DISClaimer Single Reviews: Randall King ‘Wails To The Heavens’ On New Single

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Randall King. Photo: Yve Assad

Today’s DISClaimer includes entries from the farthest ends of country’s audio spectrum, from bluegrass to pop.

The bluegrass world is bringing us a couple of cover tunes, Rhonda Vincent’s take on “Wagon Wheel” and Bill Taylor’s version of “Roll Me Away.” Of the two, Taylor’s re-imagining of Bob Seger is the cooler track. In fact, it wins him a DISCovery Award. Also: I love the name of his band, The Appalachian Heatherns.

From way over on the pop side, we have Maren Morris and Shelby Lynne. Both have left country music far behind, but are making extraordinary records nonetheless.

From somewhere down the middle of the country music world we have our Disc of the Day award winner. It’s Randall King and his “I Could Be That Rain.”

BILL TAYLOR / “Roll Me Away”
Writer: Bob Seger; Producer: Randall Deaton; Label: Lonesome Day Records
– I have always been a huge Bob Seger fan. So are the folks gathered on the new, multi-artist album Silver Bullet Bluegrass. This hearty, chesty baritone has one of the collection’s standout tracks, an exhilarating ride on wheels of fleet picking and close harmony singing. It feels like a splash of mountain spring water on your face. And it turns out that Seger’s 1983 rock classic sounds simply splendid in a bluegrass setting. Appalachia meets Motor City. Enthusiastically recommended.

MAREN MORRIS / “I Hope I Never Fall In Love”
Writers: Delacey/Evan Blair/Lucy Healey/Maren Morris; Producer: Evan Blair; Label: Columbia Records
– This echoey, throbbing, bittersweet ballad has a lovely ‘60s pop vibe. The luscious melody is bolstered by a thumping backbeat, ringing guitar and ghostly female vocal harmonies. It’s drawn from her upcoming pop EP Intermission, due Aug. 12.

RANDALL KING / “I Could Be That Rain”
Writers: Brian Fuller/Mason Thornley; Producers: Jared Conrad, Randall King; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It is one of the great mysteries of our time why this superb vocalist is not yet a country superstar. As always, he delivers the goods. This time, he rides atop a cool rhythm pattern and some crashing guitars as he wails to the heavens. So nice I played it twice.

PHIL VASSAR & JEFFREY STEELE / “Like A Man’s Supposed To”
Writers: Jeffrey Steele/Phil Vassar; Producers: Jeffrey Steele, Scott Baggett; Label: 3 Ring Circus Records
– These two dudes are multiple award-winning troubadours. As a team, they sound like real brothers. This mid-tempo track has a retro, blue-eyed-soul flavor, punctuated by organ and sax blasts.

GREYLAN JAMES / “Who Broke Up With You”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Brad Clawson/Greylan James; Producers: Brock Berryhill, Greylan James, Jason Massey; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– It starts out kinda dull, but when he kicks into the hooky part, the thing takes off. The gist of it is that the guy who broke up with her must have been out of his mind. The production churns along nicely as he unspools his observations.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Hell Of A Show”
Writer: Megan Moroney; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records
– He treats her mean, but she has to hide her heartbreak because the show must go on. Anyone who has had to smile in spite of pain can relate to this tiny gem. It is performed with just a simple acoustic guitar accompaniment to her aching vocal delivery. The brief, tender little heartbreaker is the closing track on her brilliant new sophomore album Am I Okay?

JETT HOLDEN & CASSADEE POPE / “Karma”
Writer: Jett Holden; Producer: Will Hoge; Label: Black Opry Records
– This one is a darkly sinister rocker with a rapid-fire vocal delivery. He sings splendidly, Pope adds a perfect vocal assist, and the production kicks butt. Like many beginning country songwriters, he is overly word-y. But there is real promise here.

SHELBY LYNNE / “Gone To Bed”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Burt Bacharach/Hal David/Karen Fairchild/Shelby Lynne; Producers: Ashley Monroe, Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild, Shelby Lynne; Label: Monument Records
– Lynne’s first album in nine years is an audio pop wonderland. Its single starts off with an extended, spoken-word heartbreak meditation, followed by a dreamy, airy tune in an electronic soundscape. Titled Consequences of the Crown, the collection drops on Aug. 16. Throughout the project, she is utterly fascinating.

DILLON JAMES / “River Black”
Writers: Dan Alley/Dillon James/Jason Gantt; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Buena Vista Records
– The title tune of this guy’s debut EP is a bluesy country rocker with a stately, stomping pace. Moody and intense.

RHONDA VINCENT / “Wagon Wheel”
Writers: Bob Dylan/Ketch Secor; Producer: Rhonda Vincent; Label: Upper Management Music
– The Queen of Bluegrass drops her new Destinations and Fun Places collection tomorrow (Aug. 9). She has already issued her covers of “Please Mr. Please” and the IBMA award-nominated “City of New Orleans” as teasers for the album. Now the Opry star is taking on the Darius Rucker/Old Crow Medicine Show hit with a soprano vocal harmony by Alison Krauss. Vincent and her band The Rage take an extended instrumental ride toward the song’s finale, extending the single to seven minutes in length. This is the oft-played song’s sweetest version yet.

REDFERRIN / “Just Like Johnny”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Micah Wilshire; Producers: Jake Saghi, Micah Wilshire, Redferrin; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The reason he is “just like Johnny” is that he is deeply into substance abuse. He cautions her that he “ain’t nowhere close to walking that line.” He loves her, but thinks he will always hurt her, let her down and put her through misery…. and that he will never change. Depressing yet compelling.

JOE ELY / “Driven To Drive”
Writer: Joe Ely; Producer: Joe Ely; Label: Rack ‘Em Records
– Some 23 albums into his career, this Americana stalwart is issuing a “road” album that celebrates the freedom of the highway. This propulsive country-rocker sets the mood.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jordan Davis ‘Tries On A Jaunty Tempo Tune’

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It’s a variety pack of flavors in today’s DISClaimer.

We have a legend, Queen Reba, as well as newcomers Colin Stough, plus Ryan & Rory. We have folk (Kacey Musgraves), hip-hop (Shaboozey), gospel (The Oak Ridge Boys) yodeling (Phoebe White) and pop (The Mavericks).

Our two contenders for the Disc of the Day award are both solidly country, Drew Parker and Jordan Davis. I’m a huge fan of both singers. I’m giving the honor to Davis, but please play them both. A lot.

In keeping with our “variety pack” theme of the day, the DISCovery Awardees come to us from Brazil. Welcome Fernando & Sorocaba.

