DISClaimer Single Reviews: Carly Pearce Shines On Newest Single, ‘What He Didn’t Do’

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Different is good.

I like it that there are so many quirky, left-field tracks in today’s edition of DISClaimer. Whether it’s the delightful reworking of “Heads Carolina” by Cole Swindell, the psychedelic pop of Pillbox Patti, the Dirt Band’s all-star Bob Dylan homage or the “Mary Wanna” wordplay of DISCovery Award winner Jason Nix, it’s all good.

We have three Disc of the Day honorees. The male winner is Dalton Dover, who is singing his face off on “Hear About a Girl.” The female winner is the sublimely gifted Carly Pearce. The group award goes to the lovely “Never Til Now” duet by Ashley Cooke & Brett Young.

WADE SAPP / “Smoke”
Writers: Wade Sapp; Producer: none listed; Label: WS
–The backing is southern-rock lite, with a nifty electric-guitar riff and punchy percussion. His vocal, however, is solidly backwoods country rather than rock. The two elements of this sound just don’t seem to mesh.

RONNIE DUNN & JAKE WORTHINGTON / “Honky Tonk Town”
Writers: David Chamberlain/Jacob Lyds/Robert Howett/Ronnie Dunn; Producer: Ronnie Dunn; Label: RD
–It’s perfectly okay twanger, but nothing really special as a song. Vocally, however, this record is outstanding. As great as Ronnie is, tenor newcomer Worthington holds his own as a bent-note phraser, high-note reacher and old-school champion.

DALTON DOVER / “Hear About a Girl”
Writers: Adam Craig/Michael Carter/Jim McCormick; Producer: Matt McV; Label: Droptine
–Beautifully done. I loved his prior single, and this confirms my belief that we’re in the presence of a master country talent when this man sings. The power ballad gives him the space to stretch his range and volume. Make him a star. Now.

CARLY PEARCE / “What He Didn’t Do”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Ashley Gorley/Emily Shackleton; Producers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Label: Big Machine
–Everything she touches shines like polished gold. As always, her country vocal is a burning arrow of emotional truth. Still the queen of my heart.

LAINEY WILSON / “Heart Like a Truck”
Writers: Dallas Wilson/Lainey Wilson/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow
–Okay, the simile is totally weird, and no matter how many times she sings it, a heart and a truck are not even remotely comparable. That said, she performs the tune with loads of hillbilly soul.

TY HERNDON / “Till You Get There”
Writers: Ty Herndon/Jamie Floyd/Erik Halbig/Jimmy Thow; Producer: Jimmy Thow; Label: Pivotal
–He still sings so splendidly. This driving, uptempo outing has a cool, uplifting message as well as rampaging rhythm. Soaring, pulse-quickening and radio ready.

JASON NIX / “Mary Wanna”
Writers: Jason Nix/Driver Williams; Producer: Chip Matthews; Label: Jody Williams Songs/Warner Chappell Music
–He’s falling for a rebel girl who’s gonna do whatever she wants. And, yes, that means, “Mary wanna get me high/Mary wanna free my mind.” Funky, rocking and fun.

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND, ROSANNE CASH, STEVE EARLE, JASON ISBELL, & THE WAR & TREATY / “The Times They Are A-Changin'”
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producers: Ray Kennedy/Jeff Hanna; Label: NGDB
–The new Dirt Does Dylan album is just stunning and perhaps nowhere more so than on this stirring, all-star revival of one of its greatest songs. Jeff Hanna kicks it off, then each of the brilliant guests takes a shot at this timeless masterpiece. Essential.

COLE SWINDELL / “She Had Me at Heads Carolina”
Writers: Mark Sanders/Ashley Glenn Gorley/Cole Swindell/Thomas Rhett/Jesse Frasure/James Timothy Nichols; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner
–Wonderfully clever. The song adopts the rollicking tune of Jo Dee Messina’s 1996 smash “Heads Carolina, Tails California” “(written by Mark D. Sanders & Tim Nichols) to tell the tale of a barroom guy who falls in love with the gal singing it on karaoke night. Bopping and joyous.

PILLBOX PATTI / “Young and Stupid”
Writers: Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere/Ashley McBryde/Park Chisolm/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Joe Clemmons; Producer: Park Chisolm; Label: Monument
–Pillbox Patti is the stage name of tunesmith Nicolette Hayford, who has penned songs for Ashley McBryde, Lainey Wilson, William Michael Morgan and more while en route to her 2021 win as MusicRow‘s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year. Her disc debut is kinda psychedelic, with echoey electronics and soft, stacked vocal harmonies. It’s all airy, gentle, pastel colored…. and thoroughly intriguing.

ASHLEY COOKE & BRETT YOUNG / “Never Til Now”
Writers: Matt Roy/Ashley Cooke; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Loud/BMLG
–Gorgeous. Ashley takes the lead, with Brett shadowing her in pitch-perfect, flawless harmony. She never dreamed of settling down, until now. It’s love, love, love in every note of this exquisitely produced performance. Listen and believe.

TYLER HUBBARD / “5 Foot 9”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Jaren Johnston/Chase McGill; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: EMI
–Breezy. Bubbling tempo, drawled vocal, acoustic picking and sunny attitude are all in the recipe of this soundtrack song for summer.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: RaeLynn Delivers ‘Best Single Of Her Career’

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Tempo rules today in DISClaimer.

It sounds like the country acts are gearing up for summertime by issuing sunny toe tappers. Check out the energy in the new tracks by Kylie Morgan, Nate Smith, Kassi Ashton and our joint Disc of the Day winners, Chris Janson and RaeLynn.

The DISCovery Award goes to a dude billed as CWBY. That’s “cowboy” without vowels. I usually dislike hip-hop flavored country, largely because one reason that I’m a country fan is that I love to hear people singing and playing real instruments. Records with men yelling at me just don’t appeal. But this in spite of his undeniable influences, this guy does sing, and sing well.

NATE SMITH / “Whiskey On You”
Writers: Nate Smith/Lindsay Rimes/Russell Sutton; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Sony
–The power voiced newcomer soars into the summer sky with this rocking ode to surviving a breakup. Ringing guitars and a relentless rhythm section back his ferocious singing. I remain a big fan.

INGRID ANDRESS / “Seeing Someone Else”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Jesse Frasure/Derrick Southerland; Producers: Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis; Label: Warner
–Her vocal range is on full display here as she transitions from a darkly intimate alto in the verses to a blazing soprano in the choruses. The lyric isn’t what you might expect from the title. The “someone else,” is another side of herself. Melodically, it hews closer to sophisticated pop than anything else.

