DISClaimer Single Reviews: Wynonna’s Comeback Single Nabs Disc Of The Day

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Wynonna. Photo: Thomas Crabtree

Kenny Sharp was in the running for the DISCovery Award, as was folkie STELLA LEFTY. But the prize was claimed by a retro-country newcomer from Down Under, Mack Geiger.

The Disc of the Day award goes to the comeback single by the always compelling Wynonna.

BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Sober Thoughts”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Luke Laird/Sasha Alex Sloan; Producer: Jarrad K; Label: MNRK Music
– Enchanting. An echoey instrumental bed, some tasteful harmony vocals and a languid mood swirl through this meditation on tipsy romance making. Lovely work all around. If she doesn’t have a hit with this, someone should.

BRANTLEY GILBERT / “F****D ME UP”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill/Cole Taylor/Randy Montana; Producers: Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Deserted, devastated and defeated. His gripping, broken vocal on this ballad grabs ahold and doesn’t let go. In the end, she saves him from his alcoholism. There is also a G-rated version titled “Messed Me Up.’ In either guise, it’s a powerful thing.

STELLA LEFTY & VINCENT MASON / “Something to Lose”
Writers: Grace Enger/Jon Decious/Luke Dick/STELLA LEFTY; Producers: Brett Truitt, Joe Reeves; Label: Atlantic Outpost
– Wistful folk-country with a spare production and softly conversational vocals.

SHABOOZEY / “Cowgirl”
Writers: Abas Pauti/Collins Chibueze/Jared Cotter/McKay Stevens/Nevin Sastry/Sean Cook/Whit Kane; Producers: Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– Rousing, catchy and infectious. Fiddles saw and guitars strum away on this Wild West fantasy. The track comes from a forthcoming western concept album titled The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales.

MACK GEIGER / “String By”
Writer: Mack Geiger; Producer: Jared Adlam; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Columbia
– It looks like this Aussie newcomer is going to have a breakthrough hit with this gentle heartbreaker. His vocal style rings with country authenticity on the honky-tonk ballad. She’s trying to reel him back in, but he resists, because he’s been burned one too many times. Also check out the toe-tapping EP title tune “Walk a Straight Line.” Wildly promising. Geiger stages his Opry debut on June 23.

LAINEY WILSON & JOHN MAYER / “Phone, Keys, Wallet”
Writers: Dallas Wilson/Dan Pellarin/Jon Decious/Kid Harpoon/Lainey Wilson/Summer Overstreet/Trannie Anderson; Producers: John Mayer, Kid Harpoon; Label: Broken Bow Records
– In this groove-soaked, mid-tempo ditty, she lives in nutty chaos, but his love keeps her grounded. The guitar solos are courtesy of pop superstar John Mayer.

KENNY SHARP / “Amy”
Writers: Josh Ronen/Kenneth M. Sharpless/Tolan Shaw; Producer: Josh Ronen; Label: Brown Liquor Music
– Nashville’s Kenny Sharp calls his sound “Brown Liquor Music.” It mixes elements of funk, hip-hip, r&b and neo soul that fits easily into the Americana music mix. This bass-and-steel-backed steady thumper is a heartache moaner that’s hard to resist. Sharp is playing Bonnaroo tomorrow (June 12).

WYNONNA / “Kentucky Queen”
Writers: CACTUS MOSER/Justin Weaver/Sarah Siskind/Wynonna; Producer: CACTUS MOSER; Label: Anti/Epitaph
– Brilliantly produced. A funky, acoustic, poly-rhythmic, rump-shaking, gospel-blues-hillbilly pastiche that she sings the fire out of. This Country Music Hall of Fame member has a rootsy new sound that pushes all the audio pleasure buttons.

MAREN MORRIS / “Hard Liquor and Soft Rock”
Writers: Busbee/Maren Morris/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Jon Green, Maren Morris; Label: Columbia Nashville
– There’s something muffled and muddy about this bopping sound. It’s hooky and listenable, but her vocal is almost buried in the production.

LEE BRICE / “What You Know About That”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Brian Davis/Lee Brice; Producer: Ben Glover, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice; Label: Curb Records
– A blue-collar, rockin’ summer anthem, mostly shouted rather than sung.

VINNY TOVAR / “Tequila Told Me”
Writers: Sam Tuten/Vicente Andres Tovar/Walker Tuten; Producers: Christopher Mora, Vinny Tovar; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– It’s a tuneful, flirtatious ditty about a barroom hook-up. The mood is jaunty with an underlying tone of loneliness, and it’s country to the core. As far as I know, the Texas-based Azteca Ranch is the only label devoted to Latino country artists.

KIP MOORE / “The Darkness”
Writers: Andrew DeRoberts/Kip Moore/Luke Preston; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts, Kip Moore; Label: KM
– Righteous, fiery, passionate and oh-so rocking. This steadfast individualist blazes with apocalyptic energy. Moore is booked for a Grand Ole Opry performance this evening (June 11).

KEB’ MO’ / “Fussing and Fighting”
Writers: Arthur Adams/Kevin Moore; Producers: Keb’ Mo’, Zach Allen; Label: Concord Records
– Nashville’s greatest blues man strips it down to just his voice and acoustic guitar on his forthcoming album The Breakdown. On its lead single, he swings lightly over a chunky, six-string riff while mourning a crumbling relationship. Ear tickling and addictive.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Riley Green Delivers ‘Summer Party Anthem’

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Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

It’s an upbeat day here at DISClaimer.

The listening session was dominated by tempo tunes, none of them more charming than the new track by shooting star Riley Green. It is the Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery Award goes to Bizz Bigsby, from whom I hope to hear more.

MAGNOLIA RISING / “Bet On Me”
Writers: Andrew Millsaps/Devynn Hart/Leo Brooks/Treauna Swindle; Producer: Jason Haag; Label: MR
– Our story so far: A trio from Mississippi called Chapel Hart stormed the country-music world in 2020, earning acclaim on America’s Got Talent, garnering rave reviews and touring to wild applause. Then lead singer Danica Hart quit last year and the remaining two, Devyn Hart and Trea Swindle, formed Magnolia Rising. This is the duo’s sophomore single. It’s a forceful, loud country rocker with the two women swapping snappy lines and harmonizing on a lyric sassing an ex.

