DISClaimer Single Reviews: Willie Nelson Gives Breathtaking Performance On Newest Release

/by

Diversity is the name of the game today at DISClaimer.

You’ll find soul singing, gospel energy, country ballads and pop boppers on the menu. Four Black performers and four women are here to defy country music’s white-male dominance.

Stars like Brett Young, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett are mixed with the newer sounds of Karley Scott Collins, Fancy Hagood and our DISCovery Award winner, Jelly Roll.

The Disc of the Day goes to living legend Willie Nelson. If you’d rather give the honor to a different, authentically country Texan, you couldn’t do any better than Wade Bowen.

JELLY ROLL / “Son of a Sinner”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/David Ray Stevens/Jason Deford; Producers: Ilya Toshinskiy/Ernest Keith Smith; Label: Stony Creek/BBR
–Very compelling. He’s gripped by substance abuse, but still has a grasp on righteousness. The vocalist’s hoarse, urgent delivery grips you by the throat while the echoey, suppressed boil in the production creates an emotional undertow. This is magnetic, star-making stuff.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Actin’ Up”
Writers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Label: Sony
–This new track finds our female superstar indulging in some real audio creativity. The spare, loopy track wobbles in echo and twang while she drawls the artfully crafted lyric of rebellion. If this is any indication, her upcoming Palomino album is shaping up to be a monster. Anticipation builds.

FANCY HAGOOD / “Bored”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Alysa Vanderheym; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Concord
–Don’t be put off by the acoustic, underproduced beginning. As the band kicks in, he muses about all the things we do to keep from facing our realities. We might lose our way, but there’s always a way to come back. Nashville has a large recovery community, and this could be its anthem.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Alcohol”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Chris Sligh/Derek Campbell/Paul Wrock; Producer: none listed; Label: TKG
–Finger snaps and bluesy accompaniment are the underpinnings of this groove-soaked, semi-humorous heartbreak tune about numbing your pain with you-know-what. This twin-brother duo from the Blue Grass State continues to impress. Keep it coming, guys, I’ve loved all three tracks I’ve heard so far.

WILLIE NELSON / “Tower of Song”
Writer: Leonard Cohen; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy
–Beautiful and haunting. Cannon’s production is exquisite: A bass thumps softly, an electric guitar twangs gently and Mickey Raphael’s harmonica blows mournfully as the master vocalist unspools this stunning Leonard Cohen ballad. This poetic, breathtaking performance will stop you in your tracks. The album it is drawn from, A Beautiful Time, will be out on April 30, the date of Willie’s 89th birthday.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Tattoos”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Brock Berryhill/Brett James; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony
–Her burlap-and-velvet voice has a deliciously husky quality. This power ballad is punctuated by a searing electric-guitar solo, but it’s her riveting delivery of the scarred-by-love lyric that you’ll remember.

BRELAND & THOMAS RHETT / “Praise the Lord”
Writers: Daniel Breland/David Garcia/Jacob Durrett/Jessie Jo Dillon/Julian Bunetta/Kyle Fishman/Michael Hardy/Rocky Block/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Julian Bunetta/Kyle Fishman/Jacob Durrett; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic/Warner
–Gospel energy abounds here. The burbling, hand-clapping track is a joyous banger, and Breland’s performance bursts with youthful exuberance. Rhett comes in with just as much enthusiasm.

CARL RAY / “Moments Like This”
Writers: Jacky Jack White/Carl Ray; Producer: Greg Cole; Label: Sucarnochee
–Previously noted for his “I Can See Clearly Now” tribute to his Houston mentor Johnny Nash and for his album Play That Country Music Black Boy in 2021, Carl Ray (Williams) offers a poignant ballad here. Steeped in steel guitar, it has a traditional country vibe, yet his performance has an unmistakably modern edge. The sweet, super-positive lyric is about savoring love, family and serenity.

ASHLEY COOKE & BRETT YOUNG / “Never Til Now”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Matt Roy; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Loud
–Wonderfully romantic. This was previously an Ashley solo track, but the addition of Young lifts it into the stratosphere. Their vocal blend is extraordinary. The swirling song could easily find its way into wedding celebrations.

VALERIE JUNE / “Use Me”
Writers: Valerie June/Jennifer Decilveo; Producer: Jennifer Decilveo; Label: Fantasy
–The dreadlocked, genre-defying Valerie June mixes Memphis soul, jaunty pop, New Orleans brass and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” country quotes on this dazzling outing. She earned an Americana Grammy nomination last year, and this sounds like it could be on the same path. Marvelously eclectic.

WADE BOWEN / “Phones Don’t Work”
Writers: Wade Bowen/Aaron Raitiere/Rhett Akins; Producer: Paul Moak; Label: Thirty Tigers
–Here is a steadfast, real-country Texan I’ve always admired. This rolling, yearning track finds him on a quest to find someplace in the great outdoors where she can’t get to him. I got lost in its many pleasures. A perfect performance. Wade’s sold-out showcase last month in Nashville’s Exit/In featured guests Miranda Lambert, Leroy Parnell, Rhett Akins and Charlie Worsham. The rest of you need to get on board, too.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Porch With a View”
Writers: Jake Mitchell/Brent Anderson/Hunter Phelps/Jameson Rodgers; Producers: Jake Mitchell/Chris Farren; Label: Sony
–This track from Jameson’s album Bet You’re From a Small Town is a country boy’s dream of buying a place in the country. As always, he’s as country as grits.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Isaacs Give A Handful Of Hope On ‘Humpty Dumpty Heart’

/by

It’s a pop-country day here at DISClaimer.

With Maren Morris, The Brethren, Ya’Boyz and CB30 setting the pace, there was plenty of youthful verve in the listening session. And CB30 caps it by winning this week’s DISCovery Award.

That said, there was still some dandy regulation-country listening. Most especially from Chapel Hart, Jake Owen, Drew Parker and our Disc of the Day winners, The Isaacs.

THE BRETHREN / “Staring at Stars”
Writers: Chad Chapin/Lonnie Chapin/Casey Parnell/Corey Parnell/Brian White/Barry Zito; Producer: The Brethren; Label: OneRPM
–Beautifully harmonized and lushly melodic, this bit of pop-country ear candy evokes summer romance and vacation joy. The luxurious, layered production ain’t exactly down home, but it is mighty, mighty pretty.

