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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Luke Combs, Shenandoah, Michael Ray, Ingrid Andress, And More

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Luke Combs. Photo: David Bergman

In today’s column, the country veterans are here to show the youngsters how it’s done.

Travis Tritt, Willie Nelson, John Rich and Shenandoah with Zac Brown Band all have comeback singles. And vets Terry McBride & Patty Loveless have the Disc of the Day.

All of which is not to deny the sterling work turned in by the younger generation, especially Ingrid Andress, Luke Combs and Danielle Bradbery.

The DISCovery Award goes to the female trio Vicki Kristina Barcelona. “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” is just one of the many delights to hear on the Tom Waits-penned Pawn Shop Radio collection. For starters, also check out “Innocent When You Dream” and “Cold Cold Ground,” then plunge in and thrill to the rest of this amazing debut disc.

MICHAEL RAY/”Whiskey and Rain”
Writers: Josh Thompson/Jesse Frasure; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Ross Copperman; Warner
– Routine. There’s nothing really wrong with it, and it’s perfectly competent work. But I don’t hear anything special about this plodding barroom homage to the Gary Allan sound.

VICKI KRISTINA BARCELONA/”I Don’t Wanna Grow Up”
Writers: Tom Waits/Kathleen Brennan/Jalma; Publisher: none listed; ASCAP; Producer: VKB Band; Storysound (track)
– This is a trio consisting of multi-instrumentalists Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Terry Radigan. The album is titled Pawn Shop Radio and consists entirely of Tom Waits songs. This single, which has been out awhile, is a Cajun-flavored bopper embellished with accordion, harmonium and triangle, not to mention their saucy, joyous harmony vocals. You have GOT to hear this.

DANIELLE BRADBERY/”Girls in My Hometown”
Writers: Nicole Galyon/Josh Osborne/Emily Weisband; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff; BMLG
– Wow. What a beautiful, thoughtful and evocative performance. The lyric vignettes capture a lost-in-the-city gal who’s thinking of the small-town friends back home, musing and meditating about what has become of everyone. This piano-based, harmony-kissed ballad is star-making stuff.

TRAVIS TRITT/”Ghost Town Nation”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/JB Strauss; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Big Noise
– I have missed this man so much. Always one our most charismatic singers and entertainers, his return to disc is cause for celebration. His “outlaw” attitude is fully unfurled on this guitars-blazing, rockin’ rouser.

TERRY McBRIDE & PATTY LOVELESS/”Rebels and Angels”
Writers: Terry McBride/Chris Stapleton; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Luke Laird; Creative Nation
– Country, country, country. Drenched in steel and twin fiddles, this is a hillbilly jewel. Their brilliant voices sound splendid together as they weave the tale of parents seeing the kids become the same people they were. My heart warmed in my chest with every note of this mini masterpiece. Duet of the Year.

LUKE COMBS/”Better Together”
Writers: Luke Combs/Dan Isbell/Randy Montana; Publishers: Big Music Machine/50 Egg/Straight Dime/Sony-ATV/Warner-Tamerlane/Sullivan S Guns, BMI; Producer: Scott Moffatt; River House/Columbia (track)
– Who’s gonna fill their shoes? Somebody already has, and his name is Luke Combs. This supremely romantic piano ballad is mixed with his heart-in-throat vocal delivery right up front. Say, Amen, everybody.

SHENANDOAH & ZAC BROWN BAND/”I’d Take Another One of Those”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Foundry
– Very groovy. Both lead singers deliver with oversized hearts. The warm, nostalgic lyric simply glows with simple beauty and truth. The rippling production, full group harmonies and lilting atmosphere are all hallmarks here. Lovely listening.

JOHN RICH/”Earth to God”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Studio2Bee
– The soaring production and echo-chamber vocal underscore this as Rich’s troubled-times Big Statement song. Oomphy.

SHANE OWENS/”Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Amerimonte
– The song fits this solidly country vocalist like a glove. Fiddle and steel are played pristinely as he phrases the simple-and-true message to perfection. A breath of fresh air.

INGRID ANDRESS/”Lady Like”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– Kinda feisty. Kinda outspoken. Kinda rocking. And way, way cool. I really like the dynamics in this that range from intimate lyric delivery to full-throated roar with the throttle wide open in the production. By all means, play the fire outta this.

