DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, Carly Pearce, Chuck Wicks, William Michael Morgan, More

Tim McGraw

The country stars are preaching beer, romance, church and collaborations this week.

The four collabs are Chase Rise & FGL, Kacey Musgraves & Troye Sivan, Jameson Rodgers & Luke Combs and Nick Norman & Jamey Johnson. The romance purveyors are Chuck Wicks, William Michael Morgan and Mr. Dependable Tim McGraw, who rides off with the Disc of the Day.

Three songs have the same theme this week: “Church Pew Barstool,” “Drinkin’ Beer Talkin’ God Amen,” and the excellent “Right Church Wrong Pew,” which wins Dusty Black a DisCovery Award.

HOUSE WHISKEY / “Tomorrow We Ride”
Writers: Jesse Murphy/Wally Montgomery/Michael Wilkes; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brett Beavers; Label: HW
– The sound is clear, crisp and punchy, with solid vocal harmonies and a twin-guitar attack flanking a Southern-accented lead. The songwriting is first rate, with hooks a-plenty. This country-rock trio shows enormous promise with this debut single. Lead singer Jesse Murphy is the son of hit maker David Lee Murphy.

CARLY PEARCE / “Show Me Around”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Shackleton/Ben West; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Label: Big Machine
– This sweet, touching ballad was written in the wake of the sudden, unexpected death of her producer busbee (Michael James Ryan Busbee). It’s a lovely wish for a reunion in Heaven that reaches in and touches you deeply. Say “amen.”

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Sober as a Drunk”
Writers: J.T. Harding/Justin Wilson/Marv Green; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Columbia
– He bawls this bar room heartbroken stomper like a man possessed. This kind of vocal conviction is what makes a star. This is his second appearance in DISClaimer and I am more convinced than ever that this boy has what it takes. Play it.

CHUCK WICKS / “Old with You”
Writers: Chuck Wicks/Seth Ennis/Joe Fox; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey; Label: Verge
– For lovers everywhere, this ultra romantic ballad swoons with images of lasting love, tempered by tenderness, gratitude and joy. The “Stealing Cinderella” man returns as a new dad with a hit for the heart.

TROYE SIVAN & KACEY MUSGRAVES feat. MARK RONSON / “Easy”
Writers: Kacey Musgraves/Oscar Görres/Troye Sivan; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Oscar Görres/Picard Brothers; Label: Capitol
– Young pop star Sivan already has a dance-music smash with this tune. Musgraves co-wrote the new duet version and both of them star in its Nashville-filmed video. It remains a moody, crying-on-the-dancefloor performance, rather than a country outing.

JAMESON RODGERS & LUKE COMBS / “Cold Beer Calling My Name”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Hunter Phelps/Jameson Rodgers/Alysa Vanderheym; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: River House/Columbia
– I originally reviewed this blue-collar duet stomper last April. Now it’s a single. Charismatic vocalist Luke Combs still takes it over every time he sings.

DUSTY BLACK / “Right Church Wrong Pew”
Writers: Michael Heeney/Kenton Bryant/Jordan Walker; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Colt Ford/Noah Gordon; Label: Black Label Country/Average Joes
– This might be the best debut single I’ve heard all year. Black sings with a sandpapery charm, the song is spectacularly well written and the production rocks with a fabulous drummed backbeat. I didn’t want it to end, and certainly not as abruptly as it does.

CHASE RICE & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE / “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.”
Writers: Chase Rice/Hunter Phelps/Corey Crowder/Cale Dodds; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brian Kelley/Chase Rice/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Label: BBR
– You’d think that with four writers, somebody would have come up with more than two notes for a melody.

NICK NORMAN & JAMEY JOHNSON / “The Cock Crows”
Writers: Marla Cannon/Rob Hatch; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Elisha Hoffman/Lee Brice/Rob Hatch; Label: Pump House
– Exceedingly cute. The rooster might make with the “cockadoodle doo,” but the hen rules the roost. The lively tempo, clever wordplay and personality-packed vocals are all just right. Light-hearted and listenable. Pump House is Lee Brice’s label.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN / “Girl Like Mine”
Writers: William Michael Morgan/Doug Johnson/Adam Wood; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Adam Wood/Doug Johnson; Label: Phoenix
– Dreamy. The production of the ballad swirls around his gentle, rosy-glow delivery. This guy sure knows how to convey lost-in-love romance, and I can’t imagine any woman listening to this could resist it.

TIM McGRAW / “Nashville Without You”
Writers: Joe Leathers/Kyle Jacobs/Ruston Samuel Kelly; Publishers: Warner-Chappell/BMG Rights Management/Mike Curb, no performance rights listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine/Tim McGraw
– Wonderfully written, which is no surprise because this man is a magnet for great songs. The lilting vibe and gently shuffling beat roll along as he name-checks “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “Ring of Fire,” “Crazy,” “Stand By Your Man,” “The Gambler,” “Hey Good Lookin,” “A Country Boy Can Survive,” “Mama Tried” “Smoky Mountain Rain,” “Galveston,” “Fancy,” “Jolene,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and icons from Cash to Patsy to Charlie Daniels. Absolutely essential listening.

J.D. SHELBURNE / “Church Pew Barstool”
Writers: Mark Nesler/Marty Dodson/Jennifer Hanson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: JDS
– It’s a nicely done word portrait of the sinners and saints who surround a drinkin’ man. Written by pros and sung with heart. The ultimate message is salvation for even the lowliest.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: The War and Treaty, Waylon Payne, Ray Wylie Hubbard, And More

The War and Treaty. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame

It’s high time we paid heed to the outstanding music that continues to be made by the Americana community.

There’s an embarrassment of riches here—Dianne Davidson, Ruthie Foster, Waylon Payne, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche and more.

Towering above them all is The War and Treaty, who has the unchallenged Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to Cidny Bullens. Here’s to new beginnings.

DULCIE TAYLOR / “Easy for You”
Writers: Dulcie Taylor/George Nauful; Publisher: Raven in the Window, ASCAP; Producer: George Nauful; Label: Mesa Bluemoon (track); dulcietaylor.com
– This critically acclaimed California troubadour has culled favorites from her seven prior CDs to create Reimagined. The collection remixes, re-records and re-imagines the tunes, starting with this sweet/sad, lilting country rocker. As always, her delivery shimmers like a multi-faceted gemstone.

GREAT PEACOCK / “High Wind”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Andrew Nelson & Blount FLoyd; Label: Baldwin County (track) / greatpeacock.com
– This Nashville three-piece has been burning up the road for several years, gradually moving from folk to roots-rock. Frontman/guitarist Andrew Nelson hangs just slightly behind the beat in his smooth croon while guitarist/harmony vocalist Blount Floyd and bass player Frank Keith IV kick up some rocking dust. This track from their third CD Forever Worse Better has a Petty-like jangle that’s instantly likable. “I ain’t afraid of dying,” he sings, “I’m afraid of never being alive.” Rock on, bro’s.

