DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Carly Pearce & Riley Green Share Disc Of The Day

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Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Riley Green & Carly Pearce

DISClaimer has a bonanza of fine new country sounds this week.

More than half of the tracks in this listening session could be a Disc of the Day. With such an abundance of riches, we’re compelled to dole the prizes out by category. So this week, we have three Disc of the Day awards.

In the Female Vocalist category, Kacey Musgraves’s clever catalog of horniness wins a Disc of the Day. Among the Male Vocalist contenders, ebullient Kane Brown has another Disc of the Day. In a day notable for vocal collaborations, the Carly Pearce/Riley Green duet is our “group” Disc of the Day honoree.

Madden Metcalf looks and sounds young at heart, and the first-timer earns a DISCovery Award for his debut.

ANNE WILSON & COLE SWINDELL / “Still Do”
Writers: Anne Wilson/Jeff Pardo/Matthew West/Trannie Anderson; Producers: Jeff Pardo, Ross Copperman; Label: Sparrow
– Prodigal children find their way back to God, but neither of them sings a harmony vocal.

HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Painted You Pretty”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Hudson Westbrook/Lukas Scott; Producer: Lukas Scott; Label: River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville
– The Lone Star State up-and-comer is gentle and romantic on this lilting outing. He sings that she’s “picture perfect,” and “I bet you’ve got a heart of gold.” Awww.

LOLA KIRKE / “Trailblazer”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Lola Kirke; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: One Riot Records
– The Academy Awards ceremony is Sunday (March 15). Best Picture nominee Sinners is the most nominated film in Oscar history. In it, Nashville’s Lola Kirke portrays a roving vampire in a folk-singing trio. The title tune of her current album urges you to pave your own way and stand up for yourself when you feel like you don’t fit in. A densely muffled production backs her wistful soprano vocal. While on the film’s set, she also wrote a wonderfully wry and witty memoir titled Wild West Village. Both the album and the book are well worth your time.

KANE BROWN / “Woman”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– His buddies want him to go out and chase girls with them. He turns them down, because instead of girls, he has a real woman. A churning, bopping production and Brown’s charisma make this an undeniable, instant favorite.

DAVID NAIL / “The Crown”
Writers: Anderson East/David Nail; Producer: Anderson East; Label: One Five Sound
– Nail offers a short-story in a wafting ballad about a teenager who loses her way, but can always find peace back in her home town. This performer remains a gripping, gifted singer-songwriter.

CARLY PEARCE & RILEY GREEN / “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Blue Highway Records
– These two have stunning vocal chemistry. Green’s twin-like harmony singing is a revelation, and they both bring simmering heat to this portrait of passion. Essential listening.

TENILLE TOWNES & LORI McKENNA / “the acrobat”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Tenille Townes; Producer: Tenille Townes; Label: TT
– I’m a big fan of Canadian star Townes. On this aching ballad, she’s accompanied solely by an acoustic guitar and the alto harmonies of McKenna. The result is starkly compelling artistry where you hang on every line.

CHRIS JANSON & DAVID LEE MURPHY / “Fun”
Writers: Chris Janson/David Lee Murphy/Jesse Murphy/Michael Wayne Wilkes/Mitchell Oglesby; Producers: Chris Janson, Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60/Warner Records Nashville
– This is pretty much what the title says it is. Rollicking and rambunctious. A big grin.

BELLAH MAE / “Love Me Less”
Writers: Bellah Mae/Brett Truitt/Brigetta Truitt; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her breathy vocal is surrounded by twinkling guitar notes and a simple percussive thump in this soft pop production. Very pretty, if not exactly “country.”

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Dry Spell”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Kacey Musgraves/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird; Label: Lost Highway
– Delightful. She’s wry and witty on this bopping lament of being horny. The sexy double entendres are super cute, and some twanging guitars skip along merrily.

LUKE GRIMES / “Haunted”
Writers: Dave Cobb/Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Grimes; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: MCA
– Already widely known for his role on Yellowstone, Grimes is in a new CBS drama series titled Marshals. On its soundtrack, this slow, brooding track depicts resilience and letting go of the past. His baritone voice conveys a certain world-weary wisdom. Love the drawn-out, echoey, instrumental fade.

MADDEN METCALF / “I Don’t Wanna Cry Anymore”
Writers: Elliah Heifetz/Freddy Wexler/Madden Metcalf; Producers: Freddy Wexler, Paul Sikes; Label: Wexler Records/MCA Nashville
– Heartbreak with a little skip in its step. Metcalf’s rapid-fire delivery and jaunty attitude contrast nicely with his boyish, lost-love ditty. Extremely promising.

PYNK BEARD / “Ice on the Road”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jayme Silverstein/Warren Okay Felder; Producers: Jayme Silverstein, Oak for The Orphanage; Label: Anzie Blue Records
– A moody meditation punctuated by tenor shouts that pleads for brotherhood and understanding. Love your neighbor, exhorts Pynk Beard.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Warren Zeiders’ New Track Burns With ‘Romantic Intensity’

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Warren Zeiders. Photo: Austin Screws

Country music is easing us into spring this week.

Riding warm winds are Tucker Wetmore, Devon Gilfillian, Carter Faith, Kameron Marlowe and Kip Moore.

The grooviest Daylight Savings Time sounds belong to our Disc of the Day winner, Warren Zeiders and the marvelously creative effort by DISCovery Award winner Leah Blevins.

Happy listening.

KIP MOORE / “Levee”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts, Kip Moore; Label: KM
– Swampy, steaming, and rocking, with shades of Creedence and a lot of menacing attitude. Love the ad-libbed yelps.

BOB MINNER, TIM McGRAW & LORI McKENNA / “Kentucky Bluebird”
Writers: Don Cook/Wally Wilson; Producer: Bob Minner; Label: Billy Blue Records
– Pining for a long-distance lover, accompanied by gently plucked mandolin, dobro, and guitar, as well as a softly sighing fiddle. Acoustic nirvana.

LEAH BLEVINS / “All Dressed Up”
Writers: Dan Auerbach/Daniel Tashian/Leah Blevins; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye Sound
– Her mountain soprano is wedded to an echoey, dramatic track in this stately ballad of unrequited love. Innovative and ethereal, it’s a sound that will haunt you. It is also the title tune of an ear-opening, singer-songwriter album that’s due on March 20

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Born to Be Yours”
Writers: Ali Tamposi/Blake Pendergrass/Griff Clawson/Jake Hindlin/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Records
– A rumbling, rhythmic, stirring track lifts a song of eternal devotion heavenward. Zeiders’ vocal is loaded with dynamics, from hushed whisper to soaring celebration. The whole thing seems infused with burning romantic intensity. I’m in.