DONNA FARGO / “One of the Good Guys”
Writers: Donna Fargo; Producer: Stan Silver; Label: PrimaDonna
–Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Donna Fargo is renowned for “Funny Face,” “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” and a string of other hits in the 1970s and 1980s. Her career was a partnership with husband/manager/producer Stan Silver, whom she lost to COVID last year. Donna’s new All Because of You EP contains the songs they were working on at the time of his death. It leads off with this celebration of his love. The tenor-sax riffs in the arrangement add depth to her sweetly sincere, heartfelt delivery.

YA’BOYZ / “Ya’Boyz”
Writers: Zach Kale/Joe Ragosta/Joseph Patton/Nick Zinnanti; Producers: Zach Kale/Joe Ragosta/NCKSZN; Label: MCA/Republic
–This energetic collaboration features High Valley, Filmore, Levi Hummon, Kyle Clark and Jojo Mason. Group members Kale and Ragosta lead the way on a loud, backwoods banger that sports rock percussion, hick-hop vocals and plenty of redneck imagery. Rowdy and fun sounding, if not exactly my cup of tea.

DYLAN SCOTT / “Livin’ My Best Life”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley/Thomas Rhett/Corey Crowder; Producers: Will Weatherly/Matt Alderman/Jim Ed Norman/Curt Gibbs/Mark Holman; Label: Curb
–Considering the quality he previously displayed on “Nobody,” “Can’t Have Mine,” “My Girl,” “Crazy Over Me” and the splendid current rocker “New Truck,” the title tune of Scott’s upcoming album is a bit of a disappointment. The generic production kinda goes in one ear and out the other.

CHAPEL HART / “Made For Me”
Writers: Danica Hart/Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle; Producers: Jack Meile/Brentt Arcement; Label: CH
–This joyous bopper traces the totally talented trio’s journey from Poplarville, Mississippi to New Orleans. From there, these gifted gals made the trip to Music City, where surely country stardom awaits. The hooky song is irresistible. The production is dandy. The vocals are splendid. Chapel Hart rules.

MAREN MORRIS / “Humble Quest”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Maren Morris/Laura Veltz; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Columbia
–The title tune of Morris’s new album is a moody, oblique thumper. It sounds like she continues to aspire to pop stardom.

BRANTLEY GILBERT & JASON ALDEAN / “Rolex on a Redneck”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill/Michael Hardy/Randy Montana/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Brock Berryhill/Brantley Gilbert; Label: Valory
–All the brand-name shout-outs can’t disguise the overwhelming dullness of this tuneless, repetitive outing. I was so bored I practically nodded off.

THE ISAACS / “Humpty Dumpty Heart”
Writers: Sonya Isaacs/Becky Isaacs Bowman/Ronnie Bowman; Producers: Ben Isaacs/Bryan Sutton; Label: House of Isaacs
–These new Grand Ole Opry members sing like angels. With Sonya’s celestial soprano leading the way, the group’s harmonies carry this lilting message along while mandolin, guitar, dobro and bass ripple rhythmically. Heartbroken? Pick yourself up, put the pieces back together and carry on.

HANK WILLIAMS JR. / “.44 Special Blues”
Writers: Robert Johnson; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye Sound
–Bocephus has always been a bluesman at heart, and that is what is celebrated on his upcoming album. Producer Auerbach recorded him live, singing and playing classics as well as new songs. This advance single is as pure and unadulterated as can be.

JAKE OWEN / “Up There Down Here”
Writers: Zach Dyer/Summer Overstreet/Travis Wood; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–The hooky track rolls on relentlessly with a happy thump. Owen drawls the Saturday-night/Sunday-morning lyric with easy-going charm. Absolutely play this.

CB30 / “Don’t Say Goodnight”
Writers: Christian Clementi/Dallas Wilson/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Buena Vista/UMG
–The wafting, boyish, romantic vibe is pleasing, and their twin-like vocal harmony blend is outstanding. The duo’s billing is derived from the brothers’ first names, Christian and Brody (Clementi), plus the fact that they were both born on the 30th day of the month (May 30, 2001 and March 30, 2004, respectively).

DREW PARKER / “Raised Up Right”
Writers: Drew Parker/Matt Jenkins/Ben Hayslip; Producers: Phil O’Donnell/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–Frequent Luke Combs songwriting collaborator Drew Parker has also been making waves as a record maker. His engaging, country boy tenor drawl is warm and endearing on this earthy, positive ditty. He sounds like he’d be a pleasure to have a beer with.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Nate Smith & Tenille Townes Take The Cake With Stunning Duet

/by

This is Collaboration Day here at DISClaimer.

Today’s review stack is replete with match-ups—Blackberry Smoke with Jamey Johnson, The Gatlins meeting Flat River Band, The Bellamys discovering Charles J. & The Conquistadors and Nate Smith dueting with Tenille Townes. From those ranks come two of our award winners.

The Disc of the Day field was so competitive that I split the award in three. The Male performance honor goes to the electrifying Kip Moore. The Female prize goes to the dazzling stylist Danielle Bradbery. The Duo/Group winners are the afore-mentioned and totally superb Nate Smith & Tenille Townes.

There’s no crowd contending for this week’s DISCovery Award. The Latin-country combo Charles J. & The Conquistadors have it all to themselves.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Boys Back Home”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producers: Hailey Whitters/Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud
–Superbly written, as usual. This pure-country lady has had my heart for a long time. On this anthem-like jewel, she praises the everyday guys in her hometown who grow from wild young bucks into dependable men who’ll, “Pull you out of a ditch or a bar.” The stirring production supports her sturdy hillbilly soprano at every turn. This one’s a keeper.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “Joy of My Life”
Writer: John Fogerty; Producers: Dave Cobb/Chris Stapleton; Label: Mercury
–This ultra-romantic ballad is shot through with Stapleton’s searing soul singing. Simple acoustic-guitar, brushed drums and plucked bass softly frame his performance. Rising out of the audio mist is a ghostly, echoey electric-guitar solo. Lovely work.

ELLE KING / “Out Yonder”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Ella Langley/Matt Mckinney; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony
–Yowza! Her chesty, throaty delivery has charisma to spare. The pounding, twang-fest production gives her warning to the guys extra moxie. Stompin’ and righteous.

KIP MOORE / “Crazy One More Time”
Writers: Kip Moore/Chris Lindsey/Aimee Mayo; Producers: Kip Moore/Matt Bubel; Label: MCA
–This man’s musical instincts are just about flawless. This slab of country-rock thumps ya right in the gut. His gripping singing sends chills up and down the spine while the band kicks ass with finesse. Blue-collar brilliance.

