DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kameron Marlowe Brings Soulful Voice To Ballad

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Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Trea Allen.

The voices of today meet the legends of yesterday in this week’s DISClaimer. 

Country music is in good hands (throats?) with such new talents as Avery Anna, Sam Williams, Harper Grace, Kane Brown and Disc of the Day winner Kameron Marlowe.

Showing the kiddies how it’s done are Barbara Fairchild and the late Ed Bruce.  

This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Dustin Kensrue, the singer from the band Thrice. He is apparently transitioning from rock to country.

BARBARA FAIRCHILD/ “All My Cloudy Days Are Gone”
Writer: Alan Rhody; Producer: Don Williams; Label: 65South
– Prior to his death in 2017, Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams collaborated with ‘70s hit maker Fairchild. He both produced and sang harmony on her project, which is now seeing the light of day. The album’s title tune is a splendid two-step with a rolling rhythm track and soft strings backing her heartfelt delivery. As country as a mountain stream.

NATE SMITH/ “Bulletproof”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Records Label Nashville
– The “World On Fire” man returns with a rocking barroom stomper. No matter how many shots he drinks, he can’t forget her. Hence, her “memory must be bulletproof.”

HARPER GRACE/ “Break It Like A Man”
Writers: Scott Stepakoff/Alex Kline Eisberg/Harper Gruzins; Producers: Alex Kline/Cooper Bascom/Tedd T.; Label: Curb Records
– Grace spits out this country-rocker with fiery force. She wails righteously on the choruses of the fiesty, wronged-woman outing. Well worth your spins. The video debuted on CMT yesterday.

KANE BROWN/ “Fiddle In The Band”
Writers: Gabe Foust/Jordan Walker/Kane Brown/Russell Sutton; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Label Nashville
– A blast furnace of energy. Brown paints the town red while a scorching fiddle in the house band sizzles. A little r&b, a little honky-tonk and a whole lotta rock percussion. A wild ride.

SAM WILLIAMS/ “Carnival Heart”
Writers: Ned Houston/PJ Harding/Sam Williams; Producers: Ben Roberts/Nathan Sexton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This was created to accompany Cirque du Soleil’s new country show “Songblazers “which will open in Nashville in July. The orchestrated track has a celestial, dreamy quality, and Williams delivers a message of pain and hope brilliantly. An epic ballad, beautifully produced and sung.

RAELYNN/ “Funny Girl”
Writers: Lauren Hungate/Racheal Davis; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: Daisy Rae Productions
– A winsome little piece of advice for a youngster who is hurting. You’ll grow out of this and blossom into a winner, she promises in this anthem of perseverance.

ED BRUCE/ “Old Timer”
Writers: E. Bruce/J.Bruce/T.Bruce; Producers: Ed Bruce/Jeff Elliott/Mike Morgan; Label: MRT/Old Hat
– The songwriting  great, successful actor and country hit maker (14 top-20 hits in 1975-86) passed away in 2021. But Bruce left behind many guitar-vocal demos, sung in his unforgettable, resonant baritone. Producers Elliott and Morgan have fleshed some of these out with sympathetic accompaniment to create an album titled After Hours. The 16-track  collection concludes with this wistful waltz. The first verse concerns a combat vet, the second describes a retired rodeo rider and the third is about a forgotten music star. It chillingly suggests an obituary. It also proves that the creator of such classics as “Texas (When I Die),” “The Last Cowboy Song,” “The Man That Turned My Mama On,” “Everything’s a Waltz” and “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” was a songwriting master to the end.

AVERY ANNA/ “Two Sides Of The Story”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Avery Anna/Ben Williams/David Fanning; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This streaming sensation (“Make It Look Easy,” “Narcissist”) caresses this ballad of heartbreak resignation with elegance and eloquence. The CMT-nominated youngster seems to be going from strength to strength. She has a voice of gold.

KAMERON MARLOWE/ “Keepin’ The Lights On”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe/Kendell Marvel/Phil O’Donnell; Producer: Dan Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The title tune of Marlowe’s upcoming sophomore album is a recollection of hard times when his hard-working parents weathered spirit-crushing storms to provide for the family. The beautifully produced ballad mixes his expressive, soulful voice up front and intimately in your ear. I have been a consistent fan of this artist for four years and am more convinced than ever that he is one of our greatest living country singers.

GRAHAM BARHAM & LAUREN WATKINS/ “Straight To My Heart”
Writers: Graham Barham/Lauren Watkins/Lydia Vaughan/Will Bundy; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Highly engaging. “Whiskey went straight to my head/Goodbye went straight to my heart.” Nicely done, from pristine vocal harmonies to propulsive production.

DUSTIN KENSRUE & CAT CLYDE/ “Death Valley Honeymoon”
Writer: Dustin Kensrue; Producer: Dustin Kensrue; Label: Vagrant Records
– This is an alt country gem, packed with retro harmonies, echoey twang and standout pedal steel guitar. Immensely cool. This is the California rock artist’s country debut, and Clyde adds an extra layer of audio authenticity. Absolutely send more. Mark your calendars: Kensrue is playing the fantastic Eastside Bowl on April 29.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Blanco Brown & Lily Rose Share The Disc Of The Day

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Blanco Brown, Lily Rose

There’s a lot of pop in this week’s country music offerings.

I believe they call it “pushing the envelope.” Whatever the case, it’s what Tanner Adell, Little Big Town with Sugarland, Kelsea Ballerini and Blanco Brown are bringing. On the country side, we have Tracy Lawrence, Lily Rose, Dylan Marlowe, Tenille Townes and Luke Bryan.

Taking one from each column, we have two winners of the Disc of the Day award, Blanco Brown and Lily Rose.

TENILLE TOWNES / “Thing That Brought Me Here (Truck Song)”
Writers: Tenille Townes/Ben Rector; Producers: Tenille Townes/Logan Wall; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The gifted Canadian award winner returns with a “road” song that rolls along on wheels of rhythm. The track ebbs and flows with an echoey twang and a gripping lead vocal that keeps you glued to the speakers. I remain a huge fan.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “Love Me Like You Mean It (Reimagined)”
Writers: Forest Glen Whitehead/Josh Kerr/Kelsea Ballerini/Lance Carpenter; Producers: Kelsea Ballerini/Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Black River Entertainment
– I have always liked this song, and Ballerini’s new arrangement of her 2014 breakthrough hit sparkles with imagination. It begins with a stark, unadorned vocal then gradually builds with electronic percussion burbles and deft guitar touches. Highly listenable and downright addictive.

