DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jameson Rodgers, Tenille Townes, Nate Smith

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Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Matthew Berinato

With five contenders this week, the folks at Sony are on fire.

Drew Green, Willie Nelson and Tenille Townes all have worthy new tracks.

The label group also chimes in with the Disc of the Day by Jameson Rodgers, as well as the DISCovery Award winner, Nate Smith.

NATE SMITH / “Raised Up”
Writers: Nate Smith/Trannie Anderson/Jonathan Smith; Producer: Joel Bruyere; Label: Sony
—This guy’s resonant voice grabbed me from the very first note. The track begins simply, with just stark piano accompaniment, then gradually builds its punchy, oomphy instrumentation to match his soulful vocal emoting. The power ballad is about looking to the roots of your values whenever you lose your way. Promising in the extreme.

PAULETTE CARLSON / “Branded Soul”
Writer: Paulette Carlson; Producer: Mark Capps; Label: The Orchard/CDX
—Noted in the 1980s for her lead singing in Highway 101 on Warner and solo work on RCA, Carlson is still singing with throaty distinction. This mid-tempo outing has a nicely rumbling production, but she needs a stronger song for a comeback.

DENNIS QUAID / “Heartbeat”
Writers: Dennis Quaid; Producer: Chris Lindsey; Label: DQ
—The beat of her heart is an ocean in which he drowns. Not exactly a metaphor I understand, but his singing on this lovely waltz is steady and strong. The clear, eloquent production is exquisite. I think I can finally forgive him for his dreadful portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in the 1989 feature film Great Balls of Fire.

THE WILLIE NELSON FAMILY / “All Things Must Pass”
Writers: George Harrison; Producer: Willie Nelson/Steve Chadle; Label: Legacy
—Willie’s new album, which drops Nov. 19, is a family affair wherein children Micah, Amy, Paula and Lukas, plus sister Bobbie participate. Lukas takes the lead on this sweet, gentle revival of the George Harrison pop classic. Willie softly harmonizes while Mickey Raphael’s harmonica sighs in sympathy.

RANDALL KING / “You in a Honky Tonk”
Writers: John King/Matt Rogers/Brandon Day; Producer: Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Warner Music Nashville
—Drenched in steel guitar, neo traditionalist King is turned on by seeing his gal in a roadside dive. Whatever floats your boat….

MICHAEL RAY / “Higher Education”
Writers: Derek George/Frank Rogers/Jeremy Bussey/Monty Criswell/Tim Montana; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Warner Music Nashville
—“Learnin’ how to rock, learnin’ how to roll,” in the school of hard knocks, that’s Ray’s “Higher Education” according to this rousing romper. Lee Brice, Kid Rock, Tim Montana and Billy Gibbons provide hearty guest vocals. A good-time vibe, for sure.

CLARE DUNN / “Holding Out for a Cowboy”
Writers: Clare Dunn/Whitney Phillips; Producer: Clare Dunn; Label: Big Yellow Dog
—This is a powerful performance, full of soulful vocal licks that range from dark, chesty tones to soaring high-end dramatics. Her own electric guitar passages are the icing on this tasty cake. Very cool, indeed.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Missing One”
Writers: Hunter Phelps/Smith Ahnquist/Jameson Rodgers; Producer: Chris Farren/Mickey Jack Cones; Label: River House/Columbia
—Since their breakup, he’s missing one of his Eagles records she took, missing cigarettes and missing his own heart. The thumping, heartbeat tempo is cool. The furious guitars are cooler. His scintillating vocal performance is coolest of all. I love this record. It pulses with passion.

LEA SWEET / “Can I Kiss Away a Broken Promise”
Writers: Jeff Silverman/Lolita Lea Sweet; Producer: Lea Sweet/Jeff Silverman; Label: LS
—I love it that her album is called The Black Queen of Country Music. The single from it demonstrates that she has the vocal chops to back up that claim. A promising disc debut.

TENILLE TOWNES / “Villain in Me”
Writers: Tenille Townes/Alex Hope; Producer: Alex Hope; Label: Columbia
—Kinda dark, intimate and personal, and wholly involving. This woman is consistently excellent. Another building block in a star-making career.

THOMAS RHETT / “Slow Down Summer”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/Sean Douglas/Jesse Frasure/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
—Now that he’s back at home in country music, he’s going from strength to strength. This is a wonderfully well written bit of wistful romance—they were so madly in love that they wanted time to stop moving. Sincerity shines here.

DREW GREEN / “Dirt Boy”
Writers: Drew Green/Kelley Lovelace/Lynn Hutton; Producer: Mark Trussell; Label: RCA
—Instead of “hillbilly” “hayseed” and “hick,” they called him “dirt boy” because he was a farm kid. Now he’s proud of it, and singing about it with gusto. Sing on, bro.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Wade Bowen, George Strait, Muscadine Bloodline

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Music City’s major labels yield to feisty, independent artists this week.

Despite the presence of strong singles by George Strait, Jon Langston, Maddie & Tae, Kassi Ashton and The Cadillac Three, the Lone Star State’s perennially popular Wade Bowen nails down the Disc of the Day award.

Also coming from indie left field is our DISCovery Award winner, the duo Muscadine Bloodline.

MUSCADINE BLOODLINE / “Dispatch to 16th Ave.”
Writers: Charlie Muncaster/Gary Stanton; Producer: Charlie Muncaster/Gary Stanton; Label: MB
— The duo sings of a country hopeful on Music Row who fails because he wouldn’t make conformist music. The harmonies are tight, and their band sounds sprightly. Recommended.

KASSI ASHTON / “Heavyweight”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/Luke Laird/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Luke Laird/Kassi Ashton; Label: MCA Nashville/ Interscope
— Sultry and moody. She says she can take whatever heartbreak he wants to dish out. She won’t cry. She’ll fight. She’s tough. The whole thing is kinda cool, in a pop-country way.

THE CADILLAC THREE / “Devil’s Lettuce”
Writers: Jaren Johnston/Neil Mason; Producer: The Cadillac Three; Label: Big Machine
— In a word, strange. Is there such a thing as country psychedelia? This choppy, wacky, rhythm-soaked ditty waxes enthusiastic about homegrown weed. It’s more spoken than sung, and the drum track is more prominent than anything else. I have no idea what to do with this.

