DISClaimer Single Reviews: Thomas Rhett Shows The Best Of Country Music With Newest Release

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Country music is alive and well.

This week in DISClaimer we have proof of that in the sounds of Joshua Hedley, Kane Brown, Randall King, Restless Road and Jimmie Allen. The Disc of the Day is also a country monument, “Death Row,” co-written by Thomas Rhett and beautifully recorded with Russell Dickerson and Tyler Hubbard.

Also flying the country flag high are the oldie remakes by Layla Tucker and Cody Belew, who share the DISCovery Award.

CAITLYN SMITH / “Downtown Baby”
Writers: Simon Wilcox/Caitlyn Smith/Gordie Sampson/Thomas Salter; Producer: Caitlyn Smith; Label: Monument
–Catchy country-pop with a chiming chorus, a steady rhythm and an ear-catching vocal. She wants out of suburbia and back into the swing of things in the urban core. Highly engaging.

JIMMIE ALLEN / “Down Home”
Writers: Jimmie Allen/Cameron Bedell/Rian Ball/Tate Howell; Producers: Ash Bowers/Jimmie Allen; Label: Stony Creek/BBR
–Written for and addressed to his late father, this power ballad exudes sincerity. Sung with heart. Loss and grief are universal emotions, and Allen’s song is a pathway beyond them to love and acceptance.

RANDALL KING / “Shot Glass”
Writers: Tony Lane/Brett James; Producers: Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Warner
–This fellow is one of my favorite neo-traditionalists. The title tune of his new album showcases his warm baritone in a brilliant barroom ballad embellished by fiddle and steel. Make this man a star.

MAREN MORRIS / “Nervous”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Maren Morris/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Sony
–Dark and plodding, featuring her hollering while smothered in a rock production. I lost interest quickly.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Growing Old With You”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: RCA
–Heart melting. This beautiful ballad expressing timeless and true love belongs on every wedding playlist. This trio has something special going on.

KANE BROWN / “Leave You Alone”
Writers: Jordan Minton/Jordan Schmidt/Kane Brown; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA
–This love ballad gives him plenty of space to show what an expressive singer he is. I could have done without the shrieking electric-guitar solo.

LAYLA TUCKER / “Misery and Gin”
Writers: John Robert Durrell/Snuff Garrett; Producers: Keith Thomas/Jim Zumwalt/Joe McEwen; Label: LT
–Tanya’s daughter reminds us of what great country music sounds like with this terrific performance of Merle Haggard’s bluesy roadhouse classic. The 1980 song remains a masterpiece, and she sings it with emotional precision. Star-making stuff.

THOMAS RHETT, TYLER HUBBARD & RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Death Row”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Ashley Gorley/Zack Crowell; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
–Extraordinary. This is country music at its very best, speaking truth and touching the soul. Inspired by the three singers’ prison visit, the song finds humanity, empathy and forgiveness in those who are doomed. Each of the three takes a verse, and all of them soar. Essential listening.

MONTE WARDEN / “Love Is Undefeated”
Writers: Monte Warden/Brandi Warden; Producer: Brandi Warden; Label: Moonkiss
–The Wagoneers man gets tender and gentle on this stripped-down, acoustic effort. The ballad expresses the ultimate survival of man’s essential goodness while strings sigh and a guitar strums. Very pretty.

KATHY MATTEA / “Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)”
Writers: Anthony LoGerfo/Corey McCormick/Logan Metz/Lukas Nelson/Tato Melgar; Producers: Kethy Mattea/Jon Vezner; Label: Captain Potato
–Mattea plucked this song from the repertoire of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. It’s a gently persuasive invitation to build trust and unity in these divisive times. Her lilting vocal is backed by sympathetic harmonica and keyboard work. Mattea is the new host of NPR’s Mountain Stage series, and this performance is drawn from one of those broadcasts.

CODY BELEW / “Here You Come Again”
Writers: Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil; Producer: Dustin Ransom; Label: Visionary Media Group
–This guy is a for-real singer, for sure. He completely reinterprets this 1977 Dolly hit, transforming it from a bouncy ditty into a cry of romantic anguish. His only accompaniment is a pianist, but his dramatic performance is so gripping that it needs nothing else. Belew is in the midst of a series of showcases at The Lipstick Lounge on Woodland Street, performing there once a month. March’s date is the 19th, and he’ll appear again at the venue on April 16.

JOSHUA HEDLEY / ”Broke Again”
Writers: Joshua Hedley/Skylar Wilson; Producers: Skylar Wilson/Jordan Lehning; Label: New West
–It’s a rollicking twang fest with loads of hooks, plenty of energy and mounds of hillbilly attitude. The workingman lyric is a dandy, and the band cooks with gas. Neo-traditionalist Hedley celebrates the release of his Neon Blue album with an April 20 show at the groovy new Eastside Bowl. Get yer tix now.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Country Music Delivers A Crop Of Strong Ballads

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Drew Green. Photo: Angelea Presti

It’s country-ballad day here at DISClaimer.

Whether singing the blues or celebrating romance, the country stars are taking it slow and easy this week. Dylan Scott, Jon Langston, Kat & Alex, Dolly Parton, Yola and Jenny Tolman are all in peak performance on new ballad releases.

The Disc of the Day is also a ballad: Drew Green’s ode to fatherhood is exquisitely produced and packed with meaning.

Our DISCovery Award winner is Alex Miller, who is most definitely keeping it country.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “The Neon”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Lori McKenna/Rodney Clawson; Producers: Hailey Whitters/Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud
–Barroom heartbreak, set to a rumbling beat, keening fiddle and churning guitars. As usual, she sings like a hillbilly angel. “Everything She Ain’t” remains the single, and this extra advance track has me chomping at the bit to hear the rest of her new collection, Raised, which drops on March 18.

JON LANGSTON / “Back Words”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Michael Hardy/Jon Nite; Producer: Jody Stevens; Label: EMI/32 Bridge
–He shines blazingly bright as a vocalist on this oomphy, echoey ballad of regret. She’s gone, and he can’t take back the words that drove her away. This consistently excellent record maker is turning into one of our steadfast dependables.

DOLLY PARTON / “Blue Bonnet Breeze”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producers: Richard Dennison/Tom Rutledge; Label: Butterfly/UMG
–One of our most masterful storytellers presents a doomed-lovers ballad that floats gently on a bed of strings. Dolly harmonizes with herself as she unspools the tale of a rich boy and poor girl who run away together in his truck, but crash because they’re speeding too fast. This is the second single from her latest album. Look for this mega talent in media everywhere as she launches Run, Rose, Run as both her LP/CD and novel (co-written with James Patterson) next week.