CWBY / “Insecure”
Writers: Gerald Mithcell/Nick Shoffner; Producer: none listed; Label: CDX
–Previously self-billed as “The Cannabis Cowboy,” this California guy has a piercing tenor voice that is tinted with equal parts of country and hip-hop. The track is all electronic loops and bloops, the melody is spare and there is a ton of audio processing. But there is a certain sincerity here as he calls out a lover’s anxiety and uncertainty.

BRETT ELDREDGE / “Wait Up For Me”
Writers: Mark Trussell/Brett Eldredge/Heather Morgan; Producer: Mark Trussell; Label: Warner
–“Songs About You” continues to rise as the single. Here’s another taste from his upcoming album by that title. It’s a video of a sultry, stately love ballad that promises a night of passion. Steady piano chords back his instantly intimate baritone.

JENNA PAULETTE / “El Paso”
Writers: Jenna Paulette/Jacob Durrett/Robyn Collins; Producer: none listed; Label: JP
–She’s in CMT’s “Next Women of Country” class of ‘22. In this gentle slowie, Jenna’s on the road and wistfully missing her cowboy who has “a way with that lasso/Pulling me back to El Paso.” Breezy and sweet.

CHRIS JANSON / “Keys to the Country”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chris Janson/Dallas Davidson/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner
–Rollicking and romping. The lyric covers tiresome, well-worn territory–riding and rolling in his pickup truck headed for the farmer field with ice cold beer and his honey. But the sheer joy and energy in the performance are utterly irresistible. I’m in.

KYLIE MORGAN / “Love Like We’re Drunk”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/Jeff Garrison/Brian White; Producers: Ben Johnson/Shane McAnally; Label: EMI
–Her pert, girlish singing voice contrasts with the slammin’ beats in the production of this neighborly upbeat ode to fellowship, happiness, unity and togetherness. Jaunty, if not exactly timeless.

MATT STELL / “Man Made”
Writers: Brett Sheroky/Ian Christian; Producer: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: Records
–“If a man made anything, it’s ‘cause a woman made that man.” If there’s one thing that is true of all good country music, it’s a beautifully crafted lyric. Like this one.

DANNI LEIGH / “My Arms Stay Open Late”
Writers: Melba Montgomery/Danni Leigh; Producer: none listed; Label: BFD/Audium
–Danni has been absent from the scene for 15 years. Her twanging, vibrato-vocal, two-step comeback is as solidly country as all get out. No wonder: Her cowriter is one of the greatest female traditionalists in the genre’s history.

JEFF “SKUNK” BAXTER & CLINT BLACK / “Bad Move”
Writers: Jeff Baxter/Clint Black/CJ Vanston; Producers: Jeff Baxter/CJ Vanston; Label: BMG/Renew
–Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Baxter is famed for his guitar mastery in Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers. For his solo album, he recruited a variety of stellar lead vocalists. This collaboration features a bluesy performance by country star Black, blended with rocking, ear grabbing instrumental complexity. Brilliantly recorded and superbly listenable.

MITCHELL TENPENNY & TEDDY SWIMS / “Elephant In the Room”
Writers: Sam Sumser/Christian Griswold/Jaten Dimsdale/Mitchell Tenpenny/Sean Small; Producer: Sean Small/Jordan Schmidt/Sam Sumser; Label: Sony
–Pop, pop, pop, without the slightest nod toward Tenpenny’s country constituency.

RAELYNN / “I Love My Hometown”
Writers: RaeLynn/Corey Crowder/Brian Kelley/Canaan Smith; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Round Here
–Everything works here. Her Texas-twang vocal, the delightful lyrics, the terrific energy in the uptempo track, the stuttering guitar solo, the zippy production values. For my money, it’s the best single of her career to date.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson Glitters With The Dust Of ‘Superstardom’

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Cody Johnson

It’s all country stars, no waiting, in this edition of DisClaimer.

Darius Rucker, Kane Brown and Easton Corbin are all here. There are so many stars that they come in pairs—Chris Janson & Eric Church, Dylan Scott & Jimmie Allen, Chris Young & Old Dominion, Elle King & Dierks Bentley.

In a column filled with memorable performances, unstoppable Cody Johnson edges a win for the Disc of the Day prize.

The DisCovery Award goes to the wonderfully original Adam Raitiere.

AARON RAITIERE / “Single Wide Dreamer”
Writer: Aaron Raitiere/Jon Decious; Producers: Miranda Lambert/Anderson East; Label: Dinner Time/Thirty Tigers
— This guy is so left-field cool. His lazy vocal drawl, quirky lyrics and spare, funky production are all terrifically ear catching. This is the title tune of an album that’s in league with such greats as John Prine and Todd Snider. You absolutely need to hear this man’s music.

KANE BROWN / “Like I Love Country Music”
Writers: Kane Brown/Matthew McGuinn/Taylor Phillips/Jordan Schmidt; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA
— Bold sounding and rockin.’ So cleverly written, with its name drops of Johnny & June, Willie, Alan, Brooks & Dunn and Jones. Instrumentally, it’s somewhat “busy” sounding, but there’s no denying the hearty vocal.

FILMORE / “Mean Something”
Writers: Filmore/Will Weatherly/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Curb
— An echoey track and wafting audio atmosphere set the stage for an expressive vocal about working on the road and missing loved ones. Moody and mournful.

EASTON CORBIN / “I Can’t Decide”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Easton Corbin/Rhett Akins/Wade Kirby; Producers: Derek George/Wade Kirby; Label: Stone Country
— She’s so pretty in every way that he can’t decide which “look” she should put on for their date. I dig it that his vocal is mixed so crystal clear in the midst of a storming uptempo track.

BREI CARTER / “Paybacks”
Writers: Brei Carter/Jason Campbell/Terry Smith; Producer: Jason Wyatt; Label: BC
— The Louisiana singer-songwriter is feisty and fierce on this kiss-off power ballad. Snarling electric guitar, stomping tempo and solidly country attitude are the hallmarks here.

CHRIS YOUNG & OLD DOMINION / “Everybody Needs a Song”
Writers: Brad Francis Tursi/Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Producers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Label: Sony
— “When we can’t find the words, the radio can.” Truer words about country music were never spoken, and the mini portraits in this lyric are dandy (“Spring breakers need a fast one,” “Prom night needs a dance,” “Heartbreaks need a melody,” etc.). Marvelously well written and sung with gusto.