THE DILLARDS & DON HENLEY / “Old Road New Again”
Writers: C.J. Watson/Rodney Dillard; Publisher: Mountain Row/Rodney Dillard, ASCAP; Producer: Bil VornDick; Label: Pinecastle
– The anthemic title tune of Rodney Dillard’s latest Dillards outing fuses sprightly bluegrass with country-rock as he and Henley trade lines amid a swirl of banjo, fiddle and bass notes. In addition to Henley, the CD’s guest stars include Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Herb Pedersen, Bernie Leadon and Sharon & Cheryl White.

DIANNE DAVIDSON / “True Believer”
Writers: Dianne Davidson; Publisher: Perigon/Jamb Kitchen, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Dianne Davidson & Larry Chaney; Label: HWCD (track) / www.diannedavidson.com
– Native Tennessean Davidson was a prodigy who recorded her breakthrough albums while still a teen (Baby in 1971, Backwoods Woman in 1972 and Mountain Mama in 1973). She became a vocalist in Linda Ronstadt’s band and also backed such names as Leon Russell, B.B. King, Jimmy Buffett and Tammy Wynette. She left the music business to become a businesswoman and mom. Perigon: Full Circle is her first new album in more than three decades. Although she covers Bob Dylan (”To Make You Feel My Love”) and Gretchen Peters (”Over Africa”), the collection is dominated by her originals. They prove that her songwriting gift is undimmed. One of many highlights is this soulful, spellbinding outing with flecks of jazz, pop and blues in her delivery. Haunting stuff, as is the whole thang.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Five More Minutes”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr.; Publisher: Downtown DLG/Downtown DMP, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Rounder (track)
– Michael and Tanya Trotter, who perform and record as The War and Treaty, are among Nashville’s finest new gifts to the world. The new CD is titled Hearts Town, and I urge you to buy it. Trust me, you need these two people in your life. This super melodic, old-school soul/pop rouser will lift you out of your chair. If the blasting, brassy horn blasts don’t grab you, the power of their awesome voices will. “Five More Minutes” also has a charming music video. The whole record inspires my deepest heart and soul. Check out the soaring, throbbing “Yearning” or the stately, exquisitely harmonized “Take Me In” for further evidence.

THOMM JUTZ / “The Flood of 2010”
Writers: Thomm Jutz/Jon Weissberger/Charley Stefl; Publisher: Asheville Forest/Thomm Songs/Asheville Music/Use Your Words/Maddy Dog, SESAC/BMI; Producer: Thomm Jutz; Label: Mountain Home (track)
– Jutz picked up a bluegrass Grammy nomination this year. His current project is a two-volume opus titled To Live in Two Worlds. The second volume leads off with this vivid story song about the Nashville flood. If you lived through it, you’ll recognize all the little details in the lyric. If you didn’t, he’ll sing you a newsreel. Jutz is an able if unspectacular vocalist, but his guitar work is stunning, as is the rest of the star-studded backing band. Just as impressive is his mastery of folk and old-time country songwriting.

RAY WYLIE HUBBARD / “Fast Left Hand”
Writers: Ray Wylie Hubbard; Publisher: Snake Farm, SESAC; Producer: Ray Wylie Hubbard; Label: Big Machine (track) / raywylie.com
– I read somewhere that this was one of Spotify’s most listened to songs of 2020. It is drawn from Hubbard’s current CD, titled Co Starring. In this case, the co-stars are The Cadillac Three. They conjure a slow-burn, sultry, minor-key audio atmosphere with enough doom and mood to fuel a voodoo ceremony. The record’s other guests include Pam Tillis, Ringo Starr, Ashley McBryde, Peter Rowan, Ronnie Dunn, Larkin Poe, Joe Walsh and Elizabeth Cook. Ray Wylie rules.

CIDNY BULLENS / “The Gender Line”
Writers: Cidny Bullens; Publisher: Red Dragonfly, BMI; Producer: Ray Kennedy & Cidny Bullens; Label: Blue Lobster (track)
– In this pop/rock ballad, Bullens sings in a sandpapery, folkish fashion about his unique journey while Rodney Crowell offers soft vocal support. “Are you a boy or are you a girl?” he asks as the song draws to a close. You see, this is from Walkin’ Through This World, which is his ninth album, but his first as a transgender man. I was a fan of rocker Cindy Bullens, and this collection sounds like the work of an equally talented fellow. Other guests on the CD include Beth Nielson Chapman, Bill Lloyd and Mary Gauthier. “The Gender Line” is also the title of a movie about this artist by Nashville filmmaker T.J. Parsell which won Best Documentary Short at the Edmonton International Film Festival.

SUZZY ROCHE & LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE / “I Can Still Hear You”
Writers: Lucy Wainwright Roche; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jordan Hamlin; Label: StorySound (track)
– Suzzy Roche and her recording-artist daughter traveled from New York to Music City to craft their album I Can Still Hear You. The sessions were aborted when the pandemic hit, but everyone persevered from their homes. The record’s title tune begins in an intimate, wistful soprano tone, then builds gentle layers of acoustic strumming and the unusual, lovely harmonies that this quirky, gifted family has always been so good with. The original Roches trio ended with the death of Suzzy’s sister Maggie in 2017, but one of her songs is on the collection, as is the traditional Irish tune “Factory Girl.” In every family configuration, I love these folks.

SUZI RAGSDALE / “Wildflowers”
Writers: Suzi Ragsdale/Sam Frank; Publisher: Ray Stevens Music, BMI; Producer: Sam Frank & Ray Stevens; Label: CabaRay (track)
– This singer-songwriter is the daughter of Ray Stevens, who co-produced her new EP Ghost Town. Its single and music video is this tuneful, shoulder-shaking, soul-groove outing that showcases her resonant, gospel-infused alto. Everything is impressive here, from her warm delivery to the r&b backing voices, gently insistent rhythm, rippling banjo, sighing electric guitars and brilliantly clear mixing.

WAYLON PAYNE / “All the Trouble”
Writers: Waylon Payne/Adam Wright/Lee Ann Womack; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Frank Liddell & Eric Masse; Label: Carnival (track)
– The full album title is Blue Eyes, the Harlot, the Queer, the Pusher & Me. It chronicles Payne’s harrowing journey through drug addiction and recovery, while touching on his status as a gay country-music man. It’s definitely an album to explore. Lee Ann Womack’s recording of this song earned a 2019 Grammy nomination as Best American Roots Song. Payne’s version is lighter and more intimate, with his earnest vocal and deft guitar work up in the mix. He’s not only a superb songwriter, he’s a potent, expressive singer, too.

