DISClaimer Single Reviews: Sabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton Are A ‘Cotton-Candy Cloud Of Bliss’

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Sabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton

Today is a day for collabs at DISClaimer.

Of the tracks we’re spotlighting today, fully half of them are vocal collaborations, and three of those are mash-ups between country stars and pop headliners. One of them, the smile-awhile meeting of new pop diva Sabrina Carpenter and country megastar Dolly Parton is our Disc of the Day. By the way, if the lyric seems oblique, check out Carpenter’s solo video of “Please Please Please.” Trust me, it will all make sense.

But if you’re looking for the perfect country solo performance to become an instant-add to your playlist, look no further than Dierks Bentley.

The DISCovery Award contenders are Zach John King and Austin Snell. That’s no contest at all. King walks away with the trophy.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Oil Money”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Graham Barham/Sam Bergeson; Producers: Sam Bergeson, Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– He has a cool hillbilly delivery loaded with reverb. The leering lyric is weirdly ear catching (“She’s got a body like oil money,” anyone?). I could have done without the “country-trap fusion” computer rhythm track, but this thing probably has legs. One question: If she’s so classy, why is she wearing Daisy Dukes?

DIERKS BENTLEY / “She Hates Me”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Dierks Bentley/Jimmy Allen/Ross Copperman/Wesley Scantlin; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Wry and delightful. It rocks in a cool, spare-bones kinda way. When this guy is on his game, he can’t be beat. A smash. Also: The video is hilarious.

KAYLEY GREEN / “This Little Love of Mine”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jonathan Smith/Kayley Green; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Frisky and frolicking. She sings with immense verve, and the rockabilly track spits fire. Clap hands and dance along. You’ll be forgiven if you hear echoes of “This Little Light of Mine” in back of the church pews. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

MYLES SMITH & LAINEY WILSON / “Nice to Meet You”
Writers: Dan Smith/Myles Smith/Peter Fenn/Phil Plested; Producer: Peter Fenn; Label: RCA Records
– Strum-y, jaunty, bopping and charming. I’ve heard of quickie romances, but this takes the cake—”Nice to meet you; have a dance; spend all night together”—Just like that. Smith is a British pop singer-songwriter, best known for last year’s Platinum-selling “Stargazing.” This was originally a solo single. The addition of Wilson’s country voice definitely makes it brighter.

ASHLEY COOKE & JOE JONAS / “All I Forgot”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Charlie Puth/David Alexander/Griff Clawson/Jacob Kasher Hindin/Joe Jonas/Naliya; Producers: Charlie Puth, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Well, it turns out that alcohol can’t blot out a lover’s memory, after all. These two blend nicely on this tuneful heartbreaker. His pop croon meshes with the gentle warmth of this previous MusicRow award winner who’s a CRS New Faces Show honoree this year.

SABRINA CARPENTER & DOLLY PARTON / “Please, Please, Please”
Writers: Amy Allen/Jack Antonoff/Sabrina Carpenter; Producer: Jack Antonoff; Label: Island Records
– What a delicious audio confection. Burbling, airy, twinkling and loaded with Carpenter’s signature wit. The two wafting sopranos lift this thing into a cotton-candy cloud of bliss. Sabrina keeps falling for losers and begs this one not to embarrass her like all the others. Best line: “Don’t bring me to tears, when I just did my makeup so nice.” Totally loving this.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “How Long”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/John Osborne/Lucie Silvas; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– I have been in love with this woman’s music forever. Her phrasing on this sultry slow jam is utterly exquisite. The dreamy, soulful track is a thing to get lost in. It’s from an album called Bed of Roses that will accompany her co-written romance novel of the same title, releasing March 7.

SCOTTY McCREERY & JASON CRABB / “Red Letter Blueprint”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Derek George/Jeremy Bussey/Monty Criswell/Scotty McCreery; Producers: Nathan Thomas, Spencer Peppard; Label: Triple Tigers
– This is a CCM song on Opry member McCreery’s current album, so it makes perfect sense to add one of Christian music’s most powerful vocalists to it. To ensure that the country singer isn’t completely overwhelmed, Crabb’s volume is turned down.