JUSTIN MOORE / “Put A Boot In It”
Writers: Jeremy Stover/Justin Moore/Randy Montana/Will Bundy; Producers: Jeremy Stover, Scott Borchetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– This takes aim at folks who trade trap beats for twang and move to Nashville from L.A. in order to make money in country music. He threatens mild violence if they don’t get more “country,” according to his definition of the lifestyle/sound. The verses and the choruses have jarringly different tempos.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “Promised Land”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Jeff Jones/Terry Clayton; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lightning Rod Records
– Producer Dave Cobb insisted that the late Joe Bonsall sing a solo lead on this beautiful gospel ballad. The group has now issued a moving video of the tune in commemoration/homage to their fallen comrade. Bonsall died on July 9. The group will continue its farewell tour without him. Ben James joined as the Oaks tenor vocalist when Bonsall retired from the road in January.

PHOEBE WHITE, SUZY BOGGUSS & RIDERS IN THE SKY / “Ride Along With Me”
Writer: Phoebe White; Producer: Michael Jonathan; Label: Poet Man
– Here’s a smile for the day. Suzy Bogguss shares lead vocals with White on this lively track that kicks off the 14-year-old Kentucky yodeling phenomenon’s new album. Riders in the Sky provide the instrumental and vocal backing. The album, Cowgirl’s Delight, drops next month.

SHABOOZEY & BIGXTHAPLUG / “Drink Don’t Need No Mix”
Writers: Collins Obinna Chibueze/McKay Stevens/Nevin Sastry/Sean Cook/Xavier Landum; Producers: Sean Cook, McKay Stevens, Nevin Sastry; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– It looks like Shaboozey is going to be country’s breakout star of 2024. His delightful “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is a multi-week No. 1 smash on both country and pop charts and has been streamed 900 million times and counting. The native Virginian teams with heavyweight rising Dallas rapper BigXThaPlug in his new video. It is a profanity laced, tuneless outing that owes much more to hip-hop culture than country.

DREW PARKER / “Love The Leavin’”
Writers: Drew Parker/Lindsay Rimes/Matt Rogers; Producer: Jacob Rice; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Parker finally dropped his debut album Camouflage Cowboy a couple of weeks ago. He simultaneously released a video for this torrid ballad. The performance will make a believer out of you, if you’re not already in his fan club. This man is a spectacular vocal talent, among the very best of this generation of young country performers.

REBA McENTIRE / “I Can’t”
Writers: Tania Hancheroff/Tia Sillers/Victoria Banks; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Rockin’ R Records
– Very impressive. The Country Music Hall of Fame member unleashes one of the finest performances of her distinguished career with this dramatic power ballad. The lyric is wonderfully poetic and the production has tension and energy. The ode to romantic survival is accompanied by an artful video featuring an eye-popping set and florid ballet dancers.

COLIN STOUGH / “Lookin’ For Home”
Writers: Colin Stough/Lewis Brice/Rivers Rutherford; Producer: Alex Maxwell; Label: BBR Music Group
– This American Idol alumnus has issued his debut EP. Its title tune is a rolling country rocker with a wide-open-spaces “road” vibe.

JORDAN DAVIS / “I Ain’t Sayin’”
Writers: Emily Reid/Mark Holman/Steve Moakler/Travis Wood; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– Mr. Davis tries on a jaunty tempo tune, and it fits just right. He might not be Mr. Right, but that other guy “sure as hell ain’t.” I remain an enormous fan.

CHASE MATTHEW AND FERNANDO & SOROCABA / “Cold Blooded”
Writers: Chase Matthew/Felipe Kef/Laroy Sanchez/Lucas Santos/Sorocaba; Producer: Lucas Santos; Label: Warner Music Brazil
– The lyric might be a heartbreaker, but the fabulous Brazilian rhythms will make you want to dance down Lower Broadway with a grin on your face. Viva Fernando y Sorocaba!

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Irish Goodbye”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– Pretty. Airy. Wafting. Folkie. Soothing.

RYAN AND RORY / “Pour Decisions”
Writers: Emily Reid/Kevin Bard/Maya Kurchner/Remy Gautreau/Ryan Follese; Producers: Kevin Bard, Nick Zinnanti; Label: BBR Music Group
– Drawling, drowsy, boozy, Southern and loping. Relax and ride along.

THE MAVERICKS & MAGGIE ROSE / “Look Around You”
Writer: Raul Malo; Producers: Raul Malo, Niko Bolas; Label: Mono Mundo Recordings
– Lovely and essential. The groove-soaked track features marvelous poly-rhythms, horn punctuations and twin harmony singing by group leader Raul Malo and soulful Maggie Rose. The hippie message of brotherhood is uplifting and uniting. You can dance to it, too.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: George Strait ‘Knocks It Out Of The Park’

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George Strait. Photo: Peggy Sirota

Traditional country music asserts its lasting appeal in this week’s DISClaimer column.

There’s not a pop-country note to be sounded in the new tracks by Josh Turner, Joe Nichols, Brett Young, Jeannie Seely or Jamey Johnson. Towering over them all is King George. That’s right: all-time hit monarch George Strait has the Disc of the Day.

We turn to folk music for our DISCovery Award as John Lomax III officially becomes the oldest artist to ever nab this prize.

JEANNIE SEELY / “Suffertime”
Writers: Bill West/Dottie West; Producer: Steve Wariner; Label: Cheyenne Records
– With the retirement of Wanda Jackson, Jeannie Seely becomes the oldest still-active female country artist. That’s not a put down; she’s proud of it. She’s still hosting her Sundays With Seely on Sirius/XM and performing on the Opry regularly. In fact, she has now sung on the show more times than anyone in history. The 84-year-old legend recorded this homage to her late dear friend Dottie West at historic RCA Studio B with West’s discovery Steve Wariner producing. Seely and Wariner take West’s 1966 heartache song in a groovy, bluesy direction. An instant country classic.

MADDIE & TAE / “Free Like”
Writers: Casey Brown/Deric Ruttan/Maddie Font/Parker Welling; Producer: Josh Kerr; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Delightful. It’s a bouncing, bopping, merry kiss-off tune with saucy attitude in abundance. Twin-harmony vocals and snappy beats are the hallmarks of this rockin’ little ditty.

JOSH TURNER / “Somewhere With Her”
Writers: Josh Miller/Rhett Akins/Will Bundy; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Languid and dreamy. He’s not paying attention because he’s lost in a romantic reverie. Do not operate heavy machinery while listening.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Devil On My Shoulder”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Dylan Marlowe/Kyle Fishman/Rocky Block; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This breakup isn’t going well for him. No matter what he tries to get over her, “it ain’t doing jack.” Pleading and insistent. Very hooky, although a tad over produced and mucho electronic.