WILLIE NELSON/”Vote ‘Em Out”
Writers: Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Legacy
– This catchy toe-tapper has a simple message, Get Out and Vote. Willie’s wry delivery, slippery guitar pickin’ and jaunty attitude will make you smile. Cannon’s production gives the whole thing panache.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Priscilla Block, Brandy Clark, Brandi Carlile, Luke Combs, And More

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Priscilla Block

Country goes topical this week.

In this stack of tracks we have an ode for world peace, an anti-racist message, a gay man’s song and a coronavirus composition. And they’re all pretty darn good.

The Disc of the Day award is being divided into categories. The Female honor goes to Brandy Clark (with a harmony assist from Brandi Carlile). The male prize belongs to Luke Combs. The Duo/Group platter to pick belongs to Jon Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles.

Our DisCovery Award is for newcomer Priscilla Block. She sounds like a comer.

ADAM DOLEAC/Meet Me in the City
Writers: Adam Doleac/Sarah Buxton/Andy Skib; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Arista
-Buoyant and bubbly, this is a rush of smiling energy. Romantic, youthful, joyous and utterly delirious. Get up and twirl around the room.

LUKE COMBS/Without You
Writers: Daniel Paul Isbell/Luke Albert Combs/Wyatt Beasley Durrette III; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews & Jonathan Singleton; River House/Columbia/Country
-My main man brings it home yet again. This is a stirring, personal anthem to his loving fans. He sings that his stardom is nothing without them. Spoken like a country star, amen. That’s Amanda Shires on fiddle backing him.

PAISLEY FIELDS/Stay Away From My Man
Writers: Paisley Fields/Mya Byrne; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Trace Faulkner/Don Giovanni
-He’s an out gay man with country song titles like “Ride Me Cowboy.” This track is an uptempo, stuttering-guitar romp cautioning, “I’m gonna slap you silly if you touch my hillbilly” to the guy in the bar who’s coming on to his lover. He’s not the strongest singer in the world, and the band is ragged-but-right. But there’s energy and verve here.

BRANDY CLARK & BRANDI CARLILE/Same Devil
Writers: Brandy Clark/Marla Cannon/Hailey Whitters; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Warner
-This haunting, echoey ballad explores a variety of troubled souls with a ghostly female choir soaring softly in the background. The two voices weave and blend imaginatively while the production swirls. Captivating. Clark deserves country superstardom like nobody’s bizness.

PRISCILLA BLOCK/Just About Over You
Writers: Priscilla Block/Emily Kroll/Sarah Jones; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Mercury Nashville/InDent
-This song became a TikTok viral sensation, which led to her being signed by Universal. Block has a strong, emotive country voice which she most effectively applies to this plaintive lyric. It’s almost closing time in the bar, and she’s got a nice wine buzz going, feeling good about herself. Then her ex walks in and ruins everything. Sounds like a relatable relationship, right?

JON BON JOVI & JENNIFER NETTLES/Do What You Can
Writer: Jon Bon Jovi; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Big Machine
-These two previously won a Grammy for their No. 1 hit “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” This country-rocking track appeared on Bon Jovi’s CD as a response to the coronavirus pandemic a couple of months ago. Now Nettles has added her terrific vocal to create another memorable duet. Their two voices hit all of the highlights of our “new normal,” social distancing, closed schools, lost paychecks, skipped graduations, PPE, front line workers, yearning for a vaccine, etc. The message is that we will survive this if we love one another. Filmed on the streets of New York City, the video is downright inspirational. This just might be the ultimate song of our COVID-19 times.

RILEY GREEN/If It Wasn’t for Trucks
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producers: none listed; BMLG
-A song about trucks? What a novel idea. Lucky for us, Riley’s great country vocal, honest presentation and true-to-life lyrics raise this one head and shoulders above the rest. Ya gotta love him. Folks like Mr. Green and Mr. Combs are going to lead us out of the pop-country wilderness.

CHARLES J. JONES/What Color Am I
Writer: Troy McConnell; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Troy McConnell; Metamundo
-Back in the 1990s, this guy was billed as “J.C. Jones” on Rising Tide Records (”One Night,” 1998). He has returned with this timely ode’s anti-racist message. The lyric profiles African American, Native American and Latino American people, asking, “What color am I on the inside?” and “Can you tell how I feel by the shade of my skin?” and “Just like you, I laugh and I cry.” The video shows soldiers, first responders, medical professionals and law enforcement people of various races, working together.

