DISClaimer Single Reviews: Morgan Wallen Delivers ‘Lovelorn Lament’

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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’

/by

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

/by

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.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lainey Wilson Gives Us A ‘Summertime Smash’

/by

Lainey Wilson. Photo: Erick Frost

This month’s ACM Awards put a spotlight on several of today’s DISClaimer candidates.

Among the Top New Male and Female nominees were Kameron Marlowe and Kassi Ashton, both of whom have fine new sounds. Entertainer of the Year nominee Kane Brown shows a whole new side of his artistry with “Georgia on My Mind.” Artist/Songwriter of the Year nominee Hardy is paired today with Travis Denning. Songwriter of the Year nominee Chase McGill is present as a co-writer on that same collaboration.

And then there’s Lainey Wilson, wearing the ACM Female Vocalist sash and the Entertainer of the Year crown. She rules in DISClaimer, too, with our Disc of the Day.

Dust off a tiara for Kayley Green, too. She takes home a DISCovery Award.

HARPER GRACE / “Getaway”
Writers: Cooper Bascom/Harper Gruzins/Nate Kenyon/Tedd Tjornhom; Producers: Cooper Bascom/Tedd T.; Label: Curb Records
– Electro-pop meets country in this rushing, open-road blast of uptempo energy. Grace is a highly skilled vocal communicator, leaping effortlessly from the deep alto passages in the verses to the sunny soprano soaring in the choruses. The whole thing feels like warm summer wind in your face.

MIDLAND / “Old Fashioned Feeling”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jess Carson/Josh Osborne/Mark Wystrach/Matthew Dragstrem; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Machine Records
– Bittersweet barroom heartache, served with the group’s trademark California-country harmonies. A super strong comeback tune.

TRAVIS DENNING & HARDY / “Southern Rock”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Chase McGill/Travis Denning; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Guitar rock is dead on pop radio. All you’ll find there is diva singing, rap shouting and synthesized sounds, sometimes in the same single. What’s a rock lover to do? Country music is still about guitars, so that is where these Southern rockers head, proudly singing of their love for Skynyrd. Denning’s guitar states its case, as do both vocalists. Rock on, bro’s.

KANE BROWN / “Georgia On My Mind”
Writers: Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorrell; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Brown demonstrates his talent for crooning on this string-embellished revival of a much-loved pop standard. He holds his own by comparison with well-known prior versions by Mildred Bailey (1932), Ray Charles (1960), Willie Nelson (1978) and Michael Bolton (1990).

KAYLEY GREEN / “Live Fast Die Pretty”
Writers: Joey Hyde/Kayley Green/Kylie Sackley; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Green is a Lower Broadway veteran who is a regular entertainer at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row honky-tonk. She was heard there by Keith Urban, who invited her to sing with him at Bridgestone Arena. That’s where she got Sony’s attention, and, voila, a rocking major-label single. It’s a little over-produced, but shows great promise.

PAUL OVERSTREET / “All I Ever Wanted To Be (Was A Cowboy)”
Writers: Christopher Harris/Paul Overstreet/Steve Thomas; Producer: Paul Overstreet/Christopher Harris; Label: Horsefly Music
– This stone-country cowboy outing salutes legendary rodeo champion Jack Roddy. Accompanied by a loping western beat and sighing steel, Overstreet still sings with a warm heart.

LOUIE THESINGER / “Desperado”
Writers: Bordeaux/Jake Angel/Luis Alfonso Palacios II/Non Native/Xzavier; Producers: Bordeaux/Non Native/Xzavier/Jake Angel; Label: UMG Nashville
– He’s a Mexican-American stylist who sounds confident and cool on this moody portrait of an outsider. The song seems to meander aimlessly despite its repetitive lyric. He needs better material.

LAINEY WILSON / “Hang Tight Honey”
Writers: Driver Williams/Jason Nix/Lainey Wilson/Paul Sikes; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Wilson premiered this new tune on The Voice. Its a snappy hillbilly rocker that comes on with whiplash energy and wildfire heat. The lady rules, and this is a summertime smash.