LILY MEOLA & WILLIE NELSON / “Tumbleweeds and Chewing Gum”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: LM
– Hawaii native Meola floats over a spare, loping, “prairie” sounding track while Nelson adds his own special sauce with a mid-song verse. Dreamy atmosphere rules here. Meola showcases her upcoming album at Skinny Dennis on Sunday (March 8) at 7 p.m. The event also celebrates the one-year anniversary of the East Nashville nightspot.

RODNEY CROWELL & EMMYLOU HARRIS / “Go Light a Candle”
Writers: Rodney Crowell/Sam Baker; Producers: Dan Knobler, Rodney Crowell; Label: New West Records
– With a tender touch, Crowell offers a song of hope and resilience in the face of political oppression. He and Harris assure us that things will get better, and Lera Lynn adds soft harmony support. It sounds like a kitchen-table conversation with old and trusted friends.

TREY PENDLEY / “Like a River”
Writers: Ben Chapman/Meg McRee/Trey Pendley; Producers: Jacob Bryant, John Davidson; Label: Leo33
– Heart warming. He relaxes into the love ballad with an easy-going drawl. The nicely arranged track gives the tune its meaty sonic core. Gently persuasive.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Sunburn”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA/Back Blocks Music
– A breezy beach romance with a lilting, bobbing, bubbling vibe. Wetmore continues to impress.

ANGEL WHITE / “LONESTAR GIRL”
Writers: Angel White/Jeffrey East; Producers: Angel White, Joseph Holguin; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– Authentic Texas cowboy White goes in an urban, blues-rock direction on this strutting stomper. It’s the theme song of a new Wrangler ad campaign that features him dancing while sporting the company’s western shirts.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “No Need for Leavin’”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony
– Steeped in a neo-soul groove, Marlowe gets into a wailing bluesy, plea that urges her to stay. Some deep-indigo guitar licks and a searing organ underscore his supremely confident vocal performance. Extremely well done.

TYLER BRADEN / “Dry County”
Writers: Allison Veltz Cruz/Lalo Guzman/Laura Veltz/Tyler Braden; Producers: Lalo Guzman, Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Dobro and steel notes ache along with his heartbreak vocal delivery in this mid-tempo, lonesome outing. There’s something intimate and hearty about his voice that is quite appealing.

CARTER FAITH / “If I Had Never Lost My Mind”
Writers: Carter Faith/Jen Stegall/Jordan Lehning/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: MCA
– Her plaintive delivery has hooky vocal breaks as well as volume oomph. The power ballad has cool, thumpy, backbeat percussion and soaring strings. The lyric laments the fact that she drove him away because she is deranged and crazed. This song’s parent album, Cherry Valley, is one of country music’s finest debut collections. Catch Carter Faith at the Exit/In on Saturday (March 14) and Sunday (March 15). 

DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Hold On (Hourglass)”
Writers: Dana Mary Williams/Devon Gilfillian/Paul Duncan/Ran Jackson; Producers: Devon Gilfillian, Jonathan Smalt, Ran Jackson; Label: Fantasy
– Gilfillian is the finest R&B talent in Nashville today. He previews his third album with this twang-embellished, urgent, country-soul rocker that rumbles along righteously while he wails in heartache.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Amy Grant Shares A ‘Beautifully Done’ Ballad

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Amy Grant. Photo: Ed Rode

Joe Nichols, LeAnn Rimes, Preston Cooper, Brei Carter and Ernest are all singing of gentle things. Rising above them all is Amy Grant, who wins the Disc of the Day with her heartwarming “The Me That Remains.”

Also on the gentle side is Alyssa Micaela, who wins this week’s DISCovery Award.

Among our rockers today, Webb Wilder is the ruler.

PRESTON COOPER / “One More Place I’ve Never Been”
Writers: Preston Cooper/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: Brett Warren ; Label: Valory
– Bluesy and moody. The power ballad laments a lost love by citing unseen destinations. He wails convincingly and a screaming rock guitar punctuates the proceedings. Cooper plays the Nashville Palace next Wednesday (March 4) to showcase his debut album Toledo Talkin.

ERNEST / “Boat Named After You”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Loud
– A heartache wafting on ocean breezes. He’s floating alone on the boat he named for her wondering where she is and what she’s doing. His voice is as smooth as a milkshake, and the airy production is a simply brilliant, sparkling thing. I’m madly in love with this single.

49 WINCHESTER / “Pardon Me”
Writer: Isaac Gibson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lucille Records/MCA
– Simmering in Southern Rock, this roaring slab of sound wouldn’t sound out of place on a classic Allman Brothers album.

LUKE BRYAN / “Word on the Street”
Writers: Payton Smith/Josh Thompson/Justin Ebach; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Label: MCA
– He’s trying to tune out the gossip and rumors about their breakup. Out in nature, he doesn’t hear a thing. A nicely done thumper with cool guitar licks and an insistent rhythm track.

LANGHORNE SLIM / “We the People”
Writer: Langhorne Slim; Producers: Langhorne Slim, Sam F. Kiszka; Label: Dualtone
– To the accompaniment of scampering bluegrass fiddle and lickety-split strumming, Slim sings a protest song of brotherhood and of unity in the face of political repression. Last month, the East Nashvillian showcased it on The Daily Show. Programmers note: the lyric drops a few “f” bombs. This folkie Americana favorite performs his new album The Dreamin’ Kind at The Basement East this Saturday (Feb. 28).

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Arkansas Mud”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Jessie Jo Dillon/Chris Tompkins; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– McBryde rocks out, spitting the lyric with fiery conviction. She refuses to apologize for cigarettes and alcohol because substance abuse sticks to her soul like mud. Underneath her phony, shiny, goody image is her hell-raiser authentic self. The production kicks butt as forcefully as her vocal.