MICHAEL RAY / “Holy Water”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner
–It’s a dramatic, minor-key story song about a preacher with a side hustle selling moonshine. The verses pack a punch with haunting electric-guitar punctuations. The choruses are over produced. But the whole thing works brilliantly.

YOLA / “Starlight”
Writers: Yola/Dan Auerbach/Bobby Wood; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye Sound
–This standout track from Yola’s excellent Stand For Myself album has a throbbing, steady groove. Strings and high, keening electric guitar work softly support her soul-ballad vocal. The Americana queen begins a two-night stand at The Ryman Auditorium tonight (March 3).

MORGAN WALLEN / “Wasted on You”
Writers: Josh Thompson/Ernest Smith/Morgan Wallen/Ryan Votjesak; Producers: Joey Moi/Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud
–Whiskey and prayers, time and money were all for naught, laments this honky-tonk heartache ditty. As usual, he sings with sincerity and believability.

JON PARDI / “Last Night Lonely”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Joe Fox/Dylan Marlowe; Producers: Jon Pardi/Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Capitol
–Country all the way, delivered with a charming drawl, toe-tapping rhythm and some dandy fiddle-and-guitar accompaniment. Hit bound.

DREW GREEN / “Good Ol’ Man”
Writers: Drew Green/Josh Miller/Leo Starr/Mark Trussell; Producer: Mark Trussell; Label: Sony
–He’s gonna straighten up his act now that he’s a dad. The simple piano notes, synth beats and loops have a nicely hypnotic effect. His voice is bathed in echo and layered background witnessing. Audio creativity abounds, and the ballad’s message is cool: “Makin’ a man outta him/Is makin’ a man outta me.” I got beautifully lost in this one.

JENNY TOLMAN / “Afraid”
Writer: Jenny Tolman; Producer: Dave Brainard; Label: JT
–Ms. Tolman celebrated the release of her new Married In a Honky-Tonk album on Monday (Feb. 28). This eloquent, vulnerable ballad explores the courage it takes to fall fully in love. Strings swirl around her lovely delivery while guitars pluck delicately. A beautiful performance, illustrating all over again how fabulous she is.

DYLAN SCOTT / “Can’t Have Mine”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Matt Alderman/Josh Melton/Dallas Wilson; Producer: Matt Alderman; Label: Curb
–His advice to boys is to find a woman to love, but don’t go looking in the direction of Mrs. Scott. This romantic acoustic ballad blew up on TikTok even before its official release.

ALEX MILLER / “Through With You”
Writers: Alex Miller/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam
–This American Idol alum goes totally “old school” on this heartache tune. Echoes of Randy Travis and Keith Whitley waft through the steel-embellished lament. Miller’s dips into his deep baritone range are ear catching, and the song is hooky as the dickens.

KAT & ALEX / “I Want It All”
Writers: AJ Pruis/Alex Georgia/Kat Georgia; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony
–The love song is a wedding anthem in waiting. Driving the power ballad are the twin voices of this couple, who sing in flawless, note-perfect harmony. Highly engaging.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tiera Kennedy Shows The Steamy Side Of Country

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DISClaimer salutes Black History Month this week, because country music is having a historic moment.

Since the dawn of the 2020s, more than 50 African-American country artists have staged their debuts. Inspired by the breakthroughs of Jimmie Allen, Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton, Breland and Blanco Brown, a torrent of Black talent has surged into the format, with such artists as Brittney Spencer, Chapel Hart, Charley Crockett, Miko Marks and the Black Opry acts garnering significant media attention.

The Disc of the Day in today’s Black-country survey belongs to Big Machine’s Tiera Kennedy, with indie artist Dalton Dover running a close second.

The DISCovery Award is also a two-way race, with Coffey Anderson edging out Karen McCormick for the honor.

COFFEY ANDERSON / “Good To You”
Writers: Seth Ennis/Will Weatherly/John Pierce; Producers: Coffey Anderson/Ilya Toshinsky/Jordan Omley; Label: Riser House
– This good-time banger sports a sawing fiddle and a steady, head-bobbing beat. He has a jaunty, good-buddy delivery that’s quite winning. The sing-along song has loads of cute lines: “You’re always gonna be too good for me / And I’ll always be good to you.” “I would treat you like a lady / Like a brand-new Mercedes.” A winner.

DANIELIA COTTON / “Roll On Mississippi”
Writers: Rhonda Fleming/Dennis Morgan; Producer: none listed; Label: Cottontown
– Cotton has forceful, striking delivery that brings a pop-rock edge to this 1981 Charley Pride classic. She should have lowered the key, because she screeches way off key on the high notes.

JIMMIE ALLEN, CHARLEY PRIDE & DARIUS RUCKER / “Why Things Happen”
Writers: Brandon Day/Cary Barlowe/Jimmie Allen/Tate Howell; Producer: Ash Bowers/Jimmie Allen; Label: Stoney Creek
– Jimmie Allen currently sits at No. 1 on the country charts with pal Brad Paisley on “Freedom Was a Highway.” You’ll find it on his CD Bettie James: Gold Edition, which is loaded with cool collaborations. This track contemplates the mysteries of life and fate in a swirling production that’s also a “summit meeting” of Black-country greats. Earlier this month, the shooting star took time out to participate in a program called CreatiVets, which uses songwriting to aid veterans suffering from PTSD. By the way, Jimmie Allen is also one of our finest contemporary country showmen. If you haven’t seen him live, do so.

MICKEY GUYTON / “The Star Spangled Banner”
Writer: Francis Scott Key; Producer: N/A; Label: N/A
– This woman proved she is a STAR with this performance at last week’s Super Bowl. Social media sites blew up in its aftermath, and its YouTube video already has 1,182,673 views. Make that 1,182,674 views, because I just watched it again. Wow.

DWAYNE McMILLAN / “Find a Good Woman”
Writers: Dwayne McMillan; Producer: none listed; Label: AIK
– It is soaked with steel guitar, which is a good thing. It is painfully slow and draggy, which is not. The Atlanta soulman sings with sincerity, which is cool. The song lacks hooks, which isn’t.

DALTON DOVER / “Baby I Am”
Writers: Jason Gantt/Dan Isbell/Nate Smith; Producer: Matt McVaney; Label: Droptime
– I liked his debut single quite a bit, and this follow-up is just as impressive. The power ballad is a fervent declaration of True Love, and Dover sings the fire out of it. He’s small-town Georgia man who has found himself a big-city wedding anthem. Very uplifting.