ALEX MILLER / “My Daddy’s Dad”
Writers: Alex Miller/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– Miller is a marvelously expressive country vocalist, and this heart-warming word portrait is right up his alley. Father’s Day is approaching, so this ode to a loved granddad couldn’t be more timely. Deserving of many spins.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “I Can Run”
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Oscar Charles/Ben Roberts; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Records
– This is the focus track from Marlowe’s sophomore album Keepin’ the Lights On. I have said many times before how much I love his emotional singing. Backed by a rhythmic thump and sympathetic guitar work, he is splendid on this tune of a troubled soul. No one deserves stardom more.

KASSI ASHTON / “I Don’t Wanna Dance”
Writers: Oscar Charles/Kassi Ashton/Emily Landis; Producers: Luke Laird/Kassi Ashton/Oscar Charles; Label: MCA Records
– I dig the bluesy vibe in her alto delivery. The midtempo meditation is sultry and inviting, but, “I don’t wanna dance/If I ain’t dancin’ with you.” So back off, buddy.

JAMEY JOHNSON / “21 Guns”
Writers: Jamey Johnson/Jim Brown; Producer: The Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Big Gassed Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Johnson premiered this on the PBS Memorial Day concert special. Which was so fitting, because the song is literally about Memorial Day. The somber ballad salutes a fallen young soldier. The singer is a former Marine, himself, and means every last word of this moving meditation. Intense and powerful.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Carly Pearce Delivers ‘Cool, Traditional Country Song’

/by

Carly Pearce. Photo: Allister Ann

This listening session was loaded with goodies.

I’m a happy camper whenever real country music is on the menu. And that’s what we have today from George Ducas, Thomas Rhett, Mitchell Tenpenny and the surprisingly good Post Malone & Morgan Wallen duet. It’s also what Carly Pearce is presenting, and for her excellent work, she takes home the Disc of the Day prize.

The DISCovery Award goes to American Patchwork Quartet. The East Indian warbling of its expressive lead singer Falu segues quite nicely into minor-key mountain balladry.

WILLOW AVALON / “Hey There Dolly”
Writers: James Atkins/Tofer Brown/Willow Avalon; Producers: Tofer Brown/JR Atkins/Willow Avalon; Label: Assemble Sound/Atlantic
– Her pert soprano rides atop a steel-drenched, echo-chamber track. The sing-songy melody and cheesy production are simplistic, but oddly addictive. The gist of it is that she feels like she and Dolly could be best friends because, “I’ve got big titties and a big heart too,” and “I’m just like you.” Willow Avalon (what a great name) plays the Brooklyn Bowl on June 1 and is opening for the Nashville rock band Cage the Elephant on tour this summer.

THOMAS RHETT / “Beautiful As You”
Writers: Alexander Izquierdo/Jacob Kasher Hindlin/John Henry Ryan/Joshua Emanuel Coleman/Julian Bunetta/Thomas Rhett/Zaire Kelsey; Producers: Julian Bunetta/John Ryan/Ammo/Dann Huff; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– This lively little bopper is a perfect summertime jam, and he sings it with a smile. She’s so out of his league that he marvels about her loving him. Rhett is scheduled to debut the tune on tonight’s ACM Awards show.

AMERICAN PATCHWORK QUARTET / “Shenandoah”
Writers: Clay Ross/Falguni Shah; Producers: none listed; Label: 2024 Carolina Jasmine, Inc.
– Clay Ross (guitar), Falu (vocals), Yasushi Nakamura (bass) and Clarence Penn (drums) come from four different ethnic heritages. They celebrate American diversity on an album comprised of traditional Appalachian folk songs (”Wayfaring Stranger,” “Pretty Saro,” “Beneath the Willow,” etc.). Their languid take on this lovely ballad is utterly entrancing. Stay tuned: this wonderfully individualistic band plays the Opry on June 18.