MADELINE MERLO/If You Never Broke My Heart
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Open Road
-This Canadian won on the NBC-TV songwriting competition Songland. She has since penned a Lady A hit (”Champagne Night”) and issued her own “Kiss Kiss,” as well as this heartache ditty. Promising.

JEFF CARSON/God Save the World
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Curb
-Originally put out in 2003, this is a reissue of a stately ballad that pleads for world peace. Who can argue with that?

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Trisha Yearwood, Chrissy Metz, Chapel Hart, And More

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Trisha Yearwood

It’s a ladies’ day here at DISClaimer.

Both the Disc of the Day and the DISClaimer Award are claimed by female acts. Trisha Yearwood rules the roost with her gorgeous ballad “I’ll Carry You Home,” which she introduced on last night’s ACM telecast.

The DISCovery du jour is Chapel Hart. This is a trio of two sisters and a cousin who are from Mississippi, but began their career as street performers in New Orleans before heading to Music City. Their “Jesus and Alcohol” debut single is a sheer delight.

All of which is not to say that we don’t have worthy male contributors. In fact, Tyler Braden gave Chapel Hart excellent competition for the DISCovery honor. Elsewhere, we have dandy new sounds from Jerrod Niemann, Terry McBride, Brandon Ratcliff and Scotty McCreery.

CHRISSY METZ/Feel Good
Writers: Chrissy Metz/Nicolette Hayford/Connie Harrington/Aaron Raitiere/Jake Mitchell; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; EMI
-This light, softly sung ditty is meant to empower women, to inspire positivism. It has a pleasant, wafting vibe that goes well with its message of looking up, taking care of oneself and getting happy. It goes along with her new Walmart clothing line.

RITA WILSON/What Would I Say
Writers: Rita Wilson/Jesse Frasure/Shane McAnally; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jesse Frasure; Sling It Loud/Orchard
– Her alto vocal is compressed and muffled.

TRISHA YEARWOOD/I’ll Carry You Home
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Caitlyn Smith/Troy Verges; Publisher: Bughouse/Music of Stage Three/Songs of Cornman/Dash8/Songs of Universal; Producer: Garth Fundis; Gwendolyn/Pearl
-One of our greatest voices wedded to a truly inspirational song. I love how she begins this in a gentle, tender mode, then gradually builds to her magnificent, full-throated vocal majesty before ending in a soft, loving audio embrace. A brilliant piece of work.

SCOTTY MCCREERY/You Time
Writers: Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Aaron Eshuis; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Frank Rogers/Aaron Eshuis/Derek Wells; Triple Tigers
-Upbeat and romantic, this has a lot going on for it. As always, he’s a country beacon.

JERROD NIEMANN/Tequila Kisses
Writers: Jerrod Niemann/Lee Brice/Jon Stone; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jerrod Niemann; JN
-Kinda boozy, kinda drawling, kinda groovy. Especially with the multiple stacked vocal harmonies and the stratospheric, airy atmosphere. The Beach Boys have nothing on this little beauty. This guy always turns in quality work.

INGRID ANDRESS/Don’t Start Now
Writers: Emily Warren, Ian Kirkpatrick, Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Sam Ellis; Warner/Atlantic
-It’s a Dua Lipa pop cover. Nicely done, but what’s the point?

TERRY MCBRIDE/Callin’ All Hearts
Writers: Luke Laird/Terry McBride; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Luke Laird; INgrooves
-Look out, boys, she’s a heart breaker. The spare, bopping production puts the spotlight squarely on his country vocal and the solidly crafted lyric. Simple but highly effective.

TYLER BRADEN/Love is a Dead End Road
Writers: Tyler Braden/Chase Rice/Brock Berryhill; Publishers: Warner Chappell/Sony ATV, no performance rights listed; Producer; none listed; Warner
-A country boy gets his heart busted when the gal he thought was The One, turns out not to be. This newcomer sings with enormous feeling and just the right blend of power and ache. He sounds like writer to be reckoned with, too. I’m in.

KEITH URBAN & P!NK/One Too Many
Writers none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Capitol Nashville
-There’s no denying the star power. But the pop song does nothing for me.