LeANN RIMES / “Wild Things Run”
Writers: LeAnn Rimes/Darrell Brown; Producers: LeAnn Rimes, Darrell Brown; Label: EverLe Records
– Rimes is currently startling viewers with her portrayal of “Dixie,” an embittered, psycho ex from hell, on ABC-TV’s 911: Nashville. She crafted this single inspired by her character. It’s a goose-bump ballad with awesome chords and an epic, muscular production that pounds while her soprano soars. A wronged woman who soars on eagle’s wings. 911: Nashville airs every Thursday evening. Watch for fleeting scenes of Music City locations as well as for her portrayal.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Like God Intended”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– He doesn’t believe that the Good Lord intended us to work ourselves to death. Instead, he has faith that relaxing, drinking beer, making love, fishing and enjoying a sunset out in nature are what he was born to do. The track has a funky, loopy attraction and the lyric references Travis Tritt’s “A Great Day to Be Alive.” Very cool.

BREI CARTER / “Country Lives In Me”
Writers: Brei Carter/Kim McLean; Producer: none listed; Label: BC
– A rippling acoustic guitar riff draws you into this gentle ode to pastoral peace. Carter’s silky, resonant voice has a conversational intimacy that’s soothing on the ear. This title tune of her new album is lovely and highly listenable. I remain a fan.

AMY GRANT / “The Me That Remains”
Writers: Amy Grant/Mac McAnally; Producer: Mac McAnally; Label: Thirty Tigers
– This six-time Grammy winner and 2022 Kennedy Center honoree is poised to release her first new album of original songs in 13 years. Collaborators on the collection will include Ruby Amanfu, Vince Gill, Michael W. Smith, the late Sarah Cannon, and producer/co-writer Mac McAnally. The album’s title tune references her traumatic brain injury from a 2022 bicycle accident, but is ultimately an ode to resilience and gratitude. Her warm soprano is framed by gentle piano notes and soft organ sighs on the touching, inspirational ballad. Beautifully done.

JOE NICHOLS / “Fighting the Good Fight”
Writers: Joe Nichols/Jason Sellers/Paul Jenkins; Producers: Joe Nichols, Jason Sellers & Paul Jenkins; Label: Quartz Hill
– This is an autobiographical strummer that explores his “tough love” upbringing, honky-tonkin’ wild days and his strength as a father to his daughters. His voice caresses the lyric while instruments sway along.

ALYSSA MICAELA / “Unfinished Quilt”
Writers: Alyssa Micaela/Olivia Rudeen/Autumn McEntire; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch
– Her sweet, youthful voice reminisces about her grandmother who, “left a lot of love and some shoes I’ll never fill.” The bopping ditty is the sound of innocence and affection.

WEBB WILDER / “Hillbilly Speedball”
Writer: David Grissom; Producers: Webb Wilder & George Bradfute; Label: Landslide
– Tasty! The title tune of Wilder’s current album is a snappy country rocker. The native Mississippian drawls the dark lyric with a snarling, outlaw, spoken-sung vibe. He’s headed down the wrong highway, but roars forward nonetheless. As with everything this artist has released, it’s heartily endorsed.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Emily Ann Roberts Delivers A ‘Delightful Listening Experience’

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The male country-music superstars have their day today, but none of them claimed a DISClaimer award.

Luke Combs, Vince Gill, Russell Dickerson, Ray Stevens and Rodney Atkins all issued worthy new singles this week. But the female voices were just as captivating. Add Ella Langley, The Band Perry, Disc of the Day winner Emily Ann Roberts and DISCovery Award winners The Burnett Sisters Band to your playlists pronto.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Whipped”
Writers: Emily Ann Roberts/Jeremy Spillman/Trent Willmon/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RECORDS/Sony
– Wonderfully playful and smartly rocking. He’s a man’s-man, but she’s in charge. “Got me wrapped around his finger/But he don’t know I’ve got the upper hand.” A delightful listening experience. This gal is batting a thousand—every single is a gem.

VINCE GILL / “Down at the Borderline”
Writers: Vince Gill/Liz Rose; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– Gill takes a trip to Louisiana in this rump-shaking, Cajun-flavored tempo tune. The whole track is a rollicking ride, and Lainey Wilson is on board with a lively vocal harmony. Get up and and dance.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “The Roses”
Writers: Russell Dickerson/Michael Hardy/Chase McGill/Jordan Schmidt; Producers: Russell Dickerson, Josh Kerr; Label: Triple Tigers
– The high-energy showman proves his mettle as a balladeer with this ultra-romantic, piano ode to love and commitment. Beautifully done.

LUKE COMBS / “Be By You”
Writers: Dan Alley/Sam Banks/Nick Walsh; Producers: Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton, Chip Matthews; Label: Sony
– A gently swaying hammock of sound cushions a softly caressing vocal performance. Soothing, sweet, and dreamy.

THE BURNETT SISTERS BAND / “Blaming You”
Writer: Gail Ann Amundsen; Producers: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– This group’s Easy Come, Easy Go album is No. 1 in the bluegrass charts. This fiddle-led waltz is the collection’s lovely latest single. The tune really comes alive on the triple-harmonized choruses. Bluegrass purists beware, the sound includes steel guitar. The rest of us are going to smile and sway along.

ELLA LANGLEY / “Be Her”
Writers: Ella Langley/Jordan Schmidt/Smith Ahnquist/Michael Hardy; Producers: Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Ben West; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– Enchanting. A delicious pop confection that’s sweet in all the right places. She’s yearning for self acceptance as she counts down all the markers of confidence and truth.

RED CLAY STRAYS / “If I Didn’t Know You”
Writers: Drew Nix/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: HBYCO/RCA
– The redemptive power of True Love infuses this somber ballad. The band marches to a slow, deliberate stomp while the vocalist rips into the lyric.

RODNEY ATKINS / “The Years Are Short”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Monty Criswell; Producers: Ted Hewitt, Brandon Hood, Rodney Atkins; Label: Curb
– A tender, affecting meditation on fatherhood. Country-music wisdom, found in three chords and the truth.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “If This Day”
Writers: Diane Warren; Producers: Desmond Child, Marti Frederiksen, Leslie Greif; Label: MCA
– Goose bumps all over. These twin towering infernos of vocal power bring gospel intensity to a meaningful message: If this was the last day of your life, would you be proud of what you’ve left behind? The track comes from The Gray House TV soundtrack. The limited series launches on Feb. 26.

LEE BRICE / “Country Nowadays”
Writers: Lee Brice/Matt Alderman/Nate Kenyon; Producers: none listed; Label: Curb
– Whining about how difficult it is to have values and morals these days. Puh-leeze.