CARLY PEARCE / “Fault Line”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Jordan Reynolds/Nicole Galyon/Shane McAnally; Producers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– Hallelujah! Carly reminds us all what a really cool, traditional country song sounds like. This depiction of a crumbling marriage is packed with playful lyric details as it two-steps merrily across the country dance floor. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Leads Me Home”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: UMG Nashville
– This always-inspiring duo wades into the comforting waters of gospel on this heart-in-throats performance. This is forever true: when they sing, they send shivers up my spine. And they make me proud to be a country fan.

GEORGE DUCAS / “Drifter”
Writers: George Ducas/Jacob Lyda; Producer: Pete Anderson; Label: Loud Ranch/Xstream Music Group
– Telecaster twang, steel sighs, fiddle embellishments, honky-tonk attitude and a rolling California-country vibe are the calling cards of this uber cool “road” song. Absolutely essential listening. Mellow-voiced Ducas is a proven hit songwriter, both for himself and for others (Garth, the Chicks, Jones, Yearwood).

KYLIE MORGAN / “Scratching the Surface (Mama’s Song)”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/Sam DeRosa; Producer: KK Johnson; Label: EMI Nashville
– This is a sweet, sentimental Mama song. The daughter realizes that her mother is now an empty nester, so she encourages her to go out and shine for herself.

POST MALONE & MORGAN WALLEN / “I Had Some Help”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Austin Post/Chandler Paul Walters/Ernest Smith/Hoskins/Louis Bell/Morgan Wallen/Ryan Vojtesak; Producers: Louis Bell/Charlie Handsome/Hoskins; Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
– A rollicking party record, with both vocalists sounding authentically and totally hillbilly. When you are totally screwing up out on the town, “it ain’t like I can make this mess all by myself.” The rowdy friends sound like they are along for the ride.

JULIA CANNON / “These Dreams”
Writer: Julia Anne Lucille Cannon; Producer: Julia Anne Lucille Cannon; Label: JC
– Witty, retro, quirky and groovy, with a jazzy, wafting, girl-group vibe. The video is essential. Also check out her equally clever “Day 2 Day.”

BLESSING OFFOR & DOLLY PARTON / “Somebody’s Child”
Writers: Blessing Offor/Josh Ronen/Joy Williams; Producer: Josh Ronen; Label: Bowyer and Bow
– Offor is a blind, Black, two-time Dove Award winning pianist-songwriter who can shake you to your core with his soulful singing. Put him together with the inspirational Parton and a gospel choir and you have a heart-stopping, electrifying moment of audio bliss. If this doesn’t melt your heart, you haven’t got one.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Not Today”
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Claire Douglas/Michael Whitworth/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Riser House Entertainment/Columbia Nashville
– Getting over a broken heart has never rocked more splendidly than this. Tenpenny’s soft, furry vocal delivery turns into a shout of liberation as this tempo tune swings into its frothing choruses. He’ll get over her, all right, but just not right this moment.

EXILE / “After You”
Writers: James Pennington/Paul Jefferson/Sonny Lemaire; Producers: Sonny Lemaire/James Pennington; Label: Clearwater Records
– This band is so enduringly catchy and hooky. This nifty little ditty has a certain country-Beatles vibe that is totally delightful. I remain a longtime fan.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Megan Moroney Writes With ‘Creativity & Wit’

/by

Megan Moroney. Photo: CeCe Dawson.

DISClaimer is running all the country-music bases this week—hip-hop, disco, bluegrass, rock, honky-tonk, alt-pop—you name it.

The most “country” thing in the line-up is, of course, the Randy Travis entry. But it’s rocker Dylan Taylor who has the DISCovery Award winner. The record to watch is Avery Anna’s “Blonde,” which drops tomorrow. Making it a female grand slam is Megan Moroney who wins Disc of the Day with the advance track from her upcoming sophomore album.

Having said all that, the single in this stack that is almost certainly going to be the smash hit is the Kane Brown collaboration with Marshmello.