CHARLES ESTEN & SARA EVANS / “In a Bar Somewhere”
Writers: Charles Esten/Jason Gantt/Neil Medley; Producer: Marshall Altman; Label: CE
– The Nashville TV star and the established country star harmonize beautifully on this barroom ballad. This guy deserves a hit, and this melodic pleasure deserves to be it.

ZACH JOHN KING / “Cold Shoulder”
Writers: Tom Whall/Zach John King/Zarni Dewet; Producer: Ryan Wilson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– His plaintive singing is backed by simple, plucked guitar strings. As the heartbreaking regret grows, a steel sighs in the distance. Echoey and aching.

IRA DEAN & GRETCHEN WILSON / “Everything”
Writers: Dave Turnbull/Ira Dean; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– Ira Dean wrote this love ballad for his wife Jennifer and sang it at their wedding. The sweetly sentimental ode features Gretchen Wilson on harmony vocals. You can see the joyous wedding ceremony footage in the song’s video. John Carter Cash performed the ceremony, and Jamey Johnson serenaded the couple.

AUSTIN SNELL / “Muddy Water Rockstar”
Writers: Austin Nivarel/Austin Snell/Joe Ragosta; Producers: Andrew Baylis, Austin Nivarel; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– He’s screaming with profanity that he can perform a hard rock track and call it country music. You can call it whatever you want, but do we have to listen to it?

BREAKING: MusicRow Taps Jennie Smythe As Speaker For 2025 Rising Women On The Row

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Jennie Smythe, Founder and CEO of the award-winning Girlilla Marketing, will be the featured speaker at MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row breakfast, presented by City National Bank. The annual event is set for Thursday, March 20, at 8:30 a.m. at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Attendees will gain insights from Smythe during an on-stage interview with MusicRow Publisher and Owner Sherod Robertson. Smythe is set to release her memoir Becoming Girlilla in April.

The 12th annual celebration will honor the 2025 class of Rising Women on the Row honorees, which include Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant. Read about the honorees here.

Tickets for Rising Women on the Row are now closed. They will not be sold at the door.

Smythe’s Girlilla Marketing heads digital strategy for a diverse roster of world-famous entertainers and brands, including Dead & Company, Willie Nelson, Darius Rucker, Blondie, Brooke Shields, Iliza Shlesinger, Terry Crews, Kristin Chenoweth, Vince Gill and many others. Smythe is a forward-thinking entrepreneur who leads her self-built company with equal parts passion and drive.

Girlilla Marketing celebrated 15 years of success in 2023. The talented team oversees social media endeavors, partner marketing and content creation for clients. They bring expert knowledge to developing online audiences, digital monetization, virtual events, fan clubs, paid media campaigns, analytics tracking and creative services such as graphic design and video editing.

In her more than two decades of experience, it is no accident Smythe has emerged on top of an ever-evolving field. Motivated by a lifelong love of music, her creative approach has earned numerous awards and recognition. She has been featured in Forbes, the Associated Press, Billboard, MusicRow, Fast Company, People, HITS and The Tennessean. She is a multi-year winner of the Nashville Business Journal’s Women in Music City Awards, a MusicRow magazine Rising Women on the Row honoree and was recognized on the Nashville Post In Charge 2023 Music list.

Smythe is Chairperson of the CMA Board of Directors, as well as on the boards of the CMA Foundation (past chairperson) and Music Health Alliance and recently named a 2025 Advocacy Ambassador by the Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy. She is a past board member of the Academy of Country Music, and a graduate of the prestigious Leadership Music executive development program. Her early career includes time at Disney’s Hollywood Records, YAHOO! Music, Warner Bros. Records and Clear Channel.

Smythe is married to fellow entrepreneur Shannon Houchins and resides in Nashville with their two children.

BREAKING: Sony Music Nashville Elevates Mallory Michaels To Vice President, Radio Marketing & Promotion

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Mallory Michaels. Photo: Jessica Amerson

Sony Music Nashville has promoted Mallory Michaels to Vice President, Radio Marketing & Promotion.