JON LANGSTON / “When You’re Lonely”
Writers: Jon Langston/Jody Stevens; Producer: Jody Stevens; Label: EMI
— This toe-tapping country rocker rolls along righteously as Langston unspools his bitter yarn. She calls him at 3 AM when she’s got nobody else to love her…. even though she already told him they have no future together. Radio ready.

JETT HOLDEN / “Taxidermy”
Writers: Jacques Landell Holden; Producer: none listed; Label: JH
— The arty lyric meanders somewhat on this wordy, passionate, heartbreak ballad. He sings with immense, intense fire. Vocally promising, but the songwriting needs to get tighter.

GEORGE STRAIT / “The Weight of the Badge”
Writers: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producer: Chuck Ainlay/George Strait; Label: MCA
— Today is National First Responders Day. King George has the commemorative song, a lustrous ballad in a lovely production that mixes sighing fiddles and aching steel with heartfelt singing. Meditative and memorable.

WADE BOWEN / “When Love Comes Around”
Writers: Wade Bowen/Eric Paslay/Heather Morgan; Producer: Paul Moak; Label: Thirty Tigers
— This dirt-road Texas honky-tonker can always be counted on for country excellence. What he doesn’t usually do is upbeat, happy love tunes. Well, he does that here, and the result is splendidly uplifting, joyous and clap-hands catchy. Get up and twirl around the room.

MADDIE & TAE / “Madness”
Writers: Maddie Font/Taylor Kerr/Jessie Jo Dillon/Zach Kale; Producer: Jimmy Robbins/Derek Wells; Label: Mercury
— Airy and wafting, this audio dreamscape is about the enduring power of true love. Relaxing and gentle. Caressed by their sweet, close vocal harmonies.

JIMMY YEARY / “Angeline”
Writers: Jimmy Yeary/Billy Droze/Chris Myers; Producer: none listed; Label: RBR Entertainment
— Yeary is a big hit songwriter via such accomplishments as “I Drive Your Truck” (Lee Brice), “I Called Mama” (Tim McGraw), “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” (Martina McBride), “Till It’s Gone” (Kenny Chesney) and more. He’s also the lucky devil who’s married to the divine Sonya Isaacs. As if that’s not enough, he is a dandy bluegrass record maker. This frothy, lickety-split, dobro-laced, scampering-fiddle ditty is a hillbilly delight.

RAY STEVENS / “Hoochie Coochie Dancer”
Writers: C.W. Kalb, Jr.; Producer: Ray Stevens; Label: Curb
— The master of the novelty single is back with a charming outing about getting mugged after falling for a carny gal. Loved the backup ooohs and the talking-blues delivery. Cute and amusing.

ABBY ANDERSON / “Bad Posture”
Writers: Abby Anderson/Anna Vaus; Producer: Marshall Altman; Label: AA
— She’s singing with more guts than ever on this stately saga of a survivor: “Since you’ve been gone, I stand up straight.” In the ebb-and-flow production, the rippling piano notes are gradually augmented by an echoey, marching rhythm track. Definitely ear catching.

LILLI LEWIS / “My American Heart”
Writers: Lilli Lewis; Producer: none listed; Label: Louisiana Red Hot Records
— She sings marvelously, with a pleading soprano that can dip to a throaty, chesty tone. The wordy, well-meaning song wanders around in search of a hook.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert, Hannah Ellis, Walker Hayes

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There’s an awful lot of pop music in this week’s “country” round-up edition of DISClaimer.

Holding down the fort and standing firmly on country ground are Chase Rice, Brett Young, Ryan Hurd and our Disc of the Day winner, queen Miranda Lambert.

The DISCovery Award also goes to a female artist, Curb newcomer Hannah Ellis.

HANNAH ELLIS / “Us”
Writers: Hannah Ellis/Jason Massey/Travis Wood; Producer: Jason Massey; Label: Curb Records
— Bubbling and boiling, this churning, rhythm-happy number comes across like a female version of Keith Urban’s catchy, pop-country sound. Highly listenable.

WALKER HAYES / “U Gurl”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Dylan Guthro/Jodi Guthro; Producer: Dylan Guthro; Label: Monument Records
— While “Fancy Like” continues to dominate, Hayes issues this new track. It’s more pop, white-boy hip-hop, and has even less to do with country music than his mega hit.

SHY CARTER / “The Rest of Us”
Writers: Shy Carter/Bryan Simpson/Josh Kerr; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner
— The title tune of Carter’s debut EP is a lovely pop love ode wafting with heartfelt tenor vocals, brushed percussion and sweet lyrics. Enchanting. Swoon worthy. Stick with his “Beer With My Friends” banger, but keep this in your back pocket as proof of the depth of his talent.

LEE BRICE / “Soul”
Writers: Kevin Kadish/Tony Ferrari; Producer: Ben Glover/Kyle Jacobs; Label: Curb Records
— In the wake of four straight No. 1 country hits, Brice motors down a pop side street with this wildly attractive, bouncy bopper. Deliciously hooky.

THE WILD FEATHERS / “Ain’t Lookin’”
Writers: Jeffrey Steele/Joel King/Ricky Young/Taylor Burns; Producer: The Wild Feathers; Label: New West
— I loved ‘em when they were a pop/rock band, and I loved ‘em just as much as country music makers. Now they are rocking again. Whatever….

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “If I Was a Cowboy”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Jesse Frasure; Producer: Luke Dick/Jon Randall; Label: RCA/Vanner Records
— Breezy and beautiful, this is the sound of freedom and high spirits. A bases-loaded home run. Massive airplay, please.

YOLA / “Be My Friend”
Writers: Yola/Dan Auerbach/Ruby Amanfu; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye/Concord
— This British-born, Nashville-based artist seamlessly blends soul, Americana and country. She’s this month’s OpryNext artist and is touring with Chris Stapleton. Her commanding voice is center stage in this stately ballad. That’s Americana queen Brandi Carlile on the twin-like harmony vocals.

BRETT YOUNG / “You Didn’t”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Brett Young/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite; Producer: Dann Huff/Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG
— Mr. Romance cuddles up next to you while crooning a ballad about accepting a breakup without casting blame or recriminations. Tender and affecting. A heart-tugging lyric that will pierce anyone who has lived the line, “I fell in love, and you didn’t.”