THE BAND PERRY / “Psychological”
Writers: Ciara Park/Grace Tyler/Colton Venner; Producers: Dann Huff, Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen; Label: Nashville Harbor
– This act is now a duo (Kimberly Perry & Johnny Costello), with no brothers in sight. The comeback single is a well written ditty — the boyfriend drives her so crazy that he makes her going psycho, logical. Definitely worth your spins.

RAY STEVENS / “Savannah”
Writer: Nick Sibley; Producer: Ray Stevens; Label: Curb
– Stevens surrounds his crooning with a synth-y, big-band arrangement on this ode to a city in his home state of Georgia. Old-school pop that goes down smoothly.

ATLUS / “Spare Key”
Writers: Atlus/Rian Ball/Nick Boyd; Producers: Andrew Baylis; Label: BBR/BMG
– The verses are delivered in intimate, conversational fashion. Then he unleashes a fiery, anguished shout as he confronts his devastated relationship. They were dreaming of moving in together, until she suddenly split, leaving him just the spare key he’d once given her. You’ll hang on every line.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Charles Kelley & Maren Morris Team For Disc Of The Day

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Charles Kelley & Maren Morris

Any playlist smorgasbord that includes such diverse talents as Megan Moroney, The Grascals and Jim Lauderdale is fine with me.

All of them are on board the DISClaimer train this week, as are such worthy folks as Ashland Craft, Chris Janson, Ingrid Andress and Zach John King.

My Disc of the Day is the Charles Kelley/Maren Morris duet. The DISCovery Award goes to Bradley Gaskin.

INGRID ANDRESS / “Now I Know”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis; Producers: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Wistful romantic aftermath, finding strength through the tears. The production has a glistening pop sheen. Her singing is, as usual, flawless.

CHRIS JANSON / “Easy to Love, Harder to Hold”
Writers: Chris Janson/Kelly Roland/Pat Bunch; Producer: Chris Janson, Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Records Nashville
– Janson sketches a portrait of a free-spirited woman while guitars churn and the rhythm section kicks up dust. Highly engaging.

ZACH JOHN KING / “Get to Drinkin’”
Writers: Kyle Fishman/Kyle Sturrock/Rhett Akins/Thomas Archer/Zach John King; Producer: Ryan Wilson, Zach John King; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– “The whiskey whispers that your heart’s still mine.” He’s fine after the breakup, until he drinks. Then all the feelings come rushing back. The jittery rhythm and his plaintive delivery both work splendidly here.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Cloud 9”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Laird/Megan Moroney; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– Can we just crown her World’s Most Adorable Human right now? The title tune of Moroney’s forthcoming album is a lilting, lovely watercolor of romantic bliss. Her voice has that magically relatable quality that is impossible to resist.

DALTON DAVIS / “Redneck and You Know It”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Dalton Davis/Ross Ellis; Producer: David Mescon; Label: Republic Records
– Points for rhyming “blue collar,” “holler,” “dollar” and “swaller.”

JIM LAUDERDALE / “Everybody’s Got a Problem”
Writers: Jim Lauderdale; Producer: Jim Lauderdale; Label: Sky Crunch Records
– Lauderdale is gearing up to release his 38th (!) album with this classic-country barroom lament. Honky-tonk piano, piercing steel, deep-twang guitar and the vocalist’s bent-note drawl take ya to Hillbilly Heaven. On March 2, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee begins a residency at the groovy East Nashville venue Skinny Dennis. Be there.

RISSI PALMER / “Somebody Somewhere (Don’t Know What He’s Missing Tonight)”
Writers: Lola Jean Dillon; Producer: Dan Nobler; Label: RP
– Palmer dropped a new EP titled Perspectives last weekend and did a media blitz on WSM’s “Coffee Country and Cody,” the Grand Ole Opry and her “Color Me Country” Apple radio show to promote it. The set includes her sweet cover of this 1976 Loretta Lynn chart topper.

CHARLES KELLEY & MAREN MORRIS / “Can’t Be Alone Tonight”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Jon Green/Sam Ellis; Producer: Sam Ellis; Label: Southern Accent Entertainment
– The track’s groove has a sexy, R&B feel, and both vocalists are giving it their sensuous best. Swoon worthy.

OWEN RIEGLING / “Born Again”
Writers: Jesse Slack/Owen Riegling; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Universal Music Canada
– He’s an award winning Canadian country star who has been knocking on Music City’s door for several months now. This sparely produced ode to marital love showcases his earnest vocal delivery. I dig the open-air quality of the harmonica-embellished track

THE GRASCALS / “Bend In the River”
Writers: Billy Droze/Michael Wright; Producer: Ben Isaacs, The Grascals; Label: Billy Blue Records
– On the surface, this banjo-driven tune seems like a happy bluegrass ditty. But in the lyric, the lovers break each others’ hearts and murder ensues. Vocal and instrumental grooves abound.

BRADLEY GASKIN / “Bout Damn Did”
Writers: Landon Parker/Lee Starr/Ryan Rossebo; Producer: Robert Keith Stegall; Label: 30a Life Records
– Gaskin has a hearty, potent singing voice, and he puts it to good use on this well-written catalog of regrets. This is strong stuff all the way around, from production to lyric to performance. Listen and believe.

ASHLAND CRAFT & CHASE RICE / “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Corey Elizabeth Grogan/Jess Grommet/Willie Morrison; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– I love her voice. He keeps pace by offering his own verse and harmonies. It seems that Mom used to pray because she was worried about her kids, but nowadays they’ve settled down, and she prays in thanks. Very nice work by everyone.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Country Music”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– I don’t know what this mess is, but it is most certainly not “Country Music.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: HARDY Brings Superstars Together For Disc Of The Day

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It’s an all-star collaborations day here at DISClaimer.

You’ve got your HARDY/Tim/Eric/Morgan outing, your Reba/Brandy/Lukas trio, your Eddie/Larry/John/Shawn bluegrass romp, and your George/Luke duet for your listening pleasure. Sprinkle in some delights from Ana Christina Cash, Ernest, and Harper Grace and you have one tasty playlist.

It’s not the stars that counted when the listening session ended. It’s the songwriting. And because of that, Hardy’s “McArthur” wins the Disc of the Day prize.

Give new Nashvillian Mike Parker a DISCovery Award.