Michaels previously served as Senior Director of Promotion at RCA Nashville. In her newly established role, she will create and execute strategic national radio promotion plans for all artists signed to Sony Music Nashville, supporting both the Columbia Nashville and RCA Nashville labels. Additionally, Michaels will collaborate with the regional promotion teams to ensure airplay targets are met, boosting visibility and commercial success for the artists. She will report to Dennis Reese, Senior Vice President of Radio Marketing & Promotion.

“I’m thrilled to announce this well-deserved promotion,” shares Reese. “Mallory is a force and her ability to execute the radio plans for our artists has helped lead the label to significant history breaking No. 1 records.  I’m excited to see her continue her growth here with us and bring more success to the label.”

Michaels joined Sony Music Nashville in May 2018, overseeing promotion efforts in the Midwest and Southwest regions for the RCA Nashville roster. During her tenure, the RCA Nashville team achieved several No. 1 hits, including Chris Young, Kane Brown, Miranda Lambert and Old Dominion, as well as two record-breaking No. 1 singles for Nate Smith, the 10-week No. 1 “Whiskey On You” and the multi-week No. 1 “Bulletproof.” She also helped Corey Kent earn his first No. 1 with “Wild As Her” from his debut album. Before joining SMN, Michaels spent four years at Warner Music Nashville as Director of Promotion for the Midwest and Northeast, where she earned multiple No. 1 songs and platinum records. She also contributed to the launch of Red Bow Records. Michaels is a graduate of Belmont University.

New Loretta Lynn Musical In Development

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Loretta Lynn. Photo: Russ Harrington

The life and musical legacy of beloved country music icon and legend Loretta Lynn will be celebrated in a new stage musical Coal Miner’s Daughter, starring Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster.

The production is in development under the direction of Tony Award-winner Sam Gold, with Music Production by Tony Award-winner Jeanine Tesori. Lynn’s manager, producer and daughter, Patsy Lynn, and longtime adviser, Nancy Russell, will act as consulting producers.

Inspired by the award-nominated 1980 film and Lynn’s autobiography with George Vecsey of the same name, Coal Miner’s Daughter brings her remarkable journey to the stage. From her humble beginnings in rural Kentucky to her rise as a country music icon, this adaptation features songs from Lynn’s legendary career and delves into her life beyond the film’s conclusion.

“We are so grateful to see that our mother’s life story and music will continue to touch the hearts of audiences and remain an important statement of the American dream,” says the family of Loretta Lynn. “As one of the last creative projects our mom was so passionate about, we are thankful that she had the opportunity to experience the initial stages of Sutton’s sincere portrayal of Loretta. Mom absolutely fell in love with her and thought she was just the right person to play her onstage. The family is moved by this incredible team’s commitment to her legacy.”

The producing team committed to bringing the iconic story of Lynn’s life to the stage include Broadway veterans Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Bee Carrozzini and ATG Entertainment.

Lynn is one of country music’s most iconic figures, with a career spanning over six decades. Known for her powerful storytelling and unapologetically honest lyrics, she sold over 45 million records worldwide and earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, CMA awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her legacy includes timeless hits such as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough” and “The Pill.” She passed away on Oct. 4, 2022.

JUST IN: Jodi Dawes Joins Big Machine Label Group As VP, Publicity & Communications

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Jodi Dawes

Big Machine Label Group has appointed Jodi Dawes as Vice President of Publicity & Communications.

Dawes will oversee the label group’s PR department and lead media strategy across the imprints of Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Company and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. She is on the job now, reporting directly to BMLG Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta.

“What Scott and his team at Big Machine Label Group have built across the last two decades is remarkable, and their enthusiasm for the future of the company is contagious,” shares Dawes. “I am thrilled to join them and work with this roster of talented artists, encompassing burgeoning new voices, road-tested hitmakers, and bonafide stars. It’s an honor to lead publicity efforts at BMLG at such an exciting time for this label, and for country music as a whole.”

Dawes joins BMLG from Universal Music Group Nashville, where she spent more than three years spearheading label publicity campaigns for artists including Brothers Osborne, Parker McCollum, Maddie & Tae, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Anne Wilson, Tucker Wetmore, Josh Ross and more. Prior to her time at UMGN, Dawes gained experience at several boutique PR firms in Nashville, including four years at Sweet Talk Publicity where she handled day-to-day publicity needs for Ernest, Chris Lane, Breland and RaeLynn, among others.