TANNER ADELL / “Whiskey Blues”
Writers: Tanner Adell/Akii King/Stephen McGregor/Will Weatherly/Anthony Germaine White; Producers: Tanner Adell/Akil “worldwidefresh” King/Stephen McGregor/Will Weatherly/Anthony Germaine White “J. White Did It”; Label: Columbia Records
– Adell’s appearance on the Beyoncé album has raised her profile dramatically. But the “Buckle Bunny” singer’s new single sounds like an ‘80s rock track rather than a country performance.

LUKE BRYAN / “Love You Miss You Mean It”
Writers: Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip/Jacob Rice/Jordan Minton; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– A country romance, written with panache and hooks a-plenty. Hit bound.

LILY ROSE / “True North”
Writers: David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey/Trannie Anderson/Lily Rose; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– Deliciously melodic and marvelously evocative as a lyric. When she feels like she’s losing her way, “I head down South to my True North.” Authentic and honest. Sung with ringing conviction. This Georgia artist hits a bullseye every time. Lily Rose stages her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night. They’re lucky to have her.

RHIANNON GIDDENS / “The Ballad Of Sally Anne”
Writers: Alice Randall/Harry Stinson/Mark O’Connor; Producer: Ebonie Smith; Label: Oh Boy Records
– Dropping tomorrow, My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall is an all-star album that casts the songwriter’s works as expressions of the Black female experience. It is part of a package deal that also includes Randall’s memoir of the same title. On this advance track, Giddens takes Randall’s song on an old-time music journey that evokes an ancient, tragic folk ballad. Her banjo leads the way. Others on the album include such favorites as Valerie June, Miko Marks, Rissi Palmer, SistaStrings, Layla McCalla, Allison Russell and Adia Victoria.

BLANCO BROWN / “Good As It Gets”
Writers: Bennie Amey III/David Fanning/Matt Thomas/Tommy Cecil; Producer: Blanco Brown; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– The charismatic “Git Up” man has returned with a new EP and this change-of-pace, deeply romantic outing. Instruments swirl around him as he soars into his upper vocal register. Sonically innovative and totally dreamy.

DAVE ALVIN & JIMMIE DALE GILMORE / “We’re Still Here”
Writers: Dave Alvin/Jimmie Dale Gilmore; Producer: Dave Alvin; Label: Yep Roc Records
– The Blasters front man and The Flatlanders Texas great teamed up as a duo in 2017. In advance of Texicali, their sophomore album together, they’ve released this rollicking, rootsy romp. Guitar twang and barrelhouse piano abound.

DANIELIA COTTON / “Roll On Mississippi”
Writers: Dennis Morgan/Kye Fleming; Producer: none listed; Label: Cottontown
– Cotton salutes her Black country forefather with this revival of Charley Pride’s 1981 hit. She struggles painfully with the high notes.

LITTLE BIG TOWN & SUGARLAND / “Take Me Home”
Writers: Phil Collins; Producers: Little Big Town/Kristian Bush; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Little Big Town has long peppered its concerts with reworkings of pop/rock oldies. On this week’s CMT Awards, the group and its tour mates of Sugarland stunned viewers with this spectacular treatment of the Phil Collins 1986 pop smash. Drenched in vocal harmonies, it is absolutely gorgeous. It has nothing to do with country music, but what a sound.

TRACY LAWRENCE / “Gulf Of Mexico”
Writers: Monty Criswell/Derek George/Bubba Strait; Producers: none listed; Label: TL
– The honky-tonk master nails this heartache ballad completely. It’s a slow dance for the down and out who can’t drink away a memory.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Bat Outta Hell (With A Boat On The Back)”
Writers: Jessie Jo Dillon/Dylan Marlowe/Kyle Fishman; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The fisherman is speeding home to get to her before she leaves him. The energetic track pushes things along.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dalton Dover Delivers ‘Romping, Stomping Honky Tonker’

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Dalton Dover. Photo Credit: Jim Wright

Baby acts rule the roost in today’s DISClaimer.

Leading the way is DISCovery Award winner Dasha. Riding alongside her are label mates Matt Schuster and Gabby Barrett, both of whom also turned in outstanding work this week.

Ernest, Luke Dick and Koe Wetzel are ear-tickling, too. So is our Disc of the Day winner, Dalton Dover. Listen and believe.

RICK MONROE & THE HITMEN / “Six Gun Soul”
Writers: Alan Beeler/Rick Monroe; Producer: Malcolm Springer; Label: The Label Group
– The title tune of Monroe’s new LP (yes, it’s on vinyl) is a minor-key outlaw warning. If you knock him down, you better knock him out because he’s a rugged survivor. The band conjures a dark mood, and his tenor voice wails.

GABBY BARRETT / “Dance Like No One’s Watching”
Writers: Emily Weisband/James McNair/Luke Combs; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a slow waltz with terrific male chorus harmony courtesy of Luke Combs. She carries the advice of her father with her as she journeys through life. Hold on for the heart-tugging, wedding-dance third verse. For more on this theme, revisit the 1989 Kathy Mattea No. 1 hit “Come From the Heart,” penned by Susanna Clark & Richard Leigh.

LUKE DICK / “Shirt Off My Back”
Writers: Luke Dick/Chris DuBois/Jason Lehning; Producers: Luke Dick/Jason Lehning; Label: Virgin
– This is an autobiographical stomper with hushed verses alternating with shouted choruses. As is always the case with this songwriter, the lyric and the entire approach are both wildly creative. Like the song instructs, “Clap hands.”

DYLAN SCOTT / “What He’ll Never Have”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Logan Robinson/Ricky Rowton/Robbie Gatlin; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Curb Records
– Whatever any new man in her life might have, he won’t have “the love that I have for you,” Scott avers in this somewhat loudly produced country rocker. Notch another surefire hit, buddy.

DASHA / “Austin”
Writers: Adam Wendler/Anna Dasha Novotny/Cheyenne Rose Arnspiger/Kenneth Travis Heidelman; Producer: Travis Heidelman; Label: Warner Records
– What a disc debut. This is insanely catchy with EDM beats and her saucy vocal telling the tale of a gal who gets left high and dry, waiting for him to take her away. She’ll get along without him, but “In 40 years, you’ll still be here, drunk, washed up in Austin.” It comes as no surprise to learn that the feisty toe-tapper has a line dance.