RUTHIE COLLINS / “Hypocrite”
Writers: Ruthie Collins/Natalie Stovall; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sidewalk
— Ruthie’s breakup isn’t going so well. In this ballad, she’s putting on a good face, but is actually shattered because she’s still in love with him. The pounding surrounding track is very pop.

CHASE RICE / “If I Were Rock & Roll”
Writers: Chase Rice; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
— Charmingly written. It’s a jaunty ditty about love and fidelity that brings a smile to your face. The shuffling, bright, light-hearted production is mighty endearing, too.

MORGAN EVANS/ “Love Is Real”
Writers: Jordan Reynolds/Morgan Evans/Parker Welling; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Relentlessly optimistic. The burbling, percussive track and sunshine-y melody are more than a little reminiscent of the style of his fellow Oz import Keith Urban. Which is to say: toe-tapping, catchy, rocking and shiny.

RYAN HURD / “Pass It On”
Writers: Ryan James Hurd/Maren Morris/Jordan Schmidt/Michael Hardy; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Label: Arista Nashville
— Do you have good fortune? Don’t keep it to yourself. Pass it on to someone else, says Ryan in this ear-tickling pleaser. Hand claps. Gang sing-along. Rolling tempo. What’s not to like?

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keb’ Mo’ & Darius Rucker, Abbey Cone, Rod + Rose

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Keb’ Mo’, Darius Rucker

Country newcomers shine brightly today in DisClaimer.

Vying for our attention are Rod + Rose, Dalton Dover and our DisCovery Award winner, Abbey Cone.

Mind you, there are plenty of old friends to greet as well, notably William Lee Golden, Reba, Dolly, Maria Muldaur and the enduringly brilliant Lyle Lovett. Listen right now to Lyle’s “Teach Me About Love.” You can thank me later.

The Disc of the Day belongs to the duo of Keb’ Mo’ and Darius Rucker, with Vince Gill behind the board. It’s a pure delight.

ROD + ROSE / “Put Me Back Together”
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Trevor Dahl/Brenton Duvall/Johnny Price/Kiara Saulters; Producer: Rodney Atkins/Seth Mosley; Label: Curb
— Country hitmaker Rodney Atkins and his bride, pop princess Rose Falcon, shimmer as a duo on this dreamy love ballad. It’s a seductive swirl of vocal harmonies, electronic loops, echoey percussion and electric guitar. Yes, it’s pop. But it sure is pretty.

REBA McENTIRE & DOLLY PARTON / “Does He Love You”
Writers: Sandy Knox/Billy Stritch; Producer: Dave Cobb/Reba McEntire; Label: MCA
— This revisitation of the 1993 Reba & Linda Davis Grammy and CMA winning duet works. The new arrangement is more acoustic and less bombastic. Both Reba and new partner Dolly breathe new life into the lyric, each adding fresh vocal embellishments and emotional nuances. In a word, classy.

WILLIE JONES / “Get Low, Get High”
Writers: Willie Jones/Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day; Producer: Willie Jones/Brandon Day; Label: Sony/Penthouse
— Jones applies a low baritone vocal to ride atop the beats on this rousing, uplifting outing about overcoming. The track builds to a catchy, quasi-shouted anthem, complete with massed male & female gang sings and a bright touch of brass. The song is pretty much a continually repeated snippet that wears out its welcome about 2/3 of the way through.

JAKE OWEN/ “Best Thing Since Backroads”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Geoff Warburton/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
— This jolly thumper is churning up the charts for this perennial favorite. He’s so smitten with her that he thinks she’s prettier than a summer day or a country landscape. Everything about this smiles.

MARIA MULDAUR/ “I’m Vaccinated and I’m Ready for Love”
Writers: Maria Mudaur/Craig Caffal; Producer: none listed; Label: Stony Plain
— The “Midnight at the Oasis” charmer is back with a pandemic ditty. Musically, it’s a straightforward blues bopper with plenty of vintage ambiance and a back-alley guitar solo. Lyrically, it’s as cute as the dickens.

BLANCO BROWN / “Nobody’s More Country”
Writers: Bennie Amey III/Jordan Schmidt/Quintin Amey/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Blanco Brown/ Jordan Schmidt; Label: BBR
— Delightful. Sung to a chirping, electro-embellished, banjo-and-handclaps track, Brown’s ode to the pleasures of country living is marvelously catchy. “The Git Up” star has reemerged, rehabbed from a near-fatal motorcycle crash and sounds as hearty as ever.

WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN & THE GOLDENS / “Jambalaya”
Writers: Hank Williams; Producer: Ben Isaacs/Michael Sykes/Chris Golden/Rusty Golden; Label: Copperline
— The “mountain man” of the Oak Ridge Boys kept his family’s spirits up during the pandemic by having recording sessions. The Country Hall of Famer and his three sons (Rusty, Chris & Craig) give this Hank Williams classic a Louisiana backbeat and some zippy guitar and piano work to make it a contemporary dance tune. Lotsa fun. Also check out their exquisite family harmonies on the Jim Reeves standard “Four Walls.”

KEB’ MO’ & DARIUS RUCKER / “Good Strong Woman”
Writers: Kevin Moore/Jason Nix/Jason Gantt; Producer: Vince Gill/Keb’ Mo’; Label: Rounder
— Nashville’s Grammy-winning bluesman goes all-the-way country on this toe-tapping ditty duet with Darius Rucker, coproduced by Hall of Famer Vince Gill. Crisp, clear and totally joyous.

DALTON DOVER / “You Got a Small Town”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jamie Paulin/John Pierce; Producer: Matt McVaney; Label: Droptine
— Blake turned his chair around for this youngster on The Voice a few years back and here’s why. Dover is a forceful, confident singer with plenty of grit and swagger in his delivery. The small-town Georgian displays impressive range and volume on this salute to rural roots. The production is needlessly busy and rock electrified, but he rises above it. An impressive debut, reminiscent of the titanic Luke Combs.

LYLE LOVETT / “Teach Me About Love”
Writers: Walter Hyatt; Producer: none listed; Label: Omnivore
— Drawn from an Austin City Limits tribute show to the late singer-songwriter Walter Hyatt, this sensational little acoustic swinger slides into that sweet spot between country and jazz. And nobody has the vocal “cool” to bring this off better than Lyle Lovett. Stay tuned for the finale yodel. “Groovy” doesn’t even begin to describe it.