CHIYANTI / “Big Ole Wagon”
Writers: Chiyanti Aiken-Brown; Producer: Chiyanti; Label: DistroKid
– Is “country twerk” a thing? This is a catchy hip-hop loop backed by a fiddler playing “Jaunty Alouetta” and “Old McDonald.” The lyric of the daffy dance tune praises gals with big butts.

THE PAULA BOGGS BAND & DOM FLEMONS / “King Brewster”
Writers: Paula Elaine Boggs; Producer: Martine Tucker; Label: PBB
– This Seattle combo dubs its sound “soulgrass,” since it combines bluegrass and Americana idioms. This track is a story song telling of Paula’s enslaved ancestor in Alabama and his journey through the post-bellum Jim Crow South. Flemons, a veteran of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, shares lead vocals. It’s kinda wordy, but could find favor on folk playlists.

MIKO MARKS / “Goodnight America”
Writers: Justin Phipps; Producer: none listed; Label: Redtone
– Miko Marks issued country albums in 2005 and 2007. After more than a decade out of the spotlight, she returned in 2021 with two new collections, Our Country and Race Records. The lyrics of this song are based on the sermon that Martin Luther King Jr. was working on when he was assassinated in 1968. Backed by rippling acoustic guitars, Marks gives it a terrific reading, shaded with deep alto notes and passionate political urgency. She remains a spectacular country voice, here with something to say.

TIERA KENNEDY / “Gentleman”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Emily Landis/Tiera Leftwich; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: Big Machine
– This rhythmic slow jam is totally steamy. Tonight, she might not be ladylike, so he doesn’t have to be a gentleman when he comes over and turns out the lights. Country gets sexy.

KAREN McCORMICK / “Summer Lover”
Writers: Karen McCormick/Dana Marie Rogers; Producer: Evan Sieling; Label: KM
– Born in Brazzaville, Congo and raised in Washington State, this singer-songwriter staged her country debut with “Retro” in 2020. She has now followed it with this lovely, ultra-romantic ballad. Sung in a breathy sigh with hidden power, it’s very much in a pop-country mode, somewhat akin to Faith Hill’s work.

LATHAN WARLICK / “It’s OK to Cry”
Writers: Blake Hubbard/Jarrod Ingram/Lathan Warlick/Marc Peuschl; Producer: The720; Label: Records/Columbia
– This Tennessee native is nominally a Christian rapper, but he collaborates with Lauren Alaina, Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and other country acts on his My Way EP. The message to men that tears are healing is a good one. But this track is still way more hip-hop than honky-tonk. Pass.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ronnie Dunn Delivers Modern-Day Honky-Tonk Mastery

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There’s a lot of country tradition in this week’s DISClaimer.

We have western swing, courtesy of Brennen Leigh & Asleep a the Wheel. We have the enduring artistry of living legend Willie Nelson. We have a stunning bluegrass performance by the always-great Darin & Brooke Aldridge. Here, too, is Country Music and Songwriters Hall of Fame member Don Schlitz. Also along for the ride are such neo-traditionalists as Chris Janson and Dustin Lynch.

Representing the honk-tonk side of town, I give you our Disc of the Day winner, Ronnie Dunn.

And bringing the outlaw tradition up to date is DISCovery Award winner Jackson Dean.

Yee Haw!

SEAN STEMALY / “Can’t Be Me”
Writers: Sean Stemaly/John Byron; Producers: Joey Moi/Derek Wells; Label: Big Loud
–She’s a California gal, and he’s a redneck. She has to accept him like he is if she envisions marriage. Funny, he doesn’t see himself changing one tiny bit to adapt to her. My advice to her is to ditch the self-centered dude pronto.

CHRIS JANSON / “Cold Beer Truth”
Writers: Chris Janson/Brad Clawson/Mitch Oglesby/Rob Pennington; Producers: Brad Clawson/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
–“Bye Mom” is still the single, but if tempo is what you crave, this new track/video will get yer toes tapping. The Dixie-fried, dirt-road lyrics are Country with a capital “C.”

DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE / “Grand Ole Circle”
Writers: Darin Aldridge/Brooke Aldridge/Bill Whyte; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
–Awesome. Brooke is one of country’s greatest current female singers, and her delivery of this lovely ode to the Opry is a precious jewel. The rippling bluegrass accompaniment and Darin’s flawless tenor harmony voice are just a couple of the many audio delights that make this track such a complete joy to hear. The video features a collage of the show’s legends who inspire “dreamers like us to stand in” the circle “where the chosen get to sing,” as the lyric puts it.

THOMAS RHETT / “Us Someday”
Writers: Amy Wadge/Rhett Akins/Thomas Rhett/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Dan Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
–I am nuts about “Slow Down Summer,” so of course I was itching to hear more from Rhett’s forthcoming album. This advance track does not disappoint. The gently loping rhythm, the wafting “whoa-oh” backing vocals and the star’s sincere delivery combine to make this another listening delight. It sounds to me like this fellow is hitting new heights as a record maker.

AARON RAITIERE / “For the Birds”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Miranda Lambert/Anderson East; Label: Dinner Time
–Perhaps best known for co-writing the Oscar-winning Lady Gaga “I’ll Never Love Again” from A Star Is Born, this Nashville tunesmith also has cuts by Maren Morris, the Oaks, Shooter Jennings, Brent Cob, Midland, Hayes Carll and others. His homespun vocal, the funky-folkie track and a wry attitude are the hallmarks of this delightful track. If you need a smile today, here it is. Catch Aaron at The Basement on Monday night (Feb. 21)

WILLIE NELSON / “I’ll Love You Till the Day I Die”
Writers: Rodney Crowell/Chris Stapleton; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy
–Lovely and lilting, this beautifully produced performance shimmers with steel guitar, acoustic piano, gently strummed chords, harmonica and Willie’s own distinctive guitar picking. Riding above it all is his steady and sure voice, an instrument that sounds as warm as a well-worn blanket. And check out that songwriting credit. Need I say more?

BRENNEN LEIGH & ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL / “If Tommy Duncan’s Voice Was Booze”
Writers: Brennen Leigh/Paul Kramer; Producer: none listed; Label: Signature Sounds
–This sways with a limber jazzbo gait. Western swing kings Asleep at the Wheel lay down the steel, piano and fiddle toodlee-doos while Brennen sings the praises of Duncan, the legendary voice of Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys. Kinda tipsy and kinda cool.

DUSTIN LYNCH / “Party Mode”
Writers: Matt McGinn/Jared Keim/Jerry Flowers/Roman Alexander/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow
–In a word, odd. Despite the lyric, it doesn’t sound like much fun at all.

