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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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’

/by

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

/by

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.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Randy Houser Makes Powerful Return

/by

It seems that we salute our music-industry veterans today.

Deborah Allen, Sammy Kershaw and The Beach Boys are here with new sounds. So is Randy Houser, whose comeback wins our Disc of the Day prize.

Texas is well represented, with Ray Wylie Hubbard, Parker McCollum (singing Strait), Charley Crockett and Miranda Lambert all checking in with worthy new projects. That is also the home state of our DISCovery Award winner, Catie Offerman.

Happy listening.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Carrying Your Love With Me”
Writers: Steve Bogard/Jeff Stevens; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: MCA
–McCollum salutes his hero George Strait with this revival of a 1997 chart topper. The youngster’s tenor voice brings out the yearning in the lyric beautifully. The session musicians’ instrumental coda is an extra delight.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Strange”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Luke Dick/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Label: RCA
–We can all relate. “Times like these make me feel strange.” The unsettling verses give way to a rollin,’ rollicking chorus: “Have a smoke, buy a round/Get on a jet going anywhere bound/Pick a string, sing the blues/Dance a hole in your shoes/Do anything to keep you sane.” Amen, sister.

CHRIS JANSON / “Keys to the Country”
Writers: Chris Janson/Dallas Davidson/Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell; Producers: Zach Crowell/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
–It’s a blazing, high-octane performance that totally rocks. This record screams, “Spring is here” and “Turn it up.” Spin it until ya get dizzy.

LOCASH / “Beach Boys”
Writers: Chris Lucas/Preston Brust/Dallas Wilson/Jared Mullins/Brian Wilson/Mike Love; Producer: Cory Crowder; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
–The vocal guests are veteran Beach Boys Mike Love and Bruce Johnson. The song is a mash up of “I Get Around” with some LoCash redneck verses. It’s a bit of an audio mess, but they mean well.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “I Feel For You”
Writer: Jerry Reed; Producer: Billy Horton; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
–Moody, bluesy and utterly captivating. With spare snare drumming and acoustic strumming as the underpinning, Crockett gives the heartbreak tale a smoky vocal magic. I dig this guy’s “Gulf and Western” sound.

RANDY HOUSER / “Note to Self”
Writers: Randy Houser/Ross Copperman/Casey Beathard/Bobby Pinson; Producers: Randy Houser/Blake Chancey; Label: Empire/Magnolia
–This man remains one of country music’s very finest vocalists. His return is most welcome, especially with such a strong song of regretful hindsight. His extraordinary voice is absolutely fierce as this hair-raising pile driver reaches its climax. Houser is booked to play the Ryman on Sunday (March 20).

CATIE OFFERMAN / “Happyland Trailer Park”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Joe Clemmons/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA
–Lend this newcomer your ears. The Texas twanger takes us on a jingle-jangle, country-rock cruise on her disc debut. It’s a wind-in-your-hair pleasure trip. Tow an Airstream down the highway until you get to the title destination.

SAMMY KERSHAW / “Honky Tonk Boots”
Writers: Billy Don Bruns/Scott Blackwell; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: White Mustang
–Stone cold country, designed for two-stepping. Old-school, and proud of it.

MAGGIE ROSE / “Two Arms to Hold Onto”
Writers: Chris Gelbuda/Don Hart/Maggie Rose; Producers: Don Hart/Chris Gelbuda; Label: MR/Orchard
–Maggie is a dynamite talent as a blue-eyed soul singer. On this lustrous wish for love, she claims her turf as a country queen. The ear-tickling production sports strings as well as twang. She introduced the song at the Opry last Saturday, and charmed everyone in sight. I remain an immense fan.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “Out in the Middle”
Writers: Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs/Zac Brown; Producers: Ben Simonetti/Zac Brown; Label: Warner
–This band doesn’t know how to make a record that isn’t hooky. This song is another one of those redneck-fantasy lyrics about swimming holes, gravel roads and rural partying after a hard-working week. But they sing it with such gusto, you buy it all over again.

DEBORAH ALLEN / “Patsy Cline Crazy”
Writers: Deborah Allen/Margaret Phillips; Producer: Deborah Allen; Label: Audium/BFD
–Allen sings with oomph and passion on this clever ballad. The lyric name checks 25 country classics (I counted) and along the way manages to sound like an instant classic, itself. Very cool.

RAY WYLIE HUBBARD & BAND OF HEATHENS / “Desperate Man”
Writers: Eric Church/Ray Wylie Hubbard; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
–Hubbard’s second album of collaborations drops tomorrow (March 18). It features the eclectic Texas troubadour warbling with Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, Wade Bowen, Wynonna, Randy Rogers and Hays Carll, plus such unlikely collaborators as Toto’s Steve Lukather, Heart’s Nancy Wilson, metal rocker Lizzy Hale, Ringo Starr and the Shiny Soul Sisters. The single is Hubbard’s drawling treatment of the 2018 hit he wrote with Eric Church. I’ve always loved this rumpled, honest fellow.

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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

/by

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.