TIM McGRAW / “Pawn Shop Guitar”
Writers: Tim McGraw/Tom Douglas; Producer: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Label: Turbo Tonk Records
– McGraw draws on his autobiography to craft this compelling portrait of a struggling picker in Music City. A snarling production, hypnotic rhythms, and a soaring vocal combine to create a dynamic listening experience.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW & MOLLY TUTTLE / “Last American Waltz”
Writers: Critter Fuqua/Ketch Secor; Producer: Morgan Jahnig; Label: Hartland Records
– Gorgeous. A dizzying, pastel swirl of acoustic picking frames a lovely waltz with quasi-apocalyptic lyrics. Tuttle and Secor harmonize brilliantly as everyone surges together on the driving melody. The band is having a release party for its superb new album Union Made on Sunday (June 7) at the American Legion in Inglewood. Showtime is 7 p.m.

RILEY GREEN / “Think As You Drunk”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Jessi Alexander/Riley Green/Scott Emerick/Toby Keith/Wyatt McCubbin; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– This clever, rollicking honky-tonker is a tipsy ode to being wasted, complete with slurred and garbled lyrics and a melodic quote from Toby Keith’s “As Good As I Once Was.” The rowdy single sounds like a summer party anthem.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Raining Whiskey”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Geoff Warburton/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton/VWillz; Producer: Ben Johnson; Label: Big Loud Records
– Since he left her, “There’s a 100-proof chance it’s raining whiskey in this bar” and “Them Lynchburg clouds are hangin’ low in this neon sky.” A crunchy production percolates beneath a pert vocal in this well written bopper.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Over and Over”
Writers: Ashley Ray/Johnny Simpson/Karen Fairchild/Madi Yanofsky; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: MCA
– Obsessive love is the theme of this tempo tune. She’ll stalk him down wherever he goes. Yikes.

INGRID ANDRESS / “All the Best”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Jordan Schmidt/Josh Kear; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Atlantic Records/Warner Records Nashville
– This lively goodbye tune is laced with sarcasm and irony. If the best roses have thorns, then, yes, she wishes him roses. And so on. Feisty and fun.

BIZZ BIGSBY / “Proud”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: BB
– Bigsby is a Nashville native who is the son of R&B star Jimmy Church. He calls his sound “Urban Americana.” It sounds like gentle country-pop to me, at least on this lilting, aspirational, wafting expression of a son’s love. Breezy, summer-y and pleasing.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN / “Streets of Minneapolis”
Writers: Bruce Springsteen; Producers: Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Ron Aniello; Label: Columbia
– The spirits of Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash infuse this stirring, folkie, anti-Ice protest song. Over an audio bed of acoustic guitar and harmonica, the Boss praises the citizens who stood for the Bill of Rights and memorializes those who lost their lives. Strong stuff.

BRADLEY GASKIN / “Alabama Rain”
Writers: Bradley Gaskin/Michael White/Robert Keith Stegall; Producer: Robert Keith Stegall; Label: 30a Life Records
– Hardcore country, with plenty of twang and drawl. Stretched notes, swaying fiddle, yearning heartache, wailing steel — this gem has it all.

KELLY LANG / “This Too Shall Pass”
Writers: Kelly Lang; Producer: Kelly Lang; Label: Leopard Entertainment
– Lang’s lustrous alto has seldom sounded better than on this resonant, uplifting ballad of hope, strength and perseverance. Cherish every day, even when you are facing hardship and defeat. Beautifully done.

JON PARDI / “How Did You Know”
Writers: Bart Butler/Jon Pardi/Rhett Akins; Producers: Bart Butler, Jon Pardi, Ryan Gore; Label: MCA
– She turns him on, then turns him down. The gently rolling tempo and everyman vocal style both go down smoothly.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Steve Earle ‘Has Never Sounded Better’

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Steve Earle. Photo: Danny Clinch

There’s a lovely display of the various sounds of country music in today’s DISClaimer.

For ballad lovers, Little Big Town and Zach John King have the goods. In the mood for a country rocker? Brad Paisley and the Charles Wesley Godwin/Luke Combs collab have just the ticket. R&B is represented by Devon Gilfillian. For innovative production touches and world-class singing, check out Kameron Marlowe. Lyric craftsmanship is the hallmark of Megan Moroney.

We have two fine newcomers on hand, Jacob Hackworth and the Discovery Award winning Kenny Whitmire.

Adding to the sonic diversity, the Disc of the Day has some Latin rhythm. It belongs to Steve Earle.

KENNY WHITMIRE / “One Foot in the Grave”
Writers: Kenny Whitmire/Max Martin/Thomas Mirels; Producer: Lee Starr; Label: MCA
– Hillbilly ecstasy. Everyone is twangin,’ and the song is a honky-tonk delight. The gist of it is, forget about the hearse and the flowers when he dies. Just bury him under a roadhouse stage. This guy has my complete attention. Send more.

SCOTTY McCREERY & JOSH TURNER / “Your Man”
Writers: Chris DuBois/Chris Stapleton/Jace Everett; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– This is a “full circle” moment for Scotty, because 15 years ago, he aced his American Idol audition by singing this 2005 Josh hit. The song’s originator takes over vocally toward the end of this remake. 

ZACH JOHN KING / “Beneath the Pines”
Writers: Michael Lawson/Rodney Clawson/Zach John King; Producers: Ryan Wilson, Zach John King; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is a lovely, romantic waltz, sung with great heart. Forget about the hereafter, he’s found heaven right here on earth, holding his lover out in nature shaded by tree limbs.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Traitor (Roles Reversed)”
Writers: David “Messy” Mescon/Emily Weisband/Hillary Lindsey/Megan Moroney; Producers: Kristian Bush, Megan Moroney; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– I love the way this woman uses such conversational language in her lyrics. This throbbing, stately melody takes a cheating plot in a totally fresh direction. Have I mentioned that I adore this artist?

BRAD PAISLEY / “This Town Ain’t Small Enough”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois; Producers: Brad Paisley, Luke Wooten; Label: MCA
– It’s a snappy country rocker driven by Brad’s “chicken pickin’” stuttering guitar tickling. Imagine all the ills of big-city life, and you’ll know why he yearns for a slower pace and some wide open space. An audio carnival ride.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Running”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Gideon Klein/Kameron Marlowe/Philip Morgan; Producer: Austin Goodloe; Label: Columbia Nashville
– Heartache on the hoof. The track is dreamy and meditative. His vocal is a tender, expressive lament for lost love. Beautifully produced and performed. Applause, applause.

DONNA FARGO / “Small Town Hillbilly Good-Time Saturday Night”
Writers: Robert Thames/Steve Popovich/Yvonne Silver; Producers: none listed; Label: Primadonna Records
– The legendary Fargo kicks up her heels on this country party tune. She still sings with plenty of moxie and spunk.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Hey There Sunshine”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Hillary Lindsey/Jon Nite; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Layered with gorgeous strings, the deliciously melodic ballad is about surviving the blues and finding the strength to carry on. It’s pretty much a Karen solo performance with the other three providing soft background vocal harmonies.