JOSHUA RAY WALKER / “Sexy After Dark”
Writers: Joshua Ray Walker; Producer: John Pedigo; Label: State Fair
–This unusual stylist is on a roll. He recently landed a gig on Jimmy Fallon, and he’s set to make his Opry debut in April. His hard-hitting, high hillbilly tenor is backed here by a horn-punctuated R&B track. Different and ear catching.

RONNIE DUNN / “Broken Neon Hearts”
Writers: Ronnie Dunn/Thomas Perkins/Matt Willis; Producer: Ronnie Dunn; Label: RD
–I’ll never stop being a fan of this extraordinary vocalist. No one, but no one, can deliver a barroom song like this man, and this one’s a dandy. Modern-day honky-tonk mastery on the hoof.

JACKSON DEAN / “Don’t Come Lookin’”
Writers: Luke Dick/Jackson Dean; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Big Machine
–I love these escape-to-the-open-road songs. This one has a churning, burning backing track that seethes with outlaw energy. His throaty voice has real charisma. This could be a star-is-born moment.

DON SCHLITZ / “Mountaintop”
Writer: Don Schlitz; Producers: Adam Engelhardt/Glen Duncan; Label: EMG
–The title tune of this Country Music Hall of Fame member’s new CD sports a lively, bluegrass track and a tongue-tripping vocal that is packed with clever observation. The seekers of the meaning of life bring lotsa gifts and goodies to the man on the mountaintop, which makes that a pretty good gig. A grin and a half. The set also includes Don’s versions of such hits he’s written as “I Won’t Take Less Than Your Love,” “Deeper Than the Holler,” “Not Too Much to Ask” and “The Gambler.” Speaking of which, Don is featured on Mondays on Circle TV as it airs weekly Gambler movies this month. Also tune in when he hits the Opry stage on March 8.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tracy Lawrence Serves Up A Helping Of Classic Country

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Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Jon-Paul Bruno

It’s in with the new and in with the old today in DISClaimer.

I’m pleased to report that we have a trio of fine first-timers in the column—Karley Scott Collins, Sacha and our DISCovery Award winner, Stefanie Joyce.

At the same time, we have dandy new music from three veterans—Jeannie Seely, Deborah Allen and our Disc of the Day awardee, Tracy Lawrence.

Spin ‘em all.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Whatever You’re Up For”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Chris Sligh/Derek Campbell/Paul Wrock/Ty March; Producers: Chris Sligh/Matt McClure; Label: KG
–I was quite taken with these twins (Derek & Brandon Campbell) when I reviewed their infectious disc debut last year. They’re back with a sexy, good-time come-on that is ready for any country dance floor. This jam is star-making stuff.

TRACY LAWRENCE / “Don’t Drink Whiskey”
Writers: Cassidy Lynn Alexander/Conner Lawrence Sweet/Marla Cannon-Goodman; Producers: Tracy Lawrence/Julian King; Label: TL
–Classic country. This is honky-tonk heartache at its finest, and Tracy’s singing has never sounded more accomplished. Thank goodness someone is still making music like this; it’s what made this genre great.

BLANE HOWARD / “Boot N’ Rally”
Writers: Blane Howard/Keesy Timmer; Producers: John Shaw/Blane Howard; Label: BH
–It’s one of them rock ‘em, sock ‘em thangs with screaming electric guitar and pounding rhythm. The ditty is aided considerably by a cleverly written lyric.

MAREN MORRIS / “Background Music”
Writers: Maren Morris/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Sony
–Her voice emerges from a deep well of echo with only the barest accompaniment. As the ballad progresses, the production adds layers and her singing increases in intensity. Fascinating, ear catching, magnetic.

SACHA / “We Did”
Writers: Brad Rempel/Ben Stennis; Producer: Gavin Slate; Label: Starseed
–This Canadian is on all kinds of artist-to-watch lists. I can certainly hear why. Her dazzling, bopping country rocker is produced like there’s no tomorrow. Her singing has all the verve, joy and delirium of young love. The twirling, swirling sound is utterly celestial. Make her a star.

KASSI ASHTON / “Dates in Pickup Trucks”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/David Garcia/Luke Laird; Producers: Luke Laird/Dave Garcia/Kassi Ashton; Label: MCA/Interscope
–Her quasi-spoken singing has more than a hint of R&B, and vibe here is distinctly hip-hop. In what sense is this record “country” music?”

JEANNIE SEELY / “So Far So Good”
Writers: Penn Pennington/Mitch Ballard; Producer: Don Cusic; Label: Curb
–Delightful. It’s a lively western swinger with scampering piano, twin fiddles and flawless background harmonies by The Whites (Sharon & Cheryl). It left me grinning from ear to ear.

LEVI HUMMON / “Bottled Up”
Writers: Levi Hummon/Mason Thornley/Grant Vogelfanger; Producer: Eric Arjes; Label: Reservoir
–Second-generation country guy Levi is the son of mega-hit writer Marcus Hummon (who recently debuted an opera in Music City). This track from his forthcoming EP is a well-written tune about the repressed emotions of a broken-hearted dude on a barstool. Catchy and commercial.

CHRIS LANE / “Howdy”
Writers: John Byron/Sam Ellis/Blake Pendergrass; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–Breezy and easy going. His plain-spoken, relaxed delivery sidles up next to you in an instantly-familiar way while the track twangs and thumps in a lulling pattern around him. Gently endearing.

STEFANIE JOYCE/ “Idle Hands”
Writer: Stefanie Joyce; Producer: Kyle Manner; Label: Avalon
–The funky, backbeat production is uber cool. Her drawling vocal is an arrow of truth. The guitar-groove melody is solid and hooky. Best of all, the lyric is a brilliantly fashioned plea for salvation from pills and booze. This is an extraordinary disc debut. I can’t wait to hear what else this singer-songwriter has in her arsenal.

DEBORAH ALLEN / “Blue Collar Baby”
Writers: Deborah Allen/Margaret Phillips; Producer: Deborah Allen; Label: DA
–This romping retro-rockabilly rave up is a rollicking audio party, complete with stuttering guitar, piano plunking and non-stop rhythm.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Heavenly”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Champan; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony
–Her burlap-and-velvet vocal tone is enchanting. The song is a regulation positive love tune, but she makes it sound like something exceptional. Promising. Send more.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Eddie Montgomery, Tanya Tucker Lead Week Full Of Strong Releases

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Eddie Montgomery. Photo: Michael Gomez

Today, we shower country record makers with a plethora of praises.

The award for Best Drinking Song goes to Adam Doleac. The honor for Best Comeback belongs to Pat Green. The Best Performance By a Superstar salute goes to Kenny Chesney. Best Production is Caitlyn Smith. Best Song is Tom Douglas. Elvie Shane gets the Best Rocker prize. Rayne Johnson wins the Best Topical Record award.