CARSON PETERS / “Long Twin Silver Line”
Writer: Bob Seger; Producer: Randall Deaton; Label: Lonesome Day
– I have always thought that Bob Seger’s songs were somehow “country,” but I confess I never considered how cool one could sound as bluegrass track. Here’s the evidence, complete with Dobro, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and guitar. More, please.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Good Day To Have A Great Day”
Writers: Eren Cannata/Jesse Frasure/Justin Tranter/Russell Dickerson; Producers: Russell Dickerson/Josh Kerr; Label: Triple Tigers
– This one is a big ol’ smile. Designed to start your morning with a bopping good attitude, optimism, positivity and love. Euphoria on the hoof.

LAUREN WATKINS / “Mama, I Made It”
Writers: Lauren Hungate/Lauren Watkins/Rocky Block; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– The jaunty track ripples along, but it’s the lyric that captures your attention. Her relationship has gone south. It’s a mess, and “Mama, I made it.” Wonderfully catchy and cool. So nice I played it twice.

RANDY TRAVIS / “Where That Came From”
Writers: John Scott Sherrill/Scotty Emerick; Producers: Jerry Douglas/Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Country music’s first AI-generated single sounds like a miracle. Randy’s voice may be stroke-stilled, but here it is very much present and accounted for, thanks to technology. Heart-touching listening.

KEITH URBAN & LAINEY WILSON / “Go Home W U”
Writers: Breland/Keith Urban/Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Producers: Keith Urban/Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– It’s closing time at the bar, and he’s too loaded to drive home. So maybe she should drive him to her place. The chorus is arranged with gang vocals like it is meant to be a rowdy roadhouse sing-along.

DYLAN TAYLOR / “Damn My Heart”
Writer: Dylan Taylor; Producer: RS Field; Label: Vertical Records
– It’s a spitfire country rocker with forward-motion propulsion and a saucy female vocal. A total summer jam. Highly promising. Taylor is a SESAC writer recently signed by Bluewater Music.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Indifferent”
Writers: Ben Williams/Mackenzie Carpenter/Megan Moroney/Micah Carpenter; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– The creativity and wit in this woman’s songwriting always delight me. This female-empowerment romp has oomphy stadium chords, but it’s the feisty attitude that keeps you hanging on every line. Love her. Love this.

MARSHMELLO & KANE BROWN / “Miles On It”
Writers: Castle/Connor McDonough/Earwulf/Jake Torrey/Kane Brown/Marshmello/Nick Gale/Riley McDonough; Producers: Marshmello/Digital Farm Animals/Earwulf/Connor McDonough; Label: RCA Records Label Nashville
– Brown’s ready to roll, with a Chevy truck bed eager to welcome him and his gal. He wants to, “Put some miles on it/If you know what I mean.” Disco mix master Marshmello puts some rhythmic thump on the track to help make it a road-worthy, wicked-good, summertime banger.

MONTE WARDEN & THE DANGEROUS FEW / “Waxahachie Hoochie Coo”
Writers: Brandi Warden/Montgomery Warden; Producers:Erik Telford/Mas Palermo/Tim Palmer; Label: Break A Leg Records
– It’s a groovy, good-time, R&B track with horns, topped by a country vocal. Warden is a two-time Texas Music Hall of Famer, once as a member of The Wagoneers and once as a solo artist. He has a longtime residency in the honky-tonks of Austin and periodically surfaces as a songwriter for George Strait, Patty Loveless, George Jones, Travis Tritt, Josh Turner and more.

GEORGIA WEBSTER & NIGHTLY / “This Ain’t A Breakup”
Writers: Georgia Webster/Conner Moye/Spencer Rabin; Producer: King Henry; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– “If this ain’t a breakup, then why am I broken?” they both ask. Beats burble around their echoey voices in a highly electronic track. Hooky and quite engaging. Nightly is a Nashville alt-pop band fronted by singer Jonny Capeci.