CHAPEL HART/Jesus and Alcohol
Writers: Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle; Publisher: HyperPhlyy Music; BMI; Producer: Jeff Glixman; CH
-Fabulous. This ridiculously catchy item is loaded with humor and harmonies. The group is country’s first Black female trio. The lead guitar is provided by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. The ultra-cute video features cameo appearances by T. Graham Brown and Deborah Allen. Colorful and contagious, this is absolutely a 100% hillbilly winner.

BRANDON RATCLIFF/Sometimes Always Never
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/A.J. Babcock/Walker Hayes; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Pete Good/Shane McAnally; Monument
-The title tune of Ratcliff’s debut EP is a light, poppy, choppy ditty held together by his highly engaging, youthful tenor-to-falsetto vocal delivery. Very, very listenable. It says here that he has accumulated over 50 million streams to date.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Keith Urban, Carly Pearce, Trace Adkins, And More

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Today’s edition of DISClaimer is country, country, country all the way. We have superlative singles from Matt Stell, Cody Johnson, Sean Stemaly, Carly Pearce and Trace Adkins. All of them deserve your unconditional support.

The abundance of quality leads to a tie for the Disc of the Day award. Let Johnson and Pearce both have the spotlight, please. Our newcomers today are Southerland, Wendy Moten and Travis Tidwell. Moten is the best singer, but her song is weak. Southerland could use a stronger song, too.

CODY JOHNSON/Dear Rodeo
Writers: Dan Couch/Cody Johnson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– It’s a love letter to the sport he loves and gave up. And it’s a beautiful piece of work. This Texan just might be the future of real country music. At least I hope he is.

MATT STELL/If I Was A Bar
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed/ASCAP; Producer: none listed; Arista Nashville
– Very cleverly written and sung with honky-tonk aplomb. Loved every hillbilly note.

TRACE ADKINS/Just The Way We Do It
Writers: Jeffrey Steele/Danny Myrick/Kip Raines/Bart Allmand; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Bart Butler; Verge
– Tap yer toes and bop along as Trace leads us in this party-hearty anthem. Guitars stutter and beats abound in this charming, good-time romp. Play and smile.

WENDY MOTEN/Can’t We Get Along
Writer: Pat Boone; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; The Gold Label
– This power ballad about peace and brotherhood is spectacularly well sung, but sadly under-written with platitude piled on platitude. Moten is a genre-fluid vocalist who performs with western swingers The Time Jumpers and has also charted with R&B singles such as 1993’s “Come In Out of the Rain.” Somebody please give this gifted lady a hit song to sing.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Long Live
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder/David Garcia/Josh Miller; Publisher: Big Loud Mountain / T Hubb Publishing / Pranch Ringle Music (BMI). All Rights Administered by Round Hill Works./ WC Music Corp. / Big Crowd Publishing / Georgia Song Vibez (ASCAP). All rights o/b/o Big Crowd Publishing and Georgia Song Vibez administered by WC Music Corp./ Spirit Two Nashville / 4theKidz Music / Spirit Vault Songs (ASCAP) administered by Spirit Two Nashville./ Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. / Jack 10 Publishing / Songs of the Corn (BMI). All rights o/b/o itself, Jack 10 Publishing and Songs of the Corn administered by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp; Producers: Hubbard/Kelley/Crowder; Big Machine
– I don’t think you could string more bro-country cliches together if you tried. They’re all here: longnecks, dirt roads, babes in cut-off jeans and more.

DWAIN MESSER/Ease My Troubled Mind
Writer: Dwain Messer; Publisher: Head of the Hollar; ASCAP; Producer: Mark Beckett; N Crowd
– He longs for relief from the rat race and a return to a simpler life. Produced with eloquent country simplicity and sung with hillbilly heart. It is also nearly five minutes long.

SEAN STEMALY/As Far As I Know
Writers: Jameson Rodgers/Hunter Phelps/Justin Wilson; Publisher: WC Music Corp./Who Wants To Buy My Publishing (ASCAP),Highly Combustible Music/One77 Songs (ASCAP), Legends Of Magic Mustang Music/Somebody Play It Again (SESAC); Producers: Joey Moi/Derek Wells; Big Loud
– Is she leaving their small-town life behind or just headed to her Mama’s house? Either way, this country boy feels heartache. Stemaly’s vocal is full of authenticity, although you do have to strain sometimes to hear the lyric amid the gorgeous, echoey production. Well worth your spins.