Returning to our traditional DISClaimer honors, the Disc of the Day goes to Eddie Montgomery & Tanya Tucker for their fiery duet. Happy listening.

CAITLYN SMITH / “High”
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Miley Cyrus/Jennifer Erin Decilveo; Producer: Caitlyn Smith; Label: Monument
–Her earth-shaking vocal performance is backed by booming percussion, dancing fiddle and a celestial choir. Originally recorded by Miley on her Plastic Hearts CD, Smith reclaims the song by self-producing this whisper-to-scream epic. The definition of power ballad, this single confirms the widely admired songwriter’s status as a first-rate record maker. This gal has the goods in every department.

MORGAN WADE / “Run”
Writers: Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden; Producer: Sadler Vaden; Label: Sony
–A repeated guitar figure and steady-state percussion hypnotize you. Then she lays on the drama of escaping from a bad relationship and finding freedom. Her hurtin’ vocal is an emotional bullseye. I remain a fan.

ELVIE SHANE / “County Roads”
Writers: Dan Couch/Elvie Shane/Oscar Charles; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Wheelhouse/BBR
–Elvie bites off a piece of snarling country rock, chews it well and sends it south. It’s about growing up wild and restless, learning about life and love on the streets. The pounding track will have you pumping your fist in the air, and his vocal performance will have you shouting, “Amen!” If this ain’t a smash, there’s no justice.

EDDIE MONTGOMERY & TANYA TUCKER / “Higher”
Writers: Jim “Moose” Brown/David Wade/Shane Grove/Erik Michael Westfall; Producers: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Label: Average Joes
–These two strike twin vocal matches and burn this duet to the ground. It sounds like neither one held anything back as they created this romantic inferno. Fierce and forceful from start to finish. Applause, applause, applause.

RAYNE JOHNSON / “Who-Dey Nation”
Writers: Eliot Sloan/Joe Jordan/Ronnie Vaughn/Kevin Fox/Michael Star/Greg Jackson; Producers: Mark Liggett/Jerry Lane/Ronnie Vaughn; Label: Mountain Road/Verge
–It’s official: The Bengals now have a bona fide anthem. It’s a smashing, crashing fusion of rock guitars, hip-hop beats and hillbilly sass. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I know where my heart is gonna be on Super Bowl Sunday. Rock on, Rayne.

BRANTLEY GILBERT / “How to Talk to Girls”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill/Brian Wayne Davis/Brandon Day/Chase McGill/Josh Phillips/Michael Ray/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Brock Berryhill/Brantley Gilbert; Label: Valory
–Very nice. This artist has always excelled at the softer ballads, and this one is a pip. He knows how to ask for dates and how to use a good bar pick-up line. But when it comes down to the serious moment of asking her to be his bride, he’s tongue tied. And when it comes to talking to his daughter, he’s at a loss for words.

PAT GREEN / “Miles and Miles of You”
Writers: Jon Randall/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Label: Empire
–Finally! This million-selling Texas fave hasn’t issued a new collection since 2015. Here’s the title tune of his comeback album, a gorgeous romantic ballad with wave-on-wave of echoey atmosphere and liquid ripples of mandolin. A welcome return.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Everyone She Knows”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Ross Copperman/Josh Osborne; Producers: Kenny Chesney/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner
–A steady thump and ringing guitars lead you into this toe-tapping ode of female independence. “She’s stuck between being 17 and everyone she knows.” This gal wants nothing to do with marriage, babies, sobriety and settling down. She enjoys the freedom of being single on Saturday night, even though the boys bore her and the men are too old. A portrait of a character you’re bound to love, sung by a master storyteller.

ADAM DOLEAC / “Drinkin’ It Wrong”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Cary Barlowe/Jordan Schmidt; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Arista
–This is a boatload of fun. The rump-shaking percussion and scampering banjo let you know you’re in for a good time on this rollicking rocker. If you’re still thinking about your worries and your work, you’re drinkin’ it wrong sez this hearty-sounding merry maker. The party anthem is a delightful change of pace for the newcomer.

IAN MUNSICK & CODY JOHNSON / “Long Live Cowgirls”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Aby Guitierrez/Phil O’Donnell; Producers: Ian Munsick/Jared Conrad; Label: Warner
–It’s a slow waltz with weaving fiddles and a languid mood. The singers swap verses in praise of the brave ladies of the west. Gently persuasive.

TOM DOUGLAS / “Van Gogh”
Writers: Tom Douglas/Allen Shamblin; Producers: Andy Skib/Alyson McAnally; Label: Monument
–This track teases a documentary titled Love, Tom that will start streaming on Paramount+ on Feb. 24. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member is joined on its soundtrack album by some of the folks who have made his works come to life (Miranda, Tim, Collin, Lady A, Chris Janson). But he’s singing solo here. Accompanied by sighing harmonica, he advises courage in the face of adversity. When you pour your heart into your work and they reject you, persevere. Soul piercing, touching and true.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Americana Releases Bring Warmth To Cold Nashville Winter

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Keb’ Mo’. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

The winter wind is chilling, but the sounds of Americana are warm indeed.

This week’s overview of the genre’s current music boasts the star power of Rodney Crowell & Lisa Morales, John Hiatt & Jerry Douglas, Old Crow Medicine Show and Jackson Browne.

Towering above ‘em all is Disc of the Day winner Keb’ Mo,’ an artist who never fails to impress.

The DISCovery Award this week goes to Sarah White of Richmond, Virginia.

JOHN HIATT WITH THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND / “All the Lilacs in Ohio”
Writer: John Hiatt; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: New West
–The album is titled Leftover Feelings, but there is nothing “leftover” sounding about it. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hiatt unfurls yet another stunning set of his creations on this current collection. We generally think of him as a rocker, but with dobro master Douglas and his band “singing along” with their instruments, Hiatt touches the soul with aching ballads and, in this case, a lively bluegrassy pop outing with a bleak, lost-love lyric. This disc is presently nominated for a Grammy as the Americana Album of the Year.

LISA MORALES & RODNEY CROWELL / “Flyin’ and Cryin’”
Writers: Lisa Morales/Rodney Crowell; Producer: David Garza; Label: LM
–This single is a teaser for Morales’s upcoming album. With an ultra-subtle production of sighing strings, gently brushed drums and acoustic strumming, the duet achingly delineates a lost relationship. Rodney’s seasoned tones match Lisa’s resonant delivery exquisitely. She was half of Sisters Morales until sailing on as a solo with two prior CDs. Her sibling Roberta died of cancer last year. Mexican American Lisa Morales hails from Tuscon and is a cousin of the legendary Linda Ronstadt.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Bombs Away”
Writer: Ketch Secor; Producers: Matt Ross-Spang/Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO
–The string band rampages through this divorce song with breakneck fearlessness. If you’re going through the Big D, the best approach is to dive into the unknown with guts and glory, say these Opry stars. That’s Molly Tuttle providing the hot-damn banjo licks. Raucous and delightful, this is the second single from the band’s upcoming CD, following in the footsteps of the title tune, “Paint This Town.”