ERNEST & JELLY ROLL / “I Went To College, I Went To Jail”
Writers: Chandler Paul Walters/Ernest Keith Smith/Luke Bryan/Rivers Rutherford; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– The “Flower Shops” man is back with a 26-track sophomore album titled Nashville, Tennessee. The singer-songwriter teams up with fellow native Nashvillian Jelly Roll on this honky-tonking, rumbling twang fest. They swap lines adroitly, describing their wayward journeys on the way to Music Row. Heartily recommended.

ANGEL WHITE / “Outlaw”
Writers: Dwight A. Baker/Khalil Hall; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Label: Wyatt Road Records
– He’s a fifth-generation Black Texas cowboy. His single is a guitar-vocal performance with a bluesy slow groove. The ballad showcases his expressive voice. It’s quite promising, but next time, I’d hire a band and a producer.

MATT SCHUSTER / “Thought You Were”
Writers: Adam Yaron/Andrew Stoelzing/Emily Falvey/Matt Schuster; Producer: Adam Yaron; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It turns out that she wasn’t the gal for him, after all. The heartache piano ballad is lovely on every level, but most especially in his strikingly soulful vocal performance. There’s something special at work here. I remain a fan.

DALTON DOVER / “Bury Me In This Bar”
Writers: Benjy Davis/Dalton Dover/Dan Isbell/Jamie Davis; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Dover continues his winning ways with this romping, stomping honky tonker with flourishes of steel and galloping rhythm. Thirsty for real country music? Belly up to this bar. You need the song on your playlist, now more than ever.

MAGGIE ROSE / “Fake Flowers”
Writers: Charles Harmon/Claude Kelly/Margaret Rose Durante; Producer: Ben Tanner; Label: Big Loud Records
– Rose is a fiery, ferocious singer who is working in a nouveau-soul style in Music City. This torrid, blues-soaked outing blazes with anger and passion. Rock on, sister.

KOE WETZEL / “Damn Near Normal”
Writers: Amy Allen/Sam Harris/Carrie Karpinen/Gabe Simon/Ropyr Wetzel; Producers: Gabe Simon/Carrie Karpinen; Label: Columbia
– He’s living in squalor and knows his lifestyle isn’t healthy. It’s a good song and a good performance, but the electric guitar churning drowns out the lyric about half of the time. Remix this.

DAVID NAIL / “If I Could Call”
Writer: David Nail; Producer: Reed Pittman; Label: One Five Sound
– We all must deal with grief. Nail muses about the loss of his beloved grandfather, wishing he could have one more phone conversation with him. He yearns for the comfort of the man he’s lost, but knows that everything’s really okay because his own son, named for the granddad, is near him. An accompanying string section sighs along softly.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Zac Brown Band ‘Welcomes Us To Summer Fun’

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Zac Brown. Photo: Tyler Lord

Spring has sprung, and country music has a treatment for those pollen allergies.

Head for a windy seashore: That’s what our Zac Brown Band is prescribing in its “Tie Up” song. This week’s Disc of the Day is the introductory song of summer 2024.

Also bringing wafting breezes to the season are Lacy J. Dalton, The Frontmen, Sam Hunt and the duet by Jordyn Shellhart & Donovan Woods. The last-named was actually my favorite record today, but I fear that it might be way too creative for intelligence-insulting terrestrial country radio.

And speaking of creative, lend your ears to Wardel, whose zephyr of sound wins a DISCovery Award.

JORDYN SHELLHART & DONOVAN WOODS / “Search My Name”
Writers: Ava Suppelsa/Donovan Woods/Jordyn Shellhart/Robyn Dell’Unto; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Utterly enchanting. Their voices harmonize and intertwine amid a sonic swirl of electronic flavors. Their singing, the fever-dream song and the production are all wonderfully innovative. Essential listening.

SAM HUNT / “Locked Up”
Writers: Jerry Flowers/Josh Osborne/Sam Hunt/Shane McAnally/Zach Crowell; Producers: Zach Crowell/Chris LaCorte/Jerry Flowers/Sam Hunt; Label: MCA Nashville
– He made some bad decisions and wound up in the slammer. But she stood by him, and that’s when he knew that she was The One. Hunt scores again with this mid-tempo tune that name-checks Tammy Wynette in its lyric.

DON LOUIS / “Long Time Comin’”
Writers: Demetric Jennings/Kaleb Jones; Producer: Serg Sanchez; Label: Money Myers Entertainment LLC/EMPIRE
– Don Louis is a hunk who was a defensive end football standout during his school days. The Texan’s vocal style is straight-up country with a tiny hint of rasp. His debut single is an ode about a struggling musician who perseveres despite the difficulties. An oomphy production underscores his earnest delivery. Recommended.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “Tie Up”
Writers: Jonathan Singleton/Ben Simonetti/Chris Gelbuda/Josh Hoge/Zac Brown; Producers: Zac Brown/Ben Simonetti; Label: Home Grown Music/Warner Music Nashville
– This loping, easy-going groove welcomes us to summer fun. Get on the water, pop a top when you dock the boat and relax in the sunshine. I can feel the warm weather already.

LACY J. DALTON / “Bonny Doon”
Writer: Lacy J. Dalton; Producer: Dino Nikolas; Label: Time-Life Music
– Dalton’s new Listen to the Wind collection contains new interpretations of her greatest hits alongside this folkie new ballad. While guitars gently strum, she sings of rejection, resignation and restoration. Soothing and peaceful.

RILEY GREEN / “Way Out Here”
Writers: Casey Beathard/David Lee Murphy/Josh Thompson; Producers: Dann Huff/Scott Borchetta/Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
– We smoke, chew and fry everything. We like being rednecks with guns. Our trucks are dirty. We are backwoods and proud of it. There you have it.

MEGAN MORONEY / “28th Of June”
Writers: Ben Williams/Mackenzie Carpenter/Megan Moroney/Micah Carpenter; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– She’s enduringly creative. In this outing, a too-soon wedding falls apart and she’s heartbroken. The ache in her delivery is exquisite, and her lyric is plain-spoken, homespun poetry.

HUNEYFIRE / “Feeling Gray”
Writers: Caitlin Evanson/Cheaza Figueroa/Denny Mishler/Marriana Nevarez/Michael Vittima/Stephen West; Producers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Label: Double Decades Entertainment
– The Afro-Latina, mother-daughter duo returns with a slow, bluesy jam. It’s a lost-love lament that gradually builds, stacks and mixes their vocal tracks. Highly listenable.