MATT STELL / “Boyfriend Season”
Writers: Matt Stell/Zach Abend/Seth Ennis/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: RECORDS/Arista
— The single continues to be “That Ain’t Me No More,” but this newly released track is almost as hooky. Advice for a broken hearted lady from her former lover.

ABBEY CONE / “Rhinestone Ring”
Writers: Abbey Cone/Heather Morgan/Nathan Spicer; Producer: Nathan Spicer/Abbey Cone; Label: Valory
— This youngster debuts with a sweet tune about wedding dreams. You don’t need all the fancy trimmings to make nuptials perfect, just true love. She doesn’t miss church bells, a veil, a white dress and all that: A jukebox dance in his arms wearing a little black dress in a neon-let barroom is just fine.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band, Morgan Wade

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Luke Bryan. Photo: Jim Wright

This productive listening session perfectly mixed country newcomers and stars.

In the latter category are fresh offerings from Blake Shelton, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, the Zac Brown Band and Dierks Bentley (with the James Barker Band). Also, our Disc of the Day winner, Luke Bryan.

Vying for newcomer attention are Walker County (again), Georgia Webster (again), Misty River, the James Barker Band and our DisCovery Award honoree Morgan Wade. Some folks might need to get over her tats-and-piercings visual presentation, but the proof is in the listening. The gal is gifted.

GEORGIA WEBSTER / “Box of Memories”
Writers: Georgia Webster; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Sony/River House
— Audio heartbreak. Over steady, slow piano chords, she delivers a trembling, cracked, lovely ballad of loneliness and reflection. Promising.

LUKE BRYAN / “Up”
Writers: Jeremy Bussey/Taylor Phillips/Bobby Pinson; Producer: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol
—Beautifully produced, with airy, echoey space around Luke’s vocal. The melodic song holds snapshots of simple country living. Faith is the key. An endearing single with a new sonic direction for this superstar.

JAMES BARKER BAND & DIERKS BENTLEY / “New Old Trucks”
Writers: James Barker/Casey Brown/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton; Producer: Todd Clark; Label: Sony
—Rust, scratches, dents and debris are the patina that makes his ride special. A mid-paced country rocker with heart. Both artists sing with conviction here.

BLAKE SHELTON / “Come Back as a Country Boy”
Writers: Jordan Schmidt/Josh Thompson/Michael Hardy; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
—This redneck rocker is a stomping manifesto in that proud-to-be-country mode. Did I miss the chapter where it says that hillbillies believe in reincarnation?

MISTY RIVER / “Rain”
Writers: Carmen Phelan; Producer: Adam Morley; Label: MR
—This U.K. singer-songwriter-fiddler sings of better days to come on this sweet-sounding ditty. Her vocal is pitched too high, making her sound childlike and frilly.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “The Comeback”
Writers: Zac Brown/Wyatt Beasley Durrette III/Ray Fulcher/Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Zac Brown/Ben Simonetti; Label: Warner
—I love how these guys are out there in their own musical space. Their harmonies slay me every time, as does Zac’s drawled countryboy phrasing. The band is enduringly great, and this uplifting anthem is directed at our collective love of our land.

MORGAN WADE/ “Wilder Days”
Writers: Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden; Producer: Sadler Vaden & Paul Ebersold; Label: Arista
—A force to be reckoned with. I love the smoky quality in her voice and the smoldering ember of rock in the track. I wish she wasn’t compressed and double tracked, but this is a stunning debut nonetheless. There is a lot of truth in her younger-woman-older-man relationship lyric. She definitely has the “wow” factor and totally deserves instant stardom.

DUSTIN LYNCH & RILEY GREEN / “Huntin’ Land”
Writers: Dustin Lynch/Andy Albert/Hunter Phelps/Will Weatherly; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow
—Really? He only loves her because her daddy has thousands of acres of hunting land in Kentucky? “Humor” delivered without humor.

WALKER COUNTY / “Liar”
Writers: David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey/Ivy Walker/Sophie Walker; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Warner
—This sassy sister duo (Ivy Dene and Sophie Dawn) is feisty and fierce on this cleverly written power waltz. She’s being saucy and devil-may-care, but it’s all an act because she’s still stuck on him. I love the rousing, in-your-face choruses. This rocks.

JUSTIN MOORE / “With a Woman You Love”
Writers: Justin Moore/Paul DiGiovanni/Chase McGill/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jeremy Stover/Scott Borchetta; Label: Valory
—Delightfully country. Singing the praises of true love with twang to spare.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson

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Pictured (L-R): Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp. Photo: Taryn Weitzman

There’s more than a touch of Americana influence in today’s country edition of DisClaimer.

Frankly, it’s what is needed to keep the country format from becoming completely boring. Charley Crockett, Rodney Crowell, Willie Nelson and son Lukas Nelson all did their part to spice up this listening session.

So did the titanic John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen, who easily earned the Disc of the Day award.

Jessie James Decker stages her debut in the column this week and wins the DisCovery Award. A TV personality, fashionista, NFL wife and social media influencer, she seems like a real go-getter.

NIKO MOON / “Paradise to Me”
Writers: Niko Moon/Anna Moon/Joshua Murty; Producer: Joshua Murty/Niko Moon; Label: RCA Nashville
— It’s a mellow party vibe with a beach-y groove. Relaxing and smiley.

KANE BROWN & H.E.R. / “Blessed and Free”
Writers: David Biral/Denzel Michael-Akil Baptiste/Gabriella Wilson/Ilsey Juber/Kane Brown/Russ Chell; Producer: Russ Chell/Take A Daytrip/Kuk Harrell; Label: RCA Nashville
— Brown takes aim at the pop charts and misses. Tuneless and lifeless.

OMER NETZER / “Country Boy”
Writers: Omer Netzer/Moran Ifragan; Producer: Omer Netzer/Moran Ifragan; Label: ON
— It says here that Omer is “Israel’s hottest country music entertainer.” He has a gritty vocal quality that’s ear catching, and the guitar noodling sounds good. The songwriting could use some work.

LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL / “Wildest Dream”
Writers: Lukas Nelson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Fantasy
— Jaunty, welcoming country-rock that rolls along an open sonic highway. This has verve to spare.

JOHN MELLENCAMP & BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN / “Wasted Days”
Writers: John Mellencamp; Producer: John Mellencamp; Label: Republic
— As fiddles, accordions and guitars bob and weave in a dizzy swirl, these two music masters muse on the fleeting nature of life. They swap verses, and Bruce takes the high harmony vocal on the choruses. The resulting sonic tapestry is more “country” than 90% of what you hear on country radio.

EDDIE MONTGOMERY / “Alive and Well”
Writers: Eddie Montgomery/Ira Dean/Chris Wallin; Producer: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Label: Average Joes
— Rousing and uplifting. The lyric is lifted from his life: It reflects on the tragic losses he has endured (the deaths of his son in 2015 and his music partner Troy Gentry in 2017) and his ultimate will to live that they led to.

WILLIE NELSON / “Family Bible”
Writers: Willie Nelson; Producer: Willie Nelson/Steve Chadie; Label: Legacy
— Sister Bobbie Nelson provides the eloquent piano accompaniment, while children Paula, Amy, Micah and Lukas softly harmonize behind papa’s sturdy, sure and soulful lead vocal. Band mainstays Mickey Raphael and the late Paul English are here as well. It’s one of Willie’s finest early songs, and it still sounds brilliant.

JENNY TOLMAN / “I Know Some Cowboys”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: JT
— Nashville’s finest unsigned talent sings the praises of Texas gentlemen in this instantly catchy, sprightly, clever country rocker. An irresistible toe tapper.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Music City USA”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Mark Neill; Producer: Mark Neill; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
— This prolific Texas honky tonker has issued 10 albums during the past six years and won the Emerging Artist of the Year honor at this month’s Americana Music Awards. The title tune of his latest skewers the star-making machinery of Nashville. “I shouldn’t have come here in the first place,” he sings to the accompaniment of a classic ‘60s, steel-soaked track, “’cause folks in here don’t like my kind.” He’s retro and proud of it.

MICKEY GUYTON / “All American”
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Victoria Banks/Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Capitol Nashville
— After a decade in Nashville, Mickey at last has an album. It is a 16-track dandy that is aptly titled Remember Her Name. This track from it is a soaring anthem of inclusion and togetherness. This lady can flat-out SING.

RODNEY CROWELL / “Something Has to Change”
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Rodney Crowell/Dan Knobler; Label: RC1/Thirty Tigers
— This timeless treasure offers introspection and social commentary in his new songs on an album titled Triage. His current Americana hit resonates with conviction and rhythmic thump, not to mention a striking trombone solo. Rodney’s singing is simultaneously conversational and soaring as he delivers this lyric asking for some social justice.

JESSIE JAMES DECKER / “Not In Love With You”
Writers: Sam Ellis/Jordyn Shellhart; Producer: Sam Ellis; Label: Big Yellow Dog/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
— Decker delivers the goods here, singing powerfully about moving on from a failed relationship. She deploys vocal breaks, sustained notes, vulnerable aches and whisper-to-a-shout range while the production chimes around her. Tuneful. Well done.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jameson Rodgers, Marty Stuart, Lily Rose

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Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Matthew Berinato

The vets outshine the shiny new stars today.

Asleep at the Wheel, Lyle Lovett, José Feliciano, Dolly Parton and Marty Stuart sound a whole lot better than most of the major-label country contenders do. One exception is Sony’s Jameson Rodgers, who earns the Disc of the Day award.

Also check out the worthy new efforts by Lily Rose, David Nail and Scotty McCreery.

We have no newcomers in this edition of the column, hence no DISCovery Award.

AARON VANCE / “Five Bucks Says”
Writers: Aaron Vance/Rich Karg; Producer: Aaron Vance/Rich Karg; Label: Windy Holler
— Vance strips it down to an acoustic track for this ballad. The song contemplates what Lincoln would say if he could see where we are as a country today. The singer-songwriter added “producer” to his resume for his current Cabin Fever album. I loved the innovative sounding title track. This single continues his creative forward motion.

BRANTLEY GILBERT / “Gone But Not Forgotten”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill/Jason Blaine/Jay Brunswick; Producer: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— He’s still a cool singer, and the message is admirable, but this production is muddy and muffled.

DREW GREEN / “Cold Beer and Copenhagen”
Writers: Drew Green/Smith Ahnquist/Brent Anderson; Producer: Mark Trussell; Label: Villa 40/RCA
— He loves everything that’s bad for him—beer, snuff and her. Is this vocal double tracked or is every sound here just processed to death?

SCOTTY McCREERY / “Damn Strait”
Writers: Trent Tomlinson/Jim Collins; Producer: Frank Rogers/Derek Wells/Aaron Eshuis; Label: Triple Tigers
— Very well written. The lyric weaves the titles of George Strait hits into a tale of heartbreak and nostalgia. McCreery is on a definite roll.

COLE SWINDELL / “Some Habits”
Writers: Scooter Carusoe/Josh Miller/Chris LaCorte; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— It’s a lilting love lyric about living right by breaking bad habits, except for his habit of romance. He sounds like any generic male country singer, so the star here is the song.

JOSÉ FELICIANO & DOLLY PARTON / “Eagle When She Flies”
Writers: Dolly Parton; Producer: Rick Jarrard/John Willis/Gilles Godard; Label: Anthem Entertainment
— Now this is what a real country duet sounds like. The voices challenge and lift one another, collaborating equally and powerfully throughout the performance. Dolly originally wrote it as a theme song for Steel Magnolias, but the film never used it. She scored a modest sized hit with it in 1991. This new interpretation brings out the real strength of her lyric and underscores the song’s anthem qualities.

DAVID NAIL / “St. Louis”
Writers: David Nail; Producer: David Nail/Reed Pittman; Label: DN
— The Missouri native muses beautifully in this enchanting ballad about love and loss, using his state’s most iconic city as a memory trigger. I have always been a major fan of this guy, and this indicates that he still has the goods. The gentle, echoey, super tasteful production is a major plus, too.