GEORGE STRAIT / “Three Drinks Behind”
Writers: Benjamin Gaither/Jeff Silvey/Kim Williams; Producers: Chuck Ainlay, George Strait, Tony Brown; Label: MCA Nashville
– I dig the chugging rhythm and mellow melody of this barroom ditty. Delivered with a smile from a Country Music Hall of Famer who can still knock it out of the park. Put this mini masterpiece on repeat pronto.

TIERA KENNEDY / “Cry”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Jared Scott/Justin Timberlake/Scott Storch/Tiera Kennedy/Timothy Mosley; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: TK
– This sprightly tune is already being used in a McDonald’s commercial. Kennedy will officially release it as her new single next week. It is quite pert, catchy and attractive. The song samples Justin Timberlake’s pop hit “Cry Me a River,” so he gets a songwriter credit.

JOE NICHOLS / “Bottle It Up”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Josh Kear/Paul Sikes; Producers: Derek George, Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Brown Sellers Brown
– It turns out that I’m not the only who’s into this peerless country vocalist: Post Malone has proclaimed himself a fan. This good humored, twanging tempo tune is one more reason to applaud our enduring favorite.

JOHN LOMAX III / “I Was Born 10,ooo Years Ago”
Writer: Public Domain; Producer: Matthew “Buster” Allen; Label: Orchard
– Lomax is a member of the distinguished American folk-music family. At age 80, he is releasing his very first album. It’s chock full of traditional tunes, including this hearty, amusing old boasting song, produced with just acoustic-guitar accompaniment. Smiles all around.

BRETT YOUNG / “Goodnight Into Good Morning”
Writers: Brett Young/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: BMLG Records
– He’s always so good with romantic material. This swirling, spinning, sensuous outing is a love-at-first-sight come-on with undeniably hypnotic appeal. Hit bound.

JOSH ROSS & JULIA MICHAELS / “Want This Beer”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Julia Michaels/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producers: Matt Geroux, Zach Abend; Label: Core Entertainment
– Moody and kinda dizzy, the ballad is a pop confection in the throats of two highly expressive vocalists. Be careful you don’t get a bloody nose when the thing ends with a sudden wall of silence in mid lyric.

DENETIA / “Gettin’ Over”
Writers: Brad Allen Williams/Denitia Odigie; Producer: Brad Allen Williams; Label: County Road
– Her sweet voice. Some twinkling steel guitar notes and the toe-tapping beats make this working-gal’s lament sound deceptively jaunty. Her songwriting seems to be growing more assured and authentically country as the months roll by.

JAMEY JOHNSON / “What A View”
Writers: Jamey Johnson/Randy Houser/Rob Hatch/Dallas Davidson; Producer: The Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Big Gassed Records
– This drops tomorrow as Johnson’s new single, and it’s dandy. The swaying, breezy vibe evokes a Caribbean idyll, as well as classic Strait. Jamey remains a masterful country singer, and has never sounded warmer or more engaging than he does here. Essential listening.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Harper Grace & Kelsey Hart Impress With New Duet

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We’ve got big country stars on tap today, but the listening session shows that the most innovative sounds are coming from the upstarts.

Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett are batting a thousand with their new releases. But Dasha, Kashus Culpepper, Kassi Ashton and Charley Crockett might have the most ear-catching new releases.

I’m a sucker for a great country duet, and we have one here. It’s “Freedom” by Curb’s Harper Grace and Kelsey Hart, and it wins the Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery awardee also sounds fresh and novel. It’s a cowboy named Mike Schikora. Lend him your ears.

HARPER GRACE & KELSEY HART / “Freedom”
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini/Justin Ebach/Charles Kelley; Producers: Cameron Jaymes, Ben West; Label: Curb
– They’ve broken up, but are far from over one another. Both singers sound simply splendid on this ultra-tuneful, ultra-rhythmic, pulsating rush of sound. The luscious harmonies and soaring melody alternate with conversational bits that catch your ear. I would love to hear this in my car on the radio. A lot.

THOMAS RHETT / “Overdrive”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Jacob Kasher Hindlin/John Ryan/Julian Bunetta; Producers: Dan Huff, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan; Label: Valory
– The wooshing breeze of summer romance wafts through this bopping ride in the back of a pickup truck. Rhett’s effortless vocal exudes mellow confidence while the country-pop track thumps and crashes around him. Audio excellence.

KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Who Hurt You”
Writers: Kashus Culpepper/Mark Addison Chandler; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud
– Armed with just his guitar and an extraordinary voice, this guy completely touches your heart. His lyric about an emotionally wounded guy whose parents divorced, whose lover left him and whose government sent his friends to war aches with honesty and believability. This guy is among the most traditionally “country” of the more than two dozen Black country artists now emerging. He shares that status with Dalton Dover, Scoot Teasley, Chapel Hart, Julie Williams, Aaron Vance and only a handful of others.

GRETCHEN WILSON / “Little Miss Runner Up”
Writers: Gretchen Wilson/Rivers Rutherford/George Teren; Producer: Gretchen Wilson; Label: Redneck Records
– A trashy hussy is on the loose and she’s after your man, so look out. Wilson is singing with as much moxie as ever, but I don’t like the muddy, messy, cluttered way this is mixed.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Shoot the Lock”
Writers: Graham Barham/John Pierce/Lindsay Rimes/Michael Whitworth; Producers: none listed; Label: Sony
– Who thought it was a good idea to put this hillbilly vocal with hip-hop beats? Irritating to my ears.

JASON ALDEAN / “Whiskey Drink”
Writers: John Edwards/John Morgan/Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: BBR/BMG
– A broken hearted man begs “Jack,” his whiskey drink, to blot out his thoughts and memories about her. Very well written: Roaring desperation and barroom misery have never sounded better.

KASSI ASHTON / “Son of a Gun”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/Jason Nix/Driver Williams; Producers: Luke Laird, Kassi Ashton; Label: MCA Nashville/Interscope
– Rollicking country rock with a charming tomboy lyric. This gal has always had the goods, vocally. Now she’s found a sound that suits her pipes.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Ain’t In Kansas Anymore”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Jesse Frasure/Jenee Fleenor; Producers: Jesse Frasure; Label: Atlantic
– This crunchy, dynamite blast plays under the end scene of the new cinema thrill ride Twisters. Love the whirling production as well as her feisty vocal. This much-awarded woman still rules my heart.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “America”
Writers: Billy Horton/Charley Crockett; Producers: Billy Horton, Charley Crockett; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
– Crockett has been hitting the road with superhuman energy for years, as well as recording more prolifically than any other country act. He issues his 14th album in less than a decade this month. Meanwhile, we have this excellent, bluesy, horn-embellished meditation on his home. The lyric waits patiently for America to make good on her promises while the singer traverses the land. Also: His cover of “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” is on the Twisters soundtrack. Crockett’s two Ryman shows next weekend (July 26 and July 27) are both sold out.