CODY JOHNSON / “Human”
Writers: Tony Lane/Travis Meadows; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Warner
— I didn’t think it was possible to follow a perfect performance like “’Til You Can’t,” but this stunning meditation on frailty and mistakes is just as breathtaking. This man is dusted with the glitter of superstardom.

CHRIS JANSON & ERIC CHURCH / “You, Me and the River”
Writer: Eric Church; Producers: Tommy Cecil/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
— Wow. A murder ballad. This is drenched in darkness, drama and doom. A shuddering electric guitar, thumped slow percussion and minor-key theatrics frame their ultra compelling, chilling performance. An awesome performance by both men.

DYLAN SCOTT & JIMMIE ALLEN / “In Our Blood”
Writers: David Fanning/Brad Rempel/Matt McGuinn; Producers: Will Weatherly/Matt Alderman; Label: Curb
— “We all bleed red at the end of the day.” It’s an oomphy anthem of brotherhood and unity that cuts across racial, cultural and religious lines. Scott takes the lead with Allen shadowing him with phrases and lines.

JESSIE JAMES DECKER / “Should Have Known Better”
Writer: Tom Barnes/Pete Kelleher/Benjamin Kohn/Madi Yanofsky; Producers: Matt McVaney/Scott Hendricks/TMS; Label: Warner/Atlantic/Big Yellow Dog
— A sassy, moving-on stomper that’s packed with femme attitude.

DARIUS RUCKER / “Same Beer Different Problem”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Tofer Brown/Sarah Buxton/Brad Tursi; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol
— Rollicking. Made for a summer afternoon with brews handy. Crank it up and sing along.

ELLE KING & DIERKS BENTLEY / “Worth a Shot”
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony
— The “Different for Girls” duet partners return with an energetic, irresistible, forward-rushing slab of sound that particularly showcases Elle’s penetrating, forceful delivery. Bentley’s laid-back style relaxes behind her. Highly engaging.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: ‘Nashville Treasure’ Sheryl Crow Releases Dreamy Ballad

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Some of the brightest names in Americana music have new sounds to delight your ears.

Steve Earle, Old Crow Medicine Show, Peter Rowan and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings are all here. So is Sheryl Crow, who claims the Disc of the Day award.

Gabe Lee is an a stunningly gifted Nashville creator, as well as the rare roots-music purveyor of Asian descent. One listen to his commanding vocal and instrumental abilities is all you’ll require, to understand why he is the DisCovery Award winner in this edition of DisClaimer.

ELI PAPERBOY REED / “Mama Tried”
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: none listed; Label: Yep Roc
— Reed is a white bluesman, but his earliest musical hero was Merle Haggard. His new album is a tribute titled Down Every Road, wherein he applies his style to the Hag’s country classics. His horn-drenched, soul-shriek vocal take on “Mama Tried” is the collection’s first emphasis track, and it is ear opening, to say the least.

STEVE EARLE / “Gettin’ By”
Writer: Jerry Jeff Walker; Producer: Steve Earle; Label: New West
— Steve’s latest is a salute to Jerry Jeff Walker, one of his main musical mentors. Titled Jerry Jeff, it kicks off with this folkie, drawling, Texas-swing outing. The rollicking group sing-along, vocal growls and loosey-goosey ensemble playing are all appropriately rumpled.

GABE LEE / “Honky Tonk Hell”
Writers: Gabe Lee/Marcus King; Producers: David Dorn/Alex Torrez; Label: Torrez Music Group
— This new Americana favorite lays down a solid country-rock groove on the title tune of his current album. His wailing tenor voice and the snarling electric guitars make the track sound wildly entertaining and fierce. And ya gotta love that jab about people in Nashville “writing phony-ass country songs.” By turns a country troubadour and a fire-breathing Southern rocker, this native Nashvillian is frighteningly gifted.

GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS / “I Just Came Home to Count the Memories”
Writer: Glenn McGuirt; Producers: Dan Auerbach/David Ferguson; Label: Easy Eye
— Something Borrowed, Something Blue will be a tribute album to John Anderson produced by Dan Auerbach & David Ferguson. They’ve lined up a bevy of greats to participate—Jamey Johnson, Sturgill Simpson, Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Del McCoury, Ashley McBryde, Tyler Childers and more. The album isn’t due until August, but Gillian & David have an advance taste of what a treat we can expect. It is a haunting, acoustic-guitar-and-strings arrangement of this wonderfully wistful, sad ballad that John introduced back in 1981.

TRAMP / “Back to Tennessee”
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Tramp
— This former Cactus Brothers fiddler is still making music. His charming, slightly strangulated tenor holds up well, as does his sense of hooky melody. He’s like a Dixie-fied Neil Young with acoustic-country trimmings.

SHERYL CROW / “Forever”
Writers: Jeff Trott/Sheryl Crow; Producer: Jeff Trott; Label: Big Machine
— This Nashville treasure is issuing a career-retrospective documentary. Its hit-packed, double-CD soundtrack includes three new songs, including this dreamy ballad. The tune is minor-key and downbeat, but the message is totally uplifting and inspiring. The echoey instrumental swirl of the production is like a comforting cool pool, and it goes without saying that her vocal delivery is stellar. Essential listening.

MARCUS KING / “Hard Working Man”
Writers: Marcus King/Dan Auerbach/Angelo Petraglia; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: American/Republic
— Are you hip to this guy? King is a Southern-rocking soulman whose searing electric guitar shredding is matched by a ferocious vocal attack. This blistering live-in-the-studio performance is an advance track from his sophomore solo album, due in August. Turn it up and rock out.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Gloryland”
Writers: Critter Fuqua/Ketch Secor; Producers: Matt Ross-Spang/Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO
— On its new Paint This Town album, the group moves beyond old-time-music territory and into a sonic space previously occupied by folks like The Band. This emphasis track has a rousing yet heavy-hearted gospel vibe, punctuated by lamenting harmonica and fiddle, plus backing vocals by The Kyshona Trio. Very cool.

MICHAEL McADAM / “My Little Queenie”
Writer: Michael McAdam; Producers: Michael McAdam/Jack Irwin; Label: Permanent
— He’s a veteran Nashville guitarist who has backed Steve Earle, Radney Foster, Jim Lauderdale, Jack Ingram and Mary Chapin Carpenter, among others. McAdam is stepping into his own singer-songwriter spotlight with an album titled Tremelo. This rolling, jingle-jangle track is practically a definition of Americana music. Lend this man your ears.

BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN / “Hey Girl”
Writers: Annie Roboff/Beth Nielsen Chapman/Jessica Sweetman; Producer: Ray Kennedy; Label: Cooking Vinyl
— Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Chapman has been a brilliant record maker for decades. Her 15th album, Crazy Town, features this bluesy feminist stomper. The girl-power message is bolstered by downhome harmonica wailing, saucy backing vocals, shimmering organ and thumping percussion. Feisty stuff.

PETER ROWAN & SHAWN CAMP / “The Song That Made Hank Williams Dance”
Writer: Peter Rowan; Producer: none listed; Label: Rebel
— Rowan is a roots-music legend who is adding to his 60+ years of record making with a June album titled Calling You From My Mountain. This advance single fuses bluegrass with honky-tonk. He’s in fine bluesy vocal form, and the always welcome and totally talented Camp trades lines with him expertly while the steady grooving track chugs along. I remain a huge fan.

THE TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS / “I Like Beer”
Writer: Tom T. Hall; Producer: none listed; Label: McCoury
— These multiple bluegrass award winners take Tom T. Hall’s 1975 classic out for a uptempo waltz. Banjo player Rob McCoury’s drawling debut as a lead vocalist is loaded with personality. Hang on for the lickety-split instrumental interlude that sets up the finale drinking sounds. A boatload of merry music making.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs Gives Taste Of New Music With ‘Tomorrow Me’

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That cool breeze you feel comes from Canada this week.

North-of-the-border stars High Valley, Brett Kissel, Gord Bamford and Terri Clark all have new sounds for your consideration. Gord and Terri’s duet is essential.

That said, whenever a listening session includes Country Champ Luke Combs, you know who is taking home the Disc of the Day award. Luke wasn’t without challengers, namely Morgan Wallen and Lindsay Ell, as well as Gord & Terri.

The DISCovery Award has three contenders—Ryan McMahon, Jessica Willis Fisher and our winner, third-generation country talent Tess Frizzell.

BRENNEN LEIGH & ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL / “Obsessed With the West”
Writer: Brennen Leigh; Producer: none listed; Label: Signature Sounds
–This is the title tune of Leigh’s new album. She’s a western-swing revivalist on it, but this languid track is a ballad with her gracious croon backed by swaying fiddle. An audio delight.

LUKE COMBS / “Tomorrow Me”
Writers: Luke Combs/Dean Dillon/Ray Fulcher; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: Columbia
–He has one of those voices that has you hanging on every line. On this melodic mid-tempo outing, he expresses desire, regret and emotional conflict in a wonderfully shaded performance. Beautifully sung and produced with clarity and elegance.

TESS FRIZZELL / “The Wrong One”
Writers: Dottie West/Tess Frizzell/Bobby Tomberlin/Billy Lawson; Producer: none listed; Label: TF
–Tess is the daughter of Shelly West and Allen Frizzell. This lovely ballad is based on a song that grandmother Dottie West began in the 1960s. The song has a magnetic pull, and the singer’s lustrous alto is a deep pool of wistful meditation. I’m in.

BRETT ELDREDGE / “Songs About You”
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Jessie Jo Dillon/Ben West; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Warner
–Hearing songs like “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Dancing in the Dark” transport him back to their love affair. Brett’s muscular vocal is backed by a serious R&B backbeat. A Southern soul strutter.

RYAN McMAHON / “One More Fire”
Writer: Ryan McMahon; Producers: Jordan Pritchett/Danielle King; Label: Elbowroom (Canada)
–This one’s an upbeat toe tapper. He seeks new adventures and experiences in a hearty, range-y voice backed by a kickin’ band. Promising.

MORGAN WALLEN / “Don’t Think Jesus”
Writers: Jessi Leigh Alexander/Mark L. Holman/Richard Chase McGill; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–In this aching, deliberately paced ballad, he falls into substance abuse and fast living until he pulls himself back from the brink. It’s a slow but dramatic build from a wounded, frail beginning to a torrid, top-of-his-range midsection. Then it resolves in a hushed, tender finale. A terrific performance from one of country’s most expressive artists.

HELENE CRONIN / “Barbed Wire”
Writers: Helene Cronin/Nicole Lewis/Davis Corley; Producer: Brianna Tyson; Label: HCM
–She has a low folkie alto voice on this moody, offbeat, somewhat wordy ballad. The production lays on plenty of echoey ambiance.

HIGH VALLEY & GRANGER SMITH / “Country Music, Girls and Trucks”
Writers: Brad Rempel/Micah Wilshire/Jaron Boyer; Producer: Micah Wilshire; Label: HV
–You read that title correctly. And, no, they aren’t kidding. We are supposed to take these cliches with straight face.

BRETT KISSEL & 98 DEGREES / “Ain’t the Same”
Writers: Brett Kissel/James Timothy Nichols/Karen Kosowski; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Warner (Canada)
–Creamy harmonies color this lovelorn pop-country ditty. Pleasant and catchy, but ultimately bland.

LINDSAY ELL / “Right On Time”
Writers: Lindsay Ell/Jordan Schmidt/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: LE
–Her strongest track yet. The rhythm punch is totally hooky, and her husky vocal delivery is supremely confident. The rapid-fire lyric is matched by sizzling electric guitar work and her conversational pep. Loved it from top to bottom.

GORD BAMFORD & TERRI CLARK / “I Ain’t Drunk”
Writers: Buddy Owens/Meghan Fitzpatrick/Mitchell Edward Oglesby; Producers: Gord Bamford/Phil O’Donnell; Label: GB
–I am a big fan of both of these singers. Bamford’s beefy baritone is matched note-for-note by the honky-tonk drawl of Clark. She shadows him perfectly in soprano harmony while the soaring, melody-rich tale of heartache unspools. This is country music the way it was meant to be. The song is drawn from Bamford’s Diamonds in a Whiskey Glass collection, which is also highly recommended.

JESSICA WILLIS FISHER / “Fire Song”
Writers: Jessica Willis Fisher/Jon Randall; Producer: Ben Fowler; Label: JWF
–Formerly of The Willis Clan, Jessica Willis Fisher is issuing her debut solo album, Brand New Day. This dramatic, minor-key rocker is the collection’s first single. Her haunting, Appalachia-flavored soprano is backed by her own fierce fiddling and a furious rhythm undertow. The song of a survivor.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Mitchell Tenpenny Shows His Star-Making Potential

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Mitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Matthew Berinato

The listening highlights were sparse today in DISClaimer.

To be sure, there is a lot of competent music making at play in this stack of sounds. But as for real excitement, only a few created it.