MADELINE EDWARDS / “Port City”
Writers: Madeline Edwards/Court Clement/Josh Moore; Producers: none listed; Label: ME
–She memorably staged her national TV debut with Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer on the CMA Awards, and I’ve been waiting for a breakout single ever since. This could be it, a thoughtful, swirling, orchestrated ballad about taking a leap of faith and following your dreams. Captivating.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Ghost Story”
Writers: David Garcia/Josh Kear/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol
–The ear-catching, burbling country-pop production flows like a rushing stream beneath her penetrating, processed vocal. She vows to haunt her ex, troubling his sleep and making him wish he’d never left her. Hit bound, for certain.

NATE SMITH & TENILLE TOWNES / “I Don’t Wanna Go to Heaven”
Writers: Nate Smith/Daniel Fernandez; Producers: Nate Smith/Joel Bruyere; Label: Sony
–In a word, “Wow.” There’s nothing I love better than a harmony-soaked country duet, and these two toss vocal lightning bolts in this thrilling performance. Beautiful. Awesome. Amazing. The song has at least two other versions, one with Nate singing solo and one with a choir backing. But the presence of two excellent singers matching one another note-for-note means this version takes the cake.

FLAT RIVER BAND & THE GATLIN BROTHERS / “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love”
Writer: Larry Gatlin; Producers: none listed; Label: Early Bird
–It’s a brother-singing confabulation as Chad, Dennijo & Andy Sitze (Flat River) meet Larry, Rudy & Steve Gatlin on this fantastic revival of The Gatlins’ 1978 chart topper. Tune up your harmony chops and sing along.

CHARLES J. & THE CONQUISTADORS WITH THE BELLAMY BROTHERS / “Like She’s Not Yours”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producers: Charles J. Jones/Angel Duran; Label: CJJ
–Mariachi trumpets, deep-twang guitar, Latin rhythm, steel guitar and hearty harmony vocals are the ingredients in this audio delight. Hooky in the extreme. Get on board. Lead singer Charles J. previously charted as “JC Jones” on Rising Tide in ’98.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE & JAMEY JOHNSON / “Lonesome For a Livin’”
Writer: Charles Gray; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Legged/Thirty Tigers
–It’s a straight-ahead honky tonker, at least until Jamey’s fiery voice enters the mix. Then it becomes something extraordinary. He’s a mighty man, and I jumped for joy when Bill Anderson invited him to become a member of the Opry cast last weekend. So cool, so deserved, so real, so right.

FILMORE / “Johnny Got a Girl”
Writers: Filmore/Jordan Schmidt/Geoff Warburton/Kyle Clark; Producers: Zach Abend/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Curb
–This guy is in the midst of a release barrage where he’s been dropping one song per week all spring long. It started with this catchy toe tapper, a cleverly written lament for a buddy who’s gone M.I.A. from the old gang because he fell in love with a beautiful babe. I remain a huge fan of this always-engaging artist.

DANIELLE BRADBERY / “Look at the Mess I’m In”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Caitlyn Smith/Troy Verges; Producers: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine
–What a terrific vocal. This range-y ballad takes some hairpin turns and challenges the upper register. But Bradbery takes every tricky note in stride, turning in one of the finest performances of her career to date. The power ballad is unusual in its lyric of self-recrimination and blame for wrecking her own life. This is a very groovy single. Play and be swept away.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Randy Houser Makes Powerful Return

/by

It seems that we salute our music-industry veterans today.

Deborah Allen, Sammy Kershaw and The Beach Boys are here with new sounds. So is Randy Houser, whose comeback wins our Disc of the Day prize.

Texas is well represented, with Ray Wylie Hubbard, Parker McCollum (singing Strait), Charley Crockett and Miranda Lambert all checking in with worthy new projects. That is also the home state of our DISCovery Award winner, Catie Offerman.

Happy listening.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Carrying Your Love With Me”
Writers: Steve Bogard/Jeff Stevens; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: MCA
–McCollum salutes his hero George Strait with this revival of a 1997 chart topper. The youngster’s tenor voice brings out the yearning in the lyric beautifully. The session musicians’ instrumental coda is an extra delight.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Strange”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Luke Dick/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Label: RCA
–We can all relate. “Times like these make me feel strange.” The unsettling verses give way to a rollin,’ rollicking chorus: “Have a smoke, buy a round/Get on a jet going anywhere bound/Pick a string, sing the blues/Dance a hole in your shoes/Do anything to keep you sane.” Amen, sister.

CHRIS JANSON / “Keys to the Country”
Writers: Chris Janson/Dallas Davidson/Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell; Producers: Zach Crowell/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
–It’s a blazing, high-octane performance that totally rocks. This record screams, “Spring is here” and “Turn it up.” Spin it until ya get dizzy.

LOCASH / “Beach Boys”
Writers: Chris Lucas/Preston Brust/Dallas Wilson/Jared Mullins/Brian Wilson/Mike Love; Producer: Cory Crowder; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
–The vocal guests are veteran Beach Boys Mike Love and Bruce Johnson. The song is a mash up of “I Get Around” with some LoCash redneck verses. It’s a bit of an audio mess, but they mean well.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “I Feel For You”
Writer: Jerry Reed; Producer: Billy Horton; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
–Moody, bluesy and utterly captivating. With spare snare drumming and acoustic strumming as the underpinning, Crockett gives the heartbreak tale a smoky vocal magic. I dig this guy’s “Gulf and Western” sound.

RANDY HOUSER / “Note to Self”
Writers: Randy Houser/Ross Copperman/Casey Beathard/Bobby Pinson; Producers: Randy Houser/Blake Chancey; Label: Empire/Magnolia
–This man remains one of country music’s very finest vocalists. His return is most welcome, especially with such a strong song of regretful hindsight. His extraordinary voice is absolutely fierce as this hair-raising pile driver reaches its climax. Houser is booked to play the Ryman on Sunday (March 20).

CATIE OFFERMAN / “Happyland Trailer Park”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Joe Clemmons/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA
–Lend this newcomer your ears. The Texas twanger takes us on a jingle-jangle, country-rock cruise on her disc debut. It’s a wind-in-your-hair pleasure trip. Tow an Airstream down the highway until you get to the title destination.

SAMMY KERSHAW / “Honky Tonk Boots”
Writers: Billy Don Bruns/Scott Blackwell; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: White Mustang
–Stone cold country, designed for two-stepping. Old-school, and proud of it.