STEVE EARLE / “City of Immigrants (with Forro in the Dark)”
Writer: Steve Earle; Producer: none listed; Label: New West Records
– Earle’s coolest single in years is a bopping, merry, rhythm-happy, Brazil-flavored salute to the multi-ethnic stew that is New York City. A listening pleasure from opening notes to closing cheers. The new Grand Ole Opry star has never sounded better. Also check out the vivid, celebration-of-diversity music video, directed by Steve Buscemi.

JENNA PAULETTE / “High Noon”
Writers: Jenna Paulette/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds/Mark Trussell; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– She’s madly in love on this languidly paced two stepper. The endearing Paulette has both boots planted firmly in country, now and always.

CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN & LUKE COMBS / “Better That Way”
Writers: Al Torrence/Charles Wesley Godwin/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Al Torrence; Label: Big Loud Records
– Uplifting, hearty and honest, this breezy country rocker is an insanely catchy ear worm. Both men sing from the chest as the track churns along. Highly recommended.

DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Moonflower”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Melissa Fuller/Ran Jackson/Tim Rahman; Producer: Devon Gilfillian; Label: Fantasy
– Unlike the others gathered for this edition of DISClaimer, Gilfillian is not a country artist. Rather, he is Nashville’s finest neo-soul music maker. On this gently persuasive, synth-y outing, he performs in his seductive, falsetto range to paint a pastel-toned romance that recalls the era of “Quiet Storm” records. I remain a huge fan

JACOB HACKWORTH / “What Took You So Long”
Writers: Daniel Ross/Jacob Hackworth/Jaxson Free/Steph Jones; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: MCA
– Sweetly aching. They were in love for such a long time, so why did she wait so long to dump him? He has a really attractive tenor voice that he deploys here to tug at the heartstrings. A super promising debut.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: ERNEST & Lukas Nelson Team For Disc Of The Day

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ERNEST & Lukas Nelson

Old friends dominate this roundup of current country tunes.

Reaching out with audio handshakes are such long-established hit makers as Luke Bryan, Jo Dee Messina, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain. It’s a crowded roster, but a few newer acts peaked in, too.

Leading the pack are our Disc of the Day winners, Lukas Nelson and ERNEST. I caught Nelson’s set on a recent Opry TV broadcast and was reminded of what a terrific singer and guitarist he has become. His duet with ERNEST is country music poetry.

The DISCovery Award goes to another new duo, Backbeat Troubadours, which features yet another veteran, Mark Collie.

BACKBEAT TROUBADOURS / “True American Racer (500 Miles)”
Writers: Billy Bob Thornton/Mark Collie/Scott Borchetta; Producers: Julian Raymond, Scott Borchetta; Label: Big Machine Records
– This duo is country veteran Mark Collie and Hollywood’s Billy Bob Thornton. The debut single is a barn-burning rocker featuring Slash on guitar. Hang on for a thrill ride. The song is featured on the soundtrack of a new documentary film about racing champ Bobby Rahal.

SHANIA TWAIN / “Dirty Rosie”
Writer: Shania Twain; Producers: Michael Shuman, Zach Dawes; Label: Republic Records
– The electronically processed vocal does nothing for me. Muddy sounding, incomprehensible and not remotely country.

ERNEST & LUKAS NELSON / “Time Is a Thief”
Writers: Jimmy Yeary/Matt Mckinney/Rivers Rutherford; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Nelson’s rippling guitar work floats throughout this eloquent duet performance. Both men sing with gentle assurance. The thoughtful lyric is deeply touching. Essential listening.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Carry On”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jessi Alexander/Matt Jenkins; Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney; Label: HEY NOW Records
– A single with a built-in smile. Kenny says to keep on rockin’ because life is short and fun is what we should do. Jaunty and endearing.

ZACH JOHN KING / “Backwoods”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Michael Lotten/Rhett Akins/Zach John King; Producers: Ryan Wilson, Zach John King; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– In praise of deer hunting, a country girl, his truck, his t-shirt, pine trees, yadadda, yadadda, yadadda.

LUKE BRYAN / “Fish Hunt Golf Drink”
Writers: Chase McGill/Luke Bryan/Matt Dragstrem; Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– The title says it all. The rhythm track is cool.

WAYLON PAYNE / “Holding on to Lonely”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Waylon Payne; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: Big Loud Texas
– Decidedly downbeat, facing a dark night of the soul. Instead of phoning for solace, he shuts himself in, alone. Guitars chime gently, drums shuffle softly, bass twangs deeply and his voice is marvelously aching.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Crisco”
Writers: Aaron Raitier/Chill Fellacheck/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– Refreshing and delightfully different. Country lyrics married to a retro ‘70s disco-ish track. A real ear opener from a truly creative superstar.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Don’t Say Goodbye”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Atlantic Outpost
– Old-school, “quiet storm” soul with a slow, sensuous, seductive track and the duo’s usual vocal mastery. Immerse yourself in this luxurious, midnight-blue pool of dreamy sound.

VINCE GILL / “Nobody Held Her Like Me”
Writers: Jmmy Nalls/Joe Glaser/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– Gill showcases his bluesy side with this aching, mournful, lovelorn ballad. It’s the key song on his seventh in a series of monthly EPs titled 50 Years From Home. Love this. Love him.

DAN MARSHALL / “Middle Man”
Writers: Dan Marshall/John Stevens/Walker Wilson; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Red Van Records
– A blue-collar anthem for the average working man who puts his shoulder to the wheel and one foot in front of the other just to survive and persevere.

JO DEE MESSINA / “Can Anybody”
Writers: Ethan Hulse/Jo Dee Messina; Producer: David Spencer; Label: Dreambound Records
– This woman is singing better than ever, and this power ballad is the soaring proof. It’s a cry for recognition and deliverance that is potent and soul piercing. Charismatic and highly recommended.

CARTER FAITH / “Let’s Go to Vegas”
Writers: Karen Staley; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– This sprightly, peppy remake of Faith Hill’s 1995 hit is the official theme song of this year’s ACM Awards. The show will stream exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Twitch channel this Sunday evening (May 17). Shania Twain hosts.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Hudson Westbrook Claims Disc Of The Day

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Hudson Westbrook. Photo: Ian Noh

Country music groups and collaborations vie for our attention today in DISClaimer.