THE JACK WHARFF BAND / “No Way Out”
Writers: David “Messy” Mescon/Jack Wharff/Mikey Reaves/Wes Critt; Producer: David “Messy” Mescon; Label: Big Machine Records
– Minor-key moodiness as the anguished tenor vocalist finds himself trapped and helpless. “Nothing left to lose,” he cries as a deep-echo twang bass guitar throbs in sympathy. For a peppier experience, check out the band’s new tempo tune “A Month, a Week, a Day.” It ripples with the longing of a guy who’s been on the road too long. The Jack Wharff Band is scheduled to for its debut Opry appearance next week, on Feb. 10.

HARDY, TIM McGRAW, ERIC CHURCH & MORGAN WALLEN / “McArthur”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jameson Rodgers/Josh Thompson/Michael Hardy; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Big Loud Records
– Wow. What a song. A poor man’s meditation on morality and passing value along through the generations. Deeply stirring. No wonder the superstars climbed on board HARDY’s wagon.

KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Man of His Word”
Writers: Kashus Culpepper/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud/Mercury Records
– Culpepper brought down the house on Tuesday evening (Feb. 3) when he performed this on ABC-TV’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. His effortless folk-soul voice delivered the message in a groove-soaked arrangement that was just delicious. “She don’t need a man that keeps talking/She needs a man of his word.” One of Nashville’s most exciting new voices. Make this his year.

GEORGE BIRGE & LUKE BRYAN / “Ride, Ride, Ride”
Writers: Casey Brown/George Birge/Parker Welling/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Casey Brown; Label: RECORDS Nashville
– An old cowhand shares his memories of hard times with a youngster. The secret to a good life is to ride on through the midnight storm. The youngster replies that it’s all worth the grit and perseverance. The big production gives this stately oomph, and both vocalists give it their all.

ANA CHRISTINA CASH / “Daybreak”
Writers: Ana Christina Cash/Gabriella Scotto/Willie Breeding; Producers: John Carter Cash, Willie Breeding; Label: Avondale Records
– Need a little summertime right now? Let the steamy sizzle of this slow-groove burner take you there. South Florida native Cash fantasizes about getting away from it all in a tropical paradise as “a couple of beach bums” who are “barely wearing clothes.” She sings, “We need a day break,” and do we ever. This is the lead track on the Cuban-American’s just-released, bi-lingual album The Sunshine State. Also check out “Cheap Margaritas” and “Last Call.”

BRIAN KELLEY / “93 in the Keys”
Writers: Summer Overstreet/Rian Ball/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: Katlin Owen; Label: Nashville South Records
– Kelley is ready for a sunny escape to the Caribbean. His hushed baritone is sleepy/relaxed while the soft-sounding track ebbs and flows like the tide.

MIKE PARKER / “My Heart Your Hands”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Josh Kerr/Shy Carter; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Mailbox Money Records
– This former American Idol finalist has moved to Nashville and issued his debut single. It’s a slow-jam soul ballad with a deeply romantic lyric. Valentine’s Day is next week, and Parker has the soundtrack.

REBA McENTIRE, BRANDY CLARK & LUKAS NELSON / “Trailblazer”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Lainey Wilson/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Brandy Clark, Reba McEntire; Label: Rockin’ R Records
– McEntire re-imagines her 2025 song with able assistance from co-writer and co-producer Brandy Clark plus a lovely Lukas Nelson guitar solo. Sunday’s Grammy telecast spotlit the Country Music Hall of Famer and her two stellar harmony singers during its In Memorium segment, and it was mighty, mighty touching

HARPER GRACE / “If Daddy Says No”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Curb Records
– She’s torn between her love for her father and her suitor. What is she going to do if her daddy doesn’t approve of him and won’t walk her down the aisle? The ballad’s wooshing production frames Grace’s highly expressive vocal performance perfectly.

ERNEST / “Lorelei”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Ernest Keith Smith/Mark Holman/Rhett Akins; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– He’s a seafarer who is on a fruitless quest for an elusive woman. In German mythology, the Lorelei is a siren on the Rhine River rocks who lures sailors to their doom. But this gal sounds a lot more merry and jaunty than that. The bopping, sunshiny groove is addictive. Play this.

EDDIE SANDERS, LARRY CORDLE, JOHN COWAN & SHAWN CAMP / “Calling Me”
Writer: Edgar Sanders; Producers: Eddie Sanders, Scott Vestal; Label: True Lonesome Records
– Toe-tapping bluegrass gospel with an all-star cast. Everybody gets a shot at a lead vocal, and listening for each of my favorites was fun. The arrangement is banjo dominant, but there’s plenty of slippery fiddling, too.

KENT BLAZY / “American Dreamers”
Writer: Kent Blazy; Producer: Kent Blazy; Label: KB
– Blazy has written many hit for others, but he also makes records, himself. This one’s a rocking, Springsteen-y anthem for musician dreamers everywhere. Earnest and energetic, with homemade charm.

THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS / “Up From the Bottom”
Writers: Andrew Falco/Andrew Hall/Christopher Pandolfi/Jeremy Garret/Travis Book; Producer: The Infamous Stringdusters; Label: Americana Vibes
– This jam-grass band is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an album titled 20/20. This track explains its longevity—these are acoustic-music guys with a rock & roll attitude. The shifting tempos, hearty harmonies and ear tickling instrumental virtuosity are all in full flight here.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Reba McEntire Claims Disc Of The Day

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Reba McEntire

Country gets philosophical in today’s DISClaimer.

Jamey Johnson, Tenille Townes, Della Mae, Zach Bryan and Tiera Kennedy are all thinking higher thoughts in their new releases. On the other hand, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Aaron Tippin and Pat McAfee are content to let the good times roll.

Veteran Reba McEntire shows the kiddies how it’s done by winning the Disc of the Day award. My heart was totally captured by DISCovery Award winners Della Mae.

TENILLE TOWNES / “enabling”
Writer: Tenille Townes; Producer: Tenille Townes; Label: TT
– Starkly produced with just her own guitar notes and overdubbed harmony vocals. The nakedly confessional lyric is about standing up for herself instead of trying to fix an alcohol-abusing lover. With 17 CCMA honors, this gifted singer-songwriter and former MusicRow awardee remains a huge star north of the border. She also remains a huge star on my playlists.

JAMEY JOHNSON / “More of What Matters”
Writers: Jamey Johnson, Keith Follese, Jon Stone; Producer: Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Philosophical and tender, Johnson clings to life’s better verities instead of empty gestures. As always, he is a masterful country communicator.