MAGGIE ROSE / “Two Arms to Hold Onto”
Writers: Chris Gelbuda/Don Hart/Maggie Rose; Producers: Don Hart/Chris Gelbuda; Label: MR/Orchard
–Maggie is a dynamite talent as a blue-eyed soul singer. On this lustrous wish for love, she claims her turf as a country queen. The ear-tickling production sports strings as well as twang. She introduced the song at the Opry last Saturday, and charmed everyone in sight. I remain an immense fan.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “Out in the Middle”
Writers: Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs/Zac Brown; Producers: Ben Simonetti/Zac Brown; Label: Warner
–This band doesn’t know how to make a record that isn’t hooky. This song is another one of those redneck-fantasy lyrics about swimming holes, gravel roads and rural partying after a hard-working week. But they sing it with such gusto, you buy it all over again.

DEBORAH ALLEN / “Patsy Cline Crazy”
Writers: Deborah Allen/Margaret Phillips; Producer: Deborah Allen; Label: Audium/BFD
–Allen sings with oomph and passion on this clever ballad. The lyric name checks 25 country classics (I counted) and along the way manages to sound like an instant classic, itself. Very cool.

RAY WYLIE HUBBARD & BAND OF HEATHENS / “Desperate Man”
Writers: Eric Church/Ray Wylie Hubbard; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
–Hubbard’s second album of collaborations drops tomorrow (March 18). It features the eclectic Texas troubadour warbling with Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, Wade Bowen, Wynonna, Randy Rogers and Hays Carll, plus such unlikely collaborators as Toto’s Steve Lukather, Heart’s Nancy Wilson, metal rocker Lizzy Hale, Ringo Starr and the Shiny Soul Sisters. The single is Hubbard’s drawling treatment of the 2018 hit he wrote with Eric Church. I’ve always loved this rumpled, honest fellow.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Thomas Rhett Shows The Best Of Country Music With Newest Release

/by

Country music is alive and well.

This week in DISClaimer we have proof of that in the sounds of Joshua Hedley, Kane Brown, Randall King, Restless Road and Jimmie Allen. The Disc of the Day is also a country monument, “Death Row,” co-written by Thomas Rhett and beautifully recorded with Russell Dickerson and Tyler Hubbard.

Also flying the country flag high are the oldie remakes by Layla Tucker and Cody Belew, who share the DISCovery Award.

CAITLYN SMITH / “Downtown Baby”
Writers: Simon Wilcox/Caitlyn Smith/Gordie Sampson/Thomas Salter; Producer: Caitlyn Smith; Label: Monument
–Catchy country-pop with a chiming chorus, a steady rhythm and an ear-catching vocal. She wants out of suburbia and back into the swing of things in the urban core. Highly engaging.

JIMMIE ALLEN / “Down Home”
Writers: Jimmie Allen/Cameron Bedell/Rian Ball/Tate Howell; Producers: Ash Bowers/Jimmie Allen; Label: Stony Creek/BBR
–Written for and addressed to his late father, this power ballad exudes sincerity. Sung with heart. Loss and grief are universal emotions, and Allen’s song is a pathway beyond them to love and acceptance.

RANDALL KING / “Shot Glass”
Writers: Tony Lane/Brett James; Producers: Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Warner
–This fellow is one of my favorite neo-traditionalists. The title tune of his new album showcases his warm baritone in a brilliant barroom ballad embellished by fiddle and steel. Make this man a star.

MAREN MORRIS / “Nervous”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Maren Morris/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Sony
–Dark and plodding, featuring her hollering while smothered in a rock production. I lost interest quickly.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Growing Old With You”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: RCA
–Heart melting. This beautiful ballad expressing timeless and true love belongs on every wedding playlist. This trio has something special going on.

KANE BROWN / “Leave You Alone”
Writers: Jordan Minton/Jordan Schmidt/Kane Brown; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA
–This love ballad gives him plenty of space to show what an expressive singer he is. I could have done without the shrieking electric-guitar solo.

LAYLA TUCKER / “Misery and Gin”
Writers: John Robert Durrell/Snuff Garrett; Producers: Keith Thomas/Jim Zumwalt/Joe McEwen; Label: LT
–Tanya’s daughter reminds us of what great country music sounds like with this terrific performance of Merle Haggard’s bluesy roadhouse classic. The 1980 song remains a masterpiece, and she sings it with emotional precision. Star-making stuff.

THOMAS RHETT, TYLER HUBBARD & RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Death Row”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Ashley Gorley/Zack Crowell; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
–Extraordinary. This is country music at its very best, speaking truth and touching the soul. Inspired by the three singers’ prison visit, the song finds humanity, empathy and forgiveness in those who are doomed. Each of the three takes a verse, and all of them soar. Essential listening.

MONTE WARDEN / “Love Is Undefeated”
Writers: Monte Warden/Brandi Warden; Producer: Brandi Warden; Label: Moonkiss
–The Wagoneers man gets tender and gentle on this stripped-down, acoustic effort. The ballad expresses the ultimate survival of man’s essential goodness while strings sigh and a guitar strums. Very pretty.

KATHY MATTEA / “Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)”
Writers: Anthony LoGerfo/Corey McCormick/Logan Metz/Lukas Nelson/Tato Melgar; Producers: Kethy Mattea/Jon Vezner; Label: Captain Potato
–Mattea plucked this song from the repertoire of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. It’s a gently persuasive invitation to build trust and unity in these divisive times. Her lilting vocal is backed by sympathetic harmonica and keyboard work. Mattea is the new host of NPR’s Mountain Stage series, and this performance is drawn from one of those broadcasts.

CODY BELEW / “Here You Come Again”
Writers: Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil; Producer: Dustin Ransom; Label: Visionary Media Group
–This guy is a for-real singer, for sure. He completely reinterprets this 1977 Dolly hit, transforming it from a bouncy ditty into a cry of romantic anguish. His only accompaniment is a pianist, but his dramatic performance is so gripping that it needs nothing else. Belew is in the midst of a series of showcases at The Lipstick Lounge on Woodland Street, performing there once a month. March’s date is the 19th, and he’ll appear again at the venue on April 16.

JOSHUA HEDLEY / ”Broke Again”
Writers: Joshua Hedley/Skylar Wilson; Producers: Skylar Wilson/Jordan Lehning; Label: New West
–It’s a rollicking twang fest with loads of hooks, plenty of energy and mounds of hillbilly attitude. The workingman lyric is a dandy, and the band cooks with gas. Neo-traditionalist Hedley celebrates the release of his Neon Blue album with an April 20 show at the groovy new Eastside Bowl. Get yer tix now.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Country Music Delivers A Crop Of Strong Ballads

/by

Drew Green. Photo: Angelea Presti

It’s country-ballad day here at DISClaimer.

Whether singing the blues or celebrating romance, the country stars are taking it slow and easy this week. Dylan Scott, Jon Langston, Kat & Alex, Dolly Parton, Yola and Jenny Tolman are all in peak performance on new ballad releases.