MARTY STUART / “Poor Side of Town”
Writers: Lou Adler/Johnny Rivers; Producer: Marty Stuart; Label: MS
— The sixth release from Marty’s 20-tune digital collection Songs I Sing in the Dark is a flawlessly rendered revival of a 1966 Johnny Rivers chart-topping classic. The country star’s vocal “owns” the song with nuances and subtle phrasing that the pop singer didn’t match. A gem of a performance.

CASSADEE POPE / “Tomorrow Night”
Writers: Cassadee Pope/Devin Guisande/Aaron Chafin; Producer: Cassadee Pope/Nickolas Wheeler/Karen Fairchild; Label: CP
— Pope tries a pop/grunge approach here. It fails. She doesn’t have the voice for it.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Bet You’re From a Small Town”
Writers: Jameson Rodgers/Smith Ahnquist/Will Bundy/Lynn Hutton; Producer: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
— This is a well-worn (worn out?) country-song topic, but the craftsmanship in the writing here is unmistakable. Rodgers really knows how to communicate as a singer, and with a lyric this strong, he is unstoppable. It’s the title tune of his fine debut album.

LILY ROSE / “Stronger Than I Am”
Writers: Griffen Palmer/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Back Blocks/Republic
— Terrific. Rose goes for the jugular on this heartbreak power ballad. This artist has the vocal talent to speak directly to the listener on an extraordinarily personal level. I am in thrall every time she sings.

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL & LYLE LOVETT / “There You Go Again”
Writers: Ray Benson; Producer: Ray Benson/Sam Seifert; Label: Home/Thirty Tigers
— The shimmering, shoulder-shaking groove doesn’t let ya go for a second as these country jazzbo’s slink their way through this feel-good, audio delight. The New Orleans horns push it on home. The track is drawn from Half a Hundred Years, an album celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wheel making western-swing magic. The 19-track collection also features guests Willie, Emmylou, Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Johnny Gimble and many former Wheel bandmates. The concert celebrating the album and the anniversary is scheduled for Oct. 15 in Austin.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson, Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde, Tylar Bryant

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Pictured (top row): Tylar Bryant, Cody Johnson; (bottom row): Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde

Summer may be winding down, but the country stars are still cranking out plenty of sunshine.

In this week’s edition of DisClaimer, we have terrific tunes by Old Dominion, Sam Hunt, Mitchell Tenpenny & Chris Young, Walker Hayes, Kacey Musgraves and more. We have a tie in the race for the Disc of the Day award. I can’t decide between the sizzling Cody Johnson single and the scintillating duet by Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde. Honor them both with your spins.

One of the most noteworthy trends in country music during the past three years is the unprecedented explosion of Black artists in the genre. Country hopefuls Willie Jones, Chapel Hart, Breland, Karen McCormick, Ashlie Amber, Blanco Brown, Brittney Spencer, Tony Evans Jr., Camo Brian, Priscilla Renae, Shy Carter, Tiera, Kyshona, Charlie Crockett, Norman North, Wendy Moten, Reyna Roberts and Charles Gallaspy have joined an influx from the previous decade—Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Allen, Miko Marks, Simba Jordan, Vickie Vann, Kane Brown, Rissi Palmer, Kamara Thomas, Joy Styles, Tony Jackson, Rhonda Townes, Darius Rucker, Kaia Kater, Aaron Vance, Daniel Houze, Amber Gerard, John Amos and Erika Dunlap.

In this column, we add three more names to the list, Brei Carter, Danielia Cotton and our DISCovery Award winner, Tylar Bryant.

SAM HUNT / “23”
Writers: Sam Hunt/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Chris LaCorte; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: MCA Nashville
— Wistful nostalgia for a youthful love. His warm, burnished delivery is enthralling, and the well-crafted lyric is a gem. Check out the acoustic version, too.

DANIELIA COTTON / “(I’m So) Afraid of Losing You Again”
Writers: Dallas Frazier/Doodle Owens; Producer: none listed; Label: DC
— This New Jersey native has dabbled in r&b and rock during the past 15 years. This country-soul tribute to Charley Pride finds her in excellent voice. She could use better production support on her revival of his 1969 classic.

WALKER HAYES & KESHA / “Fancy Like”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Cameron Bartolini/Shane Stevens/Josh Jenkins/Kesha; Producer: Walker Hayes, Shane McAnally & Joe Thibodeau; Label: Monument/RCA
— Nashville native popster Kesha adds her saucy verve to this Platinum-selling song of the summer. Melodically, it has nothing to do with country music. Lyrically, however, it’s a hillbilly delight. And the whole thing is still one nutty ear worm. If Ruby Tuesday, Ocharley’s, T.G.I. Friday, Chili’s, Logan’s or Zaxby’s pay to advertise on the radio station, don’t they object to giving free airtime to an Applebees commercial?

ADAM DOLEAC / “Somewhere Cool With You”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Josh Jenkins/Matt Jenkins/Jared Keim; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: Arista Nashville
— Adam was in the news this week when his sound-equipment trailer was stolen, then recovered. His new track yearns for a romantic getaway. Lulling and gentle, if not exactly memorable.

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Justified”
Writers: Kacey Musgraves/Ian Fitchuk/Ilsey Juber/Brandon Joyner Burton; Producer: Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves & Daniel Tashian; Label: MCA Nashville/Interscope
— This sweet/sad heartbreak ballad has a spare, echoey production swirling around her tender soprano. Listenable, meandering and atmospheric. As light and lovey-dovey as Golden Hour was, the new LP Star-Crossed represents the darker side of love.

SAM WILLIAMS & DOLLY PARTON / “Happy All the Time”
Writers: Mary Gauthier/Sam Williams; Producer: Bobby Holland/Sean McConnell; Label: Mercury Nashville
— “Glasshouse Children,” the title tune of this guy’s debut album is a very slow dreamy ballad with strings. He picks up the pace a little on the collection’s collaborations with Keith Urban (”Kids”) or, in this case, Dolly. It’s still a ballad, but their voices brush against each other in a way that creates emotional intimacy and intensity. Sam is Hank Jr.’s boy—and the half brother of music makers Hank III, Hillary and Holly—but he is definitely his own man. Highly recommended.

BREI CARTER / “Gave Him a Girl”
Writers: Brei Carter/Mason Douglas/Jason Wyatt; Producer: none listed; Label: BC
— This Louisiana native is a PhD, the author of three books and a veteran Army officer. She’s also a feisty, sprightly country singer-songwriter. In this ditty, she flattens a bully with a right hook and announces that she can catch a bass, change a tire, skin a coon, drink, handle a gun and drive a tractor. Cute and catchy.