MIKE SCHIKORA / “Last Rose of Summer”
Writers: Mike Schikora/Rory Payne; Producers: Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie; Label: MS
– Vocal harmonies by Baillie & The Boys and wafting harmonica accents embellish this gentle waltz. It’s a sweet, simple, touching marriage proposal that is very emotionally affecting. Also check out Schikora’s light yodeling on his equally nice track “Back Under Montana Skies.”

T. GRAHAM BROWN & ZACH WILLIAMS / “When a Man Loves a Woman”
Writers: Calvin Lewis/Andrew Wright; Producers: T. Graham Brown, Cole Johnstone, Billy Lawson; Label: Warner/ADA
– Brown’s upcoming album is titled From Memphis to Muscle Shoals. It features collaborations with Wynonna, Dwight Yoakam, Randy Houser, Delbert McClinton and previously-reviewed Tanya Tucker (”Dark End of the Street”), as well as a cluster of soul stars. This new Opry member is always worth listening to. Here, he swaps lines effectively with CCM star Zach Williams on a 1966 Percy Sledge classic, previously brought to the country hit parade by John Wesley Ryles in the 1970s and by Narvel Felts in the 1980s.

DASHA / “Didn’t I”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Emily Weisband/Anna Dasha Novotny; Producer: Ben Johnson; Label: Warner
– Against her better intentions, she’s back with the lousy guy she already dumped. Written with wit. Produced with merry banjo plunking and thumpy dance beats. Very clever pop country. Her dance moves in the video are ace, too. The irresistibly catchy “Austin” remains the single, and its video has her out on the dancefloor as well. I have a hunch she’s big fun in concert.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Sam Williams Graces Cirque du Soleil With A ‘Gorgeous, Stately Waltz’

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Sam Williams. Photo: Alexa King

It’s party time at DISClaimer this week.

Break out the booze and your dance moves as Post Malone and Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Ashlie Amber and Lee Brice with his pals serve up the summer sounds. Upbeat tunes by Sacha and Phil Vassar and Jeffrey Steele will raise your spirits as well.

You’ll also be uplifted if you attend the Cirque du Soleil Songblazers show at TPAC. Its beautiful theme song by Sam Williams is the Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery Award goes to both Jett Holden and his record label, both of which are staging their debuts in the column today.

ASHLIE AMBER / “Beer Chaser”
Writer: Ashlie Amber; Producers: Ashlie Amber, Victor Wilson; Label: AA
– This Nashvillian sings with sprightly verve and the production is a pop-country dandy. The song rambles along attractively, but could have used a more memorable chorus. Promising. Send more.

KEITH URBAN / “Wildside”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/David Garcia/Ernest Keith Smith/Keith Urban; Producers: Dann Huff, Keith Urban; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– A scampering, good-time summertime bopper with some super cool, shuddering electric burbling. The guitar solo is a burst of sunshine, as is Urban’s bright vocal.

JETT HOLDEN / “West Virginia Sky”
Writer: Jett Holden; Producer: Will Hoge; Label: Black Opry Records
– The debut artist on the new Black Opry record label has a mystical, mysterious story to tell on this listenable folkie outing. It seems to be about a cancer death and a Phoenix-like rebirth, with myth-like imagery in the lyric. Holden also has a more rock-ish single titled “Backwood Proclamation.” Both are drawn from his forthcoming album debut, The Phoenix, due Oct. 4.

LEE BRICE, NATE SMITH & HAILEY WHITTERS / “Drinkin’ Buddies”
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Justin Wilson/Zachary Kale; Producers: Ben Glover, Jerrod Niemann; Label: Curb Records
– This one will make you want to bend that wrist, for sure. The shouted choruses are ridiculously catchy and the party vibe is irresistible. Brice is always a delight, and his pals here are both lively additions. An instant playlist add.

SACHA / “Hey Mom I Made It”
Writers: Jake Saghi/Sacha Visagie/Shawn Chambliss; Producers: James Robbins, Eric Arjes; Label: Sony Music Canada
– In a word, terrific. She’s been through a personal hell, but is still standing. The anthemic choruses are tuneful, inspirational and uplifting. She sings with joy and conviction. The Nashville production propels this Canadian toward the stardom that was promised when she was chosen for CMT’s Next Women of Country class back in 2021. This is Sacha’s major-label debut.

POST MALONE & BLAKE SHELTON / “Pour Me A Drink”
Writers: Austin Post/Charlie Handsome/John Byron/Jordan Dozzi/Louis Bell/Rocky Block; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Louis Bell; Label: Mercury Records/Republic/Big Loud
– I am so digging this guy’s move into country music. Post Malone can bust a honky-tonk tune with the best of ‘em, and he has one of the best as his duet partner here. Talk about a rompin’ stompin’ fiesta, ya gotta love this million-smiles ditty.

DON LOUIS / “Mine In My Mind”
Writers: Don Louis/Tanner Olsen; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: Empire Nashville
– I have admired this guy’s chesty baritone delivery in the past. On this moody, midtempo, acoustic meditation, he sees his ex lover in a bar with another guy. But he’s not worried, because he wants to believe that she’ll remember him and come back. Keep dreaming, buddy.

PHIL VASSAR & JEFFREY STEELE / “Hillbillies in Hollywood”
Writers: Jeffrey Steele/Phil Vassar; Producers: Jeffrey Steele, Scott Baggett; Label: 3 Ring Circus Records
– These two harmonize brilliantly together. The song is a nostalgic reverie about country-music life in Los Angeles. They rhythmically reminisce about The Troubadour, Linda Ronstadt, Sunset Boulevard, Bakersfield, “Hotel California,” Malibu, Laurel Canyon and more. The track is as thrilling as their vocal performance. A must-listen.

AVERY ANNA / “Girl Next Door”
Writer: Avery Anna; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This poignant acoustic ballad portrays a youngster who had to grow up and assume responsibilities way too young. Anna pines for her friend’s lost childhood, but reminds her that when things seem to much to bear that the singer is right next door. A brilliant piece of songwriting from a woman who deserves our universal support.

GAVIN DEGRAW / “Chariot (Chariot 20)”
Writer: Gavin DeGraw; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This former pop star transitioned to country a couple of years ago. He is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album with a soulful reworking of its title track. Organ, guitars and backup vocals give the whole thing a rousing, gospel vibe.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Carnival Heart”
Writers: Ned Houston/PJ Harding/Sam Williams; Producers: Ben Roberts, Nathan Sexton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This ballad is the theme song of the dazzling Cirque du Soleil Songblazers show currently ongoing at TPAC. It’s a gorgeous, stately waltz with a swirling production, an aching tenor vocal, lovely lyrics and a melody to get lost in. Williams is getting ready to release his sophomore album this fall. Can’t wait to hear it.