The Red Clay Strays, Midland and 49 Winchester are representing country bands in this week’s column. Our collabs include Russell Dickerson with Fetty Wap, Rodney Crowell with the late Guy Clark, and this week’s DISCovery Award winners ALeeN Rose with Willie Nelson.

The Disc of the Day is “Backwards” by Hudson Westbrook.

Sunday is Mother’s Day. I have four suggestions for the holiday’s soundtrack. Danny Kensy offers “Mama’s Recipe.” Camille Harrison is issuing “I Miss You, Mother.” Alex Miller has “Just a Mom.” Canadian Abigail Lapell has an entire collection with the day’s theme. Her Shadow Child is “an album about motherhood whose nine songs each represent a month of gestation,” or so it says here.

McCOY MOORE / “Not Even Close”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/McCoy Moore/Sam Ellis; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Cervidae Records
– Dishing out compliments to his lover. In his eyes, she’s the ultimate best.

THE RED CLAY STRAYS / “Demons In Your Choir”
Writers: Brandon Coleman/Dakota Coleman/Matthew Coleman; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: RCA Records
– It’s a slow-burn, gospel-flavored anthem with moody, minor-key drama about spiritual deliverance. An absolutely searing lead vocal, righteous piano chords and an uplifting church choir. Somebody say, “Amen.”

ALYSSA MICAELA / “Born In Boots”
Writers: Alyssa Micaela/Olivia Rudeen/Tori Tullier; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Bouncing and bubbly. She’s a proud cowgirl who chose boots over dolls and never looked back. Innocent fun.

RODNEY CROWELL & GUY CLARK / “Are You One of Us?”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producers: Rodney Crowell, Steuart Smith; Label: New West Records
– Crowell explores the “us-versus-them” attitudes of today with the late Clark interjecting fatherly wisdom. It starts off with a hushed series of statements underscored by insistent electric guitar, then builds to a rocking crescendo. The whole thing is utterly haunting and poetic. The song (and the previously reviewed “Go Light a Candle”) will appear on Crowell’s long-lost Then Again LP, which drops June 26. I’m buyin’ a copy.

ALeeN ROSE & WILLIE NELSON / “They’re There”
Writers: Amy Lee Nelson/Tina Rose Bridges/Willie Nelson; Producers: ALeeN Rose, Jeff Klein, Matt Hubbard; Label: Luna Wolf
– This duo is comprised of Willie’s daughter, Amy Nelson, and Tina Rose Bridges, who is Leon Russell’s daughter. Their country ballad invokes Amy’s late brother Billy and Tina’s late father, stating that their spirits walk alongside them every day. Willie provides his distinctive guitar as the instrumental solo, then chimes in with a third harmony part. Lovely listening.

MIDLAND / “Shooting Memories With Tequila”
Writers: Joe Clemmons/Mike Walker/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Blue Highway Records
– Give these guys a gold star for singing songs with actual melodies. Breezy heartaches, laced with creamy vocal harmonies and lilting steel guitar characterize this one. Riffs and lyrics in the production lend the track a Latin accent. Wonderfully tuneful and effortlessly engaging. By all means, play it.

JENNY TOLMAN / “Show Pony”
Writers: Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman/Matt Willis; Producer: Dave Brainard; Label: Old Sol Records
– Tolman gallops a sprightly country rocker around the track at a lickety-split pace. The lyric warns a guy that his gal “ain’t nothin’ but a show pony you been trotting around” and not the thoroughbred he thinks she is.

DON WILLIAMS / “How Can I Miss What I Never Had”
Writer: Bob McDill; Producers: Garth Fundis, Tim Williams; Label: Craft Recordings
– Previously unheard performances by Country Music Hall of Famer Don Williams will be issued next month on a collection titled Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes. This one is a sad, resigned ballad about a dead relationship that’s infused with his trademark vocal warmth. Tunesmith McDill was also behind such Don Williams classics as “Amanda,” “It Must Be Love,” “Love Me Tonight” and, unforgettably, “Good Ole Boys Like Me.”

HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Backwards”
Writers: Hudson Westbrook/Lukas Klingensmith/Nicolette Hayford/Reid Haughton; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youman; Label: River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville
– Her leaving turned his world upside down. ACM New Male Vocalist nominee Westbrook delivers the midtempo meditation in a plaintive, expressive, softly aching fashion that’s mighty affecting.

RUSSELL DICKERSON & FETTY WAP / “Boots”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Matt Dragstrem/Russell Dickerson; Producer: none listed; Label: Triple Tigers
– Top showman Dickerson lights up Ascend Amphitheater tomorrow (May 8). Don’t have tickets? Party-on anyhow by listening to his latest, a country-trap mash-up with million-seller Fetty Wap. The bopping singer sees a gal on the dance floor wearing boots and a sundress and is smitten. Beats abound.

49 WINCHESTER / “Slowly”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Isaac Gibson/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: New West Records/Lucille Records/MCA
– I caught these guys on a recent Opry TV broadcast and was stunned by what a tight band they are. From organ sighs to steel-guitar pinpricks, from note-perfect harmony vocals to acoustic ripples and taut drumming, 49 Winchester has it all goin’ on. The band’s latest single is a strummy country toe tapper about moving forward despite feeling like crap. Highly recommended.

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Middle of Nowhere”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Lost Highway
– Shifting time signatures, moaning steel and a male duet harmony vocal characterize the title tune of Musgraves’ new album. Like the rest of the collection, the wafting sound leans back toward her Texas country roots.

ERNEST / “What’s a Little Rain”
Writers: David Garcia/Ernest Keith Smith/Rodney Clawson; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– An airy, beach-y production paints this as a watercolor wash while the singer exudes romance and dreamy relaxation. Irresistibly pretty.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kassi Ashton ‘Has Never Sounded Better’

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The country stars are swinging into spring in wildly diverse ways.

In this edition of DISClaimer, you’ll find flavors ranging from hip-hop to reggae, from rockabilly to pop.

You might think that one of the big star contenders would rule the listening session — Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Lee Brice or Dylan Scott. But you would be wrong. The Disc of the Day belongs to Kassi Ashton. She’s been musically all over the map during the past five years, but it sounds like with “Bitches” she has found her groove.

The DISCovery Award goes to Kelli Belles, who is billed with her last name only. She’s an old-school country singer duet-ing with a Living Legend. More power to her.

THE HEATHERLYS / “Maybe Baby”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: American Love Affair
– What a complete and utter blast. Merriment simply leaps out of the speakers as Eric and Lindsey strut their stuff on this deliciously retro rockabilly tune. Everly harmonies, stinging guitar, slappin’ bass, rollicking rhythm. What more could you want from a springtime single?