THE FRONTMEN / “Beatles And Eagles”
Writers: Ben Daniel/Larry McCoy/Riley Thomas; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Broken Bow Records
– The Frontmen are Richie McDonald (Lonestar), Tim Rushlow (Little Texas) and Larry Stewart (Restless Heart). The new single from their new album shows that these voices of the ‘90s still have charisma. The lyric imaginatively quotes song titles immortalized by the two iconic bands of the title. Break out the vinyl!

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Stealing A Kiss”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr; Label: UMG Nashville
– Sultry and swampy, this gives off heat as a soul ballad of passion. Searing organ notes, funk guitar, piano accents and gospel-y background vocals support their customary sensational singing.

ASHLEY MONROE / “I Like Trains”
Writer: Fred Eaglesmith; Producers: Gena Johnson/Ashley Monroe; Label: AM
– Her languid reading of the fine lyric is sleepy and sensuous. The under-produced track features simple, dull, acoustic-guitar strumming.

WARDEL / “Sleepless in Seattle”
Writer: Noah Gunderson; Producer: Idrise Ward-EL Jr; Label: Epochal Artists Records
– Idrise Ward-El Jr. is the offspring of a Mr. USA body-building champion. Both father and son are military veterans, and Ward-El Sr. is a Desert Storm veteran. Junior competed on The Voice as R&B stylist “Idrise” and is now transitioning into country music under his new “Wardel” billing. This single is a gentle, whispered lament for a fading city and a lonely guy. Wardel’s vocal has a sensitive, plaintive, folk quality that is quite attractive.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Willie Nelson Creates An ‘Audio Wonderland’

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Willie Nelson. Photo: Pamela Springsteen.

You would be forgiven if you dozed off during this listening session.

Dreamy, wafting ballads are being offered by Kacey Musgraves, Ashlie Amber and Cyndi Thomson. But wake up for the slow meditation by Kenny Chesney, which is a beautifully written and performed song of real substance.

On the upbeat side of things, don’t miss the tempo tunes from Kane Brown, Brothers Osborne and Sierra Ferrell. These are all worth your attention.

Rising above them all is the old master, Willie Nelson. His delivery of a brilliant Rodney Crowell song is our Disc of the Day.

The Secret Sisters have been making records since 2010, and have generally been embraced as an Americana act. Their debut appearance in this column signifies that they belong in mainstream country, too. Give Laura Rogers and Lydia Rogers Slagle a DISCovery Award.

HAILEY WHITTERS & BEN RECTOR / “Color Up My World”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Ben Rector/Brett Tyler; Producers: Ben Rector/Austin Goodloe; Label: OK Kid Recordings, LLC
– Completely country and totally joyous. The banjo-fiddle production had me smiling from ear to ear, and their hillbilly harmonies tickled me with delight.

WILLIE NELSON / “The Border”
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Rodney Crowell; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy Recordings
– This vivid word portrait of a border patrol worker paints a picture encompassing the suffering of migrants, the dangers of policing, and the evil profiteering of smugglers. Nelson’s weathered tenor vocal is a marvel of shaded emotions, and the rippling guitars in Latin rhythm are an audio wonderland.

THE SECRET SISTERS / “Paperweight”
Writers: Lydia Slagle/Kate York; Producers: Ben Tanner/John Paul White; Label: New West Records
– A little twang, a little rockabilly, a little Everly harmony singing, and a whole lot of pleasure. A breezy, toe-tapping blast. If you aren’t hip to these gals, I suggest a binge-listening session with their music ASAP.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Break Mine”
Writers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne/Pete Good/Shane McAnally; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: EMI Nashville
– A rumbling freight train of romance beckons. Climb aboard and enjoy the ride.

CYNDI THOMSON / “The Georgia In Me”
Writers: Cyndi Thomson/Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: County Line Entertainment
– She sings of “back home roots that run real deep” in this nostalgic, comeback ballad. It might be a bit too mellow for radio playlists.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Wherever You Are Tonight”
Writers: Gary Burr/Mike Reid; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair Records/Warner Music Nashville
– “We go, but never leave,” he sings. This contemplative piano ballad reflects on those we’ve lost, maintaining that although they have passed on, they remain alive in our hearts. “You’re not gone, just out of sight/You’re here with me, wherever you are tonight.” Very touching. An end-of-life anthem that will endure.

SIERRA FERRELL / “American Dreaming”
Writers: Melody Walker/Sierra Ferrell; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Rounder
– This is the lead-off song/single/video of her Trail of Flowers album, which drops this week. Ferrell celebrated it with back-to-back Ryman shows that launched her 2024 tour. The song is a hooky ode for a wandering troubadour, delivered in a world-weary voice of intimacy, tenderness, and toughness. Effortlessly charismatic. Have I mentioned that I am a major, major fan of this lady?

KANE BROWN / “Fiddle In The Band”
Writers: Gabe Foust/Jordan Walker/Kane Brown/Russell Sutton; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Brown rocks out on this flaming barn burner. Guitars grind, drums pound and fiddles scream as he drawls the tune.

ASHLIE AMBER / “Keep You Around”
Writers: Jane Bach/Cheyanne Cope/Douglas Romanow; Producer: Victor Wilson; Label: AA
– Floating on soft gusts of sound as her breathy soprano spins a mood of romance. A promising disc debut from our latest Black country contestant.

TYLER HUBBARD / “Vegas”
Writers: Andy Albert/Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– He’s ready to say “I do” in Las Vegas pronto. Is she? The busy, “rushing” production clutters the sound but also drives the vibe forward.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Bayou Boy”
Writers: Will Bundy/Beau Bailey/Graham Barham; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– It’s all about the attitude, in this case some swampy, bluesy tenor wailing with a dash of hillbilly pride. Nice backbeats.

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Too Good To Be True”
Writers: Anna Nalick/Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– A very pretty, pristine production anchored by acoustic-guitar plucking showcases her gentle, whispered vocal. Chill easy listening.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Young ‘Swoons With Emotion’

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Chris Young. Photo: John Shearer

You might have springtime in your step, but the sounds in this week’s DISClaimer are dominated by downbeat ballads.

By far the best of them belongs to Chris Young, who easily nails down the Disc of the Day award.