RUTHIE FOSTER / “Ring of Fire”
Writers: J. Carter Cash; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Denby Auble; Label: Blue Corn Music (track)
– Foster has been a presence in folk, gospel and blues circles for 25 years. Her current collection is in a new mode: The Ruthie Foster Big Band. Recorded live, this ensemble has brought her a 2020 Grammy nomination. Believe me, you’ve never heard “Ring of Fire” in quite this way. The Johnny Cash classic becomes a Memphis soul ballad with horns and guitars adding slow, steamy textures beneath her languid, jazzy delivery. The album’s songwriting credit should have included the name of the song’s co-writer, Merle Kilgore.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Sam Hunt, Kane Brown, Chris Young, Brandy Clark, And More

Sam Hunt

In this wildly uneven listening session, I was alternately lifted out of my seat and glued to it by dull inertia.

The triumphs here belong to The Wild Feathers, Dillon Carmichael, the collaboration between Chris Young & Kane Brown and our Disc of the Day winner, Brandy Clark.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.

SAM HUNT/”Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s”
Writers: Chris LaCorte/Ernest K Smith/Josh Osborne/Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell; Publishers: Universal Music Corp./Between the Pines, LLC/BIPOD/Spirit Two Nashville/Miller Crow Music/Kyler’s Kinda Night/Songs Of Universal, Inc./Ern Dog Music/Big Loud Mountain/Tree Vibez Music, LLC/Sony/ATV Accent/Smackborne Music, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: MCA Nashville
-His successful formula is in place—spoken-word verse, sparse rhythm, chorus with the title phrase repeated over and over. The fact that the phrase has nothing to do with the rest of the lyric doesn’t seem to matter. I got bored quickly.

THE WILD FEATHERS/”Fire”
Writers: Ricky Young; Publishers: none listed; Producer: The Wild Feathers; Label: Magnolia Record Club
-I loved these guys when they were a pop/rock band, and the quality of their output has remained completely excellent since they began marketing their sound as country. This fabulously melodic, brilliantly harmonized tune has a soaring, uplifting quality underpinned by throbbing bass, punchy drumming, sighing organ and chiming guitars. It’s an awesome listening experience that is drawn from a collection titled Medium Rarities. During the pandemic, the group reached into its vaults for unreleased, unheard tracks to assemble the collection. If something this stunning was “buried,” I can’t imagine how great the new material is going to be. I remain a massive fan.

DEVIN DAWSON/ “He Loved Her”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Nicolle Galyon/Jordan Reynolds; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: WMN/Atlantic
-It’s an homage to his grandfather, an ordinary man whose decency was extra-ordinary. But Dawson’s colorless singing voice and the generic production doesn’t rise to the occasion.

KALIE SHORR/”My Voice”
Writers: Kalie Shorr/Simon Reid/Fred Wilhelm/Skip Black; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Skip Black/Kalie Shorr; Label: TMWRK
-The sound is crashing country-punk and the lyric is a very involving look at her journey on an unconventional road. This lady is carving out her own niche, and bravo for that.

CHRIS YOUNG & KANE BROWN/”Famous Friends”
Writers: Chris Young/Cary Barlowe/Corey Crowder; Publisher: none listed, BMI/SESAC/ASCAP; Producer: Corey Crowder/Chris Young; Label: RCA
-Very cute. The “famous friends” of the title are people you’ve never heard of who live in Rutherford County (Chris), Hamilton County, GA (Kane) and Davidson County (both). The bopping track and the two stars’ jaunty vocals celebrate these everyday heroes. Hit bound.

BRANDY CLARK/”I’ll Be the Sad Song”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon/Chase McGill; Publishers: Highway 508/New House of Sea Gayle/ClearBox Rights/Jay Gatsby/Revelry/Kobalt/Songs of Universal/Plum Nelly, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner 
-It’s a happy coincidence that I was listening to this woman’s awesome album (again) over the weekend and bitching about how this blindingly brilliant troubadour was being overlooked by the country mainstream. Then, BAM, yesterday it got nominated for a Grammy Award, as did its single “Who You Thought I Was.” The collection’s title, Your Life Is a Record, comes from the lyric of this song. The haunting melody, wistful mood and sweet/sad singing pierce your heart and linger there long after the sound fades away. That’s what a masterpiece can do.

PARMALEE & BLANCO BROWN/”Just the Way”
Writers: Matt Thomas/Nolan Sipe/Kevin Bard; Publishers: Sony/ATV Countryside/JM Thomas Music/Sony/ATV Tunes LLC/Kevin Bard Music/Margetts Road Music/Nolan W. Sipe Music, ASACP/BMI; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Stoney Creek
-I originally reviewed this back in April. Now there’s a video that underscores its message of acceptance by showing girls and women of widely varying physical images.

STURGILL SIMPSON/”Breaker’s Roar”
Writers: Sturgill Simpson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: David Ferguson/Sturgill Simpson; Label: High Top Mountain
-He has a rock Grammy nomination this year, so of course his next step is a bluegrass album. That recording, titled Cuttin’ Grass, features an all-star bluegrass instrumental lineup backing Simpson on rearrangements of his songs from earlier albums. This one, featuring Sierra Hull, is an utter transformation. The sound is elegant, pristine and clear (which is saying something, considering the artist’s prior tendency to mumble). The COVID survivor’s Kentucky roots are definitely showing.

RUSSELL DICKERSON & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/”It’s About Time”
Writers: Casey Brown/Parker Welling/Russell Dickerson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff/Casey Brown/Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
-It’s a party anthem on steroids. And it is impossible not to get caught up in its energy and verve.

DILLON CARMICHAEL/”Hot Beer”
Writers: Michael Hardy/Ashley Gorley/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jon Pardi; Label: Riser House
-Hilarious. Dillon’s brawler voice sasses the lyric like a rampaging buffalo. She asks him to take her back, and he replies that he’d rather drink a hot beer and do a lot of other goofy, stupid stuff. With those songwriting credits and Pardi producing, you know it’s country, country, country. It is also Essential Listening.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Kelsea Ballerini, Shania Twain, Logan Mize, Clare Dunn, And More

Welcome to a country-music, all-duets edition of DisClaimer.

Let’s cut right to the chase. Logan Mize and Clare Dunn have the Disc of the Day with Jonathan Tyler and Nikki Lane snapping at their heels and picking up a DisCovery Award as a consolation prize for Tyler.

But the previously reviewed “Rebels and Angels” by Terry McBride and Patty Loveless is still my 2020 favorite in this sub-genre.

LOGAN MIZE & CLARE DUNN /”Get ‘Em Together”
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Mark Holman/Ben Hayslip/Justin Wilson; Publisher:Big Yellow Dog; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
-I love male-female country duets, and this one is a sensation. It’s got tempo, smiles, thump, crunch and guitar. Not to mention two personality-packed vocal performances for the price of one. Spin, spin, spin this baby.

HONEY COUNTY/ “Cry Wolf”
Writers: Danielle Rosner/Devon Eisenbarger/Katelyn Clampett/Katie Stump/Maks Gabriel; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Maks Gabriel/Katelyn Clampett; Label: Orchard
-The vocals by this female duo are mixed beautifully—so right up close and intimate you can almost hear them breathing into the microphone. The production shifts from soft and airy to rocking, swirling and exciting. I dig this little toe tapper.