TIERA KENNEDY / “The Giver”
Writers: Lauren Scott/Taylor Hill/Tiera Kennedy; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: Green Is My Color
– Her winsome vocal conveys sweet sincerity as she sings of surrendering herself to God while she celebrates life. The production is wafting pop.

MORGXN & MAGGIE ROSE / “MY REVIVAL”
Writers: Gary Go/Morgan Karr/Ryan Daly; Producers: Marshall Altman, MORGXN; Label: BMG
– Maggie Rose is nominated for an Americana album Grammy Award this year. On this duet, she matches voices with the country queer spokesman MORGXN, and the result is uplifting and joyous. Both them are shouting to the heavens and soaring in gospel-drenched harmony. Other duet partners on MORGXN’s Heartland collection include Ruby Amanfu, Tenille Townes, Langhorne Slim, Katie Pruitt and JB Somers.

ELLA LANGLEY / “Dandelion”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Brett Tyler/Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor; Producers: Ben West, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia Records
– The title tune of Langley’s upcoming sophomore album floats on zephyrs of dreamy steel and strings. Her “Choosin’ Texas” is already a hit from the collection, and this lovely track confirms our eager anticipation.

DELLA MAE / “Magic Accident”
Writer: Celia Woodsmith; Producer: Alison Brown; Label: Compass Records
– This fantastic all-female band explores the Meaning of Life on the jaunty, rippling toe tapper that is the title tune of its new album. The collection dropped last week, and it is an essential listening experience for anyone who cherishes acoustic music. Applause, applause.

PAT McAFEE / “Dookie”
Writer: Patrick Justin McAfee; Producer: Mark Holman; Label: PA
– McAfee is a former all-pro NFL kicker who became an ESPN football analyst and sometime wrestler. His foray into music isn’t exactly earth shattering, but the steady, pulse-like beat and his spoken/sung performance are mildly engaging in a pop/rap kinda way.

AARON TIPPIN / “The American Sky”
Writer: Tom Tippin; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– This uptempo strut is a salute to spirit, ambition and pluck. Spread your wings and fly, Tippin suggests.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN & ESTELLE / “To Kill Me”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Cam Newby/Derek Campbell/Ian Christian; Producer: David Mescon; Label: River House Artists
– Synthesizers shimmer and beats echo in this atmospheric remix. The twin brothers have always had a yen for country dance tunes, but this stomper veers way out of the country-music lane.

FILMORE / “Love at First Fight”
Writers: Josh Hoge/Lindsay Rimes/Tyler Filmore; Producers: John Luke, Tyler Filmore; Label: Mr. 305 Records
– He has a soft, breathy delivery that is quite ear catching. The jerky, hooky tune explores a loving, but complicated, relationship while whooshing electronics infuse it. Formerly with Curb, FILMORE is the first country artist signed to Pitbull’s label.

AUBRIE SELLERS / “Subatomic”
Writers: Adam Wright/Aubrie Sellers; Producer: none listed; Label: Casual Records/Carnival Records
– Burbling computer noises and deep, bottomless echo characterize the ethereal track surrounding her romantic musings. Sellers continues to explore the intersection of pop/rock and country in a singly unique fashion. The daughter of Lee Ann Womack is definitely blazing her own sonic trails.

ZACH BRYAN / “Bad News”
Writer: Zach Bryan; Producer: Zach Bryan; Label: Warner Records
– This song was the subject of an article in The Guardian last week due to its anti-ICE lyric. He decries the lawlessness of “out-of-town boys” kicking down doors and jailing folks. At the same time, the former military man is standing up as a patriotic American and urging unity instead of divisiveness.

REBA McENTIRE / “Tulsa Time”
Writer: Daniel Flowers; Producers: Reba McEntire, Tony Brown; Label: MCA Nashville
– Reba gives the 1978 Don Williams oldie a rhythmic kick and gooses the tempo a tad. A stinging guitar solo and some passionate vocal growling seal the deal. The song is a natural for the native Oklahoman.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Megan Moroney Brings Signature ‘Wit & Elan’

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Megan Moroney. Photo: Amber Asaly

Country music is here to warm your spirits while the weather howls outside.

Blake Shelton, Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne and Lukas Nelson set the sonic bar high. Not to worry. Disc of the Day winner Megan Moroney matches their quality with ease.

Latin-country baritone Sunny Sauceda takes home this week’s DISCovery Award.

LEVI HUMMON / “Down to Earth”
Writers: Eric Arjes/Jen Schott/Levi Hummon; Producer: Eric Arjes; Label: Red Van Records
– This breezy, fizzy, bright, pop-country outing sizzles with energy. The ultra romantic lyric is supported by a video of Hummon’s beach wedding ceremony. You’ll wish you were there.

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “What If We Don’t”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Randall Clay/Terri Jo Box; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– The song is about throwing caution to the winds and taking romantic chances. A stately rhythm track marches it forward, and the choruses are stacked with harmonies. As always, she exudes emotional honesty. McBryde is booked for solo acoustic shows tonight and tomorrow at Chief’s Neon Steeple on Lower Broadway.

SUNNY SAUCEDA / “Sad Ole Country Song”
Writers: Mark Leon Lambert/Ronald H Day/Ronald Lynn Jackson; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– This is an instant classic. When things are going wrong, there’s nothing like the healing power of a downbeat hillbilly ditty, sings Sauceda. The jaunty tempo, steel-soaked production, twangin’ vocals, and super-catchy melody are all winners here. Get back to basics with this retro charmer.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Wish I Didn’t”
Writers: Emily Weisband/Hillary Lindsey/Luke Laird/Megan Moroney; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– With tongue planted in cheek, she warns a faithless beau that there will be dire consequences if things don’t work out. A bopper performed with the wit and elan we have come to expect from this totally lovable star.

CAROLINE JONES / “You’re It For Me, Honey.”
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/Caroline Jones/Lauren McLamb/Rob Grimaldi; Producers: Caroline Jones, Julian Raymond, Ric Wake; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– This bouncing thumper is an upbeat romance ditty with a deep-twang electric guitar, a densely compressed production, a cute lyric and a pert, personality-packed vocal. Tap yer toes and bounce along. Jones is a member of the Zac Brown Band.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Big Ole Fancy House”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– He’s rich but lonely, because she’s gone. His vocal is fine, but the muddy production drags him down.