The best of the batch are Jenny Tolman, Niko Moon, Jake Hoot and our Disc of the Day winner, Mitchell Tenpenny.

The DISCovery Award goes to the already TV-famous Chayce Beckham.

CHAYCE BECKHAM / “Doin’ It Right”
Writers: Andy Albert/Chayce Beckham/Lindsay Rimes; Producers: Lindsay Rimes/Ross Copperman; Label: Wheelhouse/BBR
–The reigning American Idol champ introduces the title tune of his EP with style. His vocal warmth and hidden power are bolstered by a chiming production on this mid-tempo banger. Confidence, professionalism and passion are the hallmarks here.

NIKO MOON / “Easy Tonight”
Writers: Niko Moon/Patrick Davis/Wyatt Durette/Levi Lowery/Kevin Mac/Anna Moon/Joshua Murty; Producers: Niko Moon/Joshua Murty; Label: RCA
–A summer groove, for sure. Electronic finger snaps, twang guitar, light percussion thumps and a mellow vocal delivery are all mighty attractive. With seven writers listed, I’m guessing somebody is getting a free ride.

JENNY TOLMAN / “Married in a Honky Tonk”
Writers: Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman/Bill Whyte; Producer: Dave Brainard; Label: Old Sol
–This has just about everything going for it: Witty lyrics, country-rock sparks, personality vocals, kickin’ production. For sheer unadulterated talent, this lady stands head and shoulders above her country-music peers. And in a case of life imitating art, Tolman and producer Brainard were married last month in Jackson, Wyoming, which is where she shot this tune’s video.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Horseshoes and Hand Grenades”
Writers: Dallas Wilson/James Mitchell Tenpenny; Producer: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan M. Schmidt; Label: Sony
–Audio charisma that’s so strong you can feel it in your bones. His feathery vocal performance ranges from a whisper to a scream while the big production crashes like waves around him. A star-maker of a single.

JAKE HOOT & BRITTNEY HOOT / “Wherever Time Goes”
Writers: Jake Hoot/Houston Phillips/Michael Farren; Producer: Danny Myrick; Label: ONErpm
–The giant winner of The Voice has a gigantic voice to match his stature. The surprise is that his wife can vocally hold her own harmonizing with his massive power. Together, they make this super romantic ballad an electrifying listening experience.

DOLLY PARTON / “Woman Up”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producers: Dolly Parton/Richard Dennison/Tom Rutledge; Label: Butterfly
–Dolly’s mystery-thriller novel Run Rose Run (with James Patterson) continues to dominate the fiction best-seller lists in its second month of release. Its soundtrack album features this feisty feminist county rocker that is shot through with her one-of-a-kind personality. A fun frolic.

KRISTIAN BUSH / “Everybody Gotta Go Home”
Writers: Kristian Bush/Taylor Davis/Steve Bogard; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Big Machine
–This is the lead-off track on Bush’s new album. Before he was in Sugarland, the singer-songwriter was in the folk-pop act Billy Pilgrim and the rock jam band Dark Water. His eclectic musical nature is on full display here as the country-pop ditty is punctuated with R&B horns, rock percussion and cheerleader backing vocals.

BILLY RAY CYRUS, SNOOP DOGG & THE AVILA BROTHERS / “A Hard Working Man”
Writers: Bobby Ross/IZ Avila/Billy Ray Cyrus/C Broadus; Producer: The Avila Brothers; Label: Avila Brothers/BMG
–Complete, thorough and unremitting audio junk.

ADAM HOOD / “Business With Jesus”
Writers: Adam Hood/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Brent Cobb; Label: Southern Songs
–Hood has songwriting credentials to spare, with cuts by Miranda, Cody Jinks, The Oaks, Travis Tritt, Whiskey Myers, LBT, Lee Ann Womack, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Anderson East, Frankie Ballard and Drake White, among others. This Dixie-fried band bopper has a groove-soaked, funky backbeat that is wildly infectious.

THOMPSON SQUARE / “Country In My Soul”
Writers: Lainey Wilson/Daniel Ross/James McNair; Producers: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill
–The husband-wife duo returns following a long silence with this strongly sung rocker. I just wish the song was stronger and the production was more imaginative.

KAMARA THOMAS / “No Peace at Appomatox”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: KT
–The Kamara Thomas album Tularosa: An American Dreamtime is a song cycle about the American West. In tandem with the record, she’ll have a summer residency at the Santa Fe Arts Institute and a two-year teaching fellowship at Princeton beginning in the fall. On this draggy, borderline-irritating track from the collection, she applies a sleepy, languid vocal delivery to an atmospheric folkie/acoustic track with a meandering melody.

LEVI HUMMON / “For Me”
Writers: Levi Hummon/Trannie Anderson/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Eric Arjes/Jimmy Robbins; Label: LH
–This is a piano ballad about aspiring to improve and trying to find the better angel inside so that you can be worthy of her love. Nicely done.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brett Young Takes The Road Home On Newest Release

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The major-label, heavy hitters pretty much ruled this edition of DISClaimer.

Contending for Disc of the Day are Little Big Town, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Janson and our winner, Brett Young. The challenger to this dominance is the compelling track by troubadour Porter Howell, who definitely has the best written song in this stack.

Grace Leer and Greylan James are our contenders for the DisCovery Award of the week. I’m giving the nod to Greylan James, because, like Porter, he is a Nashville songwriter, my favorite kind of people.

PORTER HOWELL / “This Town Was”
Writer: Porter Howell; Producers: none listed; Label: PH
–Howell was the creative force behind the hit-making Little Texas in the ‘90s. On this stirring, evocative ballad, he expresses the feelings of generations of folks who are pained to see Music Row being transformed from a community into a condo development. Sung in a yearning voice of nostalgia and regret, this is essential listening.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “Heartfirst”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Karen Fairchild/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Julian Bunetta/Shane McAnally; Label: Black River
–Adorable. Her pert delivery conveys the dizzy, youthful feelings of falling in love with a power-pop production in bubbling support. Sprightly and summer-y.

FLAT RIVER BAND & THE McCRARY SISTERS / “Shining Through My Window”
Writer: Chad Sitze; Producers: none listed; Label: Early Bird
–When we last heard from this brother trio, they were matching voices with the Gatlins. Now they’re harmonizing with the four divine McCrary Sisters on this upbeat, shiny, super positive ditty. It ain’t exactly deep, but the mood is merry.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Hell Yeah”
Writers: Jimi Westbrook/Phillip Sweet/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol
–She’s moved on, but he’s still suffering. Despite the honky-tonks, the drinking, the dancing, the laughter and the apparent good times, he’s in hell emotionally. The jaunty track, embellished with whistling, puts the downbeat message in an upbeat mode. Phillip Sweet’s warm lead vocal is a laconic pleasure. A sonic delight that’s radio ready.