LARKIN POE/”Take What You Want”
Writers: Andrew Wotman /Austin Richard Post/Billy Walsh/Jacques Webster/John Osbourne/Louis Russell Bell; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Larkin Poe; Label: LP
-The latest collection by these two sisters (Megan & Rebecca Lovell) is a covers-only effort titled Kindred Spirits. On it, they reinterpret songs by The Moody Blues, Elvis, Lenny Kravitz, Phil Collins, Elton John and others. This track is their rootsy/acoustic version of the Post Malone number. It’s pretty dang ear opening. If you aren’t hip to these two multi-instrumental wonders, get with the program…..

PRESLEY & TAYLOR/”Everybody Sees It”
Writers: Tenille Arts/Aaron Goodvin/Adam Wheeler; Publisher: none listed; Producer: James Stroud; Label: White Mustang
-These two sisters exude confidence and elan on this goose-bumpy, close-harmony performance. A steady, throbbing beat and tasty guitar licks underscore the silky vocals. One more thing: it is as catchy as can be.

SHENANDOAH & ASHLEY McBRYDE/”If Only “
Writers: Lori McKenna/Phil Barton/Jaron Boyer; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Foundry
-The Shenandoah comeback album of celebrity duets is loaded with delights. Not the least of them is this charming collaboration with McBryde. It’s a sweetly nostalgic, gentle, lilting song that wafts along with wishes of love, hope and decency.

THE SWON BROTHERS & LEWIS BRICE/”Southern Draw”
Writers: Zach Swon/Colton Swon/Lewis Brice; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Zach Swon/Colton Swan; Label: SB
Nashlahoma is the title of the new Swon Brothers album. This lively, highly likeable track kicks up a lot of dust with its furious drumming, stinging guitar licks and party atmosphere. And no, that’s not a typo. It’s not “drawl.” It’s “draw.” They’re inviting you to the festivities by saying, “Let that Southern draw you in.”

LENA PAIGE & TANYA TUCKER/”Joan of Arkansas “
Writers: Robert Walton Jenkins/Selena Lynn Van Wyk; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: LP
-Paige has a languid delivery that’s not particularly compelling. Tucker, on the other, hand, is vocal charisma on the hoof. The lyric they share is interesting, but the melody just lays there.

ORVILLE PECK & SHANIA TWAIN/”Legends Never Die”
Writers: Orville Peck/Duncan Hay Jennings; Publisher: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Producer: Orville Peck; Label: Columbia
-Colorful, mask-wearing Orville and snazzy dresser Shania might seem to be a good duet idea. Alas, neither of them sings well here, and evidently neither one is capable of vocal harmonizing. Also: The song is a dud.

KELSEA BALLERINI & SHANIA TWAIN/ “Hole in the Bottle “
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Hillary Lindsey/Jesse Frasure/Kelsea Ballerini/Steph Jones; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Ballerini/Frasure; Label: Black River
-The remix of Kelsea’s current single is pointlessly busy with competing drum tracks, overlapping vocals and trainwreck mixing. Shania’s vocals add little. It’s still a very cool song, so I’m sticking with Kelsea’s solo rendition.

JONATHAN TYLER & NIKKI LANE /”Old Friend”
Writers: Jonathan Tyler; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jonathan Tyler; Label: JT
-Funky, warm and friendly, this rhythm-happy toe-tapper is loaded with cool little acoustic touches from mandolin, harmonica, shaker, fiddle and more. Lane’s sweet soprano harmony sounds lovely up against Tyler’s folkie vocal rasp. Sweet, jaunty and utterly endearing.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Billy Ray Cyrus, Thomas Rhett, Shy Carter, Kameron Marlowe, Brittney Spencer

Billy Ray Cyrus. Photo: Steven Bradley/9slash9

Radio seems bent on trying to make you believe that all country music sounds the same, but today’s listening session is abundant proof that it does not.

We have tremendous diversity on display here. Two of the best sounding discs come from from Black Nashville singer-songwriters Shy Carter and Brittney Spencer. The Mavericks are here singing in Spanish. Lacy J. Dalton is political. Shelby Lee Lowe is a traditionalist.

Four songs name-check country heroes Waylon Jennings, John Wayne, Dolly Parton and, most excellently, the late coronavirus victim John Prine.

We also have a transition from rap to country with the imaginative Billy Ray Cyrus reworking of “Mama Said Knock You Out.” It is our Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to Columbia newcomer Kameron Marlowe.

CHARLIE OVERBY/”Ode to John Prine”
Writer: Charlie Overby; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Tedd Hutt; Label: CO
– This country rocker is a COVID song. Amid a rolling rhythm, Overby sings, “The higher-ups say it ain’t so/But I can read between the lines…..Take me to another place, take me to another time/Tell me that we’re going out tonight to see John Prine.” The video features shots of Prine murals in Louisville, Nashville, Raleigh, Seattle, Austin and Chicago and images of shuttered nightclubs. Proceeds from the song will benefit the NIVA Association’s Save Our Stages program.

ALEX STERN/”John Wayne”
Writers: Alex Stern/Reed Pittman/Brian Donkers; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Phil Barnes; Label: AS
– She sings this rumbler strongly, with lots of emotion and authenticity. The lyric is about a woman who acts like an outlaw and a hero, but realizes she’s vulnerable and only playing a part.

SCOOTER BROWN BAND/”Something Waylon Would Sing”
Writers: Rick Huckaby, Scott E. Brown; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Zach Farnum, Scooter Brown; Label: SBB
– It starts out semi-spoken, with a steel guitar weeping in the background. Then that familiar Waylors beat kicks in and the thumper production adds chicken-pickin’ Telecaster guitar and the audio pleasure meter goes up to “10.” Well done.

TORI MARTIN/”What Would Dolly Do “
Writers: Tori Martin/John Cirillo/Sarah Spencer; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Bill Warner; Label: LuckySky
– This bright, bouncy bopper is about following your dreams, no matter what anyone says. As she is to so many, Dolly is Tori’s empowering inspiration.

THOMAS RHETT/”What’s Your Country Song”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/Jesse Frasure/Ashley Gorley/Parker Welling; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Warner-Chappell, no performance rights listed; Producer: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
– The lyrics string together the titles of country classics to create an anthem with an uplifting mood. The production is rather compressed and busy sounding. Some audio clarity would have made it more effective.

BILLY RAY CYRUS/”Mama Said Knock You Out”
Writers: Bootsy Collins, George Clinton Jr., Gregory E Jacobs, James Louis McCants, James Todd Smith, Leroy Mccants, Marlon Lu’Ree Williams, Sylvester Stewart, Walter B. Morrison, Jr.; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jaco Caraco, Tyler Hilton; Label: BBR
– It has a spooky, minor-key vibe with a ghostly banjo and a deep, dark bass line. Billy Ray’s quasi-hushed delivery makes it all the more ear catching. The original by LL Cool J in 1991 was aggressive and shouted. This totally re-imagines that million-selling rap classic.