“Jodi is joining us at a very important time in the evolution of the Big Machine Label Group,” says Borchetta. “Her laser-sharp acumen in the media world will not only enhance, but add a multiple to supercharging all things Big Machine. I am thrilled to have her on the team.”

Dawes can be reached at jodi.dawes@bmlg.net.

Ernest Hits Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ernest. Photo: Delaney Royer

Ernest has entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. “Guy For That,” “I Had Some Help,” “I’m The Problem” and “Smile” all put the singer-songwriter in the No. 6 spot.

Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Park” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Chris Stapleton stays at No. 2 with this solo-penned “Think I’m In Love With You.”

Charlie Handsome (N0. 3), Taylor Phillips (No. 4) and Zach Bryan (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

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.

Lainey Wilson Scores Eighth No. 1 With ‘4X4XU’

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Lainey Wilson. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Lainey Wilson‘s latest single, “4x4xU,” has become her eighth song to top the charts.

The track, written by Wilson, Aaron Raitiere and Jon Decious, is from her Whirlwind album, which debuted at No. 8 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart and No. 13 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart. Wilson will kick off her “Whirlwind World Tour” in March, adding to yet another landmark year for the entertainer. The tour will include stops in Zurich, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Baton Rouge and more through August.

Wilson also recently joined British singer-songwriter Myles Smith for a special remix of his song, “Nice To Meet You,” which is out now.

MusicRow Reveals 2025 CountryBreakout Award Winners

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For 23 years, MusicRow has celebrated country music’s success at radio in secondary markets with its annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards.

Based on spins on the secondary market stations that report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart panel each week, winners in eight categories are awarded. These artists and industry professionals wrote, recorded and promoted the music that played across small town America throughout 2024.

Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Dan + Shay, Zach Top, Drew Baldridge and Big Machine Label Group prevail at this year’s CountryBreakout Awards for garnering the most spins in their own respective categories. Hit songwriters Ashley Gorley and Charlie Handsome, as well as MusicRow Radio Chart reporter Dani Holland are also victors for their esteemed skills.

Morgan Wallen is the winner for Male Artist of the Year for the third year in a row, while Lainey Wilson takes home her second win for Female Artist of the Year. Dan + Shay notch their third win in the Group/Duo of the Year category.

The Breakout Artist of the Year honor is given to a new artist whose first single or album was released in 2024, and earned the most spins on stations that report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Zach Top takes this year’s Breakout Artist of the Year distinction.

The Independent Artist of the Year award honors a top independent artist, based on the number of spins earned on stations that report to the chart, as well as factors including label size, distribution model and promotion staff. Drew Baldridge takes home the honor this year for the first time for his independent work with “Somebody’s Daughter.”

For the first time, Big Machine Label Group earns the Label Group of the Year honor, with its artists earning the most spins of any label imprint on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in 2024.

Songwriting juggernaut Ashley Gorley takes home his seventh Songwriter of the Year honor for penning the most No. 1 songs on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in 2024. This year, Gorley tied with Charlie Handsome for the honor, his first time taking home the win.

This year’s Reporter of the Year goes to Dani Holland (WALS). This honor is an editorial decision that recognizes a MusicRow station panelist that best epitomizes the spirit of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

The winners of MusicRow‘s 23rd annual CountryBreakout Awards are highlighted in this week’s MusicRow Weekly newsletter, containing the digital Country Radio & Streaming issue. Click here to view.

Dylan Scott Reaches No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Dylan Scott jumps to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

The song is part of his second studio album Livin’ My Best Life and was written by Scott, John Byron, Charlie Handsome, Ashley Gorley and Taylor Phillips.

Scott will hit the road this spring on his headling “Country Till I Die Tour.” This 17-city trek includes stops in major markets like New York City and Toronto and will see Scott joined by special guests George Birge, Dasha and Graham Barham.

“This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” currently sits at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 8 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Riley Green ‘Keeps The Sultry Mood Rolling’

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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.”