The DISCovery Award goes to Wayland. I believe this used to be a rock band, but now seems to be a country duo. In any case, lend these guys your ears.

WAYLAND / “Way Back When”
Writers: Mitch Arnold/Phill Vilenski/Sam Varga/Caleb Oczkowski; Producers: Phillip Vilenski/Kate Malone; Label: Ironworks
– It’s a big-sounding, oomphy power ballad with hooks a-plenty. Lead singer Mitch Arnold has an endearing, youthful warmth and Phill Vilenski’s lead guitar work and harmony vocal are both razor sharp. Highly listenable.

CHRIS JANSON / “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”
Writers: Blake Hubbard/Chris Janson/Jarrod Ingram/RaeLynn/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Scott Borchetta/Julian Raymond; Label: Nashville Harbor
– Fishin.’ Deer huntin.’ Drivin’ trucks through mud. Wearin’ camo. Drinkin’ beer. Ho hum.

MICKEY GUYTON / “Woman”
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Victor Franco/Oliver Frid/Kameron Glasper/Tayla Parx; Producers: Tayla Parx/Oliver Frid/Victor Franco; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Her piercing singing is absolutely gripping on this empowering female anthem. The echoey production underscores the drama.

LONESTAR / “You Make Loving Fun”
Writer: Christine McVie; Producer: Dean Sams; Label: Band Cave Records
– The 1977 Fleetwood Mac hit gets a dandy countrified remake with a solid beat and some snappy picking. I don’t usually go for this kind of thing, because bands ordinarily mimic the original. But this is a marvelous reinterpretation that turns a classic inside out, splendidly.

SARAHBETH TAITE / “Pretty Good Living”
Writers: Sarahbeth Taite/Jason Gantt/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Parker Welling; Label: ST
– It says here that this single is “resonating with Taite’s Suburban Country Lifestyle fan base.” I wasn’t aware that there was a “suburban country lifestyle” demographic, but apparently there is. The lyric is about contented living in a little house with babies and a hubby. So there you have it.

CHRIS YOUNG / “What She Sees In Me”
Writers: Chris Young/Christian Stalnecker/Josh Hoge/Kyle Fishman/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Chris Young; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– His country baritone grabs you from the first note. The ultra-romantic ballad swoons with emotion. Love this. Love him.

DAVID MALLOY / “A Brand New Day”
Writer: David Malloy; Producers: Paul Lancaster Childers/David Malloy; Label: Creative People Music LLC
– Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Malloy has been producing hits for others for decades. His solo album Mirror drops on April 26. It contains this jaunty pop bopper that is as sweet as soda pop. Be sure and check out its candy-colored,  surrealistic video costarring his black German shepherd doggie, DJ.

T.G. SHEPPARD & KELLY LANG / “You’re Still The One”
Writers: Robert John “Mutt” Lange/Shania Twain; Producers: T.G. Sheppard/Kelly Lang; Label: Leopard Entertainment
– These vets turn the monumental 1998 Shania Twain ballad into a romantic duet. Kelly takes the soaring lead with T.G. shadowing her in harmony.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Hard Luck & Circumstances”
Writer: Charley Crockett; Producers: Charley Crockett/Billy Horton; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
– The prolific Mr. Crockett will issue another new album next month. In advance of it is this lonesome lament about the weary life of a wanderer. He’s been dubbed “one of the modern kings of country traditionalism,” and this certainly sounds apt.

SARA EVANS / “Pride”
Writers: Sara Evans/Sean McConnell/Madi Diaz; Producers: Jeff Trott/Sara Evans; Label: Melody Place/Born To Fly
– He mistreats her, but can’t understand why she’s leaving. Evans delivers the ballad with tension and tear stains. Well worth your spins.

CATIE OFFERMAN / “Barely A Two Lane Road”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Rodney Clawson/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Dan Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
– Sweet heartache colors this nostalgic recollection of first love. Fiddles saw and mandolins ripple to drive the no-regrets ballad forward.

DILLON JAMES / “My Shadow”
Writers: Dillon James/Marty James/Matthew Joseph Geroux/Frank Romano; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: UMG/Buena Vista Records/19
– He’s living an anguished, lonely, rolling-stone life, but the ballad hopes for redemption. Even with four writers on board, this needs some help in the melody department.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson Delivers A ‘Masterful Country Performance’

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Cody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas

“Sophisticates” might make fun of it, but I love country music’s unabashed sentimentality.

And I have two absolute gems of that sort in today’s stack of sounds. Cody Johnson wins the Disc of the Day prize for his tale of an old farmer who won’t sell his land to a developer because the property holds so much emotional weight for him. Taking home the DISCovery Award is Jay Allen. He is reminding us to lead with love at all times, because time is precious. I stand with both sentiments.

One of the coolest things about last week’s Country Radio Seminar is that it debuted a bounty of new sounds from our stars. Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Garth Brooks & Ronnie Dunn, Carly Pearce and Darius Rucker all came calling. So did dozens of others. What a banquet of music it was.

BO BICE / “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man”
Writer: Bob Seger; Producers: Randall Deaton, Gary Nichols & Jimmy Nutt; Label: Lonesome Day
– The American Idol alumnus gives this 1969 Bob Seger classic a bluegrass-y spin. The picking is hot, and Bice’s southern-rock vocal is raw and edgy. But as a major Seger fan, I’ll take the original, thanks.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “Mountains Of My Mind”
Writer: Chris Stapleton; Producers: Chris Stapleton/Dave Cobb/Morgane Stapleton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– It’s just that marvelous voice, singing to his own acoustic-guitar accompaniment. The moody folk ballad unspools a lyric of loneliness and existential angst. Captivating listening.

HUESTON / “Living Fast”
Writers: Brandon Sammons/Cory Hueston; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Silver Wings/UMG
– This pop banger showcases a charismatic vocalist with a hypnotic, mystic vibe. While electronics throb around him, he wanders in a landscape of wasted youth.

CARLY PEARCE / “Hummingbird”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Nicolle Galyon/Shane McAnally/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– Swirling and dreamy. Is she a great artist? Yes. Is this well written? Yes. Is this a hooky playlist item? Maybe not. It sounds more like a lovely album track.