TENILLE TOWNES/Hallelujah
Writer: Leonard Cohen; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Columbia
– It is a classic, great song. But it has already been recorded by a bluezillion artists. There is even a whole book devoted to it. This lifeless rendition does nothing to enhance it. Unnecessary.

CARLY PEARCE/Next Girl
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; BMLG
– Fabulous record. She sings the heck outta this uptempo cautionary lyric addressed to any future victims of a barroom lothario. This wonderfully written ditty is sprinkled with stardust. Loved “Every Little Thing” about it.

SOUTHERLAND/Thing Is
Writers: Matt Chase/Chris Rogers/Greg Bates; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Trent Willmon; River House/Sony
– It’s a duo, but it is mixed like a solo performance, with the harmony vocal being reduced to mere backup status. The song is a country bopper about being head over heels.

KEITH URBAN/Tumbleweed
Writers: James McNair/Jaren Johnston/Neil Mason; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Kobalt; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– He’s a rocker at heart, and he really struts his shredder stuff in the guitar solo. The frenzied tempo and rapid-fire lyric delivery are as catchy as can be.

TRAVIS TIDWELL/Catch Me If You Can
Writers: T. Tidwell/M. Tidwell; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Kelly Schoenfeld, Kent Wells, Dave Fowler & Travis Tidwell; GTR
– There’s more than a little Southern rock in this long-haired fellow. He’s a screamin’ good guitarist with a bluesy bent, cool organ fills and soul-sister backup vocals. Get on board all you Skynyrd/Allman devotees.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Miranda Lambert, Brett Eldredge, Eric Church, And More

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There are so many bogus “artists” in the country format, but they are absent today.

It gives me so much pleasure in this week’s DISClaimer to review new music by such quality people as Miranda Lambert, HARDY, Eric Church, Alecia Nugent, Brett Eldredge and Chris Stapleton. They are the sort of folks who all current country artists should aspire to emulate.

In a stack of platters that is an embarrassment of riches, choosing a Disc of the Day is ridiculously hard. I’m going with Brett Eldredge, but the award could easily belong to any of the above.

The DISCovery Award goes to Matt Castillo.

LAINE HARDY/Tiny Town
Writers: Michael Tyler Spragg; Publisher: none listed; Sony-ATV/Pink Dog/Emileon/Little Louder/Songs of Kobalt/Wrucke For You/Songs of Universal, BMI; Producer: Michael Knox; LH
– As a former American Idol winner, he has an established fan base. What I like most about this is the clarity and simplicity of his delivery. It’s an acoustic-based production, so there’s plenty of room for his easy-going vocal presentation. The song is an okay, small-town salute that country listeners seem to love so well. By the way, Laine Hardy is a coronavirus survivor.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Settling Down
Writers: Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert/Natalie Hemby; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; RCA
– Congratulations to her for now being the most nominated female artist in CMA history. This spectacular little single is a total celebration of her voice, her songwriting and her personality. What a groove. This is the stuff of greatness.

MATT CASTILLO/Say It
Writers: Roger Brown/Tommy Conners/Don Rollins/Matt Castillo; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Roger Brown; MC
– It’s a toe tapper with stuttering guitar and steel. Hard to resist. Props to producer Brown and the relentless rhythm section.

LOCASH/Beers To Catch Up On
Writers: Jeremy Stover/Rhett Akins/Paul Charles Digiovanni; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Anthem Entertainment/Universal/Ole Red Cape/Real Big Red Tunes/Ritten By Rhettro, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: none listed; Wheelhouse/BBR
– Buddy-buddy, warm and brotherly. A dandy sentiment about old friends, delivered with heart.

BRETT ELDREDGE/Sunday Drive
Writers: Barry Dean/Don Mescall/Steve Robson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– Righteous and true. “It’s the ordinary things that mean so much.” The ballad takes him from his childhood riding with his folks to driving them himself when they get old. It choked me up, big time. During this pandemic, one of the things we do to keep our mental health is to go for drives with no destination. I guess partly because I remember my Dad taking us on Sunday drives. So Amen, to this song.

CHRIS STAPLETON/Starting Over
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Mike Henderson; Publishers: I Wrote These Songs/WC/Straight Six/Wixen, ASCAP/BMI; Producers: Dave Cobb/Chris Stapleton; Mercury
– He’s down, but hopeful. No matter how dark it seems, there is always a bright tomorrow and a shiny renewal. Strummy and upbeat, but grounded in gritty reality. A pure country-music delight.