LUKAS NELSON / “A Certain Someone”
Writers: Anderson East/Foy Vance/Lukas Nelson; Producer: Anderson East; Label: 6 Ace Records/Sony Music Nashville
– Gentle, wistful, yearning for love. His tender-yet-gritty vocal is super magnetic on this dreamy, beautifully written ballad. Applause, applause.

DAN SEALS & SARA EVANS / “Nights Are Forever”
Writer: Parker McGee; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Melody Place
– They took Dan’s voice from this 1976 pop hit by England Dan & John Ford Coley. Sara added her sterling voice, but never overwhelmed his soulful delivery. Anything that reminds folks of how great he was is okay with me. Jamey Johnson, Luke Bryan and Jasmine Amy Rogers are also on board with new Dan Seals duets.

JOY OLADOKUN / “Nothing Comes Easy”
Writer: Joy Oladokun; Producer: Joy Oladokun; Label: Concord Records
– Critically acclaimed Oladokun marks her new label deal with Concord via this crisply produced, acoustic folk outing. It’s about persevering and being strong when the going gets rough. It’s also compelling listening.

BLAKE SHELTON / “Let Him in Anyway”
Writers: Carson Wallace/Kyle Clark/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– A lovely sentiment. He has lost his best friend, who was a deeply flawed non believer. But he sends up a prayer for grace and forgiveness so that one day he will see his pal again in Heaven. As always, Shelton is a superb country vocalist.

CHASE MATTHEW / “Holdin’ It Down”
Writers: Alex Maxwell/Chase Matthew/Ethan Escue/Evan Mayo/Jordan Centers/Presley Aaron; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Chase Matthew Music/Warner Records Nashville
– Rural, small-town life is good. City ways are bad. It took six men to write this tuneless cliche?

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Love the Lonely Out of You”
Writers: Connie Harrington/John Osborne/TJ Osborne; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Records Nashville
– The duo is issuing a live version of this former album track. The slow, bluesy outing sounds way more sensuous in this spare arrangement with simple guitars and vocal.

COLIN STOUGH / “Best For You”
Writers: Colin Stough/Phillip Kane; Producer: Copeland Culp; Label: BBR Music Group
– This former American Idol finalist takes on a country heartache ballad. He’s devastated by the breakup, but he wishes her well nonetheless. The pace is a little plodding.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Randy Houser Offers A ‘Joyous Listening Experience’

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Randy Houser. Photo: Logan Vollmers

Giants walk among us in this edition of DISClaimer.

Country titans Vince Gill, Paul Overstreet, Radney Foster and Dolly Parton are on hand to remind us of their greatness. Also vying for our attention are such big hit makers as Luke Combs and Midland.

Roaring Randy Houser wins the Disc of the Day prize with his mighty voice.

Fugitive rocker-gone-country Andrew Farriss is the DISCovery winner.

EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON / “Hymn for the Unholy”
Writer: Emily Scott Robinson; Producer: Josh Kaufman; Label: Oh Boy Records
– This extraordinary troubadour crafts lyrics that apply poetry to the human soul. Her heartbreaking vocal has ear-tickling breaks and soprano lilts that are captivating. As she sings of “the quiet of the New Year,” she needs only that instrument and her acoustic guitar to charm us with hushed power.

LUKE COMBS / “Sleepless in a Hotel Room”
Writers: Luke Combs/Randy Montana/Jonathan Singleton; Producers: Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton & Chip Matthews; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– As the wind blows outside and the night drags on, he sings of abject loneliness. The passion in the performance is palpable.

ANDREW FARRISS / “Mending Fences”
Writers: Andrew Farriss/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producer: Andrew Farriss; Label: AF
– Farriss is the co-founder of the million-selling ‘80s Aussie rock band INXS. During a songwriting sojourn in Nashville, he crafted this folkie ballad about the hard life of a farmer. Gently persuasive and an impressive country debut.

RADNEY FOSTER & KELLY WILLIS / “The One They Call”
Writers: Matthew Chapman/Debbi Chapman/Radney Foster; Producer: Jay Clementi; Label: RF
– Stately and strong, this ballad features two outstanding country singers emoting on a powerful lyric of lovers who marry so that if anything bad happens, “I want to be the one they call.” The song comes from the Songwriting with Soldiers program.

KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Cherry Rose”
Writers: Kashus Culpepper/Mikky Ekko/Brian Elmquist; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud
– Strings sigh and a keyboard chords along while he explores a complex romance. His aching, vulnerable vocal breaks beautifully into falsetto highs. Touches of blues and folk shade the ballad performance.

DOLLY PARTON, LAINEY WILSON, MILEY CYRUS, QUEEN LATIFAH & REBA McENTIRE / “Light of a Clear Blue Morning”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: none listed; Label: Butterfly Records
– Enduring superstar Parton marks her 80th birthday on Monday (Jan. 19). To celebrate, she’s giving us a gift. I have always loved this song, a 1977 anthem of deliverance that was the centerpiece of her New Harvest LP and a theme song of her 1992 Straight Talk movie with James Woods. Now, it’s a powerhouse, female, all-star monument, complete with Christ Church Choir backing vocals. This message of hope and healing is a benefit single for pediatric cancer research at Vanderbilt. It is also essential listening.

PAUL OVERSTREET, ROGER CREAGER & KEVIN FOWLER / “Doin’ It to Country Songs”
Writers: Paul Overstreet/Jacob Lyda/Marty Dodson; Producer: none listed; Label: PO
– The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer is joined by rollicking Texans Creager and Fowler on this snappy rocker. Blake Shelton cut it in 2017, but this version is even more smokin’ hot. Get up and dance.

VINCE GILL / “Brown’s Diner”
Writer: Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– Living legend Gill takes on a nostalgic trip to Brown’s Diner. I totally got into this, because Brown’s was the first place I ever ate in Music City, sitting between Don Everly and John Prine. I felt there was something magical about that serendipitous occasion. Gill’s memories in this song are similarly vivid. Brown’s is still there, and it’s still serving great cheeseburgers. Vince Gill is still here, and he’s still serving superb country music.

ADDIS LUV / “Born to Roam”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Angel Eyes Music
– This Trinidad native is a former DisCovery Awardee in this column. He’s kicking off 2026 with an open-road rocker that soars with the sounds of freedom. His torrid tenor vocal is thrilling. I remain a big, big fan.