MITCHELL TENPENNY & CHRIS YOUNG / “At the End of a Bar”
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Chris Young/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producer: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Label: RCA Nashville
— Nobody sings a country song with as much power as Mr. Young, but Tenpenny gives it his all on this chesty, passionate, anthemic collaboration. These are two mighty worthy men.

CARLY PEARCE & ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Never Wanted to Be That Girl”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Ashley McBryde/Shane McAnally; Producer: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Label: Big Machine/Warner
— In a word, sensational. The dobro-laced production, both women’s harmony voices, the story song, the swapped verses, the interwoven solo vocals …. everything works here. Ashley starts off, portraying the mistress. Carly picks up the tale, enacting the betrayed wife. They soar on the choruses together in dual heartache. For the love of country music, play this.

CODY JOHNSON / “Til You Can’t”
Writers: Ben Stennis/Matt Rogers; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Warner/COJO
— Cody has been delighting our ears by releasing track after track from his upcoming double album, Human (”Sad Songs and Waltzes,” “God Bless the Boy,” “Let’s Build a Fire,” etc). Now at last that collection has a single, and it is a dandy. It begins as a contemplative look at life and love, then evolves into a roaring barn burner about seizing today, living with gusto and chasing your dreams no matter how big. This is the sound of a superstar.

OLD DOMINION / “All I Know About Girls”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Trevor Joseph Rosen/Matthew Thomas Ramsey/Brad Francis Tursi/Whit Sellers/Geoffrey Sprung; Producer: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally; Label: Arista Nashville
— Softly jaunty and airy. The simplicity and open production of this are pleasantly ear-cleansing. As you might expect, the punch line is “I don’t know nothin’ at all.”

TYLAR BRYANT / “Stay Wild”
Writers: Bobby McLamb/Blaine Younger; Producer: Bryan Cole; Label: Riser
— No matter how work and life wear you down, remember to stay free and full of fire. Hang on for the processed-vocal chorus toward the finale. Engaging, energetic and promising.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keith Urban, Hannah Dasher, Laci Kaye Booth

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Hannah Dasher, Keith Urban, Lacy Kaye Booth

This is a star-packed edition of DisClaimer that features a dazzling number of country A-listers.

Leading the pack is Keith Urban, who wins the Disc of the Day award with fantastic competition from Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney, Chris Janson, Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson. All are worth your spins.

We also have two splendid duets today. They come from spouses Rose Falcon & Rodney Atkins and from old buddies Jeannie Seely and Willie Nelson. The female vocal performance du jour is unquestionably by Hannah Dasher.

The DisCovery Award goes to BMLG newcomer Laci Kaye Booth.

HANNAH DASHER / “You’re Gonna Love Me”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Thomas Archer/Andy Albert/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Nashville
— She says it best, “I’m a bad Mamajamma,” on this feisty, hooky, rhythm-happy slab of sound. She drawls in all the right places, the thumpy backbeat is killer and the lyric is a stone delight. A fiery hillbilly romp that deserves a place in the sun.

KANE BROWN / “One Mississippi”
Writers: Kane Brown/Jesse Frasure/Levon Gray/Ernest K. Smith; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Nashville
— His vocal is warm and intimate on the verses, then shouted and urgent on the soaring choruses of this rocking anthem of tipsy passion. Breezy and engaging.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Dirt Road Down”
Writers: Will Weatherly/Cole Taylor/Taylor Phillips/Travis Denning; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
— Somewhat tuneless, over produced, thematically backroads generic.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Beautiful World”
Writers: David Lee Murphy/Tom Douglas/Tony Lane; Producer: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair/Warner Nashville
— Relaxed and laid back, this settles into his sunny-outlook vibe with all the ease of a swaying hammock. It has a simple, catchy melody that I can imagine his stadium crowd singing along to.

CODY JOHNSON / “Let’s Build a Fire”
Writers: Chris Janson/Mitch Oglesby; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo/Warner Nashville
— Furiously rocking, but his solid, Texas-accented country singing remains the big draw. A wild ride with plenty of heart.

KEITH URBAN / “Wild Hearts”
Writers: Keith Urban/Eric Paslay/Brad Tursi/Jennifer Wayne; Producer: Keith Urban/Mitch Furr; Label: Capitol Nashville
— His best in ages. It has a steady groove that is undeniable and an uplifting lyric about chasing your dreams, no matter what. Wonderful listening. This is exactly why he is a superstar.

JEANNIE SEELY & WILLIE NELSON / “Not a Dry Eye in the House”
Writers: Dallas Wayne; Producer: Don Cusic; Label: Curb Records
— What’s not to love? Steel soaked, with beautifully accented keyboard notes and an eloquent, fiddle-accompanied Willie guitar solo. Slow and sad, this classic-sounding weeper features both veterans singing splendidly.

ROSE FALCON & RODNEY ATKINS / “Being Here, Being There”
Writers: Rose Falcon/Rodney Atkins/Phil Barton/Seth Mosley; Producer: Seth Mosley/Rodney Atkins; Label: Curb Records
— His gritty country voice contrasts nicely with her lilting pop soprano on this charming outing. The crunchy, bopping track is delightfully ear catching and the reassuring, romantic lyric is heart warming. I totally dig this. It’s about time this doubly talented married couple became a recording duet. I would welcome an entire album with songs this dandy.

LACI KAYE BOOTH / “Shuffle”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Laci Kaye Booth/Sam Ellis; Producer: Dann Huff/Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
— Attractive and clever. She has a slightly hushed, sensual vocal style that is wed to a steady thumping track. She name-checks country oldies since her heart’s playlist is on “shuffle” because she’s so smitten.

CHRIS JANSON / “Bye Mom”
Writers: Chris Janson/Brandon Kinney; Producer: Zach Crowell/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
— Achingly lovely. We all know that one day we will lose our moms, but that doesn’t make it any less painful when we do. Always a masterful communicator, Janson taps into this universal truth with this lump-in-throat song. A lilting, gentle production lifts the whole thing upward. I remain an immense fan.