KAMERON MARLOWE/”Giving You Up”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Brad Hill; Label: Columbia
– He’s given up cigarettes and whiskey. Now he’s doing the same with a destructive relationship. Marlowe sings with a slight rasp and plenty of soul in this pulse-quickening, urgent production. Super promising.

LACY J. DALTON/”I Can’t Breathe”
Writers: Lacy J. Dalton/Jimmy Jackson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jimmy Jackson; Label: LJD
– A steady undertow of a percussion and electric guitar creates a dramatic backdrop to Lacy’s heartfelt song for the Black Lives Matter movement. It manages to be both patriotic and progressive. Proceeds benefit the Equal Justice Initiative, which the singer learned about as a teacher in the California Prison System.

SHY CARTER/”Good Love”
Writers: Shy Carter, James Slater, Micah Carter, Carlo Colasacco; Publishers: none listed; Producers: David Garcia; Label: Warner
– This is so sweet and tender and hopeful. The sentiments about lifting each other up when times are tough couldn’t be better. It sounded so uplifting I wanted to hug him.

SHELBY LEE LOWE/”Could’ve Fooled Me”
Writers: Shelby Lee Lowe/David Ross/Andrew Scott Wills; Publishers: Green Hills/Draw Four/Taxaby, BMI; Producers: Andrew Scott Wills; Label: ONErpm
– Lowe sounds like a traditionalist with his sincere honky-tonk baritone surrounded by steel guitar and slow, two-step rhythm. The heartache lyric about finding a girl getting over a romance is straight-up country, too. I like him.

THE MAVERICKS/”Poder Vivir”
Writers: Alejandro Menendez/Raul Malo; Publisher: Wixen, no performance rights listed; Producer: Raul Malo & Niko Bolas; Label: Mono Mundo/ Thirty Tigers
– The Mavericks current album, En Espanol, is the group’s first Spanish-language project. This lovely, melodic and wildly catchy single has a charming, chugging beat and lilting squeezebox/Mariachi horns/guitar accompaniment. Malo sings his face off, as always. Even if you don’t understand a word of this Tex-Mex gem, you’ll swoon over the sound.

BRITTNEY SPENCER/”Sorrys Don’t Work No More”
Writers: Brittney Spencer, Brock Human, Connor Wheaton; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Kevin Dailey, Will Reagan; Label: Merlin
– Soft, sad and wistful, this mourns the end of a relationship in the loveliest way. When Maren Morris gave a shout-out to country women of color on the CMA Awards, I was with her all the way through Rissi Palmer, Mickey Guyton, Linda Martell, Yola and Rhiannon Giddens. Until she got to Brittney Spencer, at which point I went, “Who?” It turns out that Spencer is originally from Baltimore, has sung backup for Carrie Underwood and enrolled at MTSU. Oh, and she sings splendidly. Check her out.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, Florida Georgia Line, And More

The country industry is chugging into the fall with a full slate of star releases.

For your listening pleasure today, we have offerings from Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, FGL, Miranda Lambert and Eric Church. We don’t have Dan + Shay or Lee Brice, but we do have their siblings.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Tyler Braden. I have loved everything he’s put out so far, but nothing so much as “Secret.” Play and believe.

The DisCovery Award goes to Miranda’s duet partner, Luke Dick. The guy is super gifted as a songwriter, and his personality as a record maker is also abundant.

TYLER BRADEN/“Secret”
Writers: Tyler Braden; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Nashville
-Alcoholism, PTSD, pregnancy, heartache and misery can’t hide in a small town, where everyone knows each others’ “secrets.” Powerfully written and sung with gut-punch authority, this is the kind of thing that makes stars out of mortals. I remain an enormous fan of this newcomer.

KIP MOORE/”Don’t Go Changing”
Writers: Blair Daly/Westin Davis/Kip Moore; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Mercury Nashville
-This mid-tempo rocker looks at a crazy world and asks love to remain something stable. Moore attacks it with his trademark vocal urgency while guitars snarl. The song’s gritty video is dedicated to all the live-venue owners who are suffering right now.

KAREN WALDRUP/”I Go By Jane Doe”
Writers: Karen Waldrup/Brandon Darcy/Dean Kreseki; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: KW
-The lady is out for a roaring good time with a take-no-prisoners attitude. When she cuts loose, she makes sure she is among strangers. She’s anonymous, and likes it that way. So there.

BILL ANDERSON/”It’s a Good Day to Have a Good Day”
Writers: Bill Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: TWI
-The production is a little thin sounding, but the upbeat rhythm matches the message perfectly. We can certainly use this sentiment these days. And the Country Music Hall of Famer is still whisperin’ as effectively as ever. He’s a treasure, for sure.

ERIC CHURCH/”Through My Ray-Bans”
Writers: Eric Church/Luke Laird/Barry Dean; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: EMI
-Pulsating and inspirational, this heart-touching lyric poem reaches out to the crowds he used to see beyond the footlights. Eric asks us to have faith and to hold each other in solidarity. I’m with you, bro.

JON LANGSTON/”Happy Ever After”
Writers: Blake Bollinger/Jon Langston/Brent Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: EMI/32 Bridge
-Fun, drawling and utterly countrified. She dumps the hillbilly for a trust-fund dude. So the redneck heads to a honky-tonk, downs some cold ones, plays Hank on the jukebox and meets a babe. Therefore, he’s “Happy Ever After….Her.”

NELLY & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/”Lil Bit”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Columbia
-This is a taste of Nelly’s forthcoming “country influenced” EP The Heartland. The St.Louis rapper previously collaborated with FGL on a remix of “Cruise,” featured Tim McGraw on his hit “Over and Over” and recorded his own take on Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man.” This catchy jam is his best attempt yet to fuse twang with dope beats.

LEWIS BRICE/“Young”
Writers: Lewis Brice/Rozes/Joshua Logan Tangney; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Lewis Brice, Lee Brice & Ben Simonetti; Label: Pump House
-It’s a nostalgic look at what it was like to be youthful and carefree. Brice’s vocal has lots of warmth and personality. The production is too thickly processed.

LUKE DICK & MIRANDA LAMBERT/“Polyester”
Writers: Luke Dick/Chris Dubois; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: INgrooves
-I have always dug him as a songwriter. Who knew he was such a charming singer? His soft/fuzzy semi-spoken rasp swaps verses with Miranda’s bell-clear honky-tonk soprano while a spare little combo romps along. Luke’s documentary film that contains this on its soundtrack sounds fascinating.