KEB’ MO’ / “Good to Be (Home Again)”
Writers: Kevin Moore/Mark Ramos Nishita; Producers: Kevin Moore/ Vince Gill; Label: Rounder
–Languid and loose-limbed, this contemplative groover celebrates the artist reconnecting with his roots. (The Nashvillian recently bought his childhood home in Compton, California and renovated it.) It is the title tune of an album that dropped last Friday. You’ll find collaborations with Darius Rucker, Kristin Chenoweth and Old Crow Medicine Show on the new collection, but as this sterling track demonstrates, Keb’ Mo’ soars even higher when he’s on his own. He remains one of the Americana genre’s greatest song craftsmen. Put this one on “repeat” again and again.

JACKSON BROWNE / “Downhill From Everywhere”
Writers: Jackson Browne/Jeff Young/Greg Leisz; Producer: Jackson Browne; Label: Inside
–Browne’s comeback Downhill From Everywhere is Grammy nominated as 2021’s Americana Album of the Year. Its title tune is a punchy folk rocker with a downcast ecological, anti-pollution lyric bolstered by intense vocal bursts. It’s very much in tune with his classic sound. He’s still that Laurel Canyon boomer you’ve known for all these years.

SARAH JAROSZ / “Mama”
Writer: Sarah Jarosz; Producer: Sarah Jarosz; Label: Rounder
–Sarah’s current Blue Heron Suite has a Best Folk Album Grammy nomination this year. This ethereal lead-off track has a lovely simplicity with her deftly plucked acoustic guitar backing her breathy, wistful, poignant soprano.

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Survivor”
Writers: Nathaniel David Rateliff/Patrick Blair Meese/Sam Cohen; Producer: Brad Cook, RMB & Elijah Thomson; Label: Stax
–Drawn from this act’s new album, The Future, this dramatic funk-rock track mixes shuddering horn blasts with stinging electric guitar zaps and a stop-start undertow rhythm track. Atop it all is the front man’s seering, fierce lead vocal. It’s a wild ride.

KATIE GUSTAFSON / “See Me Now”
Writers: Katie Gustafson/Sam Ashworth; Producer: Sam Ashworth; Label: Mother Trucker
–Her echoey soprano vocal is surrounded by a swirl of electronics and a deep pool of twang bass. The introspective lyric took on extra significance to the Nashville singer-songwriter when she overcame breast cancer last year.

BRENT COBB / “When It’s My Time”
Writers: Brent Cobb/Layne Cobb/Mike Harmeier; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Ol’ Buddy
–Already one of the Americana genre’s standout singer-songwriters, Cobb turns his talent to gospel music on his upcoming CD. This advance track luxuriates in his captivating Georgia-accented phrasing with stately church keyboards and guitars. Not to mention soulful, Southern-fried backing vocals. Righteous in the extreme. Essential listening.

ELI PAPERBOY REED / “Mama Tried”
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: none listed’ Label: Yep Roc
–Now here’s a concept. White soul singer Reed is releasing an entire album of Merle Haggard songs, reinterpreted as horn-punctuated R&B tunes. It’s not my cup of tea, but you have to admit that it is intriguing. His blistering vocal attack threatens to overwhelm the story telling in “Mama Tried,” but otherwise the soul-music setting brings out new shades in the Hag’s hit.

TYLER CHILDERS / “Long Violent History”
Writer: Tyler Childers; Producers: Tyler Childers/Jesse Wells; Label: Hickman Holler
–This is the title tune of Childers’s 2021 CD, which is somewhat oddly nominated as a Best Folk album at this year’s Grammy Awards. His stone-country vocal on this struggling-Appalachia lyric is backed in waltz time by twin fiddles, perfectly picked banjo, mandolin chops and thumped bass. I don’t care what you call it, this man’s music is simply electrifying.

SARAH WHITE / “Different Drum”
Writer: Michael Nesmith; Producer: Stewart Myers; Label: White Star Sound
–White’s cover of this Linda Ronstadt/Stone Poneys classic is an intriguing introduction to a creative alto vocalist. Her slightly behind-the-beat phrasing and conversational pauses are wonderfully ear catching. The deep twang in the production is cool, too. It’s a marvelous tribute to the late, great Michael Nesmith.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dolly Celebrates Her Birthday With A Disc Of The Day Award

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Rob Hoffman

DISClaimer has the best of the new mixed with the best of the vets today.

Our new female contenders include Priscilla Block and Hailey Whitters, both of whom have personality-packed singles for your edification. Among the promising males are Logan Mize, Aaron Lewis, Connor Smith and Seaforth with Jordan Davis.

But veterans claim the two top prizes. Taking home the DISCovery Award is Andrew Farriss. This is his debut solo effort, but he has logged plenty of miles in the Oz rock band INXS (”New Sensation,” “Suicide Blonde,” “Need You Tonight,” etc.).

Yesterday was Dolly Parton’s birthday. My present is a Disc of the Day award for her fresh sounding “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans.”

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “My Bar”
Writers: Priscilla Block/Stone Aielli/Lexi Hayden; Producers: Robbie Artress/Jake Curry/Justin Johnson; Label: Mercury
–She’s wonderfully feisty while claiming her space at her favorite watering hole. When an ex walks in, she lets him know he’s intruding. The track rumbles splendidly and her vocal has personality to the max. Love this.

AARON LEWIS / “Get What You Get”
Writers: Aaron Lewis/Ira Dean/Dan Tyminski; Producers: Aaron Lewis,/Ira Dean/Ben Kitterman; Label: Valory
–This man’s honky-tonk singing voice continues to impress. The ballad’s premise is that sooner or later you have to take the consequences for the choices you make. Stop lying to others and to yourself. The album drops at the end of the month, and this makes me eager to hear it.

DOLLY PARTON / “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans”
Writers: Dolly Parton; Producers: Richard Dennison/Tom Rutledge; Label: Butterfly/UMG
–The instrumental track is hot and tight in Dolly’s finest record production in years. The punchy, rolling tempo underscores the yearn of a gal headed to Music City to pursue her dreams. With her “Scent from Above” perfume, re-launched ice cream flavor, chart-topping Christmas album, multi-Platinum international certifications and gospel Grammy Award, the superstar is as relevant as ever. This dandy tune was inspired by her debut novel, written with James Patterson. The book and album–titled Run, Rose, Run–are both due the first week in March. Other merch with the launch includes guitar picks, stickers, t-shirts, bookmarks, shoe laces, aprons and a red-marbelized vinyl version of the LP.