JERRY DOUGLAS / “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
Writer: George Harrison; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: Many Hats Distribution
– The dobro master teams with an awesome band to remind us what a spectacular melody this 1968 Beatles classic has. In addition to the poetic, emotive Douglas lead, the track features sweet notes from fiddle, bowed bass and Telecaster. The prettiest instrumental I’ve heard all year.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Morgan Wallen Delivers ‘Lovelorn Lament’

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Just when you thought it was safe to listen to country radio again, here comes some more bro country.

To varying degrees, that’s what Bailey Zimmerman, Timothy Wayne and Thomas Rhett are offering, as was last month’s Luke Bryan.

On the brighter side, we have forward-looking country singles this week by Caylee Hammack, Kelsea Ballerini & Noah Kahan, Fancy Hagood and Tanner Adell.  Not to mention Maren Morris’s pop outing with Julia Michaels. All of them were in contention for Disc of the Day.

But the Disc of the Day prize goes to Morgan Wallen, who is coming off what is shaping up to be the biggest single of the year, “I Had Some Help,” his No. 1 duet with Post Malone. His fine “Lies, Lies, Lies” performance will continue his unbroken string of authentic hits.

Our DISCovery Award winner is Daniel Jeffers, a North Carolinian with all his country bona fides in place.

MORGAN WALLEN / “Lies, Lies, Lies”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Daniel Ross/Jessie Jo Dillon/Josh Miller; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– If he tells himself, or her, that he is over the heartbreak, he is lying. The lovelorn lament is beautifully produced, and Wallen’s delivery, as usual, is hillbilly perfection. Essential listening, especially the live version recorded at Abby Road studios.

TANNER ADELL / “Cowboy Break My Heart”
Writers: Akil “worldwidefresh” King/Anthony Germaine White/Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor/Tanner Adell/Will Weatherly; Producers: Tanner Adell, Di Genius,Will Weatherly, Akil “worldwidefresh” King; Label: LVRN Records
– Bopping and frisky with a snappy electronic rhythm track underscoring her solid vocal. Adell is having a dandy year. She was chosen for CMT’s 2024 Next Women of Country tour, appeared on the Beyoncé album, has a track on the blockbuster Twisters soundtrack, signed a new record deal, appeared on Macy’s July 4th TV special and became the first female country act to perform on the BET Awards, where she introduced this audio delight on June 30.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Just To Say We Did”
Writers: Brett James/David Lee Murphy/Kenny Chesney/Matt Dragstrem; Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Kids do crazy stuff. “No rhyme or reason why/It just seemed like the thing to do at the time.” The rollicking production is like an exciting surf-board ride, and Chesney’s vocal has immense verve. Made for summer.

FANCY HAGOOD / “Through”
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Fancy Hagood; Producer: Jarrad K; Label: FH
– What a groove. Love the cool, crunchy bop tempo. The catchy, uplifting song is about getting through heartache and heading for a better place. “This is for the lost and the broken hearted,” he sings while tapping his toes. “One day you’ll just wake up laughing” as if the pain had never happened.

MAREN MORRIS & JULIA MICHAELS / “Cut!”
Writers: Caroline Ailin/Joel Little/Julia Michaels/Maren Morris; Producer: Joel Little; Label: Columbia Records
– She’s a flawless model of having it all together while out and about. Behind closed doors, however, she’s weeping and screaming. Wonderfully produced pop with loads of melodic hooks. So nice I played it twice. Programmer alert: There is a rather loud “f-bomb” in the lyric.

MORGAN WADE / “Moth To A Flame”
Writer: Morgan Wade; Producer: Clint Wells; Label: Ladylike Records/RCA Nashville
–  It’s a guitar ballad about lasting love that has a sensual vocal intimacy underscored by a sighing steel and piano chords. Riveting and hypnotic.

THOMAS RHETT / “Feelin’ Country”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Parker Welling/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Dann Huff, Julian Bunetta; Label: Atlantic Records
– Loads of rockin’ fun. He’s along for the ride as she beckons him to join her in a hick-time good time. Happy sounding, for sure. Drawn from the soundtrack of Twisters, which is packed with a country who’s who. Both the film and the soundtrack drop on July 19.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “The Hill”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Logan Wall/Tenille Townes; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Capitol Nashville
– A minor-key fiddle saws enthusiastically and a backbeat thumps righteously beneath her spectacular vocal delivery. Passion in every note. I remain an enormous fan. This lady is the for-real deal.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “New To Country”
Writers: Austin Shawn/Bailey Zimmerman/Heath Warren/Jacob Hackworth/Tim Galloway; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Elektra
– This current country ‘it’ guy says he is still the same good ol’ boy as always. Truck, mud, whiskey and rowdy friends are all cited in this tuneless rock outing.

DANIEL JEFFERS / “Roll One With Willie”
Writers: Ben Chase/Chris Buck/Daniel Jeffers/Jake Parshall/Zach John King; Producer: none listed; Label: DJ
– This wailin’ North Carolina honky tonker knows that if he could just toke up with Willie, life’s problems and issues would all make sense somehow. The lyric name checks Waylon, Jones and Merle as it yearns for a time when “country was true to itself.”

KELSEA BALLERINI & NOAH KAHAN / “Cowboys Cry Too”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Kelsea Ballerini/Noah Kahan; Producer: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Black River Entertainment
– The delicate production is exquisite, and these two vocalists blend like they’ve been singing together all their lives. The swirly ballad is folkie, poppy and country simultaneously. Great listening.

TIMOTHY WAYNE / “God Made A Country Boy”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Lance Miller; Producer: Tim McGraw, Byron Gallimore; Label: UMG Nashville
– Well sung. But the song comes across as a series of routine, paint-by-numbers country-music cliches. Wayne is Tim McGraw’s nephew.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brothers Osborne Gives An Electrifying Performance

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Brothers Osborne.

Today belongs to country music’s groups and duos.

Old Dominion, Maddie & Tae, The Castellows and Midland are all here with new sounds. So are both of our award winners. The Reklaws take home this week’s DISCovery Award. Brothers Osborne owns the Disc of the Day prize.

As for solo efforts, I direct your attention to the ultra fine offerings by Josh Turner, HunterGirl and Jelly Roll, the three main competitors with Brothers Osborne for disc supremacy.

COLBY ACUFF / “American Son”
Writer: Colby Acuff; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is an acoustic folk tune with topical lyrics. Always a charismatic singer, Acuff takes an anti-capitalist, anti-war tone on this riveting meditation. Intriguing.

MADDIE & TAE / “Sad Girl Summer”
Writers: Josh Kerr/Maddie Font/Matt McGinn/Taylor Kerr; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This good-time banger suggests that going out honky tonkin’ is a dandy way to get past the guy who has been making you cry. Their harmonies are flawless, the electric guitars are churning and the beats don’t quit. Raise a glass and dance.