LEE BRICE / “Truck Bed Mixtape”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Brian Davis/Lee Brice; Producers: none listed; Label: Curb Records
– He vows to make love to her in his truck all night. Which doesn’t sound all that comfy. The production of this love anthem is somewhat muddy.

LAUREN LUCAS / “Bringing Me Home”
Writer: Lauren Lucas; Producer: none listed; Label: LL
– Moody and contemplative. She has been wandering lost, but now she has found her way, thanks to the power of love. Lucas dips into her low alto range here, which adds to the languid atmosphere.

JASON ALDEAN / “Don’t Tell on Me”
Writers: John Morgan/Kurt Allison/Lydia Vaughan/Tully Kennedy; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Broken Bow Records
– The track rocks mightily as he wails. His well-hidden secret is that he’s still in love with his ex. No one knows, but he’s afraid his heart will give him away. The new album is Songs About Us, and the title tune is a duet with Luke Bryan.

KASSI ASHTON / “Bitches”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Kassi Ashton/Oscar Charles/Ryan Tyndell; Producers: Kassi Ashton, Oscar Charles; Label: MCA
– This is a wonderfully cool sound. A spare, thumping rhythm track features twang guitar and a splendidly drawled lyric. Ashton has never sounded better as she lays on the sass and admits that every gal in her family is as big a spitfire as she is. This delightfully refreshing track deserves massive exposure.

KEITH URBAN & MICHAEL McDONALD / “We Go Back”
Writers: BRELAND/Keith Urban/Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Producers: Dann Huff, Keith Urban; Label: MCA
– Urban’s forthcoming album is a collection of yacht-rock oldies (”Summer Breeze,” “How Much I Feel,” “Baby Come Back,” “I Just Wanna Stop,” etc.). Its lone original song is this collaboration with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer McDonald. The breezy ode appropriately recalls an old love from the 1970s. McDonald’s velvety voice shines on the choruses.

SMOKIN’ OTIS / “Trail Ride”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: TS
– Also known as Tennessee Slick, handsome Smokin’ Otis is a Clarksville, TN native who stirs together his country raps, cowboy imagery and gang-sung choruses on this stoner anthem. Hooky and listenable.

DYLAN SCOTT / “Slow Down Ol’ Son”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Matt Alderman/Will Weatherly; Producers: Andrew Baylis, Will Weatherly; Label: Curb Records
– The inevitable passage of time and the fleeting hours we have to live are the themes of this powerfully delivered, thoughtful power ballad. Heartily recommended.

RAY BENSON / “Highway 61 Revisited”
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producer: none listed; Label: Tafari Records
– And now for something completely different. Durable Asleep at the Wheel leader Ray Benson is releasing a collection titled Swingin’ and Skankin’ that fuses western swing with reggae. Guitarist Warren Haynes joins him on this funky reworking of the Dylan classic. Believe it or not, the musical melange works. Also on board on the album are Willie Nelson, jazz legend Stanley Jordan and reggae superstar Sly Dunbar. Ear opening.

BELLES & DOLLY PARTON / “Son of Jolene”
Writers: Dolly Parton/Dan Harrison/Kelli Belles/Tyler Bank; Producers: Austin Luther, Johnny Gates, Kent Wells; Label: East Music Row Records
– The song that answers the musical question, “What would happen if Dolly’s jezebel Jolene had a child?” No surprise: He’s a wicked heartbreaker. The scampering track and Dolly’s pinpoint harmony singing are tingling delights.

BELLAH MAE / “Salt and Sugar”
Writer: Bellah Mae; Producers: Brett Truitt, JANEVA; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– In this pop-country ditty, she regrets her romantic decisions. He seemed like a nice guy, but then she got to know what he was really like. So she goofed, but can you blame her? After all, “salt and sugar both look the same.’

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS / “50 Years On”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producers: Randy Hiebert, The Bellamy Brothers; Label: Bellamy Brothers Records
– The legendary duo is marking its golden anniversary with this lilting, swaying reflection of music and memories. They’ve accomplished so much, so a little name-dropping in the lyric is only natural. Loggins & Messina, Merle Haggard, The Rolling Stones, George Jones, Queen and Conway Twitty are name checked, and the video shows many other compatriots who have passed on. Their innumerable international tours, Opry appearances, war-zone USO shows, youthful pop stardom and country classics are referenced, in case you need any reminders about Howard and David’s extraordinary career.

ALEX MILLER / “Just a Mom”
Writers: Steve Williams/Wood Newton; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– Just in time for Mother’s Day (coming on May 10), Alex lists the multitude of multi-tasking jobs that being a mom entails. She’s embarrassed to be applying for work when her only experience is being “just a mom.” But she gets the gig anyhow. As usual, Alex delivers the goods as an expressive vocalist. Also as usual, Salley’s production is understated perfection.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Carly Pearce Is ‘Delightfully Snarky & Sassy’

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Carly Pearce. Photo: Luke Rogers

Ballads dominate this edition of DISClaimer, but a few of the country stars are making toe-tapping sounds as well.

Our balladeers include Riley Green, Reba McEntire and Braxton Keith. Willie & Shooter are emoting so mellow that they’re nodding off.

For tempo tunes, turn to Shaboozey, Vincent Mason and the team of Ella Langley & Morgan Wallen. Not to mention feisty Carly Pearce, who wins the Disc of the Day award.

Returning to ballad mode, we welcome Steven McClintock as our DISCovery Award winner this week.

VINCENT MASON / “Don’t Ask Me”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jack Rauton/Luke Laird/Vincent Mason; Producers: Brett Truitt, Jake Gear, Vincent Mason; Label: MCA Nashville/Music Soup/Interscope Records
– Nominated as New Male Artist by the ACM, Mason has a new uptempo ditty that exudes boyish charm. The acoustic-based track bubbles along with jaunty innocence while the lyric paints a picture of a heartbroken fellow who has no one to blame but himself.

KIP MOORE / “Faith in the Wind”
Writers: Andrew DeRoberts/Kip Moore/Luke Preston; Producers: Andrew DeRoberts, Kip Moore; Label: KM
– A solitary soul sings of his journey into a mystery future while a lustrous, echoey track surrounds his meditation. He’s on a quest, but does not know his destination in life. Haunting and highly listenable.

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Lines in the Carpet”
Writers: Caroline Watkins/Lauren Hungate/Lori McKenna; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– “What If We Don’t” remains the single. But McBryde continues to tease her forthcoming album Wild (due May 8) with this driving, urgent cry of the heart. A woman continues doing her day-after-day domestic chores feeling trapped and miserable, but her husband is oblivious. McBryde continues her unbroken reputation for quality country.