MORGAN WALLEN / “Sand In My Boots”
Writers: Ashely Gorley/Joshua Shaun Osborne/Michael Wilson Hardy; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Republic
— He’s such a terrific singer. This heartbroken ballad is a mini country masterpiece, packed with evocative images and intense emotion. Performed solo on piano with fierce conviction, this works on every level.

RANDY TRAVIS / “Ain’t No Use”
Writers: Randy Travis/John Lindley; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner
— The 35th anniversary of the landmark Storms of Life LP is being celebrated with a deluxe reissue featuring tracks originally recorded for the collection, but never released before this. This peppy toe tapper is one of them, and it’s a face-slap reminder of what a great country vocalist this Hall of Famer is.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Larkin Poe, The War And Treaty

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Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. Photo: Frank Melfi

The duos have the goods in Americana-land this week.

All four of our contenders for Disc of the Day are from twosomes. They are The War and Treaty, David Olney & Anana Kaye, Larkin Poe, and our winners Robert Plant & Alison Krauss.

The Americana DisCovery Award goes to AHI. He initially didn’t put his face on his records because he wanted his music to speak without visual cues. He also doesn’t use his full name, which is Ahkinoah Habah Izarh. He might be somewhat mysterious, but there is no disguising his talent, which is immense.

JORDAN LEHNING / “Drunk Dreaming”
Writers: Jordan Lehning; Producer: Jordan Lehning; Label: Tone Tree
— This is a trippy pop sound, but the synth track is embellished with rootsy touches like whistling. Lehning’s breathy vocal wafts along gently, but the beats are relentless. Haunting and psychedelic.

MARTY STUART / “Fault Lines”
Writers: Tom Petty/Mike Campbell; Producer: none listed; Label: MS
— Stuart transforms this Tom Petty rock tune into an acoustic, mandolin-backed performance and the result is packed with energy and tension. Stark but effective.

ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS / “Better Day A-Coming”
Writers: Linda Williams/Robert Williams; Producer: Kevin McNoldy, Robin & Linda Williams; Label: Oakenold
— The durable duo stripped things down for its 24th album. Its title tune has a jaunty, warm, living-room sound with a completely acoustic arrangement. Linda takes the lead on the lyric with an uplifting message. Robin and the band add hearty harmonies. I remain a lifelong fan.

DAVID OLNEY & ANANA KAYE / “Margarita”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Irakli Gabriel, Anana Kaye & Brett Ryan Stewart; Label: Schoolkids
— Magical. People forget that the late, brilliant songsmith Olney had a tender, soft, romantic side. That’s what is on display here. It’s a bonus track on the newly issued vinyl version of his acclaimed finale LP Whispers and Sighs, and it’s an awesome sound. Elsewhere on the album, Kaye provides smokey, evocative vocals and tasteful keyboards. It’s a remarkably diverse collection, with textures ranging from experimental rock to stark folk. I miss him so, so much.

ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS / “Can’t Let Go”
Writers: Randy Weeks; Producer: T-Bone Burnett; Label: Rounder
— No sense rushing things: Fourteen years after the duo’s Raising Sand won the Grammy as Album of the Year, the follow-up is now upon us. It will be titled Raise the Roof and will arrive on Nov. 19. In the meantime, we have this advance track, a song originally recorded by Lucinda Williams. Plant and Krauss give it a twangy, rockabilly vibe with twin-like vocal harmonies. Audio dynamite.

BILL MILLER / “Stone Tree”
Writers: Bill Miller; Producer: Tony Harrell; Label: MV2
— This is an essential listening experience. Native American troubadour Miller has returned to making music following a 10-year silence brought on by severe physical and emotional trials. The triple Grammy honoree offers this as a prayer of rebirth with his his native flute, chanting and high, lonesome yodel. In a word, gorgeous.

LARKIN POE / “Every Bird That Flies”
Writers: Rebecca Lovell/Megan Lovell/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Rebecca Lovell/Megan Lovell; Label: LP
— The Nashville sister duo teams with the Nu Deco Ensemble orchestra on its live album, Paint the Roses, which drops Sept. 17. The result is fascinating—this advance track sports cascading strings, a bluesy melody, haunting poetry and soulful singing. Can’t wait for the rest of the record.

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL / “Half a Hundred Years”
Writers: Ray Benson; Producer: Ray Benson/Sam Seifert; Label: Home/Thirty Tigers
— Ray Benson and his western swing band are celebrating their 50th anniversary with a star studded collection. Willie, Emmylou, Lyle, Strait, Lee Ann and more are on board. The record’s title tune is a horn-punctuated bluesy bopper featuring wry, drawling lyrics with lots of numeral wordplay. Very merry.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Take Me In”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr.; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter/Max Brown; Label: Rounder
— Michael Trotter and Tanya Blount, who comprise this act, are among the greatest vocalists in the entire Americana genre. Their new single/video is a thrilling, gospel-drenched summons to unity and brotherhood in these divisive times. If this doesn’t move you, you are made of stone. Or deaf.

DOLLY PARTON / “In the Sweet By and By”
Writers: Joseph P. Webster/S. Fillmore Bennett; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Blue
— Joined by the heavenly country choir of Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, Jerry Salley and Bradley Walker, Dolly takes this traditional church hymn out for a soft, gentle, languid, whispery bluegrassy spin. It is an advance track from the album Country Faith Bluegrass, due on Sept. 17.

AHI / “Danger”
Writers: Ahkinoah H. Izarh; Producer: Paul Mabury; Label: Thirty Tigers
— AHI is a Canadian singer-songwriter of West Indian descent. This is the lead single from his album Prospect (due Nov. 5). It has throbbing rhythm and guitar strumming underpinning his pleading tenor voice and an echoey backing choir. The goose-bump lyric decries a senseless gun killing. He’s an award winner north of the border, and I can certainly hear why. Distinctive and creative. More, please.

CALEB LEE HUTCHINSON / “Slot Machine Syndrome”
Writers: Caleb Hutchinson/ Brent Cobb; Producer: Brent Cobb; Label: CLH
— What a voice. This Nashville guy has a classic country baritone that producer Cobb has surrounded with slow, deliberate twang on this stately ballad of addiction. Hutchinson formerly competed on Season 16 of American Idol. He’s booked at Brooklyn Bowl on Aug. 29 for his first headlining show.