JAY ALLEN / “No Present Like The Time”
Writers: Jay Allen/Micah Wilshire/Nate Kenyon; Producer: Micah Wilshire; Label: ONErpm
– Cherish your loved ones while you have them here and near. The lyric is a beautiful sentiment; the rippling production is eloquent; his vocal is a thing of warmth and comfort. A brilliant record in all respects. Allen was a 2022 contestant on The Voice.

DARIUS RUCKER / “Never Been Over”
Writers: Darius Rucker/John Osborne/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This extremely well written song is an ode to enduring romance and lifelong commitment. Rucker’s voice is a warm glass of brandy.

GEORGIA WEBSTER / “Delusional”
Writers: Georgia Webster/Austin Goodloe/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan; Producer: King Henry; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her processed, double-tracked vocal and the machine percussion mark this as pop music. Artificial intelligence must have had a hand in this.

GARTH BROOKS & RONNIE DUNN / “Rodeo Man”
Writers: Ronnie Dunn/Phil O’Donnell; Producers: Ronnie Dunn/Garth Brooks; Label: Harbor/Big Machine
– A hit-bound, rocking romp. It will come as no surprise to reveal that Dunn is the better country singer.

TENILLE TOWNES / “As You Are”
Writers: David Pramik/Tenille Townes/Mags Duval; Producer: Ryan Hadlock; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The Canadian country awards champ delivers a languid ballad with strummy guitar backing that builds into a fierce shout of passion and then descends into a broken whisper.

DRAYTON FARLEY / “Norfolk Blues”
Writer: Drayton Farley; Producer: Sadler Vadenk; Label: Hargrove Records
– This Alabama singer-songwriter has the goods. His rolling rumbler gives a country-rock edge to the age-old working-man blues. I’m in. Welcome to the dance, pal.

CODY JOHNSON / “Dirt Cheap”
Writer: Josh Phillips; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– A masterful country performance on every level. The tug-at-your-heartsrings lyric is powerful enough, but Johnson’s delivery kicks it into another realm. A superstar at work.

KEITH URBAN / “Messed Up As Me”
Writers: Jessie Jo Dillon/Shane McAnally/Michael Lotten/Rodney Clawson; Producers: Keith Urban/Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– A welcome change of pace. Urban turns up his contemplative side. It does not rock out relentlessly, but draws just as much potency from its back beats. A winner.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ashley McBryde Shares Her ‘Heart-Stopping Listening Experience’

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Ashley McBryde. Photo: Katie Kauss

Happy Leap Year Day.

This only happens every four years, but thank goodness Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Jordan Davis and Kameron Marlowe don’t wait that long between releases. All of them shine on this week’s playlist.

So do such and up-and-comers as Erin Kirby and Emily Ann Roberts. Along with Brice, they were contenders for the Disc of the Day award. But it goes to a woman who has always been a superstar in my eyes, Ashley McBryde.

This week’s DISCovery Award winner is new Nashvillian Thunderstorm Artis. Welcome, bro.

ERIN KIRBY / “Pick My Own Flowers”
Writers: Erin Kirby/Phil Barton/Thomas Finchum; Producer: Frank Legeay; Label: InDent
– I encountered this youngster’s music at a Song Suffragettes showcase this week. Her new single is a slap of country soul. Her fiery vocal essays an independent-woman lyric that hits a homerun. This scores huge in both the writing and the performance departments.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “American Girl”
Writer: Tom Petty; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Valory
– This is the lead track from Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty. Unlike so many country “tributes” to pop acts, this one makes a great deal of sense. Petty was always kinda “country” to my ears, and Bentley’s rocking, fiddle-and-banjo bedecked arrangement of this 1994 classic supports that opinion. The sound and the song are splendid.

GEORGE BIRGE / “Cowboy Songs”
Writers: Michael Tyler/George Birge/Lalo Guzman/Matt McGinn; Producers: Lalo Guzman/Matt McGinn; Label: RECORDS Nashville
– Birge has landed a slot on this year’s CRS New Faces showcase, thanks to his breakout hit “Mind On You.” That song’s follow-up is a moody, mid-tempo swirl of sound. He yearns for a gal who only dances to hardcore country tunes, especially Waylon. The mix wisely underplays the electric-rock instrumentation in favor of his earnest vocal.

LEE BRICE & FOR KING & COUNTRY / “Checking In”
Writers: Garrett Jacobs/Kenneth Cooper Hart/Michael Farren; Producer: Ben Glover; Label: Curb Records
– Heart-tugging and tearful, this beautifully written ballad explores the pain and regret of a father-son relationship. They leave phone messages for one another, but don’t connect often enough. Now it’s too late, because the dad has passed and the son aches for that communication. From the soundtrack of an upcoming movie titled Unsung Hero.

ENRIQUE IGLESIAS & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Space In My Heart”
Writers: Simon Wilcox/Carlos Paucar/Enrique Iglesias/Nolan Lambroza/Ross Golan; Producers: Carlos Paucar/Mark Taylor; Label: Sony Music Latin
– The King of Latin Pop meets the most awarded ACM artist in history on this gorgeous, romantic, lilting little piece of heaven. The love song’s airy production is just beautiful, and their two voices sound like a country match of perfection. “There’s a space in my heart, and it’s just your shape,” they sigh together. Absolutely play this.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Thinkin’ Bout”
Writers: Kyle Fishman/Tucker Beathard; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair Records/Warner Music Nashville
– It’s time to let go of the relationship, but it sure is hard. Chesney dips into his baritone register for most of the outing, which gives this a smooth, dreamy and contemplative vibe. Drowsy listening.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Devils Wears Denim”
Writers: Autumn McEntire/Emily Ann Roberts/Trent Willmon; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Starstruck Records
– I love country story songs, especially the dark ones. She falls for a devastatingly handsome cowboy who turns out to be a venomous bigamist. When she discovers his duplicity, he mysteriously vanishes. Daddy taught her how to bury a snake, it seems. Roberts delivers it in her east Tennessee drawl that is utterly captivating. This charmer is a richly deserving addition to this year’s CMT Next Women of Country cast.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Quit You”
Writers: James McNair/John Pierce/Kameron Marlowe; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– He kicks cigarettes and cuts back on his drinking because now he’s addicted to her. His hearty voice exudes love and warmth throughout this performance. Yet another demonstration of why Marlowe remains one of my ultra favorite young male country voices.