RVSHVD / “Dear Mama”
Writers: Bruce Hawes/Charles B. Simmons/Joe Sample/Joseph B. Jefferson/Terence Thomas/Tony D Pizarro/Tupac Amaru Shakur; Producer: Dream Addix; Label: Sumerian Records
– This country rapper’s name is pronounced Ra-Shad. His revival of the million-selling 1995 Tupac Shakur hip-hop hit is right on time for Mother’s Day.

AVERY ANNA / “Blonde”
Writers: Avery Anna/David Fanning/Andy Sheridan/Ben Williams; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– So excellent! She takes the cliches of being a blonde and turns them on their heads in this drawling, winking, snarky response to a condescending male. Anna’s vocal delivery is priceless. Absolutely play this.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Travis Denning & Mickey Guyton Share Disc Of The Day

/by

Travis Denning, Mickey Guyton

The sun is shining, and there’s a spring in your step, so the country stars are here to get your feet tapping, too.

New tracks by Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson, Elle King and a Darius Rucker/Jennifer Nettles collaboration set the pace this week in DISClaimer.

Our male winner of the Disc of the Day prize is Travis Denning, and his winning female counterpart is Mickey Guyton. Each had tough competition via the new tracks by Tim Dugger and Lacy J. Dalton, respectively.

I have no DISCovery honoree this week. But we live in hope.

RYAN CHARLES / “Heartbreak Rodeo”
Writer: Ryan Charles; Producers: Kyle Jefferson/Austin Bianco; Label: River House Artists
– This nasal-sounding rapper is attempting a hip-hop country fusion. I’m not buyin’ it. It takes more than putting on a cowboy hat to be a country artist.

JOSH TURNER / “Heatin’ Things Up”
Writers: Brice Long/Luke Laird/Marv Green; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Turner dips into his lowest register during his performance of this slow-burn ode to lust. Nice and listenable.

TIM DUGGER / “Man Upstairs”
Writers: Brandon Hood/Josh Thompson/Tim Dugger; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb Records
– I like the easy-going, kicked-back vibe of this neo-traditionalist’s love song. It has a summertime, front-porch-swing mood that is mighty attractive. The gently persuasive, less-is-more production is perfect.

DARIUS RUCKER & JENNIFER NETTLES / “Never Been Over”
Writers: Darius Rucker/John Osborne/Lee Thomas Miller; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– The relationship has had its ups and downs, but through it all, they endure. Rucker takes the first verse and his phrasing dominates. Nettles enters, piercingly, then he joins her in a duet. She takes the harmony part, but does some dandy extemporaneous vocal licks, too. Well done, both of you.

ELLE KING / “Baby Daddy’s Weekend”
Writers: Elle King/Nicolette Hayford; Producers: Elle King/Dave Cohen; Label: RCA Records
– King’s on a rompin,’ stompin’ rampage on this rousing, summer-vacation anthem. Her buddies are shouting along while the guitars and drums rock out.

WILLIE NELSON / “Made In Texas”
Writers: Monty Holmes/Shawn Camp; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy Recordings
– Willie turned 91 on Monday. He also released a new track. Drawn from his upcoming album The Border, it’s a jaunty western swinger that has shout outs to Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb and Lone Star Beer. Not to mention the immortal line, “You can always tell a Texan/But you can’t tell him much.” Cool extended guitar workouts flavor the tune. And a good time was had by all.

GRANT GILBERT / “Drunk Since Dallas”
Writers: Forrest Finn/Grant Gilbert/Joe Whelan; Producer: Lukas Scott; Label: River House Artists
– Hillbilly heartache, set to a wildly percolating, bopping beat.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Wranglers”
Writers: Audra Mae/Evan McKeever/Ryan Carpenter; Producers: Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Republic Records
– It’s a female-empowerment, revenge roar. She always did love to light stuff on fire, but alas, “wranglers take forever to burn.”