SHABOOZEY / “Born to Die”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: American Dogwood
– Shaboozey’s next album will be a concept collection that tells a tale of western revenge. Its lead single rushes forward with rhythmic energy. “Raise a glass to always living life like we ain’t born to die,” he sings in the dark party anthem. Arguably the most innovative and creative sonic personality in contemporary country music. Long may he sing.

ELLA LANGLEY & MORGAN WALLEN / “I Can’t Love You Anymore”
Writer: Ella Langley; Producer: none listed; Label: Columbia/SAWGOD
– These two red-hot stars team up for a stirring, breezy, rhythmic duet with swapped verses and Wallen harmonizing nicely on the choruses.

RILEY GREEN / “My Way”
Writer: Riley Green; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Anticipating his role on TV’s Marshals (airing this Sunday), Green issues a baritone ballad of sad resignation over a failed romance. His fluid, intimate, expressive delivery is framed by gently plucked guitar, bass, dobro and strings. Country eloquence. The song will be featured during Green’s episode of the CBS-TV hit.

STEVEN McCLINTOCK / “To You From Me”
Writers: Richard Addrisi/Steven McClintock; Producer: none listed; Label: SM
– Record promo veteran Bill Wence has been boosting indie artists for 52 years. His latest discovery sings this sweet, melodic love song in a soft tenor that is earnest and sincere. Piano and steel accompaniment add to the romantic mood. Co-writer Addrisi (1941-2025) was best known for penning the evergreen “Never My Love.”

CARLY PEARCE / “You Can Have Him”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Carter Faith/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: none listed; Label: Blue Highway Records
– Delightfully snarky and sassy. Addressing the gals around her, Pearce tells them they’re welcome to a dude with loose morals and a wandering eye. Packed with attitude and personality, not to mention twangin’ steel.

BRAXTON KEITH / “Don’t No More”
Writers: Braxton Keith/Liz Rose/John Pierce; Producer: Alex Torrez, David Dorn; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– She’s left him behind. Evidently, she’s quite good at completely blocking out their past, and he reports it all in this yearning ballad. Pristinely produced, well written and sung with heart.

SHOOTER JENNINGS & WILLIE NELSON / “When I’m Stoned”
Writer: Jason Phillip Boland; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: HELL PONY ARCHIVES
– These two celebrated 4/20 this week as the annual weed-awareness date with this ditty. It’s way beyond “laid back” and sounds like they recorded it in an oil drum. Both vocalists seem to be meandering around looking for the melody. The band is Jason Boland & The Stragglers, whose original version is better.

CORB LUND & HAYES CARLL / “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)”
Writers: Garth Brooks/Randy Taylor; Producer: none listed; Label: New West Records
– These two Americana stars have a strikingly effective arrangement of the Garth Brooks classic. It’s just their voices, an acoustic guitar and a cello, and it is absolutely brilliant and stunning. The broken rodeo man in the lyric comes truly alive here. Open your ears for something utterly refreshing, and play this.

REBA McENTIRE / “One Night In Tulsa”
Writers: Kylie Frey/Neal Coty/Thom McHugh; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Rockin’ R Records/MCA
– Country heartbreak in the throat of a Great. Every singer in this industry needs to listen to this ballad for a lesson in excellence.

SHAWN CAMP / “Sis Draper”
Writers: Guy Clark/Shawn Camp; Producer: Shawn Camp; Label: Truly Handmade Records
– Shawn is at No. 1 on the bluegrass chart this month with the title tune of his The Ghost of Sis Draper concept album. Draper was a fiddle hero of Camp’s when he was growing up in Arkansas. His homage to her is a ethereal, bluesy lament with fiddle notes weaving in and out of the mix. His misty, moody vocal is exquisitely dramatic. Essential listening.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Melissa Etheridge & Chris Stapleton Team For Disc Of The Day

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Melissa Etheridge & Chris Stapleton.

Whether in romantic ballads or rollicking tempo tunes, there’s a definite summertime feel in this week’s country tracks.

The session was dominated by two outstanding duet performances. One unites Jamie Floyd and Jake Hoot, who sing their faces off in “The Blade.” The other pairs rock superstar Melissa Etheridge with country titan Chris Stapleton. Their electrifying combination as both writers and singers earns them the Disc of the Day award.

Texas strikes again as The Droptines earn a DISCovery Award.

BRETT YOUNG & COLBIE CAILLAT / “If the World Was Ending”
Writers: Jonathan Percy Saxe/Julia Michaels; Producer: Noah Needleman; Label: BMX
– Young and Caillat put their spin on this pop tune, and the result is elegantly listenable. It ain’t country, but it is quite lovely.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Raining Whiskey”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Loud Records
– There’s a little too much that’s computer generated in the production, but her performance is solid. The heartbreak lyric is clever.

TY MYERS / “Me Neither”
Writer: Ty Myers; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Columbia/Outlier Recordings
– Gently persuasive. The pop groove swirls around his softly caressing vocal delivery. The airy track frames a romantic message. This teenage singer-songwriter has a definite heartthrob vibe going on.

MELISSA ETHERIDGE & CHRIS STAPLETON / “The Other Side of Blue”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Melissa Etheridge; Producers: Melissa Etheridge, Shooter Jennings; Label: Sun Records
– Ultra dramatic, brilliant work. Both vocalists have off-the-charts vocal charisma, and together they are simply awesome. The song eloquently addresses the agony of grief and its ultimately spirit cleansing aftermath. You’ll find it on her essential new album, Rise.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “BREAKUP (DOWN)”
Writers: Cole Miracle/Graham Barham/Jared Cotter/Jay Sean/Jeremy Skaller/Lydia Vaughan/Robert Larow/Sam Bergeson; Producer: Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Welcome to “Club Country,” where dance beats meet honky-tonk heartache.

LUKE GRIMES / “Drink Drink Drink”
Writers: Dave Cobb/Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Grimes; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: MCA
– A rousing barroom anthem, propelled by banjo and fiddle. Grimes hearty baritone is joined by a gang sing-along on the choruses. Pour me a double. The singer’s Marshals neo-western TV series airs on CBS on Sunday nights.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “My Future”
Writers: Emily Ann Roberts/Micah Wilshire/Shane Minor; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Sony Music Nashville
– Sunny, jaunty, bopping and charmingly nutty. She takes one look and goes into a giddy fantasy of plunging into lasting love. Her saucy delivery has one built-in smile after another.