THUNDERSTORM ARTIS / “Don’t Let Me Let You Go”
Writers: Dakota Striplin/Phoebe Kathleen Scott/Thunderstorm Artis; Producer: Mykyl; Label: Thunderstorm Artis
– His gripping, passionate, raspy tenor voice is instantly ear catching. There’s an R&B flavor to this conflicted-love ballad that builds from a light whisper to a searing, powerful shout. Promising in the extreme. Please send more. Artis is a veteran of The Voice TV competition.

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “The Devil I Know”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Bobby Pinson/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– I reviewed this nearly a year ago as the title tune of her album. Now it is her new single, so those words bear repeating: “Snarling electric guitar, slapped percussion, nervous acoustic strumming, chant-like support vocals and wild audio frothing make this a heart-stopping listening experience. The lyric is just as riveting—she’s a bar fly who resists changing her wayward ways. This woman rules.” I love it that she was introduced at Warner’s CRS showcase yesterday as, “The incomparable Ashley McBryde.” Amen to that.

DOLLY PARTON & MELISSA MANCHESTER / “Midnight Blue”
Writers: Melissa Manchester/Carole Bayer Sager; Producer: Melissa Manchester; Label: Green Hill Productions
– Manchester’s 1975 classic gets a fabulous revival thanks to extraordinary harmonic embellishments by Parton. Enchanting from first note to last. There’s also a music video. Miss this audio delight at your peril.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Good News Sold”
Writers: Cole Taylor/Jacob Davis/Jordan Rowe; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– Wistful and thoughtful. “If good news sold, things wouldn’t seem so bad,” he sings in a hushed, sweet manner. This award-winning man always turns in quality work.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Beyoncé ‘Summons You To The Country Dance Floor’

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Beyoncé

The single that is on everyone’s tongue this week is also DISClaimer’s Disc of the Day. That would be Beyonce’s bopper.

Black country women are in the spotlight in general this week, as the column also notes efforts by Autumn Nichols, the esteemed Joy Oladokun and our DISCovery Award winner, Camille Parker.

But be sure and save some listening time for Priscilla Block, Tracy Lawrence, Allie Colleen and Bailey Zimmerman. They’re bringing their “A” game, too.

MATT STELL/ “Born Lonely”
Writers: Benjy Davis/Jake Mitchell/Matt Stell; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Records Nashville/Columbia
– To join his radio favorite “Breakin’ in Boots” in welcoming 2024, this former chart topper has issued this track and its new music video. The lyric traces the inability to fall in love, the persistence of heartbreak and psychic wounds that won’t heal. The only comfort is that she has those same feelings and that maybe they belong together. As always, he is a solid vocal communicator.

BEYONCÉ/ “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Writers: Beyoncé/Brian Bates/Elizabeth Lowell Boland/Megan Bülow/Nate Ferraro/Raphael Saadiq; Producers: Beyoncé/Raphael Saadiq/Nate Ferraro/Killah B/Hit-Boy/Stuart White.Mariel Gomerez; Label: Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia
– Queen Bey summons you to the country dancefloor, and you dare not refuse. The beats are irresistible, the tune is catchy and the vibe is fun, fun, fun. A much deserved smash.

REDFERRIN/ “Lose Her For Nothin’”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Cooper Bascom/Rose Falcon; Producers: Cooper Bascom/Redferrin; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This downbeat, moody jam puts a loser’s life on repeat. This guy has previously perked up ears with “Doin’ Life” and “Jack and Diet Coke,” so he’s on a roll.

TRACY LAWRENCE/ “Out Here In It”
Writers: Chris Utley/Lee Miller/Trey Lewis; Producers: Tracy Lawrence/Julian King; Label: Lawrence Music Group
– It’s kinda philosophical, kinda thoughtful, kinda mellow and all the way listenable. He remains a superb country vocalist and the strings-and-steel embellished production perfectly underscores his meditation. Lend this your ears.

JOY OLADOKUN/ “If You Got A Problem”
Writers: Peter Groenwald/Ian Fitchuk/Olubukola Oladokun; Producers: Peter Groenwald/Ian Fitchuk; Label: Verve Forecast/Republic Records
–  This Nashvillian scored a big career coup this week when she performed this ballad on the CBS special Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala on Wednesday evening (Feb. 21). The folk-pop production ripples with audio pleasure, while her silken vocal conveys hope, inspiration and fidelity. If you’re not already into this artist, start here and then explore both of her exquisite albums, In Defense of My Own Happiness (2021) and Proof of Life (2023).

PAT BOONE/ “My Stupid Tattoo”
Writers: Damon Leigh/David John Siebels; Producer: David Siebels; Label: The Gold Label
– Boone turns 90 this year, but he’s still in there swingin.’ On the heels of his 2023 Country Jubilee album, the former pop balladeer has issued this goofy, comedic bopper that cautions us not to put a girlfriend’s name in ink, ‘cause you might regret it later. Tap your toes and smile.

ALLIE COLLEEN (FT. LEE BRICE)/ “While We’re Still Friends”
Writers: Allie Colleen/Lee Brice/Sara Brice; Producers: Lee Brice/Jerrod Niemann/Allie Colleen; Label: Evangeline Records
– Colleen issues her finest vocal performance to date on this luscious, gorgeously produced power ballad. Her gleaming, shining-crystal delivery beams from an echoey, swirling-smoke soundscape to convey a goodbye-song lyric that looks back with fondness. I wish Brice had a verse of his own, but nevertheless his harmony vocal is a gem. Excellent work.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN/ “Holy Smokes”
Writers: Bailey Zimmerman/Austin Shawn/Ben Stennis/Michael Tyler/Lauren Hungate; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Elektra
– Romancing the preacher’s daughter in the church parking lot. Cigarette embers glow and smoke twirls around them, hence the title. Zimmerman’s story telling skill and assured vocal are both in full sail here. Captivating.

AUTUMN NICHOLS/ “Slow Down”
Writers: Autumn Nicole Nicholas/Bonnie J. Baker/Tori Tullier; Producers: Bonnie J. Baker; Label: A+N Records
– She sings wonderfully. The ballad starts too slowly, but gradually picks up potency.

PRISCILLA BLOCK/ “Good On You”
Writers: David Garcia/Jessie Jo Dillon/Laura Veltz/Priscilla Block; Producers: David Garcia/Dave Cohen; Label: UMGN InDent Records
– Loved her on “My Bar,” “Thick Thighs,” “Heels in Hand,” “Peaked in High School” and the rest of her outstanding Welcome to the Block Party collection in 2022-23. Now Block returns with a dandy ode that addresses her ex with sass. She knows she’s trashy and honky-tonk loud compared to his goody-two-shoes new girlfriend. But she’s cool with it. So am I. And how. “Vanilla ain’t me/It ain’t ever gonna be,” she warbles.