The Disc of the Day is also a ballad: Drew Green’s ode to fatherhood is exquisitely produced and packed with meaning.

Our DISCovery Award winner is Alex Miller, who is most definitely keeping it country.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “The Neon”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Lori McKenna/Rodney Clawson; Producers: Hailey Whitters/Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud
–Barroom heartbreak, set to a rumbling beat, keening fiddle and churning guitars. As usual, she sings like a hillbilly angel. “Everything She Ain’t” remains the single, and this extra advance track has me chomping at the bit to hear the rest of her new collection, Raised, which drops on March 18.

JON LANGSTON / “Back Words”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Michael Hardy/Jon Nite; Producer: Jody Stevens; Label: EMI/32 Bridge
–He shines blazingly bright as a vocalist on this oomphy, echoey ballad of regret. She’s gone, and he can’t take back the words that drove her away. This consistently excellent record maker is turning into one of our steadfast dependables.

DOLLY PARTON / “Blue Bonnet Breeze”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producers: Richard Dennison/Tom Rutledge; Label: Butterfly/UMG
–One of our most masterful storytellers presents a doomed-lovers ballad that floats gently on a bed of strings. Dolly harmonizes with herself as she unspools the tale of a rich boy and poor girl who run away together in his truck, but crash because they’re speeding too fast. This is the second single from her latest album. Look for this mega talent in media everywhere as she launches Run, Rose, Run as both her LP/CD and novel (co-written with James Patterson) next week.

MICHAEL RAY / “Holy Water”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner
–It’s a dramatic, minor-key story song about a preacher with a side hustle selling moonshine. The verses pack a punch with haunting electric-guitar punctuations. The choruses are over produced. But the whole thing works brilliantly.

YOLA / “Starlight”
Writers: Yola/Dan Auerbach/Bobby Wood; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye Sound
–This standout track from Yola’s excellent Stand For Myself album has a throbbing, steady groove. Strings and high, keening electric guitar work softly support her soul-ballad vocal. The Americana queen begins a two-night stand at The Ryman Auditorium tonight (March 3).

MORGAN WALLEN / “Wasted on You”
Writers: Josh Thompson/Ernest Smith/Morgan Wallen/Ryan Votjesak; Producers: Joey Moi/Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud
–Whiskey and prayers, time and money were all for naught, laments this honky-tonk heartache ditty. As usual, he sings with sincerity and believability.

JON PARDI / “Last Night Lonely”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Joe Fox/Dylan Marlowe; Producers: Jon Pardi/Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Capitol
–Country all the way, delivered with a charming drawl, toe-tapping rhythm and some dandy fiddle-and-guitar accompaniment. Hit bound.

DREW GREEN / “Good Ol’ Man”
Writers: Drew Green/Josh Miller/Leo Starr/Mark Trussell; Producer: Mark Trussell; Label: Sony
–He’s gonna straighten up his act now that he’s a dad. The simple piano notes, synth beats and loops have a nicely hypnotic effect. His voice is bathed in echo and layered background witnessing. Audio creativity abounds, and the ballad’s message is cool: “Makin’ a man outta him/Is makin’ a man outta me.” I got beautifully lost in this one.

JENNY TOLMAN / “Afraid”
Writer: Jenny Tolman; Producer: Dave Brainard; Label: JT
–Ms. Tolman celebrated the release of her new Married In a Honky-Tonk album on Monday (Feb. 28). This eloquent, vulnerable ballad explores the courage it takes to fall fully in love. Strings swirl around her lovely delivery while guitars pluck delicately. A beautiful performance, illustrating all over again how fabulous she is.

DYLAN SCOTT / “Can’t Have Mine”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Matt Alderman/Josh Melton/Dallas Wilson; Producer: Matt Alderman; Label: Curb
–His advice to boys is to find a woman to love, but don’t go looking in the direction of Mrs. Scott. This romantic acoustic ballad blew up on TikTok even before its official release.

ALEX MILLER / “Through With You”
Writers: Alex Miller/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam
–This American Idol alum goes totally “old school” on this heartache tune. Echoes of Randy Travis and Keith Whitley waft through the steel-embellished lament. Miller’s dips into his deep baritone range are ear catching, and the song is hooky as the dickens.

KAT & ALEX / “I Want It All”
Writers: AJ Pruis/Alex Georgia/Kat Georgia; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony
–The love song is a wedding anthem in waiting. Driving the power ballad are the twin voices of this couple, who sing in flawless, note-perfect harmony. Highly engaging.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tiera Kennedy Shows The Steamy Side Of Country

/by

DISClaimer salutes Black History Month this week, because country music is having a historic moment.

Since the dawn of the 2020s, more than 50 African-American country artists have staged their debuts. Inspired by the breakthroughs of Jimmie Allen, Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton, Breland and Blanco Brown, a torrent of Black talent has surged into the format, with such artists as Brittney Spencer, Chapel Hart, Charley Crockett, Miko Marks and the Black Opry acts garnering significant media attention.

The Disc of the Day in today’s Black-country survey belongs to Big Machine’s Tiera Kennedy, with indie artist Dalton Dover running a close second.

The DISCovery Award is also a two-way race, with Coffey Anderson edging out Karen McCormick for the honor.

COFFEY ANDERSON / “Good To You”
Writers: Seth Ennis/Will Weatherly/John Pierce; Producers: Coffey Anderson/Ilya Toshinsky/Jordan Omley; Label: Riser House
– This good-time banger sports a sawing fiddle and a steady, head-bobbing beat. He has a jaunty, good-buddy delivery that’s quite winning. The sing-along song has loads of cute lines: “You’re always gonna be too good for me / And I’ll always be good to you.” “I would treat you like a lady / Like a brand-new Mercedes.” A winner.

DANIELIA COTTON / “Roll On Mississippi”
Writers: Rhonda Fleming/Dennis Morgan; Producer: none listed; Label: Cottontown
– Cotton has forceful, striking delivery that brings a pop-rock edge to this 1981 Charley Pride classic. She should have lowered the key, because she screeches way off key on the high notes.

JIMMIE ALLEN, CHARLEY PRIDE & DARIUS RUCKER / “Why Things Happen”
Writers: Brandon Day/Cary Barlowe/Jimmie Allen/Tate Howell; Producer: Ash Bowers/Jimmie Allen; Label: Stoney Creek
– Jimmie Allen currently sits at No. 1 on the country charts with pal Brad Paisley on “Freedom Was a Highway.” You’ll find it on his CD Bettie James: Gold Edition, which is loaded with cool collaborations. This track contemplates the mysteries of life and fate in a swirling production that’s also a “summit meeting” of Black-country greats. Earlier this month, the shooting star took time out to participate in a program called CreatiVets, which uses songwriting to aid veterans suffering from PTSD. By the way, Jimmie Allen is also one of our finest contemporary country showmen. If you haven’t seen him live, do so.