KAT & ALEX / “Yo Quiero Amarte”
Writers: AJ Pruis/Alex Georgia/Kat Georgia; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony
–This is the Spanish-language version of their melodic wedding song “I Want It All.” Both initially spoke Spanish exclusively as the children of Cuban (Kat Luna) and Puerto Rican (Alex Garrido) parents. Their harmonies are delicious. The fastest growing American demographic is Hispanic. If country music is to thrive in the 21st century, it needs to embrace Black and Latin voices, and this couple is fine way to start doing the latter.

CHRIS JANSON / “We Did It Anyway”
Writers: Chris Janson/Dallas Davidson/Ashley Gorley/Chris Stevens; Producers: Zach Crowell/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
–There’s a new video for this track from Chris’ upcoming, abundant, 16-track album All In. The clip illustrates an outdoor party, which is totally in keeping with the message of this frothing, bodacious rocker.

GREYLAN JAMES / “Anything Cold”
Writers: Greylan James/Abram Dean/Jason Massey/Josh Dorr; Producers: Greylan James/Jason Massey; Label: Tunecore
–As a songwriter, James has cuts by Chesney, Blake and the Chris-es—Young and Janson. Here’s the ear-opener: He’s also an ace guitarist, plus he played every instrument on this, his disc debut. The track is a dreamy, electronic swirl. The monotonous lyric, however, goes nowhere.

BRETT YOUNG / “Long Way Home”
Writers: Brett Young/Shay Mooney/Bear Rinehart/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: BMLG
–Brett and his collaborators watched an advance screening of the new Mark Wahlberg movie Father Stu. That inspired the creation of this theme song for the thug-priest story. “Everybody gets to Heaven on a broken road/Some of us gotta take the long way home.” I don’t know about the film, but the song works spectacularly well–well written, well sung and well produced. The bonus is that the toe tapper has something to say.

EASTON CORBIN / “Marry That Girl”
Writers: Easton Corbin/Shane Minor/Wade Kirby/Adam Craig; Producers: Derek George/Wade Kirby; Label: Stone Country
–Corbin returns to solidly county record making with this lilting ballad. Gentle, laid back, sweetly romantic and full of emotional warmth.

LOGAN MIZE & GRACE LEER / “Nothing With You”
Writers: Donovan Woods/Dustin Christensen/Geoff Warburton; Producers: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
–Mize teams up with American Idol alumnus Leer on this romantic outing. They are both wonderful singers, the song is well crafted and the track has a pleasing thump. But they never harmonize, and I don’t hear any real charisma here.

CALLISTA CLARK / “Gave It Back Broken”
Writers: Callista Clark/Emily Shackleton; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine
–This youngster is a terrific vocalist. I still don’t hear what is “country” about her.

PAT GREEN / “Build You a Bar”
Writers: Marshall Altman/Colin Christopher Elmore/Anna Hawthorne Vaus; Producer: Dwight Baker; Label: Empire
–The Texas hero is completely charming on this offbeat romantic caper. Only in country music could you find a lyric this wacky that still makes sense.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Willie Nelson Gives Breathtaking Performance On Newest Release

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Diversity is the name of the game today at DISClaimer.

You’ll find soul singing, gospel energy, country ballads and pop boppers on the menu. Four Black performers and four women are here to defy country music’s white-male dominance.

Stars like Brett Young, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett are mixed with the newer sounds of Karley Scott Collins, Fancy Hagood and our DISCovery Award winner, Jelly Roll.

The Disc of the Day goes to living legend Willie Nelson. If you’d rather give the honor to a different, authentically country Texan, you couldn’t do any better than Wade Bowen.

JELLY ROLL / “Son of a Sinner”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/David Ray Stevens/Jason Deford; Producers: Ilya Toshinskiy/Ernest Keith Smith; Label: Stony Creek/BBR
–Very compelling. He’s gripped by substance abuse, but still has a grasp on righteousness. The vocalist’s hoarse, urgent delivery grips you by the throat while the echoey, suppressed boil in the production creates an emotional undertow. This is magnetic, star-making stuff.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Actin’ Up”
Writers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Label: Sony
–This new track finds our female superstar indulging in some real audio creativity. The spare, loopy track wobbles in echo and twang while she drawls the artfully crafted lyric of rebellion. If this is any indication, her upcoming Palomino album is shaping up to be a monster. Anticipation builds.

FANCY HAGOOD / “Bored”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Alysa Vanderheym; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Concord
–Don’t be put off by the acoustic, underproduced beginning. As the band kicks in, he muses about all the things we do to keep from facing our realities. We might lose our way, but there’s always a way to come back. Nashville has a large recovery community, and this could be its anthem.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Alcohol”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Chris Sligh/Derek Campbell/Paul Wrock; Producer: none listed; Label: TKG
–Finger snaps and bluesy accompaniment are the underpinnings of this groove-soaked, semi-humorous heartbreak tune about numbing your pain with you-know-what. This twin-brother duo from the Blue Grass State continues to impress. Keep it coming, guys, I’ve loved all three tracks I’ve heard so far.

WILLIE NELSON / “Tower of Song”
Writer: Leonard Cohen; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy
–Beautiful and haunting. Cannon’s production is exquisite: A bass thumps softly, an electric guitar twangs gently and Mickey Raphael’s harmonica blows mournfully as the master vocalist unspools this stunning Leonard Cohen ballad. This poetic, breathtaking performance will stop you in your tracks. The album it is drawn from, A Beautiful Time, will be out on April 30, the date of Willie’s 89th birthday.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Tattoos”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Brock Berryhill/Brett James; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony
–Her burlap-and-velvet voice has a deliciously husky quality. This power ballad is punctuated by a searing electric-guitar solo, but it’s her riveting delivery of the scarred-by-love lyric that you’ll remember.

BRELAND & THOMAS RHETT / “Praise the Lord”
Writers: Daniel Breland/David Garcia/Jacob Durrett/Jessie Jo Dillon/Julian Bunetta/Kyle Fishman/Michael Hardy/Rocky Block/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Julian Bunetta/Kyle Fishman/Jacob Durrett; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic/Warner
–Gospel energy abounds here. The burbling, hand-clapping track is a joyous banger, and Breland’s performance bursts with youthful exuberance. Rhett comes in with just as much enthusiasm.