THE DROPTINES / “Snowed In”
Writer: Kenneth C Arthur; Producer: Taylor Tatsch; Label: Big Loud Texas
– Rootsy. The raspy vocal, haunting lyric and atmospheric production mark this Americana band as a force of the future. The hard-working Texas quintet has been doing things the old-fashioned way, grinding out gig after gig and winning fans one by one.

ASHLEY MONROE / “I Hate Nashville”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Luke Laird; Producers: Ashley Monroe, Luke Laird; Label: Mountainrose Sparrow
– What’s there to say when you love country music, but it doesn’t love you back? Say it in this lovely, lilting song that’s both a love letter and an unrequited lament. As always, her voice is a beacon of honesty and her writing is three chords and the truth. Loving this.

JAMIE FLOYD & JAKE HOOT / “The Blade”
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Jamie Floyd/Marc Beeson; Producer: Jimmy Thow; Label: Jamie Floyd Music
– Originally popularized by Ashley Monroe, “The Blade” retains its haunting power in this duet between Floyd and The Voice competitor Hoot. They harmonize beautifully in their full-throated, chill-bump inducing arrangement. Echoey electric guitar and steel add the icing on this delicious masterwork.

JACKSON DEAN / “Hey Mississippi”
Writers: Jackson Dean/Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Dick; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Blue Highway Records
– He’s smitten with a Delta darlin’ in this magnolia-scented ditty. The understated production frames his relaxed vocal perfectly with its pristine guitar riffs. The softly swaying vibe sounds like languid Southern summer.

JO DEE MESSINA / “Don’t Let Them Hide Your Beautiful”
Writers: Blessing Offor/David Spencer/Jo Dee Messina; Producer: David Spencer; Label: Dreambound Records
– Sparkling and twinkling with upbeat positivity. Messina sings with immense verve here, and the track bops along smartly. A sweetly delivered feminist anthem.

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Drinking Game”
Writers: Elof Loelv/Evan Blair/J Kash/Jesse Fink/Michael Pollack/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Evan Blair; Label: Warner Records
– This takes off with a woosh and a rush as Zeiders tackles a tempo tune that barrels down the track with monster energy. A breezy carnival ride.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dan + Shay Share ‘Heartfelt Message’

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Dan + Shay. Photo: Robby Klein

It’s “Duo Day” at DISClaimer.

This collection of collaborations demonstrates that there is strength in numbers. It’s a growing trend, and you’ll hear why.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Dan + Shay. The Irish husband and wife team of Kirwan is our DISCovery Award act of the day.

BRAXTON KEITH & TYLA RODRIGUES / “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– We turn to Oz for this refreshing oldie revival. Keith has been touring there, and Rodrigues is an Aussie up-and-comer. He is one of my favorite new honky-tonk stylists, and she’s quite a country belter, herself. They make quite a team.

BILLY RAY CYRUS & NOAH CYRUS / “On Our Way Along”
Writer: Braison Cyrus; Producers: Braison Cyrus, Ryan Rasmussen; Label: Billion Streams Entertainment
– Billy Ray croaks his way through this slow, moody contemplation. His barely-there singing is accompanied by daughter Noah’s soft, almost buried “echo” vocal. A dense, electronic soundscape backs them. Pass.

DAILEY & VINCENT / “Moon Shines on the Still”
Writers: Bill Whyte/Laura Leigh Jones Robertson; Producer: none listed; Label: DV
– These bluegrass superstars unleash a torrent of rhythm on this rapid-fire salute to backwoods moonshiners. The thrilling tenor vocals are augmented by dazzling mandolin, banjo and guitar runs. An absolute audio delight.

DAN + SHAY / “Say So”
Writers: Dan Smyers/David Hodges/Jimmy Robbins/Shay Mooney; Producers: Dan Smyers, Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Lushly melodic and beautifully produced, this is a heartfelt message of suicide prevention. Kudos for an outstanding performance as well as for the team’s social consciousness.

MO PITNEY & JAKE WORTHINGTON / “Wake Up and Smell the Country”
Writers: Mo Pitney/Wyatt McCubbin; Producers: Jim “Moose” Brown, Mo Pitney; Label: Curb Records
– Rollicking, twangin’ and steel soaked. Both men are stone-country stylists. Together, they’re hard to beat. Naturally, Merle Haggard and George Jones are name checked.

JENNA PAULETTE & JOHN MORGAN / “The Dirt”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jenna Paulette/John Morgan/Will Bundy; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– Working-class romance becomes duet nirvana as these two match voices. Paulette’s penetrating lead voice is joined by a note-perfect harmony vocal by Morgan. It’s a super-strong song of lasting love made even stronger via this collaboration. Play this on repeat.

KIRWAN THE BAND & CLAY WALKER / “Detours”
Writers: Caitriona Maria Kirwan/Colm James Kirwan/Matthew Craig Johnson; Producer: Matthew Craig Johnson; Label: Kirwan Music Group
– Uplifting, encouraging and stirring. The husband-wife Kirwan duo carries this message of hope and resilience with a rumbling backbeat. Walker chimes in, but this is the Irish team’s record all the way. Recommended.

THELMA & JAMES / “Alternate Ending”
Writers: Jake Etheridge/Josh Jenkins/MacKenzie Porter/Maggie Chapman; Producer: Lonas; Label: Big Loud Records
– This young pair is currently opening for Luke Combs on tour. They have a charming sound with his heartbroken tenor blending with her aching soprano harmony. The churning, rhythm-happy track contrasts with the song’s downbeat tale. I was totally taken in by this performance. “James” is Jake Etheridge, and “Thelma” is Mackenzie Porter.

SKIP EWING & MAE ESTES / “Stronger Where You’re Broken”
Writer: Skip Ewing; Producers: Bryan Sutton, F. Reid Shippen, Skip Ewing; Label: Write! Records
– Veteran Ewing and newcomer Estes sound splendid together on this tempo tune of encouragement. It helps that he is such a masterful songwriter. She harmonizes with soft strength and perfectly placed ad libs. She should have been louder in the mix.

AVERY ANNA & SAM BARBER / “Fear in God”
Writers: Avery Anna/Sam Barber; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– This is the lead track of Avery Anna’s new EP. Its drowsy pace, meandering melody and muddy-sounding rock guitar don’t sound very “country.”

JESSE & NOAH / “On Again, Off Again”
Writer: Noah Bellamy; Producers: Jesse Bellamy, Noah Bellamy; Label: Usonia
– These two are the sons of David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers. On this honky-tonk ballad they’re joined by Tess Frizzell, who is the daughter of Shelly West & Allen Frizzell and the granddaughter of Dottie West. The pedigrees show: Both Noah and Tess display effortless grace in their vocal performance. Check out the video: It was shot at Hank Snow’s old Rainbow Ranch digs in Madison.