TY HERNDON & KRISTIN CHENOWETH/”Orphans of God”
Writers: Joel Lindsey/Twila LaBar; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: TH
-This was originally sung by the CCM group Avalon. This duet by country hit maker Herndon and Broadway star Chenoweth drives home its message that we are equal and loved in His eyes. The over-the-top production is power-ballad pop all the way, complete with heavenly choir.

GABRIELLE MOONEY/”Come On In”
Writers: Kelly Johnson/Gabrielle Mooney/Jenna Johnson/Benjamin Joel Johnson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: GM
-She wants her romantic partner to know who she is, a country gal. The voice has a pert quality with just a little tangy taste. Gabby is the older sister of the prodigiously gifted Shay Mooney, so I guess talent runs in the family.

DARIUS RUCKER/“Beers and Sunshine”
Writers: Darius Rucker/John Thomas Harding/Josh Osborne/Ross Copperman; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Capitol Nashville
-What a cute line: “The only B.S. I need is Beers & Sunshine.” As usual, Rucker espouses easy-going good times and romance. No wonder radio loves him so.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean

Chris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke

The weather might be getting chilly, but country’s new sounds will warm your insides.

For heart medication, you can’t beat the new sounds by Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, the late John Prine and Alex Hall. Topping them all is a fiery hot performance by our Disc of the Day winner, Chris Stapleton.

I don’t know much about Nate Barnes except that he has enormous promise and that he’s working with super talent Jason Sellers. He wins the DisCovery Award.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Gone”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Ben Johnson/Niko Moon; Publishers: Warner Tamerlane/A Boy Named Ford/Ben There Wrote That/Artist 101/Songs of Kobalt/Hits From the Tape Room/Round Hill/W.C.M./Niko Moon, BMI/SESAC; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Stompin’ on heartache and misery with the emphasis on a shouted chorus that is super catchy. Nicely produced and sung with believability. Dierks strikes again.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Goodyears”
Writers: Travis Denning/Tony Martin/Cole Taylor; Publishers: Red Creative Group/Anthem Music Publishing/UMPG Nashville, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
– While “Where That Beer’s Been” remains the single, fans have evidently been clamoring for this track’s release. I can see why: The lyric is loaded with everyday, neighborhood, small-town details, and the mood is hopeful.

JASON ALDEAN / “Blame It On You”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy/John Edwards/Michael Tyler/Brian White; Publishers: WMG/BMG Rights Management/peermusic/CMRR/Audiam/Sony-ATV/Anthem Entertainment, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: BBR
– She’s gone, thanks to whiskey. Echoey production touches and ghostly vocal “answers” perk up your ears. Highly listenable.

JOHN SCOTT SHERRILL / “You Are Still Great”
Writers: John Scott Sherrill; Publisher: none listed; Producer: John Scott Sherrill, Ronnie Bowman & Scott Paschall; Label: Lobo Libre
– The message is that there is still so much that unites us, rather than tears us apart. The sentiment is all the more potent because he’s such a wonderful honky-tonk singer and because the harmonies are bluegrass-inspired. In case you don’t know, Sherrill is one of the greatest country songwriters in history. Just ask Reba, Strait, Buffett, Brooks & Dunn, Patty Loveless, John Anderson, Johnny Lee, Steve Wariner, Josh Turner, Neal McCoy, John Michael Montgomery, Shenandoah, Highway 101, Restless Heart or any of the many others who’ve hit with his works.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “Arkansas”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Mike Campbell; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Stapleton rocks out. His soulful roar lights this up like a bonfire. Southern rock lives.

ALEX HALL / “Jealous Love”
Writers: Alex Hall/AJ Babcock; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Alex Hall, Pete Good & AJ Babcock; Label: Monument
– Newcomer Hall is a guitar slinger, and he trades riffs here with the equally fiery picker John Osborne. Just as important, he delivers the goods vocally on this stormy, propulsive, hooky romance promise. Hot stuff.

GARTH BROOKS & TRISHA YEARWOOD / “Shallow”
Writers: Lady Gaga/Andrew Wyatt/Anthony Rossomando/Mark Ronson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pearl
– Haven’t we heard this song enough? I mean, the thing has already won two Grammys and an Oscar. That said, this version has class. Yearwood hits the “money” notes with her flawless vocal firepower and the whole performance shimmers with confidence. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper will remain unforgettable as the Star Is Born originators, but this rendition might create new memories.

NATE BARNES / “You Ain’t Pretty”
Writers: Nate Barnes/Jason Sellers/Jimmy Yeary; Publishers: Jason Sellers (ASCAP)/Nate Barnes-Self Published (NS)/Cedar Church Music (BMI)/Sony ATV Tree Publishing (BMI); Producer: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill
– This is stoked with warmth and sincerity. And what woman wouldn’t want to hear a romantic partner say, “I ain’t never seen ya, girl, when you ain’t pretty?” I also like the dynamics in the arrangement, which begins and ends small, but packs a big punch in the choruses. This kid has the goods.

JOHN PRINE / “I Remember Everything”
Writers: John Prine/Pat McLaughlin; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Oh Boy
– I saluted this lovely, wistful, acoustic ballad when it was first released in June. Prine’s last recorded song received new notoriety this week when it was featured on the season premiere of This Is Us and the announcement that Jack White’s Third Man label is releasing it as a blue-vinyl 45 r.p.m. single. In whatever format, it’s a deeply touching mini masterpiece.

GEORGE DUCAS / “Old Timers”
Writers: George Ducas; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: GD
– Teachers, preachers, mothers, fathers, soldiers, workers and salt-of-the-earth folks are the real heroes, sings Ducas. The tempo is a little plodding, but this song’s heart is definitely in the right place.

ANDREW GOLD / “Spooky Scary Skeletons”
Writers: Andrew Gold; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Craft/Concord
– Happy Halloween, everybody. Singer-songwriter Gold has the holiday’s soundtrack song. It’s a goofy, simple, child-like ditty with xylophone flourishes that’s totally cute. Initially released in 1996, it has gradually become an internet sensation. This year, it is a top-10 TikTok phenomenon with more than 550 million 2020 YouTube plays (it has more than five million YouTube plays in all). The newly launched “Spooky, Scary Skeletons” Activity Hub is now up. Visit to learn a variety of at-home things you can do, including Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt, a comic Mad Libs sheet and a dance with the skeletons.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Lee Brice, Miranda Lambert, Jaden Hamilton, And More

Pictured (clockwise from top left): Lee Brice, Jaden Hamilton, Miranda Lambert

Today, we’re holding on to fading summertime as hard as we can, and as usual country music has the soundtrack.

There’s so much warmth to like here that the Disc of the Day award is being divided into categories. Our Male Vocalist winner is, hands down, Lee Brice. The best Female disc belongs to a reigning queen, Miranda Lambert. The group performance is “Pink,” which combines the talents of five women from multiple genres.

The DISCovery Award goes to Sony newcomer Jaden Hamilton.