TRAVIS DENNING / “Add Her To The List”
Writers: Paul DiGiovanni/Bobby Pinson/Jeremy Stover; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni/Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
– He has run into the ditch, hit dead ends, taken wrong turns and screwed up many, many times. Not the least of the things he wishes he could fix is the relationship. So of all the wrongs he’d make right, you can “add her to the list.” Marvelously well written and performed with verve. This deserves massive airplay.

MICKEY GUYTON / “Scary Love”
Writers: Karen Kosowski/Emma-Lee/Mickey Guyton/Victoria Banks; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Guyton is such an excellent singer. And with a piece of material this strong, she can really raise the rafters. The pounding, throbbing production matches her passionate performance of this inspirational motherhood lyric. The video features beyond-adorable footage of her baby as an infant and as a toddler. Your heart will melt.

LACY J. DALTON / “What Don’t Kill Ya!”
Writer: Lacy J. Dalton; Producer: Jimmy Norris; Label: StarVista Music
– To the accompaniment of a bluesy, twanging track, veteran Dalton struts through this slice of outlaw wisdom. No matter the difficulty you face in your life, face it and you’ll survive. Punchy and potent. One of the most charismatic voices in this genre still has the goods. And how.

TERRI CLARK & BEN RECTOR / “Now That I Found You”
Writer: J.D. Martin/Paul Begaud/Vanessa Corish; Producer: Terri Clark; Label: Universal Music Enterprises
– Clark’s album of celebrity duets drops on May 31. Titled Take Two, it includes her collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Kelly Clarkson, Carly Pearce (”Girls Lie Too”), Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde (”Better Things to Do”), Lauren Alaina and more. Clark is in fine voice on this swoon-y ballad. Rector doesn’t have her magnetism, but is an able duet foil on the romantic, melodic reinterpretation of her 1998 hit.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Unearthed Johnny Cash Track Is ‘Hearty And Satisfying’

/by

Johnny Cash at Cash Cabin in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Photo: Alan Messer

It’s Ladies Day here at DISClaimer.

Leading the pack in this stack of sounds are Clare Dunn, Tiera Kennedy, Kylie Frey and Chapel Hart. They have the discs to beat.

But let’s be honest. Does anyone ever top The Man in Black? Johnny Cash wins the Disc of the Day prize.

The DISCovery Award goes to a hip-hop artist whose new music is veering into country music territory. That’s Virginia-born Shaboozey, who is gearing up for the release next month of an album titled Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going.

DYLAN GOSSETT / “Somewhere Between”
Writer: Dylan Gossett; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– It’s a rumbling, riding-the-rails song with poetic images that pile up on each other but go nowhere. The Texan sings at the top of his range. He made some noise with a tune called “Coal” last year. This seems unlikely to duplicate that.

ZAC BROWN BAND & MAC MCANALLY / “Pirates & Parrots”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Ben Simonetti/Drew Parker/Erik Dylan/Jonathan Singleton/Wyatt McCubbin/Zac Brown; Producers: Ben Simonetti/Zac Brown; Label: Home Grown Music/Warner Music Nashville
– This is eloquently sweet and touching as a eulogy for the departed Jimmy Buffett. It’s a dear farewell to a widely beloved music legend, and it hits an emotional bullseye. Strings sigh as the singers harmonize on the island vibe. “Adios, my friend/Anchor where that ocean ends/We’ll pick up where you left off/Strumming on a sailor’s song.”

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS & CHARLES KELLEY / “How Do You Do That”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Tom Jordan/Charles Kelley/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Karley Scott Collins; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Love her husky vocal and his pitch-perfect harmony work. Not crazy about the song or the too-busy, heavily electronic production.

JOHNNY CASH / “Well Alright”
Writer: Johnny Cash; Producers: Johnny Cash/John Carter Cash/David Ferguson/Josh Matas/Mike Daniel; Label: Mercury
– I’m really excited about the upcoming Cash album Songwriter (due June 28). It is comprised of 1993 song demos by the legend. He was in fine voice, and it has been surrounded by newly recorded, brilliant production by his talented son and his longtime studio confederate “Fergie” Ferguson. This advanced taste is a light-hearted ditty about finding love in a laundromat. The band, featuring Marty Stuart, kicks up some rockabilly stardust that echoes Cash’s early Sun singles. Hearty and satisfying.