CARL RAY / “Moments Like This”
Writers: Jacky Jack White/Carl Ray; Producer: Greg Cole; Label: Sucarnochee
–Previously noted for his “I Can See Clearly Now” tribute to his Houston mentor Johnny Nash and for his album Play That Country Music Black Boy in 2021, Carl Ray (Williams) offers a poignant ballad here. Steeped in steel guitar, it has a traditional country vibe, yet his performance has an unmistakably modern edge. The sweet, super-positive lyric is about savoring love, family and serenity.

ASHLEY COOKE & BRETT YOUNG / “Never Til Now”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Matt Roy; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Loud
–Wonderfully romantic. This was previously an Ashley solo track, but the addition of Young lifts it into the stratosphere. Their vocal blend is extraordinary. The swirling song could easily find its way into wedding celebrations.

VALERIE JUNE / “Use Me”
Writers: Valerie June/Jennifer Decilveo; Producer: Jennifer Decilveo; Label: Fantasy
–The dreadlocked, genre-defying Valerie June mixes Memphis soul, jaunty pop, New Orleans brass and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” country quotes on this dazzling outing. She earned an Americana Grammy nomination last year, and this sounds like it could be on the same path. Marvelously eclectic.

WADE BOWEN / “Phones Don’t Work”
Writers: Wade Bowen/Aaron Raitiere/Rhett Akins; Producer: Paul Moak; Label: Thirty Tigers
–Here is a steadfast, real-country Texan I’ve always admired. This rolling, yearning track finds him on a quest to find someplace in the great outdoors where she can’t get to him. I got lost in its many pleasures. A perfect performance. Wade’s sold-out showcase last month in Nashville’s Exit/In featured guests Miranda Lambert, Leroy Parnell, Rhett Akins and Charlie Worsham. The rest of you need to get on board, too.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Porch With a View”
Writers: Jake Mitchell/Brent Anderson/Hunter Phelps/Jameson Rodgers; Producers: Jake Mitchell/Chris Farren; Label: Sony
–This track from Jameson’s album Bet You’re From a Small Town is a country boy’s dream of buying a place in the country. As always, he’s as country as grits.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Isaacs Give A Handful Of Hope On ‘Humpty Dumpty Heart’

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It’s a pop-country day here at DISClaimer.

With Maren Morris, The Brethren, Ya’Boyz and CB30 setting the pace, there was plenty of youthful verve in the listening session. And CB30 caps it by winning this week’s DISCovery Award.

That said, there was still some dandy regulation-country listening. Most especially from Chapel Hart, Jake Owen, Drew Parker and our Disc of the Day winners, The Isaacs.

THE BRETHREN / “Staring at Stars”
Writers: Chad Chapin/Lonnie Chapin/Casey Parnell/Corey Parnell/Brian White/Barry Zito; Producer: The Brethren; Label: OneRPM
–Beautifully harmonized and lushly melodic, this bit of pop-country ear candy evokes summer romance and vacation joy. The luxurious, layered production ain’t exactly down home, but it is mighty, mighty pretty.

DONNA FARGO / “One of the Good Guys”
Writers: Donna Fargo; Producer: Stan Silver; Label: PrimaDonna
–Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Donna Fargo is renowned for “Funny Face,” “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” and a string of other hits in the 1970s and 1980s. Her career was a partnership with husband/manager/producer Stan Silver, whom she lost to COVID last year. Donna’s new All Because of You EP contains the songs they were working on at the time of his death. It leads off with this celebration of his love. The tenor-sax riffs in the arrangement add depth to her sweetly sincere, heartfelt delivery.

YA’BOYZ / “Ya’Boyz”
Writers: Zach Kale/Joe Ragosta/Joseph Patton/Nick Zinnanti; Producers: Zach Kale/Joe Ragosta/NCKSZN; Label: MCA/Republic
–This energetic collaboration features High Valley, Filmore, Levi Hummon, Kyle Clark and Jojo Mason. Group members Kale and Ragosta lead the way on a loud, backwoods banger that sports rock percussion, hick-hop vocals and plenty of redneck imagery. Rowdy and fun sounding, if not exactly my cup of tea.

DYLAN SCOTT / “Livin’ My Best Life”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley/Thomas Rhett/Corey Crowder; Producers: Will Weatherly/Matt Alderman/Jim Ed Norman/Curt Gibbs/Mark Holman; Label: Curb
–Considering the quality he previously displayed on “Nobody,” “Can’t Have Mine,” “My Girl,” “Crazy Over Me” and the splendid current rocker “New Truck,” the title tune of Scott’s upcoming album is a bit of a disappointment. The generic production kinda goes in one ear and out the other.

CHAPEL HART / “Made For Me”
Writers: Danica Hart/Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle; Producers: Jack Meile/Brentt Arcement; Label: CH
–This joyous bopper traces the totally talented trio’s journey from Poplarville, Mississippi to New Orleans. From there, these gifted gals made the trip to Music City, where surely country stardom awaits. The hooky song is irresistible. The production is dandy. The vocals are splendid. Chapel Hart rules.

MAREN MORRIS / “Humble Quest”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Maren Morris/Laura Veltz; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Columbia
–The title tune of Morris’s new album is a moody, oblique thumper. It sounds like she continues to aspire to pop stardom.

BRANTLEY GILBERT & JASON ALDEAN / “Rolex on a Redneck”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill/Michael Hardy/Randy Montana/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Brock Berryhill/Brantley Gilbert; Label: Valory
–All the brand-name shout-outs can’t disguise the overwhelming dullness of this tuneless, repetitive outing. I was so bored I practically nodded off.

THE ISAACS / “Humpty Dumpty Heart”
Writers: Sonya Isaacs/Becky Isaacs Bowman/Ronnie Bowman; Producers: Ben Isaacs/Bryan Sutton; Label: House of Isaacs
–These new Grand Ole Opry members sing like angels. With Sonya’s celestial soprano leading the way, the group’s harmonies carry this lilting message along while mandolin, guitar, dobro and bass ripple rhythmically. Heartbroken? Pick yourself up, put the pieces back together and carry on.

HANK WILLIAMS JR. / “.44 Special Blues”
Writers: Robert Johnson; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye Sound
–Bocephus has always been a bluesman at heart, and that is what is celebrated on his upcoming album. Producer Auerbach recorded him live, singing and playing classics as well as new songs. This advance single is as pure and unadulterated as can be.