TYLER HUBBARD / “Park”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Canaan Smith/Jesse Frasure/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– His car can burn rubber all the way “from Holler to Hollywood,” but rather than tear it up at high speed, he’d rather park. The track burbles along happily while he wails this uptempo romp. A summertime jam.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Break Mine (Live)”
Writers: John Osborne/Pete Good/Shane McAnally/TJ Osborne; Producers: none listed; Label: EMI Nashville
– This was arguably the most electrifying performance on Tuesday’s ABC TV special of the CMA Music Fest, and it is now a YouTube clip. T.J.’s commanding lead singing and John’s jaw-dropping guitar solos are both at the top of their games. This will make you proud to be a country-music fan.

THE REKLAWS / “One Beer Away”
Writers: The Reklaws/Callum Maudsley/Scott Helman; Producer: Callum Maudsley; Label: Starseed Records
– The brother-sister duo captured everyone’s attention on America’s Got Talent. Meanwhile, north of the border, The Reklaws hold eight Juno Award nominations, eight CCMA Awards, four No.1’s at Canadian radio, two double Platinum, eight Platinum and 13 Gold singles and a Gold certified debut album. In addition, siblings Jenna & Stuart Walker have more than 300 million global streams. Their new single is an upbeat jangler with banjo ripples, punchy rhythm and a joyous, party-hearty vibe. They swap lead vocals and harmonize delightfully. Get in that convertible, speed it on an open road and sing along.

JOSH TURNER / “Down In Georgia”
Writers: Anthony Olympia/Brent Rupard/Tyler Booth; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Dark and swampy, with a gripping bass undertow. Not to mention Turner’s always compelling bass-vocal dips. Addictive as all get out. Can’t wait to hear the album.

DALTON DOVER / “Here’s The Deal”
Writers: Chase McGill/Matt Dragstrem/Michael Hardy; Producer: Matt McVaney; Label: Mercury Nashville
– He beckons her to join him in romance, but only if she’s down with his down-home, hometown values. There’s too much going on in the production, so his vocal is buried.

MIDLAND / “Lucky Sometimes”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jess Carson/Josh Osborne/Mark Wystrach/Matt Dragstrem; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Machine Records
– A very refreshing change of pace. The harmony trio strips its sound back to acoustic basics and leans back in a relaxing posture for this gently sunny outing. It is a taste of what we can expect on the group’s Barely Blue upcoming collection, and it sure sounds good.

HUNTERGIRL / “Bad Boy”
Writers: Greg Bates/Lindsay Rimes/Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– HunterGirl has competed on American Idol and won fans with appearances on CMT’s “Next Women of Country” tour as well as on Kelly Clarkson’s show. Her new song is a total blast. If the guy has tattoos, smokes cigarettes, is a one-night stand and looks a little dangerous, she’s in. “I really got it bad for a bad, bad boy,” she sings, knowing that her dad is going to hate this song. The light-hearted video features her teaching nerds how to be outlaws. One more thing: This woman sings her face off. Make her a star.

OLD DOMINION / “Coming Home”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers/Geoff Sprung/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– It’s a rousing, uplifting jam that communicates the joy, enthusiasm and anticipation of a loving homecoming. A hit if I’ve ever heard one.

THE CASTELLOWS / “Miss America”
Writers: The Castellows/Nicolle Galyon/Will Bundy; Producer: Chip Matthews; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– The blonde sister trio has never sounded smoother. The sweet-sad, jaunty tune rolls along while they sing of a small-town girl who gets her heart broken. Very pretty, very hooky, very nice.

JELLY ROLL / “Burning”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– Jelly Roll held his own during his Tuesday appearance on Jimmy Kimmel! Live. He chatted easily with guest host Martin Short and comedy star Jane Lynch, both of whom turned out to be fans. Then he staged the world premiere of his next single. It’s a frothing rocker where he begs for redemption while the band flames around him. It is also the finest vocal of his career to date and the first sample of the music that will be on his fall album. Roll, Jelly, roll.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs Proves Why He’s A Country Superstar

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Luke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey

It’s all superstars, no waiting, today in DISClaimer.

Packed into this edition of the column are Luke Bryan, Carly Pearce, Lorrie Morgan, Lainey Wilson, Billy Currington and our Disc of the Day winner, Luke Combs.

Mix them together with talents like Drew Parker, Levi Hummon and Don Louis, there’s just no room for a newcomer to squeeze in. So there’s no DISCovery Award winner this week.

DREW PARKER / “Better On A Boat”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Drew Parker/Jacob Rice; Producer: Jacob Rice; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– I have made no secret of my admiration for this country-as-grits performer. His latest is a rocking summertime romp. As always, he sings with an endearing drawl and the production is perfection. ‘Pop, pop, pop-a-top/Pour yourself a  beer/Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug/Your troubles disappear.’ And if you are chilling on the water, so much the better. Please make this the mega  smash it deserves to be. 

LUKE BRYAN / “Mind Of A Country Boy”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Dallas Davidson/Luke Bryan/Rhett Akins; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Love the banjo. I am SO over bro country songs. Pass.

DON LOUIS / “Liquor Talkin’”
Writers: Cale Dodds/Don Louis/Thomas Kipp Williams; Producer: Kipp Williams; Label: Money Myers Entertainment LLC/ EMPIRE
– The groove is sultry and darkly rhythmic. His voice has baritone heat. The mood is mellow. The lyric is about a guy who needs a couple of shots to get the courage to talk to a lady. Roll with this bluesy winner. The EMPIRE imprint is on a roll with Niko  Moon, Wyatt Flores, Shaboozey and more.

LORRIE MORGAN / “Dead Girl Walking”
Writer: Kelly Lang; Producer: Lawson White//Lorrie Morgan/Richard Landis; Label: Cleopatra Records
– This is the title tune of Morgan’s first album in seven years. It’s a soulful heartache ballad stirred with terrific echoey guitars and percussion. She remains a sterling singer, investing every line with passion, heart and nuance. Morgan celebrated her 40th anniversary as an Opry member earlier this month. Dead Girl Walking is the final album produced by the late talent Richard Landis (1946-2023).

ANGEL WHITE / “2733”
Writers: Angel White/James Droll/Reed Jacob Berin; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Label: Wyatt Road Records
– This Black Texan sings in a heartfelt tenor as he communicates open-sky loneliness, yearning and loss. His harmonica and  guitar propel the tasteful production. Give the guy extra points for playing both CMA Fest and Bonnaroo.