ALECIA NUGENT/They Don’t Make ‘Em Like My Daddy Anymore
Writers: Alecia Nugent/Carl Jackson; Publishers: Hillbilly Goddess/Bluewater/Colonel Rebel/BMG, ASCAP; Producer: Keith Stegall; Hillbilly Goddess
– Known for her prior work in bluegrass, Nugent’s comeback CD The Old Side of Town is a move into mainstream country. She’s been off the radar for nearly a decade, and I have sorely missed her. Nugent remains an absolutely heart-stopping, old-school country singer. This lilting, nostalgic single is not the 1974 Loretta Lynn hit with the identical title (penned by Jerry Chestnut). It is a tribute to her childhood singing partner and pop, who has passed away. Sweet, endearing and totally autobiographical.

ERIC CHURCH/Crazyland
Writers: Eric Church/Luke Laird/Michael Heeney; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; EMI
– Super creative. The songwriting here is just excellent. “Crazyland” is a tavern populated by characters named “Fool,” “Sorrow,” “I Told You So,” “Regret,” “All My Fault” and “Out of His Mind.” They hang out together in misery, singing the songs of a fellow named “Blues.” The shuffling percussion, piano notes and soft echo are just a few of the highlights in the airy production. This man is as good as contemporary country music gets.

HARDY/Boyfriend
Writers: Zach Abend/HARDY/Andy Albert; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Big Loud
– Love this. Love him. It shows a softer and super romantic side of this gifted writer-artist. His approach to country music always gives me hope for the future.

ARLO McKINLEY/Die Midwestern
Writer: Arlo McKinley; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Matt Ross Spang; Oh Boy
– A weaving honky-tonk band with a slippery fiddle are the loosey-goosey accompaniment to this love-hate ode to dead-end Ohio. It’s kinda like a mashup of The Band, John Prine and Austin country. He’s a Cincinnati native, and the video tours you through that city’s urban neighborhoods.

MITCHELL TENPENNY/Broken Up
Writers: Devin Dawson/Mitchell Tenpenny/Kyle Fishman/Ernest K. Smith; Publishers: Audium/Sony-ATV/Universal/Warner-Chappell; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Riser House/Columbia
– A break-up song that’s also a solid banger. The “echo” answering vocals, rippling electronics and beats make this as much a jam as it is a lament. Recommended.

DISClaimer: Kane Brown, Camo Brian, Sheryl Crow, And More

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Kane Brown. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Black Lives Matter say the stars in this week’s edition of DISClaimer.

Henry Particelli and Tony Stampley are singing songs of racial reconciliation. Kane Brown is on hand with Khalid and Swae Lee, as is newcomer Camo Brian, who wins the DisCovery Award.

There are plenty of other good tunes today. I especially recommend Runaway June, Eric Paslay and Chris Janson. For super songwriting excellence, the essentials are Hailey Whitter‘s “Janice at the Hotel Bar” and our Disc of the Day, “Lonely Alone” by Sheryl Crow with Willie Nelson.

RUNAWAY JUNE/We Were Rich
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ross Copperman/Nicolle Galyon; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Combustion Engine; Producer: none listed; BBR/Wheelhouse
-Sweetly heart tugging and absolutely gorgeous sounding. I don’t know which I like better, the deliciously well written lyric or the breath-taking harmony-vocal perfection. I fell hard for this little slice of American life. With new member Natalie Stovall on board, the trio introduced this on last week’s Grand Ole Opry broadcast. Loved it then. Love it now.

CHRIS JANSON/Waitin’ On 5
Writers: Chris Janson/Craig Wiseman/Shy Carter/Tommy Cecil; Publisher: Sony/ATV/BMG Rights/Ole; Producer: none listed; Warner
-A blue-collar rouser that’s itching for the working day to end so that the party can begin. I usually don’t like gang-shouted backup vocals, but they work perfectly here.

TONY STAMPLEY/Colorblind
Writers: Tony Stampley/Bonnie Swayze; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Chris Janson, Tommy Cecil; TS
-A song for our times. It’s a plea for peace between races and for universal love. Tony’s songs have been recorded by a country who’s-who, including Hank Jr., Billy Currington, Randy, Moe, Tritt, John Anderson, George Jones, Chesnutt, Confederate Railroad and his daddy Joe Stampley. As he had done many times before, he can sing ’em just fine, himself.