JAKE OWEN / “Up There Down Here”
Writers: Zach Dyer/Summer Overstreet/Travis Wood; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–The hooky track rolls on relentlessly with a happy thump. Owen drawls the Saturday-night/Sunday-morning lyric with easy-going charm. Absolutely play this.

CB30 / “Don’t Say Goodnight”
Writers: Christian Clementi/Dallas Wilson/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Buena Vista/UMG
–The wafting, boyish, romantic vibe is pleasing, and their twin-like vocal harmony blend is outstanding. The duo’s billing is derived from the brothers’ first names, Christian and Brody (Clementi), plus the fact that they were both born on the 30th day of the month (May 30, 2001 and March 30, 2004, respectively).

DREW PARKER / “Raised Up Right”
Writers: Drew Parker/Matt Jenkins/Ben Hayslip; Producers: Phil O’Donnell/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–Frequent Luke Combs songwriting collaborator Drew Parker has also been making waves as a record maker. His engaging, country boy tenor drawl is warm and endearing on this earthy, positive ditty. He sounds like he’d be a pleasure to have a beer with.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Nate Smith & Tenille Townes Take The Cake With Stunning Duet

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This is Collaboration Day here at DISClaimer.

Today’s review stack is replete with match-ups—Blackberry Smoke with Jamey Johnson, The Gatlins meeting Flat River Band, The Bellamys discovering Charles J. & The Conquistadors and Nate Smith dueting with Tenille Townes. From those ranks come two of our award winners.

The Disc of the Day field was so competitive that I split the award in three. The Male performance honor goes to the electrifying Kip Moore. The Female prize goes to the dazzling stylist Danielle Bradbery. The Duo/Group winners are the afore-mentioned and totally superb Nate Smith & Tenille Townes.

There’s no crowd contending for this week’s DISCovery Award. The Latin-country combo Charles J. & The Conquistadors have it all to themselves.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Boys Back Home”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producers: Hailey Whitters/Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud
–Superbly written, as usual. This pure-country lady has had my heart for a long time. On this anthem-like jewel, she praises the everyday guys in her hometown who grow from wild young bucks into dependable men who’ll, “Pull you out of a ditch or a bar.” The stirring production supports her sturdy hillbilly soprano at every turn. This one’s a keeper.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “Joy of My Life”
Writer: John Fogerty; Producers: Dave Cobb/Chris Stapleton; Label: Mercury
–This ultra-romantic ballad is shot through with Stapleton’s searing soul singing. Simple acoustic-guitar, brushed drums and plucked bass softly frame his performance. Rising out of the audio mist is a ghostly, echoey electric-guitar solo. Lovely work.

ELLE KING / “Out Yonder”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Ella Langley/Matt Mckinney; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony
–Yowza! Her chesty, throaty delivery has charisma to spare. The pounding, twang-fest production gives her warning to the guys extra moxie. Stompin’ and righteous.

KIP MOORE / “Crazy One More Time”
Writers: Kip Moore/Chris Lindsey/Aimee Mayo; Producers: Kip Moore/Matt Bubel; Label: MCA
–This man’s musical instincts are just about flawless. This slab of country-rock thumps ya right in the gut. His gripping singing sends chills up and down the spine while the band kicks ass with finesse. Blue-collar brilliance.

MADELINE EDWARDS / “Port City”
Writers: Madeline Edwards/Court Clement/Josh Moore; Producers: none listed; Label: ME
–She memorably staged her national TV debut with Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer on the CMA Awards, and I’ve been waiting for a breakout single ever since. This could be it, a thoughtful, swirling, orchestrated ballad about taking a leap of faith and following your dreams. Captivating.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Ghost Story”
Writers: David Garcia/Josh Kear/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol
–The ear-catching, burbling country-pop production flows like a rushing stream beneath her penetrating, processed vocal. She vows to haunt her ex, troubling his sleep and making him wish he’d never left her. Hit bound, for certain.

NATE SMITH & TENILLE TOWNES / “I Don’t Wanna Go to Heaven”
Writers: Nate Smith/Daniel Fernandez; Producers: Nate Smith/Joel Bruyere; Label: Sony
–In a word, “Wow.” There’s nothing I love better than a harmony-soaked country duet, and these two toss vocal lightning bolts in this thrilling performance. Beautiful. Awesome. Amazing. The song has at least two other versions, one with Nate singing solo and one with a choir backing. But the presence of two excellent singers matching one another note-for-note means this version takes the cake.

FLAT RIVER BAND & THE GATLIN BROTHERS / “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love”
Writer: Larry Gatlin; Producers: none listed; Label: Early Bird
–It’s a brother-singing confabulation as Chad, Dennijo & Andy Sitze (Flat River) meet Larry, Rudy & Steve Gatlin on this fantastic revival of The Gatlins’ 1978 chart topper. Tune up your harmony chops and sing along.

CHARLES J. & THE CONQUISTADORS WITH THE BELLAMY BROTHERS / “Like She’s Not Yours”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producers: Charles J. Jones/Angel Duran; Label: CJJ
–Mariachi trumpets, deep-twang guitar, Latin rhythm, steel guitar and hearty harmony vocals are the ingredients in this audio delight. Hooky in the extreme. Get on board. Lead singer Charles J. previously charted as “JC Jones” on Rising Tide in ’98.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE & JAMEY JOHNSON / “Lonesome For a Livin’”
Writer: Charles Gray; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Legged/Thirty Tigers
–It’s a straight-ahead honky tonker, at least until Jamey’s fiery voice enters the mix. Then it becomes something extraordinary. He’s a mighty man, and I jumped for joy when Bill Anderson invited him to become a member of the Opry cast last weekend. So cool, so deserved, so real, so right.

FILMORE / “Johnny Got a Girl”
Writers: Filmore/Jordan Schmidt/Geoff Warburton/Kyle Clark; Producers: Zach Abend/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Curb
–This guy is in the midst of a release barrage where he’s been dropping one song per week all spring long. It started with this catchy toe tapper, a cleverly written lament for a buddy who’s gone M.I.A. from the old gang because he fell in love with a beautiful babe. I remain a huge fan of this always-engaging artist.

DANIELLE BRADBERY / “Look at the Mess I’m In”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Caitlyn Smith/Troy Verges; Producers: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine
–What a terrific vocal. This range-y ballad takes some hairpin turns and challenges the upper register. But Bradbery takes every tricky note in stride, turning in one of the finest performances of her career to date. The power ballad is unusual in its lyric of self-recrimination and blame for wrecking her own life. This is a very groovy single. Play and be swept away.