CONNER SMITH / “Didn’t Go Too Far”
Writers: Connor Smith/Mike Dragstrom/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Valory
–The “Learn From It” and “I Hate Alabama” man released his debut EP this week. This is the title tune, a thumper about a guy with a busted heart who can’t get away from an ex. That’s because they both live in town so small that “there’s only one bar, only one church.” Hence, “The one that got away didn’t go too far.” Give this man a full album at once.

JASON ALDEAN / “Trouble With a Heartbreak”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Brett Beavers/Tully Kennedy/John Morgan; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Macon/Broken Bow
–The rock production is slathered in echo. The song just barely has a melody.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Everything She Ain’t”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Bryan Simpson/Ryan Tyndell; Producers: Hailey Whitters/Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud
–Peppy and clever. He doesn’t know what he’s missing, so she’s spelling it out for him. Hailey went back to her Iowa high school to film the video, which is as cute as the song. The hand claps, the saucy delivery, the staccato fiddle and banjo notes, the pert tempo–everything works here.

LOGAN MIZE / “Follow Your Heart”
Writers: Logan Mize/Lynn Hutton; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
–This country rocker has cool, deep-and-low drum pounding beneath his pleading vocal and some ethereal guitar chimes and organ sighing. The resulting toe tapper is as catchy as can be. Well worth your spins.

SYLVIA / “Every Time a Train Goes By”
Writers: Sylvia Hutton/John Mock/Thom Schuyler; Producers: John Mock/Sylvia; Label: Red Pony
–This is lilting and rootsy, featuring minor-key mandolin and lovely stacked harmonies by Sylvia’s multi-tracked voice. Brushed drumming propels the production. Airy, luminous and crystal clear. The track is drawn from her forthcoming Nature Child album, which drops on “Twos-Day.”

SEAFORTH & JORDAN DAVIS / “Good Beer”
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitch Thompson/Rocky Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producer: Tom Jordan; Label: Arista
–The Aussie duo teams up with Davis on this charming, light-hearted ditty. In case you’re wondering, “A good beer is a cold one.” This sunny, bouncy outing will have you feeling like springtime, or at the very least will leave you with a big smile on yer face.

LOVE AND THEFT / “Accidentally on Purpose”
Writers: Eric Gunderson/Stephen Barker Liles/Bree Doster; Producer: none listed; Label: ONErpm
–Gunderson and Liles are back. They still sing beautifully, and they are still totally pop.

ANDREW FARRISS / “Drifting”
Writers: Marti Frederiksen/Andrew Farriss; Producer: Andrew Farriss; Label: BBR
–Farriss is a former member of the huge rock band INXS. This tempo tune occurs on his debut solo album, and it has an open-air, California-country vibe. It’s an attractive, gypsy/bohemian thing with wafting strings way off in the distance.

THE BRETHREN / “Chevelle”
Writers: Brian White/Casey Parnell/Chad Chapin/Corey Parnell/Lonnie Chapin; Producer: none listed; Label: DistroKid
–This act is two sets of brothers, the Parnells and the Chapins. All four have pop and/or CCM backgrounds, and that shows in their polished, creamy harmonies. This languid, smooth tune evokes nostalgia for an old teen romance. Think Poco or America from the ‘70s.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Female Country Artists Start 2022 Strong

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Gabby Barrett. Photo: Gus Black

Fully half of today’s tunes in DISClaimer feature vocals by country females.

Surely, this is some kind of mistake, since the industry so consistently refuses to give women their due. Even wilder, the Disc of the Day award goes to a female artist. That would be Gabby Barrett, who creates things so groove-soaked and hooky that even country radio has to accept her. Play on, lady.

The DISCovery Award goes to Fancy Hagood. This is an artist whose publicity describes him as a “queer pop/country hybrid enigma.” I only know that he’s a terrific singer and a gifted songwriter. His duet partner, Devon Gilfillian, isn’t a country artist. But he’s a DISCovery, too.

CAITLYN SMITH / “The Card You Gamble”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producers: Adam Anders/Peer Astrom; Label: Arista/Monument
–This is the theme of Monarch, the new Fox country-music drama series (that was just delayed to premiere in the fall). Singer Smith is noted for writing tunes recorded by Garth, Dolly, Miley, Jason Aldean and others. Here, she demonstrates a sassy, tart soprano style with an echoey, twangy “Spaghetti Western” rumbling track to back her up, complete with whistling. Highly engaging. Play it.

CLAY WALKER / “Catching Up with an Ol’ Memory”
Writers: Clay Walker/George Birge/Jaron Boyer/Lalo Guzman; Producers: Michael Knox/Jaron Boyer; Label: Show Dog
–Nicely done. The production has a tasteful throb and swirling echoes. A steel guitar sighs sympathetically as Walker gives a wistful reading of the honky-tonk heartache lament. Super melodic.

TENILLE TOWNES / “When’s It Gonna Happen”
Writers: Steph Jones/Stephen Wrabel/Tenille Townes; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Sony
–The tin-pan percussion is ear catching, as is the tune. As usual, Townes is a terrifically individualistic vocalist. While the beats shuffle around her, she expresses her yearning for a relationship. I remain a big fan.

FANCY HAGOOD & DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Let Me Be”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Lucas Arens; Producer: Lucas Arens; Label: Concord
–Here’s some splendid soul singing, with both men bringing longing and ache to this gospel-flavored song. It has a soaring, anthem-like quality as it delivers a message of brotherhood. Lovely listening. Fancy’s other country tunes include “Forest,” “Southern Curiosity,” “The Same Thing” and “Good Man,” and they are just as cool. Devon is a Nashville R&B artist, noted for his re-recording of Marvin Gaye’s classic album What’s Going On, plus his own collection, Black Hole Rainbow.

GABBY BARRETT / “Pick Me Up”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite; Producers: Ross Copperman/Zach Kale; Label: Warner
–Dubbed “the face of Gen-Z country,” Gabby is the mistress of such ear worms as “I Hope” and “The Good Ones.” She goes three-for-three with this fabulously catchy pop-country ditty. Put this one on “repeat.”

MADDIE & TAE / “Strangers”
Writers: Maddie Font/Taylor Kerr/Adam Hambrick/Jimmy Robbins/Tofer Brown; Producers: Jimmy Robbins/Derek Wells; Label: Mercury
–Sweet sounding. It’s bolstered by an oomphy production, but it still seems kinda dull.