ERIC PASLAY/Nice Guy
Writers: Eric Paslay/Craig Wiseman; Publisher: none listed; Producer: F. Reid Shippen/Tofer Brown; Paso Fino Records
– Very cute. He’s gonna get mean and nasty because, “It just don’t pay to be a nice guy in a bad-guy world.” The bopping track and light-hearted vocal are as delightful as the lyric. The video is a spot-the-celebrity collage of cameo appearances interspersed with Paslay in the slammer. I’ve always liked this guy.

HAILEY WHITTERS/Janice at the Hotel Bar
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Lori McKenna; Publisher: Scrambler Music, a division of Carnival Music Group, Maps and Records Music, Creative Pulse Music; Producer: Jake Gear, Hailey Whitters; Pigasus/Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
– This woman is so prodigiously talented. As if singing like a hillbilly angel wasn’t enough, she can write something so simply profound and true as this minor masterpiece. While you’re seeking this gem out (and you should), get addicted and plunge into the audio wonders of “Dream Girl,” “All the Cool Girls” and the rest of her extraordinary catalog. Her entire album The Dream is a country lover’s dream.

KANE BROWN, SWAE LEE & KHALID/Be Like That
Writers: Xplicit/Charlie Handsome/Kane Brown; Publisher: Universal/Warner Chappell; Producer: none listed; RCA
– Tuneful, jaunty and catchy, in a loopy kinda way. The mash-up of country with hip-hop is surprisingly effective in this ditty about a conflicted relationship. It works because Swae Lee’s falsetto portion and Khalid’s robust lower voice alleviate Brown’s (overly?) repetitive main refrain.

HENRY PARTICELLI/Your Name
Writer: Particelli; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Henry Particelli; HP
-Particelli wrote this in the wake of George Floyd’s death. “I know you never wanted this kind of fame/I’m so sorry that’s how we know your name,” he sings to the innocent man who died at the hands of police officers. The video intercuts shots of everyday citizens, black and white, holding signs with slogans of affirmation with footage of him singing alone in the studio. Toward the finale, he is pictured performing the lyric in a police uniform. It is not a costume for the video. You see, he is a for-real Metro Nashville police sergeant, trying to restore cops’ reputations by emphasizing their overall wish to help the public. He has his work cut out for him: This week in a botched-address scenario, Nashville officers broke down the door of an innocent Black mother’s home with their guns drawn while she pleaded for her children’s lives.

LAUREN ALAINA & JON PARDI/Getting Over Him
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Paul DiGiovanni/Emily Weisband; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Mercury Nashville
-It’s a rocking “rebound” tune. They both exude personality and verve, but Alaina definitely has the edge over her partner.

CAMO BRIAN/Already Famous
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producers: none listed; Average Joes
-Bear with me: His name is Camo, and he wears camo. Musically, he takes a page from the Lil Nas X/BRELAND country-trap playbook in this banger about loving his lady just the way she is. She’s a “celebrity on the red carpet/In some clothes you bought from Target.” Also: He likes her rear end, so “Go ahead and park it.” He’s an animated figure in his video wherein he name checks both “Old Town Road” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” This is his first single.

SHERYL CROW & WILLIE NELSON/Lonely Alone
Writer: Sheryl Crow, Shane McAnally; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Steve Jordan; Valory Music Co.
-Drawn from her celebrity-collabs CD Threads, which she says is her final album, Crow gets all warm and cozy in this outstanding duet with Nelson. The song of two strangers sidling up to each other in a bar is wonderfully well written. Willie’s beautifully comforting voice and guitar playing are the real stars here, plus a splendid harmonica solo from Mickey Raphael. Applause, applause, applause for a superbly executed track.

LUKE LAIRD/Music Row
Writer: Luke Laird; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Luke Laird; LL
-Laird has written 24 chart-topping hits for others and collected baskets of award trophies. This is the title tune of his debut solo album. He sings in a light, soft tenor while the lazy-day, drum-loop track burbles gently behind him. The charming lyric is packed with Nashville place names while describing the uncertain yet hopeful life of a tunesmith. Laird also hosts a new show on Apple Music called Country Replay Radio.