WILSON FAIRCHILD / “Lean On Me”
Writer: Bill Withers; Producer: Michael Sykes; Label: Gaither Music Group
– And speaking of second-generation acts, these fellows are also the children of country royalty. They are Wil Reid and Langdon Reid, the sons of Harold Reid and Don Reid of The Statler Brothers. True to their heritage, their countrified take on this Bill Withers classic is drenched in multi-part harmonies. This is a superb single. You’ll be singing along by the time they get to the penultimate, hand-clapped chorus.

MARCUS HUMMON & LEVI HUMMON / “Bless the Broken Road”
Writers: Bobby Boyd/Jeff Hanna/Marcus Hummon; Producer: Marcus Hummon; Label: 3686 RECORDS
– Papa Marcus and son Levi have been performing this classic together at various get-togethers. Their version is eloquently lovely, infused with sincerity and intimacy. Levi’s perfect tenor lead is accompanied solely by Marcus’s rippling piano work and low-harmony vocal blend. This is an acoustic jewel that warms the spirit and tugs at the heart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lee Brice Wins Disc Of The Day

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Lee Brice

DISClaimer delves into a variety-pack of emotions this week.

We have humor thanks to Hannah Dasher, politics thanks to Amy Grant & Ruby Amanfu, party-happy silliness thanks to Breland, bluesy wistfulness from Thomas Rhett, retro energy from The Wagoneers, and gentle heartbreak from Ernest.

Lee Brice has the Disc of the Day with something soulful, spiritual and soaring. Hand a DISCovery Award to the new Kentucky band Sons of Habit.

HANNAH DASHER / “Waffle House”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Mark Sanders; Producer: Hannah Dasher; Label: HD
– How timely of her. Dasher is celebrating the release of her debut cookbook, Stand By Your Pan, with a food-related new lyric. In this hardcore honky-tonker, she calls out a bozo who expects her to cook for him when he comes home drunk at 3 a.m. “Go find someone else/To make your patty melt” because “I ain’t your Waffle House.” Yee-haw.

ERNEST / “Deep Blue”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Grady Block/Hank Compton/Jamie McLaughlin/Rocky Block; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– Smooth sailing. While fiddles saw, Ernest delivers a mellow, breezy, heartache lament with a gently rolling rhythm, an ear-wormy melody and a lyric sprinkled with wit.

SONS OF HABIT / “Annabelle”
Writers: Frank Cassidy/Hagan Edge/Mitchell Douglas/Nathan Ross; Producer: Taylor Kimball; Label: Lucille/Republic Records
– Atmospheric, with plucked acoustic guitars giving way to an echoey soundscape. The super creative production frames an aching lead vocal describing an enigmatic lover. You have my attention. Please send more.

LUKE BRYAN / “Country and She Knows It”
Writers: Josh Miller/Matt Dragstrem/Parker Welling; Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens, Matt Dragstrem; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Truck, booze, dirt road, tattoo, boots, Strait reference. Check, check and double check. The wooshing, forward-thrust tempo wraps the whole thing up in a terrifically listenable package. Radio ready.

ASHLEY COOKE / “xs”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Ashley Gorley/Emily Weisband/Will Weatherly; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Loud Records
– Bruised and hurting, but with spirit unbowed. He doesn’t understand that “crossing lines makes x’s.” She mulls and muses in a slowly paced ballad of resignation and recrimination.

THOMAS RHETT / “Georgia On My Mind”
Writers: Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorrell; Producer: Julian Bunetta; Label: Blue Highway Records
– More than 1,000 artists have recorded this everlasting American classic, including such indelible stylists as Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, The Righteous Brothers, Willie Nelson, Tom Jones, Michael Bolton, and James Brown. Rhett’s take on it is drawling, echoey, bluesy, and quite effective. He might not be indelible, but you have to admire his moxie.

MONTE WARDEN & THE WAGONEERS / “Doghouse Flowers”
Writers: Brandi Warden/Montgomery Warden; Producers: Brandi Warden, Mas Palermo; Label: MW
– Legendary Texas music Hall of Famers The Wagoneers return with their first new single in decades. It’s a delightful, dizzy, rockabilly rampage with edgy, stuttering energy. Leader Monte Warden is an Austin institution with evergreen audio charisma. A welcome and long overdue comeback.

RODNEY CROWELL / “Before I Hung Your Picture on the Wall”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Tyler Bryant; Label: New West Records
– The country-rocking track churns and burns while Rodney sings of leaving his wandering ways behind in favor of True Love. Written and performed by a defining, enduring country-music master.

RITA WILSON / “Michaelangelo”
Writers: Amy Wadge/Rita Wilson; Producers: Dave Cobb, Rita Wilson; Label: Sing It Loud Records
– Wilson’s lustrous vocal pierces the airy, piano-and-choir ballad like an arrow of emotional truth. A firm, confident step into A/C music.

BRELAND / “In My Truck”
Writers: Andre R. Young/Curtis James Jackson/Daniel Breland/Jeremy “Kinetics” Dussolliet/Jim Lavigne/Michael A Elizondo/Nate Sander/Tim “One Love” Sommers; Producers: naebird, One Love, Sam Sumser, Sean Small; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic
– Upbeat positivity infuses this invitation to party. It ain’t exactly deep, but the vibe is right. The artist hosts his fifth annual Breland & Friends benefit concert at the Ryman next Wednesday (April 8). The show supports at-risk youth through the Oasis Center.

INGRID ANDRESS / “Taillights”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Lydia Sutherland/Paul DiGiovanni; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– This sassy country rocker has the tale of gal who is wise to his every move. She tells him he didn’t get away with anything, because “I saw your taillights comin.’” Feisty and fresh.

LEE BRICE / “When the Kingdom Comes”
Writers: Billy Montana/Jon Stone/Lee Brice/Sara Brice; Producer: none listed; Label: Curb Records
– Torrid and heartfelt. When Brice is fired up like this, few can touch him as a communicator. At the end of the day, Love is all that matters.

AMY GRANT & RUBY AMANFU / “How Do We Get There From Here”
Writers: Amy Grant/Ruby Amanfu; Producer: Mac McAnally; Label: AG
– These women call for community, unity, compassion and collective action to heal our troubled times. Amanfu is powerful on her verses and lends soprano harmony vocals throughout Grant’s urgent plea to move forward together. The stirring duet single commemorates the three-year anniversary of Nashville’s Covenant School shooting.