SHABOOZEY / “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Writers: Collins Obinna Chibueze/Jerrel Jones/Joe Kent/Mark Williams/Nevin Sastry/Sean Cook; Producers: Sean Cook/Nevin Sastry; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– Guitar strums, hand claps, sing-along guys and a little whistling carry this jaunty, good-time, rhythm-happy drinking song. It quotes a little from the 2004 pop hit “Tipsy” by St. Louis hip-hopper J-Kwon. Shaboozey is a Nigerian American whose billing is derived from people mispronouncing his last name. You can also find him on two tracks on the Beyoncé album.

CHAPEL HART / “Perfect For Me”
Writers: Danica Hart/Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle/Leslie Satcher; Producers: none listed; Label: CH
– The America’s Got Talent trio just seems to go from strength to strength. Chapel Hart performs this dandy, blue-collar romance track with vim and verve. Taken from its Glory Days collection, the group showcased it at the 10th anniversary celebration of CMT’s Next Women of Country franchise this week at City Winery. I just love these gals.

LANCE COWAN / “This Heart of Mine”
Writer: Lance Cowan; Producers: Jason Stelluto/Scott Paschall; Label: Lantzapalooza Müzik
– This gentle, lovelorn ballad has a lovely, folkie quality. The single is drawn from an excellent, melody-rich album titled So Far So Good. Known for decades on Music Row as a publicist, Cowan is also a superb troubadour tunesmith. Start with this, then explore the many other fine audio textures on the collection.

HARDY / “Gin and Juice”
Writers: André Romell Young/Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr./Daniel Webster/Harry Wayne Casey/Mark Adams/Raymond Guy Turner/Richard Finch/Stephen Washington/Steve Arrington; Producers: Joey Moi/Hardy; Label: Big Loud Records
– Our own Hardy was tapped by Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre to re-imagine their 1994 Snoop hit to accompany the launch of a beverage named for it. The bouncy ditty threads the line between hillbilly and hip-hop.
TIERA KENNEDY / “I Ain’t A Cowgirl”
Writers: Tiera Kennedy/David Devaul/Joe Fox/Cameron Bedell; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: TK
– Her soft soprano begins this wistful meditation with simple acoustic-guitar accompaniment. Steel and strings quietly enter, backing her romantic musing as the track wafts along. Gorgeous, soothing listening. Kennedy’s profile got a bump up when she sang on “Blackbiird” with Beyoncé this month.
CLARE DUNN / “Wasn’t Looking”
Writers: Clare Dunn/Jeff Trott; Producer: Jeff Trott; Label: CD
– The title tune of Dunn’s new EP is a crunchy bopper with stacked vocal harmonies and irresistibly catchy hooks. Her throaty alto is a voice to cherish. She has been on the Nashville scene for a decade, but to date, the industry has not given this talented woman her due. Wake up, people.
DARRYL WORLEY, CHRIS JANSON & JUSTIN MOORE / “Tractor Time”
Writers: Darryl Worley/Phil O’Donnell; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Here’s a summer anthem. Worley’s been working hard, and now it’s time for some relaxation. That means driving in circles out in the field, dontcha know. Each to his own therapy.
KYLIE FREY / “So You Think You Want A Cowboy”
Writers: Adam Wright/Kylie Frey/Neal Coty; Producers: Trent Willmon/Paul Worleyl; Label: Deep Frey’d Music
– This sprightly Texas two-stepper is a cautionary tune to the ladies. “You think you want a cowboy/Until you get a cowboy.” She’s hip to his heartbreaking ways. “If you’re lucky enough some day/He’s gonna saddle up and ride away.” Dancefloor ready.