MICKEY GUYTON / “The Star Spangled Banner”
Writer: Francis Scott Key; Producer: N/A; Label: N/A
– This woman proved she is a STAR with this performance at last week’s Super Bowl. Social media sites blew up in its aftermath, and its YouTube video already has 1,182,673 views. Make that 1,182,674 views, because I just watched it again. Wow.

DWAYNE McMILLAN / “Find a Good Woman”
Writers: Dwayne McMillan; Producer: none listed; Label: AIK
– It is soaked with steel guitar, which is a good thing. It is painfully slow and draggy, which is not. The Atlanta soulman sings with sincerity, which is cool. The song lacks hooks, which isn’t.

DALTON DOVER / “Baby I Am”
Writers: Jason Gantt/Dan Isbell/Nate Smith; Producer: Matt McVaney; Label: Droptime
– I liked his debut single quite a bit, and this follow-up is just as impressive. The power ballad is a fervent declaration of True Love, and Dover sings the fire out of it. He’s small-town Georgia man who has found himself a big-city wedding anthem. Very uplifting.

CHIYANTI / “Big Ole Wagon”
Writers: Chiyanti Aiken-Brown; Producer: Chiyanti; Label: DistroKid
– Is “country twerk” a thing? This is a catchy hip-hop loop backed by a fiddler playing “Jaunty Alouetta” and “Old McDonald.” The lyric of the daffy dance tune praises gals with big butts.

THE PAULA BOGGS BAND & DOM FLEMONS / “King Brewster”
Writers: Paula Elaine Boggs; Producer: Martine Tucker; Label: PBB
– This Seattle combo dubs its sound “soulgrass,” since it combines bluegrass and Americana idioms. This track is a story song telling of Paula’s enslaved ancestor in Alabama and his journey through the post-bellum Jim Crow South. Flemons, a veteran of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, shares lead vocals. It’s kinda wordy, but could find favor on folk playlists.

MIKO MARKS / “Goodnight America”
Writers: Justin Phipps; Producer: none listed; Label: Redtone
– Miko Marks issued country albums in 2005 and 2007. After more than a decade out of the spotlight, she returned in 2021 with two new collections, Our Country and Race Records. The lyrics of this song are based on the sermon that Martin Luther King Jr. was working on when he was assassinated in 1968. Backed by rippling acoustic guitars, Marks gives it a terrific reading, shaded with deep alto notes and passionate political urgency. She remains a spectacular country voice, here with something to say.

TIERA KENNEDY / “Gentleman”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Emily Landis/Tiera Leftwich; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: Big Machine
– This rhythmic slow jam is totally steamy. Tonight, she might not be ladylike, so he doesn’t have to be a gentleman when he comes over and turns out the lights. Country gets sexy.

KAREN McCORMICK / “Summer Lover”
Writers: Karen McCormick/Dana Marie Rogers; Producer: Evan Sieling; Label: KM
– Born in Brazzaville, Congo and raised in Washington State, this singer-songwriter staged her country debut with “Retro” in 2020. She has now followed it with this lovely, ultra-romantic ballad. Sung in a breathy sigh with hidden power, it’s very much in a pop-country mode, somewhat akin to Faith Hill’s work.

LATHAN WARLICK / “It’s OK to Cry”
Writers: Blake Hubbard/Jarrod Ingram/Lathan Warlick/Marc Peuschl; Producer: The720; Label: Records/Columbia
– This Tennessee native is nominally a Christian rapper, but he collaborates with Lauren Alaina, Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and other country acts on his My Way EP. The message to men that tears are healing is a good one. But this track is still way more hip-hop than honky-tonk. Pass.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ronnie Dunn Delivers Modern-Day Honky-Tonk Mastery

/by

There’s a lot of country tradition in this week’s DISClaimer.

We have western swing, courtesy of Brennen Leigh & Asleep a the Wheel. We have the enduring artistry of living legend Willie Nelson. We have a stunning bluegrass performance by the always-great Darin & Brooke Aldridge. Here, too, is Country Music and Songwriters Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz. Also along for the ride are such neo-traditionalists as Chris Janson and Dustin Lynch.

Representing the honk-tonk side of town, I give you our Disc of the Day winner, Ronnie Dunn.

And bringing the outlaw tradition up to date is DISCovery Award winner Jackson Dean.

Yee Haw!

SEAN STEMALY / “Can’t Be Me”
Writers: Sean Stemaly/John Byron; Producers: Joey Moi/Derek Wells; Label: Big Loud
–She’s a California gal, and he’s a redneck. She has to accept him like he is if she envisions marriage. Funny, he doesn’t see himself changing one tiny bit to adapt to her. My advice to her is to ditch the self-centered dude pronto.

CHRIS JANSON / “Cold Beer Truth”
Writers: Chris Janson/Brad Clawson/Mitch Oglesby/Rob Pennington; Producers: Brad Clawson/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
–“Bye Mom” is still the single, but if tempo is what you crave, this new track/video will get yer toes tapping. The Dixie-fried, dirt-road lyrics are Country with a capital “C.”

DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE / “Grand Ole Circle”
Writers: Darin Aldridge/Brooke Aldridge/Bill Whyte; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
–Awesome. Brooke is one of country’s greatest current female singers, and her delivery of this lovely ode to the Opry is a precious jewel. The rippling bluegrass accompaniment and Darin’s flawless tenor harmony voice are just a couple of the many audio delights that make this track such a complete joy to hear. The video features a collage of the show’s legends who inspire “dreamers like us to stand in” the circle “where the chosen get to sing,” as the lyric puts it.

THOMAS RHETT / “Us Someday”
Writers: Amy Wadge/Rhett Akins/Thomas Rhett/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Dan Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
–I am nuts about “Slow Down Summer,” so of course I was itching to hear more from Rhett’s forthcoming album. This advance track does not disappoint. The gently loping rhythm, the wafting “whoa-oh” backing vocals and the star’s sincere delivery combine to make this another listening delight. It sounds to me like this fellow is hitting new heights as a record maker.