WALKER COUNTY / “Drag It Out”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– Vocally smooth and languid, but produced with punch. The sisters’ harmony is ultra warm and close as they essay this lyric about getting the “goodbye” over with. The relationship is toast, so let’s make the going as painless as possible. Nicely done.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Lose You”
Writers: Jordan Davis/Josh Kerr/Josh Dorr/Paul DiGiovanni; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; MCA Nashville
– While his single “Almost Maybes” continues to rise on the charts, Davis issues this tuneful, tasteful meditation on keeping love alive. Rhythmic and pleasant.

RYAN KINDER & SYKAMORE / “Doing Fine”
Writers: Ryan Kinder/Jordan Ostrom/Justin Morgan; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– This is a fiery male-female duet performance that builds in intensity as it unspools. One person can’t move on if the other person doesn’t hurt as badly. I have always liked this guy’s singing, and he’s just as potent with a harmony partner. Sykamore was discovered and brought to Nashville by Rhett Akins. She’s a winner, and this is definitely worth your spins.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Settling Down”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Luke Dick/Natalie Hemby; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Emileon/Little Louder/Songs of Kobalt/Songs of Universal/Wrucke For You, BMIl Producer: Jay Joyce; RCA/Vanner
– An awesome, swirling production surrounds this lovely contemplation of a life lived as both a gypsy and a homebody. This lady always rocks my world.

ADAM DOLEAC / “Whiskey’s Fine”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Monty Criswell; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Arista
– I reviewed this song three years ago when he had it out as an independent artist. With a push by Arista, it’s now getting another shot. “Come on in, the whiskey’s fine,” he says to the old flame who knocks on his door in the dead of night. The lyric is sexy and his vocal delivery has passion.

DOLLY PARTON, MONICA, JORDIN SPARKS, RITA WILSON & SARA EVANS / “Pink”
Writers: Erin Kinsey/Jodi Marr/Victoria Shaw; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Victoria Shaw; Brighter Day
– Wilson is a breast-cancer survivor. This stirring, uplifting, all-star anthem looks to a better day when there is a cure, “when pink is just another color.” This disease will affect one in eight women in America. The 12th annual “Opry Goes Pink” show is this Saturday in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It will star Wilson, co-writers Kinsey and Shaw, Lauren Alaina and Little Big Town.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “F-150″
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– She’s doing fine, getting over him and moving on with her life. Then she sees the kind of truck he drives and is flooded with memories and regret. The production rushes and crashes around her, then becomes suddenly still. Very effective.

CLARE DUNN / “We Are”
Writers: Clare Dunn/Mark Holman/Connie Harrington; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Clare Dunn; Big Yellow Dog
– She’s one of our finest current singers, and her throaty style is on full display here. The track rocks with plenty of frothing pop energy. It’s awfully hard not to get caught up in the excitement of this celebratory track.

JADEN HAMILTON / “Ain’t That Something”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Sony
– There’s something kinda warm and intimate in his singing. The overall vibe is a gently rolling Texas/Strait sound with sympathetic fiddle-and-steel-guitar backing. Very promising.

LEE BRICE / “Memory I Don’t Mess With”
Writers: Lee Brice/Brian Davis/Billy Montana; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Kyle Jacobs & Ben Glover; Curb
– What a powerful performance. He’s a mighty, mighty man. Brice depicts the anguish of seeing The One and being overcome with longing and regret that she slipped away from him. He piles ache on ache in this power ballad. It’s yet another master work by this artist.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Never Get Old”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Russell Dickerson, Casey Brown & Dann Huff; Triple Tigers
– It’s a clap-stomp, shout-along party anthem. Rousing and catchy as can be.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Kane Brown, Josh Turner, High Valley, Gone West

There is very little in this edition of DisClaimer that is earth shattering—This week’s hallmarks are craftsmanship and competence.

Rising above the routine are Josh Turner, High Valley, the exquisite Gone West and our Disc of the Day winner, Kane Brown.

The DisCovery Award goes to the new duo Southerland, comprised of Matt Chase and Chris Rogers.

SOUTHERLAND/”Thing Is”
Writers: Matt Chase/Chris Rogers/Greg Bates; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Trent Willmon; River House/Sony
– Rollicking, good-natured and relentlessly upbeat. A single with a smile.

HIGH VALLEY/”Grew Up on That”
Writers: Brad Rempel, Ben Stennis, Jaron Boyer; Publisher: WMG/Sony-ATV/Peermusic/Kobalt, no performance rights listed; Producer: Seth Mosley; Warner
– Well written and highly engaging. The word portrait of simple values is dazzlingly detailed, and the melodic bed surrounding it twinkles like a holiday sparkler. I’m in.

JOSH TURNER/”I Can Tell By the Way You Dance”
Writers: Sandy Pinkard/Robert Strandlund; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; MCA Nashville
– This is smokin’ hot. Turner’s arrangement ups the tempo and intensity of this 1984 Vern Gosdin classic, giving it a zesty, refreshing spin. It’s a risky business covering one of country music’s greatest vocal stylists, but Turner shows that he’s up to the task with his artfully phrased delivery. And anyone who shines a light on Gosdin’s greatness gets an A+ in my book.

ALECIA NUGENT/”Way Too Young for Wings”
Writers: Alecia Nugent/James Leblanc/Jen Stegall/Brian Maher; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Keith Stegall; Hillbilly Goddess
– Nugent is taking the unusual step of releasing two singles simultaneously. This gentle, poignant ballad about dealing with the death of a young person is for the country market. The two stepper “Tell Fort Worth I Said Hello” is aimed at Texas-music programmers. Makes sense to me, since Texas is its own planet. And since both songs are stunners.

LUKE BRYAN/”Down to One”
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Justin Ebach/Kyle Fishman; Publisher: Play It Again Entertainment, BMI/ Kyle Fishman Music, BMI/Round Hill Compositions, BMI/ Natalia’s Music Money, BMI/Memory Days, SESAC/Curb Wordspring Music, SESAC/W.C.M. Music Corp., SESAC; Producer: Jeff Stevens & Jody Steven; Capitol
– Beautifully produced. At its most basic, this is yet another uptempo, not-too-country love song. But the swirling sonic mix makes it sound like a real romance.

KINKY FRIEDMAN/”Resurrection”
Writers: Kinky Friedman; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Larry Campbell; Echo Hill
– The soulful title tune of Friedman’s current CD serves notice that he’s not the snarky comic presence that he used to be. It’s a toe tapping meditation on death and the passage of time, sung with a soft, folky rasp that exudes sincerity. Willie Nelson drops by to harmonize.

JUSTIN MOORE/”We Didn’t Have Much”
Writers: Jeremy Stover/Randy Montana/Paul DiGiovanni; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jeremy Stover & Scott Borchetta; Valory
– The restless shuffling tempo propels this toe-tapper-with-a-heart. It gives it a certain edge and helps lift the song above mere nostalgia and a familiar poor-but-happy message. It’s a glimpse into Moore’s album to come next year.