MIDLAND / “Marlboro Man”
Writers: Dean Dillon/Tim Nichols/Josh Thompson; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
– This slow-burn track seethes with barroom heartache. Deep-twang guitar, rumbling bass and lonesome steel set the mood for a lyric that bemoans the life of a wandering drifter.

RANDY HOUSER / “Back in the Bottle”
Writer: Randy Houser; Producers: Randy Houser,Blake Chancey; Label: Magnolia Music
– He possesses one of the most magnificent voices in contemporary country music. This punchy rocker wails with regret over a night spent too wildly. But he’d do it all over again if he could put that experience back in the bottle. A totally joyous listening experience.

BRENDAN WALTER / “Teenage Dirtbag”
Writer: Brendan Brown; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony
– She doesn’t give a damn about him, because she thinks he’s the title of this song. His pleading tenor describes the angst of high-school while the loud production rocks around him. Don’t worry, at the prom she finally decides to cozy up to him.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jon Pardi Kicks Off 2026 With ‘Bodacious Single’

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Jon Pardi

It’s a country clash of the titans as DISClaimer kicks off a new year.

Luke Combs, Zach Top, Riley Green and Jon Pardi compete for our attention as we head into 2026. Most of them are performing ballads, as are Hannah McDonald, Jim Lauderdale and Kaitlin Butts. The lone tempo tune in the stack belongs to Jon Pardi, and his bodacious single wins the Disc of the Day.

An honorable mention goes to Jackson Dean, for having the coolest production of the listening session. A tip of the cap to Jesse Welles for carrying on the tradition of the early Bob Dylan.

The DISCovery Award goes to Zandi Holup. She’s kinda masochistic on her single, but there is definite promise in her debut.

JACKSON DEAN / “Make a Liar”
Writers: Jackson Dean/Luke Dick/Randy Montana; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Big Machine Records
– Very cool. An ear tickling rhythm pattern, haunting guitar work and a range-y, expressive vocal performance add up to a dynamite single. Please make this a massive hit.

BRETT YOUNG / “Yukon”
Writers: Carter Lang/Daniel Chetrit/David White/Dijon Duenas/Dylan Wiggins/John Madara/Justin Bieber/Kejuan Muchita/Marshall Mathers/Robert M. Crawford/Tauheed Epps; Producer: Jimmy Robbins, Keaton Simons; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– This Justin Bieber cover is just as tuneless as the pop original was.

KAITLIN BUTTS / “The Middle”
Writers: James Adkins/Rick Burch/Tom Linton/Zachary Lind; Producer: Oran Thornton; Label: Republic Records
– Acoustic, gentle, comforting and wonderfully soothing. A devout wish/promise that “everything will be all right.” The song was a 2001 hit for the rock band Jimmy Eat World, but she makes it sound much more touching and meaningful.

RILEY GREEN / “Change My Mind”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Randy Montana/Riley Green; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Nicely done. He’s completely over her. Yeah, sure he is. Until she seduces him again.

HANNAH McFARLAND / “Called It”
Writers: Ben Williams/Hannah McFarland/Zach Abend; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Capitol Records/The Core Records
– Riley Green’s tour supporting act and Chase Rice’s recent duet partner returns with a bittersweet ballad about being drawn reluctantly back into a relationship she knows isn’t good for her. Her voice has a certain warmth and an undeniable relatability.

LUKE COMBS / “Giving Her Away”
Writers: Gary Garris/Josh Mirenda/Josh Phillips; Producers: Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The groom speaks to the father of the bride as they stand in church at the wedding. A lovely, heartfelt country ballad from a master of the form. Combs rules.

DALE ANN BRADLEY / “Mary’s Rock”
Writers: Ellen Britton/Will Hopkins; Producer: Dale Ann Bradley; Label: Pinecastle Records
– Bluegrass music’s six-time Female Vocalist of the Year winner submits a moody, mid-tempo mystery song. Mary is forced into marriage by her father, and the groom takes her for a mountain hike from which she never returns. Did she jump? Did she slip and fall? Did he push her?

ZACH TOP / “South of Sanity”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Mark Nesler/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– He’s a traveling musician whose lover back home is calling it quits in this downbeat ballad. The misery pushes him to the edge of losing his mind. As always, the triple Grammy nominated Top sings like a honky-tonk angel.

ZANDI HOLUP / “Gas Station Flowers”
Writers: Brian Alexander/Stefanie Joyce/Zandi Holup; Producer: Al Torrence; Label: Big Loud Records
– The lyric is rather self destructive, but it’s also compelling listening. The ballad finds her accepting his substance abuse, just so she won’t be lonely. Her cracked and quasi-broken vocal makes the whole thing sound authentic and honest. Highly promising.

JIM LAUDERDALE / “Artificial Intelligence”
Writer: Jim Lauderdale; Producers: Jay Weaver, Jim Lauderdale; Label: Sky Crunch Records
– I’m fairly certain that this is the first country song on this topic. The honky-tonk ballad manages to be both an effective barroom moaner and a witty commentary on our culture. Lauderdale’s uber-cool country delivery and the serio-comic lyric are both essential listening here. “Do we still stand a chance, or has it made up our minds?” he sings. The capper is, “Did I write this song?” I remain a huge fan of this new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer.

JESSE WELLES / “Join ICE”
Writer: Jesse Welles; Producer: Jesse Welles; Label: JW
– Welles is nominated for four Grammy Awards this year. The Nashville breakout star isn’t afraid to speak his mind politically. He has a protest anthem titled “No Kings” as a duet with the legendary activist Joan Baez. Last month, he introduced this lacerating talking-blues indictment of ICE during his appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Welles was much admired for his performance during BMI’s tribute to John Fogerty in November.

FILMORE & PITBULL / “Yeehaw”
Writers: Armando Perez/Elijah Perez/José Carlos García/Justin Allen Ebach/Mauro Bertran/Tyler Filmore; Producers: Elijah Perez, José Carlos García (IAmChino), Justin Allen Ebach; Label: Mr. 305 Records
– Nashville meets Miami on this slow-groove banger. Filmore does the heavy lifting vocally, but the catchy vibe is hip-hop all the way.

JON PARDI / “Boots Off”
Writers: Jon Pardi/Luke Laird/Wyatt McCubbin; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Rollicking, rump-shaking rhythm and a snappy rocking production, plus a sly, sexy lyric. What’s not to love?