AARON RAITIERE / “For the Birds”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Miranda Lambert/Anderson East; Label: Dinner Time
–Perhaps best known for co-writing the Oscar-winning Lady Gaga “I’ll Never Love Again” from A Star Is Born, this Nashville tunesmith also has cuts by Maren Morris, the Oaks, Shooter Jennings, Brent Cob, Midland, Hayes Carll and others. His homespun vocal, the funky-folkie track and a wry attitude are the hallmarks of this delightful track. If you need a smile today, here it is. Catch Aaron at The Basement on Monday night (Feb. 21)

WILLIE NELSON / “I’ll Love You Till the Day I Die”
Writers: Rodney Crowell/Chris Stapleton; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy
–Lovely and lilting, this beautifully produced performance shimmers with steel guitar, acoustic piano, gently strummed chords, harmonica and Willie’s own distinctive guitar picking. Riding above it all is his steady and sure voice, an instrument that sounds as warm as a well-worn blanket. And check out that songwriting credit. Need I say more?

BRENNEN LEIGH & ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL / “If Tommy Duncan’s Voice Was Booze”
Writers: Brennen Leigh/Paul Kramer; Producer: none listed; Label: Signature Sounds
–This sways with a limber jazzbo gait. Western swing kings Asleep at the Wheel lay down the steel, piano and fiddle toodlee-doos while Brennen sings the praises of Duncan, the legendary voice of Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys. Kinda tipsy and kinda cool.

DUSTIN LYNCH / “Party Mode”
Writers: Matt McGinn/Jared Keim/Jerry Flowers/Roman Alexander/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow
–In a word, odd. Despite the lyric, it doesn’t sound like much fun at all.

JOSHUA RAY WALKER / “Sexy After Dark”
Writers: Joshua Ray Walker; Producer: John Pedigo; Label: State Fair
–This unusual stylist is on a roll. He recently landed a gig on Jimmy Fallon, and he’s set to make his Opry debut in April. His hard-hitting, high hillbilly tenor is backed here by a horn-punctuated R&B track. Different and ear catching.

RONNIE DUNN / “Broken Neon Hearts”
Writers: Ronnie Dunn/Thomas Perkins/Matt Willis; Producer: Ronnie Dunn; Label: RD
–I’ll never stop being a fan of this extraordinary vocalist. No one, but no one, can deliver a barroom song like this man, and this one’s a dandy. Modern-day honky-tonk mastery on the hoof.

JACKSON DEAN / “Don’t Come Lookin’”
Writers: Luke Dick/Jackson Dean; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Big Machine
–I love these escape-to-the-open-road songs. This one has a churning, burning backing track that seethes with outlaw energy. His throaty voice has real charisma. This could be a star-is-born moment.

DON SCHLITZ / “Mountaintop”
Writer: Don Schlitz; Producers: Adam Engelhardt/Glen Duncan; Label: EMG
–The title tune of this Country Music Hall of Fame member’s new CD sports a lively, bluegrass track and a tongue-tripping vocal that is packed with clever observation. The seekers of the meaning of life bring lotsa gifts and goodies to the man on the mountaintop, which makes that a pretty good gig. A grin and a half. The set also includes Don’s versions of such hits he’s written as “I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love,” “Deeper Than the Holler,” “Not Too Much to Ask” and “The Gambler.” Speaking of which, Don is featured on Mondays on Circle TV as it airs weekly Gambler movies this month. Also tune in when he hits the Opry stage on March 8.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tracy Lawrence Serves Up A Helping Of Classic Country

/by

Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Jon-Paul Bruno

It’s in with the new and in with the old today in DISClaimer.

I’m pleased to report that we have a trio of fine first-timers in the column—Karley Scott Collins, Sacha and our DISCovery Award winner, Stefanie Joyce.

At the same time, we have dandy new music from three veterans—Jeannie Seely, Deborah Allen and our Disc of the Day awardee, Tracy Lawrence.

Spin ‘em all.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Whatever You’re Up For”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Chris Sligh/Derek Campbell/Paul Wrock/Ty March; Producers: Chris Sligh/Matt McClure; Label: KG
–I was quite taken with these twins (Derek & Brandon Campbell) when I reviewed their infectious disc debut last year. They’re back with a sexy, good-time come-on that is ready for any country dance floor. This jam is star-making stuff.

TRACY LAWRENCE / “Don’t Drink Whiskey”
Writers: Cassidy Lynn Alexander/Conner Lawrence Sweet/Marla Cannon-Goodman; Producers: Tracy Lawrence/Julian King; Label: TL
–Classic country. This is honky-tonk heartache at its finest, and Tracy’s singing has never sounded more accomplished. Thank goodness someone is still making music like this; it’s what made this genre great.

BLANE HOWARD / “Boot N’ Rally”
Writers: Blane Howard/Keesy Timmer; Producers: John Shaw/Blane Howard; Label: BH
–It’s one of them rock ‘em, sock ‘em thangs with screaming electric guitar and pounding rhythm. The ditty is aided considerably by a cleverly written lyric.

MAREN MORRIS / “Background Music”
Writers: Maren Morris/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Sony
–Her voice emerges from a deep well of echo with only the barest accompaniment. As the ballad progresses, the production adds layers and her singing increases in intensity. Fascinating, ear catching, magnetic.

SACHA / “We Did”
Writers: Brad Rempel/Ben Stennis; Producer: Gavin Slate; Label: Starseed
–This Canadian is on all kinds of artist-to-watch lists. I can certainly hear why. Her dazzling, bopping country rocker is produced like there’s no tomorrow. Her singing has all the verve, joy and delirium of young love. The twirling, swirling sound is utterly celestial. Make her a star.

KASSI ASHTON / “Dates in Pickup Trucks”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/David Garcia/Luke Laird; Producers: Luke Laird/Dave Garcia/Kassi Ashton; Label: MCA/Interscope
–Her quasi-spoken singing has more than a hint of R&B, and vibe here is distinctly hip-hop. In what sense is this record “country” music?”

JEANNIE SEELY / “So Far So Good”
Writers: Penn Pennington/Mitch Ballard; Producer: Don Cusic; Label: Curb
–Delightful. It’s a lively western swinger with scampering piano, twin fiddles and flawless background harmonies by The Whites (Sharon & Cheryl). It left me grinning from ear to ear.

LEVI HUMMON / “Bottled Up”
Writers: Levi Hummon/Mason Thornley/Grant Vogelfanger; Producer: Eric Arjes; Label: Reservoir
–Second-generation country guy Levi is the son of mega-hit writer Marcus Hummon (who recently debuted an opera in Music City). This track from his forthcoming EP is a well-written tune about the repressed emotions of a broken-hearted dude on a barstool. Catchy and commercial.