MARGIE SINGLETON/”Never Mind”
Writers: M. Singleton/S.S. Singleton; Publisher: aintquittin, BMI; Producer: Stephen Shelby Singleton & Derrick Dexter Mathis; aintquittin music
– Singer-songwriter Margie Singleton celebrated her 85th birthday on Monday by releasing a new EP. Its title tune is a bass-heavy rumbler with an autobiographical lyric that she delivers with moxie. Active for seven decades, Singleton has sung hit duets with George Jones and Faron Young. She has written “Lie to Me” (an R&B hit for Brook Benton), “She Understands Me” (a pop hit for Johnny Tillotson) and “Laura What’s He Got That I Ain’t Got” (a country hit by her late husband Leon Ashley). And she’s still at it.

KANE BROWN/”Worship You”
Writers: Eskeerdo/Kane Brown/Matthew McGinn/Ryan Vojtesak; Publisher: Songs Of Universal, Inc., BMI/ Kane Brown Music, BMI/BMG Gold Songs, ASCAP/AIX Publishing, ASCAP/Kobalt Group Music Publishing, SESAC/McGinntellectual Property, SESAC/True Blue Works, SESAC/Krispy Pork Gang, BMI ; Producer: Dann Huff; RCA Nashville/Zone 4
– A repeated acoustic guitar figure sends a rippling wave through this super-romantic ballad that’s shot through with religious metaphors. His performance is a slow-burn dandy. This guy’s stardom seems to burn brighter with every release.

GONE WEST/”I’m Never Getting Over You”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Danielle Leverett Reeves/Jason Bradford Reeves/Justin Young/Liz Rose; Publisher: Warner-Chappell/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Triple Tigers
– This packs a punch. The anguish and ache in the farewell tune are made all the more piquant by the facts that this is the group’s swan song and that Colbie Caillat and Justin Young are breaking up as a couple. Caillat is noted as a Grammy winning pop artist, but it is Hawaiian music star Young’s soul-searing performance here that sent chills up my spine. Intensely moving. I am going to miss this always-flawless foursome.

KASSI ASHTON/”Black Motorcycle”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/Luke Laird; Publisher: Creative Nation; Producer: Kassi Ashton & Luke Laird; MCA Nashville/Interscope
– The track is a muffled mess. The lyric consists of the same inane phrase repeated over the over. There is nothing “country” about it. Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Maren Morris, Everette, Cam, And More

Today’s edition of DisClaimer is a spotty collection, with clunkers as well as winners.

Leading a parade of females this week is Maren Morris, who takes home the Disc of the Day award with a topical tune. Raising their voices by her side are Jenny Tolman, Cam and Lindsay Ell, all of whom have also turned in splendid sides.

There’s a new duo in town called Everette. Named after George Clooney’s character in O Brother Where Art Thou, these two Kentucky natives show all kinds of promise on “Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot.” Needless to say, this wins them the DisCovery Award.

EVERETTE/“Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Luke Laird; Broken Bow
-I dig this. It’s a very cool small-town banger with plenty of rhythmic punch and a charming, drawling delivery. Rockin’ and twangin’ Everette is a duo consisting of Kentucky natives Brent Rupard and Anthony Olympia. Play them.

CAM/“Classic”
Writers: Cam/Jack Antonoff; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Cam & Jack Antonoff; RCA
-This lady never disappoints, and I remain a huge fan. This deliriously hooky bopper jangles merrily along with hand claps, choppy beats, stacked vocal harmonies and poppy electronic touches. Producer Antonoff is noted for his work with Taylor Swift, The Chicks, Lana Del Ray and St. Vincent.

TYLER FARR/“Soundtrack to a Small Town Sundown”
Writers: Jon Nite/Jonathan Singleton; Publishers: EMI April/Super Big/Jett/Nite Writer, no performance rights listed; Producer: Jason Aldean; Broken Bow
-This well-written lyric evokes wistful nostalgia. Farr’s delivery has urgency and believability. I just wish it had a groovier melody.

MAREN MORRIS/“Better Than We Found It”
Writers: Maren Morris/Jessie Jo Dillon/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Columbia
-“America, America, divided we fall….America, America, we’re better than this.” Sister Maren pleads for a better world, with freedom and justice for all. The video addresses anti-immigration, Black Lives Matter and the COVID pandemic and ends with her reading a letter of promise to her infant son, Hayes. It ends with the one-word exhortation: Vote.

THE QUARANTINE ALL STARS/“Quarantine”
Writer: Scotty Wilbanks; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Scotty Wilbanks; 9 North
-Brad Paisley, Steve Wariner, Chuck Leavell and Journey’s Jonathan Cain head the list of the roughly two dozen musicians who partake in this snappy, country-rock instrumental jam. Among the others are members of the bands that back Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett and Dave Matthews. Proceeds benefit the MusiCares COVID 19 Relief Fund. It’s a guaranteed, toe-tapping pleasure.

JERROD NIEMANN/“The Blame”
Writer: Jerrod Niemann; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jerrod Niemann; JN
-While the dazzling “Tequila Kisses” continues to ride the radio airwaves, Niemann is issuing this track that shows his more vulnerable, heartache side. Lilting and deliciously melodic, it was written in the wake of his divorce. This guy is a such a gem.

TEXAS HILL/“Darkest Sky”
Writers: Ryan Beaver/James Leblanc/Mike Walker; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; TH
-This trio is Craig Wayne Boyd, Casey James and Adam Wakefield. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t recommend launching your career with a ballad, but these three sing so magnificently, and the lyric is so inspirational and hopeful that I have to cheer. Well done, boys.

LINDSAY ELL/“Workin’ Out”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; BBR
-This is evidently from the soundtrack of the “Make It Up As We Go” podcast. It’s acoustic and stripped down, which showcases her conversational delivery of the jaunty, upbeat lyrics. Bopping and effective.

SOPHIE SANDERS/“Nobody Special”
Writer: Sophie Sanders; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Paul Sikes; SS
-Written for her fiancée, this echoey, wafting ditty swirls in a romantic dream.

BRANDON COLLINS/“Blame It On Nashville”
Writer: Brandon Collins; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Steve Freeman; BC
-Boyish, plaintive and a little tentative, he sings of his busted heart in this soft ballad. He’s not the strongest singer on earth, but there’s some songwriting promise here.

JENNY TOLMAN/“Invent a T-Shirt”
Writers: Jenny Tolman/Dave Brainard/Bill Whyte; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dave Brainard; JT
-The always witty Ms. Tolman tickles yer funny bone with this talking-blues ditty about social media, virtual bickering and wild opinion spewing. Accompanied by scampering fiddle and lickety-split guitar work, she offers a saucy, catchy chorus that ends with “kiss my derriere.” She is practically single handedly bringing humor back into country music and deserves our heartiest applause for doing so. The “selfie” video with her band will make you smile as brightly as the lyric does.