LUKE COMBS / “Remember Him That Way”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Jessi Alexander/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs; Producers: Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs; Label: Seven Ridges Records/Columbia Nashville
– This warm recollection of an aging dad is drawn from Luke’s excellent Fathers and Sons album. Dobro, guitar and mandolin notes ripple around his heartfelt vocal. The whole project is emotionally awesome. There is a reason why this man is a country superstar.

BREI CARTER / “Sun Still Shining”
Writers: David Frasier/Lonnie Fowler/Marti Dodson; Producer: Bill McDermott; Label: BC
– It’s a lilting, upbeat ode to surviving a breakup. She’s not a powerhouse vocalist, but has a sweet, light soprano that covers the bases just fine.

LAINEY WILSON / “Out Of Oklahoma”
Writers: Lainey Wilson/Luke Dick/Shane McAnally; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Atlantic Records
– This is drawn from an impressive, 29- track album of music from the soundtrack of the movie blockbuster Twisters. It drops on July 19. In the meantime, check out Wilson’s haunting, wistful, evocative, airy and delicious performance of this gently seductive reflection. She is not alone on this marvelously curated collection of established stars (Combs, Miranda Lambert, Shania Twain, Kane Brown, Megan Moroney, Thomas Rhett) and gifted talents (Tyler Childers, Charley Crockett, Tanner Adell, Leon Bridges, Warren Zeiders, Bailey Zimmerman).

LEVI HUMMON / “Make It Love”
Writers: Andrew Dorff/Levi Hummon/Marcus Hummon; Producer: Eric Arjes; Label: Red Van Records
– The single remains his duet with Walker Hayes, “Paying For It.” Now comes this newly issued track, a hopeful, moving pop ode to curing the world’s ills with love. Very, very pretty and thoroughly enjoyable from the opening acoustic guitar notes to the string embellished finish.

DYLAN SCOTT / “I Owe You One”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ernest Keith Smith/Mark Holman/Morgan Wallen; Producer: Mark Holman; Label: Curb Records
– This oomphy performance is a salute to the community that raised him. It’s not particularly musical, but everyone can relate to this lyric.

CARLY PEARCE / “Oklahoma”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Jordan Reynolds/Nicolle Galyon/Shane McAnally; Producers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– ‘I might be in Oklahoma, but I’m not OK,’ she sings as she drives as far from a broken heart as she can get. As always, she’s a brilliant vocalist, one of the finest in all of country music.

Billy Currington / “Everything Is Changing”
Writers: Billy Currington/Cary Barlowe/Rømans/Will Weatherly; Producer: Will Weatherly; Label: Mercury Nashville
– The scampering rhythm track gives this performance little electric jolts. But Currington’s delivery of the nostalgic lyric remains front and center. He looks around and sees that everything is being transformed so much that he doesn’t even  recognize his own town. Loved the rousing, naked-vocals ending.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Warren Zeiders Kicks Off Summer With ‘Infectious Banger’

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Warren Zeiders. Photo: Austin Screws

You can set your clock to it: every year, the CMA Music Fest ushers in 90 degree weather in Music City.

With summer upon us, the country stars are doing their bit with sunshine songs. Just lend your ears to Mickey Guyton, Thomas Rhett, Denitia, Uncle Kracker and Sylvia.

This same vibe is also true of this week’s award winners. The Disc of the Day prize goes to Warren Zeiders. His lyric might be about a relationship, but the rocking sound is summer all the way. The DISCovery Award goes to Tucker Wetmore, who is also selling a tempo tune.

SYLVIA / “Knockin’ Around”
Writer: Gary Burr; Producers: Don Potter/Brent Maher; Label: RCA/Legacy
– There’s good news this week from the Sylvia camp. All of her hit RCA albums from the ‘80s are being reissued—Drifter (1981), the Gold-selling Just Sylvia (1982, including her pop-crossover “Nobody”), Snapshot (1983), Surprise (1984) and One Step Closer (1985). The newly released music in this batch of releases are the 11 tracks of her previously unissued 1986 collection. The title tune, “Knockin’ Around,” has very cool retro vibe. A driving ‘80s-percussion beat, chiming synth keyboards and a groovy sax solo underscore a sprightly vocal performance. All of the new/old tracks remind me of how much real melody is missing from today’s country songwriting. Highly recommended ear therapy.

AVERY ANNA / “Breakup Over Breakfast”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Avery Anna/Ben Williams/David Fanning; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Rocking, snarky and feisty. The title tune for this woman’s forthcoming debut album is a breakup song with wit and spice. I sense big things in this gal’s future.

THOMAS RHETT / “Gone Country”
Writers: Jacob Kasher Hindlin/Joe Reeves/John Byron/Julian Bunetta/Rocky Block/Ryan Vojtesak/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Julian Bunetta/Dann Huff/Charlie Handsome/Joe Reeves; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Thoroughly charming. A choppy, loopy rhythm pattern burbles along as he spins his yarn of a city girl who falls in love with his backwoods life. The production is admirably spare, and he delivers with a vocal wink.

ELLA LANGLEY / “Hungover”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Ella Langley/Josh Kear; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– Compelling and charismatic. She delivers this heartache ballad with terrific vocal finesse—extended notes, wounded phrasing, broken passages and the like. I hung on every line.

LITTLE BIG TOWN & KELSEA BALLERINI / “Shut Up Train”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Hillary Lindsey/Luke Laird; Producers: Little Big Town/Wayne Kirkpatrick; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– LBT’s forthcoming Greatest Hits collection features three new collaborations. Miranda Lambert adds zest to “Little White Church.” Sugarland teams up with the quartet on the Phil Collins tune “Take Me Home.” Out this week is a new take on LBT’s 2011 ballad “Shut Up Train” featuring Kelsea Ballerini coming in on the second verse and carrying the tune into its bridge and finale choruses. Super listenable.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Wind Up Missin’ You”
Writers: Chris LaCorte/Thomas Archer/Tucker Wetmore; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: TW
– A contemporary, modern Nashville production contrasts nicely with his ultra-country vocal drawl. A rushing, electronic vibe carries the thing along. This newcomer’s set was a rousing crowd pleaser at CMA Fest.

MICKEY GUYTON / “Make It Me”
Writers: Corey Crowder/Mickey Guyton/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Jaunty, youthful, bopping pop country. She’s such a good singer: I wish somebody would give her a surefire hit song.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS & KEITH URBAN / “Write One”
Writers: Aaron Zuckerman/Heather Morgan/Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Sultry and bitter. Crashing electric guitars (courtesy of Keith Urban) back her as her double-tracked vocal shoots sharp arrows into her cheating ex-boyfriend. He always wanted her to write a song about him, but I doubt he was thinking of this.