CHRIS LANE / “Howdy”
Writers: John Byron/Sam Ellis/Blake Pendergrass; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–Breezy and easy going. His plain-spoken, relaxed delivery sidles up next to you in an instantly-familiar way while the track twangs and thumps in a lulling pattern around him. Gently endearing.

STEFANIE JOYCE/ “Idle Hands”
Writer: Stefanie Joyce; Producer: Kyle Manner; Label: Avalon
–The funky, backbeat production is uber cool. Her drawling vocal is an arrow of truth. The guitar-groove melody is solid and hooky. Best of all, the lyric is a brilliantly fashioned plea for salvation from pills and booze. This is an extraordinary disc debut. I can’t wait to hear what else this singer-songwriter has in her arsenal.

DEBORAH ALLEN / “Blue Collar Baby”
Writers: Deborah Allen/Margaret Phillips; Producer: Deborah Allen; Label: DA
–This romping retro-rockabilly rave up is a rollicking audio party, complete with stuttering guitar, piano plunking and non-stop rhythm.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Heavenly”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Champan; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony
–Her burlap-and-velvet vocal tone is enchanting. The song is a regulation positive love tune, but she makes it sound like something exceptional. Promising. Send more.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Eddie Montgomery, Tanya Tucker Lead Week Full Of Strong Releases

/by

Eddie Montgomery. Photo: Michael Gomez

Today, we shower country record makers with a plethora of praises.

The award for Best Drinking Song goes to Adam Doleac. The honor for Best Comeback belongs to Pat Green. The Best Performance By a Superstar salute goes to Kenny Chesney. Best Production is Caitlyn Smith. Best Song is Tom Douglas. Elvie Shane gets the Best Rocker prize. Rayne Johnson wins the Best Topical Record award.

Returning to our traditional DISClaimer honors, the Disc of the Day goes to Eddie Montgomery & Tanya Tucker for their fiery duet. Happy listening.

CAITLYN SMITH / “High”
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Miley Cyrus/Jennifer Erin Decilveo; Producer: Caitlyn Smith; Label: Monument
–Her earth-shaking vocal performance is backed by booming percussion, dancing fiddle and a celestial choir. Originally recorded by Miley on her Plastic Hearts CD, Smith reclaims the song by self-producing this whisper-to-scream epic. The definition of power ballad, this single confirms the widely admired songwriter’s status as a first-rate record maker. This gal has the goods in every department.

MORGAN WADE / “Run”
Writers: Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden; Producer: Sadler Vaden; Label: Sony
–A repeated guitar figure and steady-state percussion hypnotize you. Then she lays on the drama of escaping from a bad relationship and finding freedom. Her hurtin’ vocal is an emotional bullseye. I remain a fan.

ELVIE SHANE / “County Roads”
Writers: Dan Couch/Elvie Shane/Oscar Charles; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Wheelhouse/BBR
–Elvie bites off a piece of snarling country rock, chews it well and sends it south. It’s about growing up wild and restless, learning about life and love on the streets. The pounding track will have you pumping your fist in the air, and his vocal performance will have you shouting, “Amen!” If this ain’t a smash, there’s no justice.

EDDIE MONTGOMERY & TANYA TUCKER / “Higher”
Writers: Jim “Moose” Brown/David Wade/Shane Grove/Erik Michael Westfall; Producers: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Label: Average Joes
–These two strike twin vocal matches and burn this duet to the ground. It sounds like neither one held anything back as they created this romantic inferno. Fierce and forceful from start to finish. Applause, applause, applause.

RAYNE JOHNSON / “Who-Dey Nation”
Writers: Eliot Sloan/Joe Jordan/Ronnie Vaughn/Kevin Fox/Michael Star/Greg Jackson; Producers: Mark Liggett/Jerry Lane/Ronnie Vaughn; Label: Mountain Road/Verge
–It’s official: The Bengals now have a bona fide anthem. It’s a smashing, crashing fusion of rock guitars, hip-hop beats and hillbilly sass. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I know where my heart is gonna be on Super Bowl Sunday. Rock on, Rayne.

BRANTLEY GILBERT / “How to Talk to Girls”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill/Brian Wayne Davis/Brandon Day/Chase McGill/Josh Phillips/Michael Ray/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Brock Berryhill/Brantley Gilbert; Label: Valory
–Very nice. This artist has always excelled at the softer ballads, and this one is a pip. He knows how to ask for dates and how to use a good bar pick-up line. But when it comes down to the serious moment of asking her to be his bride, he’s tongue tied. And when it comes to talking to his daughter, he’s at a loss for words.

PAT GREEN / “Miles and Miles of You”
Writers: Jon Randall/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Label: Empire
–Finally! This million-selling Texas fave hasn’t issued a new collection since 2015. Here’s the title tune of his comeback album, a gorgeous romantic ballad with wave-on-wave of echoey atmosphere and liquid ripples of mandolin. A welcome return.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Everyone She Knows”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Ross Copperman/Josh Osborne; Producers: Kenny Chesney/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner
–A steady thump and ringing guitars lead you into this toe-tapping ode of female independence. “She’s stuck between being 17 and everyone she knows.” This gal wants nothing to do with marriage, babies, sobriety and settling down. She enjoys the freedom of being single on Saturday night, even though the boys bore her and the men are too old. A portrait of a character you’re bound to love, sung by a master storyteller.

ADAM DOLEAC / “Drinkin’ It Wrong”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Cary Barlowe/Jordan Schmidt; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Arista
–This is a boatload of fun. The rump-shaking percussion and scampering banjo let you know you’re in for a good time on this rollicking rocker. If you’re still thinking about your worries and your work, you’re drinkin’ it wrong sez this hearty-sounding merry maker. The party anthem is a delightful change of pace for the newcomer.

IAN MUNSICK & CODY JOHNSON / “Long Live Cowgirls”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Aby Guitierrez/Phil O’Donnell; Producers: Ian Munsick/Jared Conrad; Label: Warner
–It’s a slow waltz with weaving fiddles and a languid mood. The singers swap verses in praise of the brave ladies of the west. Gently persuasive.

TOM DOUGLAS / “Van Gogh”
Writers: Tom Douglas/Allen Shamblin; Producers: Andy Skib/Alyson McAnally; Label: Monument
–This track teases a documentary titled Love, Tom that will start streaming on Paramount+ on Feb. 24. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member is joined on its soundtrack album by some of the folks who have made his works come to life (Miranda, Tim, Collin, Lady A, Chris Janson). But he’s singing solo here. Accompanied by sighing harmonica, he advises courage in the face of adversity. When you pour your heart into your work and they reject you, persevere. Soul piercing, touching and true.