TRACY LAWRENCE / “Angelina”
Writers: Joe Collins/Rick Huckaby; Producers: Tracy Lawrence/Julian King; Label: TL
–Generic hillbilly rock.

KANE BROWN / “Whiskey Sour”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jaxson Free/Josh Hoge; Producers: Ilya Toshinskiy/Kane Brown; Label: Sony
–Tender and touching. He’s broken hearted over her, so he drinks alone while a fiddle, and an acoustic guitar pluck gently along. This change-of-pace ballad demonstrates his expansiveness as a talent. I’m in.

JOE NICHOLS / “Good Day for Living”
Writers: Dave Cohen/Bobby Hambrick/Neil Mason; Producers: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill
–The title tune of Joe’s new CD is a rouser with loads of forward momentum and a can’t-miss chorus. As always, he sings his face off.

MAREN MORRIS / “Circles Around This Town”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Julia Michaels/Maren Morris/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Sony
–Her vocal should be mixed hotter and the production toned down, but her personality still shines through on this chunky-beats, getaway ode. The deep-twang guitar solo and the enormously catchy song are both irresistible.

COLIN LILLIE & CATHERINE BRITT / “The Road”
Writers: Catherine Britt/Colin Lillie; Producer: Catherine Britt; Label: Beverly Hillbilly
–Aussie newcomer Lillie enlisted the aid of veteran Britt to create his debut album. She also joins him as his duet partner on this ballad of wanderlust and fidelity. They are both fine singers, and the understated production is just right. It has a languid simplicity that is quite relaxing.

ELI YOUNG BAND / “Love Talking”
Writers: Mike Eli/Eric Arjes/Jeffrey East; Producers: Eric Arjes/Jimmy Robbins/Scott Borchetta/J.R. Schumann; Label: Valory
–Rolling along down a country road with your buds. The echo gives the sound some extra juice, and the band is as proficient as ever.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lady A Starts 2022 With A ‘Flawless Single’

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Lady A

We start the New Year off right here at DISClaimer.

Vying for our first 2022 Disc of the Day winner are the Zac Brown Band, Brett Eldredge, Conner Smith and our winner, Lady A, with their anthemic album title tune “What a Song Can Do.”

We have four notable collaborations today. They include Ernest with Morgan Wallen, Leigh Nash with Tanya Tucker, and Robert Plant with Alison Krauss. The fourth one gives us our DISCovery Award winner, Chayce Beckham, who is collaborating with Lindsay Ell.

SHOOTER JENNINGS / “Gene’s Song”
Writers: Shooter Jennings/Waylon Albright Jennings; Producer: none listed; Label: Black Country Rock
–This horn-embellished rocker is a tribute to Shooter’s high-school art teacher. It starts with his unaccompanied voice introducing the song in a hushed, intimate tone. Then it blasts open into a fiery frenzy of a sound collage. Cool, in a very left-field kinda way.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “Out in the Middle”
Writers: Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs/Zac Brown; Producers: Ben Simonetti/Zac Brown; Label: Warner
–Stompin’ and swampy. The theme is a familiar one–getting down and making do out in the sticks. But this band’s outstanding musicianship and stunning harmony vocals make the thing an epic adventure. Joyously listenable.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Boujee on a Budget”
Writer: Robyn Ottolini; Producers: Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor; Label: Warner
–Full of personality and wit. She’s looking her best and spending less. Loaded with clever lines–cutting her hair with mama’s kitchen scissors, Gucci for $5, etc.–and performed with conversational vocal moxie. Ear catching, for sure.

LADY A / “What a Song Can Do”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Sam Ellis/Ryan Hurd/Laura Veltz; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG
–Surely everyone can relate to this. Everyone who loves music, that is. Charles’ soulful voice leads the way, and the choruses are a celestial celebration of group harmony singing. The rolling tempo is irresistible. A flawless single.

CHAYCE BECKHAM & LINDSAY ELL / “Can’t Do Without Me”
Writers: Jordan Walker/Michael Carter/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: BBR
–The vocal blend is perfect, and it’s refreshing to hear a country duet that is truly an equal partnership. The song isn’t great, but the energy is splendid and their performance is passionate. Radio ready.

BRETT ELDREDGE / “Holy Water”
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Heather Morgan/Mark Trussell; Producer: Dave Cobb: Label: Warner
–Soaked in gospel influence. He’s singing like a man lost in the spirit. The choir’s harmonies lift the mood even more. Her love is like a religious balm. Amen.

WILLIE JONES / “Slow Cookin’”
Writers: Hank Williams/Jason Afable/Phillip Fender/Willie Jones/Zak Waters; Producer: Jason Afable; Label: Penthouse/Empire
–This bopper folds in Hank’s “Hey Good Lookin’” with Willie’s own riffs. Like most of his output, it is quite repetitive. But it’s unmistakably country and undeniably catchy. Did you know that Willie’s 2020 LP Right Now was a camo-colored vinyl exclusive? It included his timeless “Bachelorettes on Broadway,” among other delights.

ERNEST & MORGAN WALLEN / “Flower Shops”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Ben Burgess/Mark Holman; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–The relationship has gone to hell: She’s split, and he’s on booze & pills. So let’s bring on the flowers. Millions of them. “It’s a bad day for love/But a good day for flower shops.” Both men are singing this honky-tonk heartache lament for all they are worth.

LEIGH NASH & TANYA TUCKER / “Never Again, Every Time”
Writers: Leigh Nash/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producer: Butch Walker; Label: Orchard/Visionary/BMG
–Well, it might have sounded like a good idea. But the fey pop soprano and gritty country alto don’t exactly blend smoothly. The jumbled production doesn’t help much, either.

CONNER SMITH / “I Hate Alabama”
Writers: Drew Green/Hunter Phelps/Lee Starr/Nick Columbia; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: BMLG
–He can’t stand to hear “Sweet Home…” by Skynyrd or watch the Crimson Tide, because the state of Alabama is where he lost her. Georgia Bulldogs, Tennessee Vols, Arkansas Razorbacks, Texas Aggies, LSU, Mississippi, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Auburn, Vandy and South Carolina fans will want to make this their football National Anthem.

ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS / “Searching For My Love”
Writers: Robert Moore; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Label: Rounder
–Stunning and magical. I approached this with some trepidation, because I loved the 1968 R&B original by Bobby Moore & The Rhythm Aces so much. But these two turn the tune into a stately strut and weave their voices together so wonderfully that I shouldn’t have worried. Plant does the lead vocal, while Krauss adds haunting harmony flourishes.