JOHNNY CASH & DAN AUERBACH / “Spotlight”
Writer: Johnny Cash; Producers: Johnny Cash/John Carter Cash/David Ferguson/Josh Matas/Mike Daniel; Label: JC
– Ruminating and moody with a steady rhythmic thump and some ghostly, echoey  guitar accompaniment from Dan Auerbach. Cash’s vocal is a marvel of understated phrasing and solid confidence. The late superstar’s upcoming Songwriter album is a masterpiece from start to finish. This is just one of its splendid attractions.

DENITIA / “Back To You”
Writers: Brad Allen Williams/Denitia Odigie; Producer: Brad Allen Williams; Label: County Road
– This Black Opry and Next Women of Country alumnus displays a loping, gentle, folkie vibe on this yearning tune. There’s a sweet innocence about it that’s quite endearing.

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Relapse”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Justin Ebach/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: Warner Records
– This one’s an infectious banger that sounds like the perfect summer country song. The tempo is ferocious; the guitars are high and bright; he’s singing his face off. What’s not to like?

UNCLE KRACKER / “Beach Chair”
Writers: Greg Schleicher/Joe Benke/Matthew Shafer; Producer: Josh Bright; Label: Sturgeon General Records
– And speaking of summer, here’s a seaside ditty with a mellow, relaxing, beer-sipping, palm-trees-in-sunshine, good-time atmosphere. Nobody sings with a smile better than this friendly goofball.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Carly Pearce Wins Disc Of The Day Ahead Of Album Release

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Carly Pearce. Photo: Allister Ann

Diversity is the hallmark of this edition of DISClaimer.

Half of our entries feature female voices. Black country artists are represented by The War and Treaty and Shaboozey. We have a song by a Andrea Vasquez, who represents the Latin community.

The DISCovery Award goes to Chris Housman. He is a Belmont grad who makes solidly country music from a queer perspective. In addition to “Guilty As Sin,” check out his song “Drag Queen.” They are both on his debut album, titled Blueneck.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Carly Pearce, who is also issuing a new collection, Hummingbird, tomorrow (June 7). Long may she sing.

BRANDON DAVIS / “Daisies”
Writers: Daniel Agee/Josh London/Richard Brandon Davis; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog Music
– This snappy country rocker has cute melodic twists and turns as the singer delivers a deeply Southern accented vow of lifelong love. Country as a can of kraut.

T. GRAHAM BROWN & TANYA TUCKER / “The Dark End Of The Street”
Writers: Chips Moman/Dan Penn; Producers: T. Graham Brown/Cole Johnstone/Billy Lawson; Label: Johnstone Ent. Records
– The Opry’s newest member reunites with his 1990 “Don’t Go Out” duet partner. She is at last a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and they still sound great together. The song is one of history’s great cheating songs. They take it at a stately pace, each emoting with smoldering fire while the soul horns punctuate. This mini masterpiece is drawn from Brown’s upcoming From Memphis to Muscle Shoals collection (due Aug. 2), which also features collaborations with Delbert McClinton, Dwight Yoakam, Eddie Floyd, Bettye LaVette, Sam Moore, Wynonna and Little Anthony. A second advance track has also been issued, Brown with Randy Houser on “Dock of the Bay.”

ANDREA VASQUEZ / “Moving Target”
Writers: Andrea Vasquez/Bailey Morgan/Eitan Snyder; Producer: Jason Bobo; Label: AV
– Vasquez sings amid a swirling, languid, imaginatively produced track embellished with cross-cutting percussion, whispery soprano backing and echoey guitars. The lyric is about a gal who won’t be tied down. She aims to bring some of her Latin emotion to the country genre and succeeds. Also check out her tempo tune “Overthink.”

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “Where It Ends”
Writers: Bailey Zimmerman/Grant Averill/Joe Spargur; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Elektra
– She has broken his heart one too many times, so he’s calling it quits in this recent chart-topper. Zimmerman is a wailing tenor and a dynamic live performer who showcases Sunday night at Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Called You By Your Name”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: UMG Nashville
– The soul-country duo rocks out on this barn burner. The tempo is bluegrassy-furious and the vocals are electrifying. Their CMA Fest slot is Saturday evening.

CARLY PEARCE / “Truck On Fire”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Justin Ebach/Charles Kelley; Producers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– “Liar, liar, truck on fire,” she warbles in this deceptively bouncy ditty. She has plans to torch his ride, you see. As usual, she sings her face off. Catch Carly in a primo slot on Sunday night at the Nissan Stadium CMA Fest finale or during her afternoon appearance on the CMA Close Up stage in Music City Center.

MICHAEL RAY / “Drink With Our Friends”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/John Edwards/John Morgan; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Loudly rocking. It could be an outtake from an ‘80s hair-metal band. Except his vocal doesn’t shriek.

KIM RICHEY / “A Way Around”
Writers: Aaron Lee Tasjan/Brian Wright/Kim Richey; Producer: Doug Lancio; Label: Yep Roc Records
– I have always loved this woman’s music. Her liquid-silver voice wraps itself around this deliciously crunchy midtempo track in a rootsy, bluesy dream. It is drawn from her refreshing new album Every New Beginning, which dropped a couple of weeks ago. An essential artist.

SHABOOZEY & NOAH CYRUS / “My Fault”
Writers: Bailey Bryan/Collins Obinna Chibueze/Doug Walters/Nevin Sastry/Noah Cyrus/PJ Harding/Sean Cook; Producers: Sean Cook/Nevin Sastry; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– Shaboozey wears a heartache-ballad cloak quite well. Ms. Cyrus sings along as he explores a dark path of overdose and self destruction. It’s a downer, but it sure is listenable.

CHASE BRYANT & JAKE OWEN / “Where The Good Ones Go”
Writers: Bob DiPiero/Chase Bryant/Chris Loocke; Producers: Chase Bryant/Jon Randall/Casey Wood; Label: Alazan Records LLC/EMPIRE
– We don’t know where we go when we die. In this gentle, rolling, echoey meditation, these guys hope to go where his buddies are, the beer is cold, the grass is green and country music plays all the time. Very hooky and satisfying.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Man On The Moon”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Casey Smith/David “Messy” Mescon/Megan Moroney; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– As usual, she’s a beacon of creativity. “Someone take this cowboy away….There’s got to be a rocket taking off somewhere soon,” for the moon. Her clever lyric is matched by a super hooky melody and an upbeat production. I’m in.

CHRIS HOUSMAN / “Guilty As Sin”
Writers: Brandon Meagher/Christopher Aaron Housman/Nell Maynard; Producer: Jerry Fuentes; Label: CH
– This Kansas honky tonker sings in a burnished baritone that aches in romantic torment. The twang and soul in the production are straight-up country. And then there’s this: The video features two tattooed guys (Housman and Gabe LaDuke) making out in a garage. It’s Pride Month. So there you have it.