The track rumbles splendidly and her vocal has personality to the max. Love this.

AARON LEWIS / “Get What You Get”
Writers: Aaron Lewis/Ira Dean/Dan Tyminski; Producers: Aaron Lewis,/Ira Dean/Ben Kitterman; Label: Valory
–This man’s honky-tonk singing voice continues to impress. The ballad’s premise is that sooner or later you have to take the consequences for the choices you make. Stop lying to others and to yourself. The album drops at the end of the month, and this makes me eager to hear it.

DOLLY PARTON / “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans”
Writers: Dolly Parton; Producers: Richard Dennison/Tom Rutledge; Label: Butterfly/UMG
–The instrumental track is hot and tight in Dolly’s finest record production in years. The punchy, rolling tempo underscores the yearn of a gal headed to Music City to pursue her dreams. With her “Scent from Above” perfume, re-launched ice cream flavor, chart-topping Christmas album, multi-Platinum international certifications and gospel Grammy Award, the superstar is as relevant as ever. This dandy tune was inspired by her debut novel, written with James Patterson. The book and album–titled Run, Rose, Run–are both due the first week in March. Other merch with the launch includes guitar picks, stickers, t-shirts, bookmarks, shoe laces, aprons and a red-marbelized vinyl version of the LP.

CONNER SMITH / “Didn’t Go Too Far”
Writers: Connor Smith/Mike Dragstrom/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Valory
–The “Learn From It” and “I Hate Alabama” man released his debut EP this week. This is the title tune, a thumper about a guy with a busted heart who can’t get away from an ex. That’s because they both live in town so small that “there’s only one bar, only one church.” Hence, “The one that got away didn’t go too far.” Give this man a full album at once.

JASON ALDEAN / “Trouble With a Heartbreak”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Brett Beavers/Tully Kennedy/John Morgan; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Macon/Broken Bow
–The rock production is slathered in echo. The song just barely has a melody.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Everything She Ain’t”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Bryan Simpson/Ryan Tyndell; Producers: Hailey Whitters/Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud
–Peppy and clever. He doesn’t know what he’s missing, so she’s spelling it out for him. Hailey went back to her Iowa high school to film the video, which is as cute as the song. The hand claps, the saucy delivery, the staccato fiddle and banjo notes, the pert tempo–everything works here.

LOGAN MIZE / “Follow Your Heart”
Writers: Logan Mize/Lynn Hutton; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
–This country rocker has cool, deep-and-low drum pounding beneath his pleading vocal and some ethereal guitar chimes and organ sighing. The resulting toe tapper is as catchy as can be. Well worth your spins.

SYLVIA / “Every Time a Train Goes By”
Writers: Sylvia Hutton/John Mock/Thom Schuyler; Producers: John Mock/Sylvia; Label: Red Pony
–This is lilting and rootsy, featuring minor-key mandolin and lovely stacked harmonies by Sylvia’s multi-tracked voice. Brushed drumming propels the production. Airy, luminous and crystal clear. The track is drawn from her forthcoming Nature Child album, which drops on “Twos-Day.”

SEAFORTH & JORDAN DAVIS / “Good Beer”
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitch Thompson/Rocky Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producer: Tom Jordan; Label: Arista
–The Aussie duo teams up with Davis on this charming, light-hearted ditty. In case you’re wondering, “A good beer is a cold one.” This sunny, bouncy outing will have you feeling like springtime, or at the very least will leave you with a big smile on yer face.

LOVE AND THEFT / “Accidentally on Purpose”
Writers: Eric Gunderson/Stephen Barker Liles/Bree Doster; Producer: none listed; Label: ONErpm
–Gunderson and Liles are back. They still sing beautifully, and they are still totally pop.

ANDREW FARRISS / “Drifting”
Writers: Marti Frederiksen/Andrew Farriss; Producer: Andrew Farriss; Label: BBR
–Farriss is a former member of the huge rock band INXS. This tempo tune occurs on his debut solo album, and it has an open-air, California-country vibe. It’s an attractive, gypsy/bohemian thing with wafting strings way off in the distance.

THE BRETHREN / “Chevelle”
Writers: Brian White/Casey Parnell/Chad Chapin/Corey Parnell/Lonnie Chapin; Producer: none listed; Label: DistroKid
–This act is two sets of brothers, the Parnells and the Chapins. All four have pop and/or CCM backgrounds, and that shows in their polished, creamy harmonies. This languid, smooth tune evokes nostalgia for an old teen romance. Think Poco or America from the ‘70s.