CAMILLE PARKER/ “Spinning Out”
Writers: Camille Parker/Sara Bares/Reid Sorel; Producers: Reid Sorel; Label: CP
– Breezy, danceable and very, very pop. This hasn’t stopped her from being a CMT Next Women of Country alumnus and CMA Fest performer who staged her Opry debut last weekend. The latter event was noteworthy in that her appearance on the iconic stage was cheered backstage by her country sisters in song Rissi Palmer, Madeline Edwards, Sacha, Tiera Kennedy, Denitia and Miko Marks.

JAIME WYATT/ “Back To The Country”
Writers: Jaime Wyatt/Ryan Hartman; Producer: Adrian Quesada; Label: New West Records
– She has a somewhat raw, garage-y, country-rocking sound with plenty of personality and an unstoppable vocal wail. During the past year, Wyatt has gigged at Austin City Limits, the Opry, the Newport Folk Festival and Stagecoach, plus toured with Sierra Ferrell, Nikki Lane, Margo Price, Grace Potter and The Avett Brothers. This week, she sang this on Kelly Clarkson’s TV show.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Anne Wilson’s New Track Is ‘Beautifully Written’

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Anne Wilson. Photo: Robby Klein

Country music is rocking this week.

Hardy, Kylie Frey, Chase Matthews, Anne Wilson, Nate Smith and Darci Lynne are amping up the volume. And from their ranks come both of this week’s award winners.

Nailing down her first Disc of the Day award is Anne Wilson, who combines her Christian music background with country storytelling on “God and Country.” The DISCovery Award goes to Kylie Frey.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that both performers have been named to this year’s class of CMT’s Next Women of Country. Carter Faith was in last year’s class, and she is represented this week by her fine duet with Sam Williams on a Tammy Wynette classic.

DARCI LYNNE/ “Push Our Luck”
Writers: Darci Lynne/Maggie McClure/Shane Henry; Producers: The Imaginaries/Maggie McClure/Shane Henry; Label: DL
– Muddy production and compressed vocals do her no favors. Her singing is sprightly and assured on the country-rock number. This youngster won as a ventriloquist on America’s Got Talent in 2018 and has been touring successfully ever since. She reportedly has more than seven million followers on social media.

SAM WILLIAMS & CARTER FAITH/ “’Til I Can Make It On My Own”
Writers: George Richey/Billy Sherrill/Tammy Wynette; Producers: Nathan Sexton/Ben Roberts; Label: Mercury Nashville
– It’s a magnificent country classic. These two youngsters bring complimentary vocal personalities to their duet performance of it. Both ache with believability. The song was originally a No.1 hit for its co-writer Tammy Wynette in 1976. Its revival is well-timed since Wynette was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award this month.

ANNE WILSON/ “God And Country”
Writers: Anne Wilson/Jeff Pardo/Matthew West/Trannie Anderson; Producers: Jeff Pardo/Jonathan Smith; Label: Sparrow (SPR)
– The single might be “Rain in the Rearview,” but this advance track from the Christian-music star’s country album debut is a spectacular show-stopper. The production rocks splendidly, she sings her face off and the lyric is a beautifully written series of contrasting images. Absolutely play this. Wilson is in this year’s class of CMT’s Next Women of Country.

BLAKE SHELTON & GWEN STEFANI/ “Purple Irises”
Writers: Gwen Stefani/Jakob Hazell/Niko Rubio/Svante Halldin; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This is pop music, but whenever Blake’s voice is emphasized it comes back down to earth. Mind you, that isn’t often enough.

DYLAN MARLOWE/ “You Did It Too”
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Dylan Marlowe/Joe Fox; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The dobro-laced track is spare and empty, which places the focus firmly on his country boy vocal. The autobiographical lyric defends his wrong-side-of-the-tracks lifestyle against haters who talk trash about his hillbilly culture.

KACEY MUSGRAVES/ “Deeper Well”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– Her lilting, double-tracked vocal explores a failed relationship while acoustic guitars ripple around her. Echoey and enchanting. Different sounding, and different is good.

LARRY CORDLE/ “How Could I Love Her So Much”
Writer: Hugh Mofatt; Producer: Larry Cordle; Label: Mighty Cord Records
– Cordle is a Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member who has made his mark as a hit country songwriter and a hit bluegrass artist. This 1983 Johnny Rodriguez oldie has long been one of my favorite country songs. Its revival as a bluegrass track is an audio delight. Twin fiddles, rippling banjo, fleet-fingered guitar picking, sizzling mandolin, and high-lonesome vocal harmonies—what’s not to love?

SCOTTY McCREERY/ “Love Like This”
Writers: Aaron Eshuis/Frank Rogers/Scotty McCreery; Producers: Frank Rogers/Aaron Eshuis/Derek Wells; Label: Triple Tigers
– The ode to fatherhood is right on the money in every department. Great production of its shifting tempos. Tight songwriting. And, as always, he sings flawlessly.

KYLIE FREY/ “Miss Thang”
Writers: Adam Hood/Brent Cobb/Kylie Frey; Producers: Trent Willmon/Paul Worley; Label: Deep Frey’d Music
– Rampaging and rocking, yet country to the core. The new Next Women of Country participant bites into this lyric with fierce commitment while the track froths and foams around her.

NATE SMITH/ “Bulletproof”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– “World on Fire” was No. 1 for eight weeks. “Whiskey on You” sold Platinum. Smith’s new single moans about heartbreak, noting that booze doesn’t help a bit, because her memory is “bulletproof” despite the “shots.” Electric guitars grind and scream in the background.

CHASE MATTHEW/ “Small Town Shit”
Writers: Daniel Ross/Jessie Jo Dillon/Jaxson Free/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Alex Maxwell/Daniel Ross/Jake Angel; Label: Chase Matthew Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Hip-hop beats infuse his recitation of backwoods country cliches. It wears out its welcome pretty quickly.

HARDY/ “Rockstar”
Writers: Michael Hardy/Jacob Durrett/Blake Pendergrass; Producers: Joey Moi/Hardy/Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records/Big Loud Rock
– Zesty, hard rocking and delightfully tongue-in-cheek. I love his wry, wise-ass attitude.