DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lori McKenna, Katie Pruitt, Dan + Shay

/by

Lori McKenna. Photo: Thomas Heney

It’s that time of year again.

As usual, Nashville musicians have an abundance of holiday offerings, so welcome to the first of the DISClaimer Christmas review columns. Today, we have super worthy efforts by Exile, the Pistol Annies, Dan + Shay and Amanda Shires.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Lori McKenna, for co-writing the strongest new holiday song in this stack and singing it with her customary yearning loveliness. For sheer inventiveness, Katie Pruitt wins the DISCovery Award.

TIGIRLILY / “Where Are You Christmas”
Writers: James Horner/Mariah Carey/Wilbur Jennings; Producer: Louis Newman; Label: Monument
–The sister duo updates Faith Hill’s wistful holiday ballad with tinkling piano and lilting fiddle to start with. A full string section gradually builds the arrangement into an oomphy anthem.

DAN + SHAY / “Officially Christmas”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Dave Barnes/Jordan Reynolds/Nicolle Galyon; Producer: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–Over the past couple of years, these guys have become country music’s go-to Christmas heralds. Their holiday songs are top downloads. This year’s entry is a joyous-sounding fiesta, complete with horns, violins and sleighbells. As usual, they sing their faces off. There’s a promotional video, too.

KATIE PRUITT / “Merry Christmas Mary Jane”
Writers: Katie Pruitt; Producer: Katie Pruitt & Mike Robinson; Label: Rounder
–At last! A holiday stoner song! This Nashville singer-songwriter lays down a bluesy groove on this slow jam: “My Christmas spirit’s running low, so I might as well get high.” She knows those decorative holiday lights are going to look super good that way. Check out this talented gal’s cool guitar solo, too. Pruitt will be peddling her special holiday gummies at her Dec. 16 show at the Basement East.

EXILE / “Joyful Noise”
Writers: J.P. Pennington/Sonny LeMaire/Sharon Vaughn; Producer: Exile; Label: Clearwater
–In a word, gorgeous. These guys still have the goods in every department. The vocals are flawless, the songwriting is splendid, the playing is perfect and the mood is toasty warm on this sparkling ballad. Miss this one at your peril.

THE PRIMITIVE QUARTET / “Carolina Mountain Christmas”
Writers: Reagan Riddle; Producer: Greg Bentley; Label: Mountain Home
–This North Carolina gospel quartet wraps its harmonies around four classics and four newly written songs on its Christmas collection. Among the latter is this toe-tapping hearty wish for good holiday times to one and all.

PISTOL ANNIES / “Hell of a Holiday”
Writers: Angaleena Presley/Ashley Monroe/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Label: RCA
–What a gift. The rumbling backbeat grabs ya from the get-go. Their feisty vocal charms soon take over in this uptempo audio delight. It’s the title tune from the trio’s Christmas CD/LP, embellished with sax, electric guitar and percussion. Essential accompaniment for dancing around the tree while you hang ornaments and drink eggnog.

AMANDA SHIRES & THE McCRARY SISTERS / “Gone for Christmas”
Writers: Amanda Shires; Producer: Lawrence Rothman; Label: Silver Knife/Thirty Tigers
–This Americana favorite slam dunks an R&B groover with this merry track from her debut holiday album. For her Christmas-present wish list, she cites a bunch of clever stuff (her own radio station, a massage on a beach), but mostly she wants him gone from her life. While the beat stomps relentlessly, the McCrarys echo her sentiments with soul-sister harmonies. Rockin.’

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Don’t Hang the Mistletoe”
Writers: Jordan M. Schmidt/Kyle Clark/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producer: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan M. Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia
–His furry, burnished voice is perfect for this. It’s a slow jam with distinct R&B flavors and romance on the brain. Tenpenny’s holiday album is titled Naughty List.

TAMMY ROGERS & THOMM JUTZ / “Dancing in the Snow”
Writers: Tammy Rogers/Thomm Jutz; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Fever
–Bluegrass rhythms and harmonies abound in this sprightly wintery romp. The team plans an entire album of their cowrites next month, to be titled Surely We’ll Be Singing.

LORI McKENNA / “Still Christmas in Nashville”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Jordyn Shelhart/Dustin Christensen; Producer: Lori McKenna/Luke Laird/Barry Dean; Label: CN Records
–Lori introduced her Christmas Is Right Here EP with a sterling showcase at the Hutton’s Analog venue on Tuesday. It is a heart-tugging outing with some of her original sad holiday tunes (my favorite kind), plus a version of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” and this stately waltz. It’s an ode to “the city that dreamers built.” You’ll smile when you hear her name checking “meat-and-threes” and “John Prine” in this terrific tune. Have I mentioned that I adore her?

DON AMERO / “Sometimes a Whisper”
Writers: Adam Crossley/Bill Diluigi/Dave Tough; Producer: none listed; Label: MDM
–This Canadian is an indigenous country artist who is much applauded north of the border. His seasonal CD is titled Amero Little Christmas and contains this softly sung inspirational ballad that could easily live well beyond Yuletide.

ROD & ROSE / “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
Writers: Rodney Atkins/Rose Falcon/Brandon Hood/Skip Ewing; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb
–Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon offer this beautifully sung, heartfelt ballad that sums up The Reason for the Season. Rod sings lead while Rose shadows him in perfect vocal harmony. Hang on for when they are joined by the angels-we-have-heard-on-high echoey chorus. Definitely your religious musical choice.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Stapleton Sings With Adele & Taylor Swift

/by

Chris Stapleton

As the year winds down, country steps into the national spotlight.

The genre’s stars seem to be everywhere on TV specials and at media events these days. Which is the perfect time to be releasing headline-making new music.

Stepping up the the plate today are Alan Jackson, Old Dominion, Walker Hayes, Kameron Marlowe and Taylor Swift, all with superb fresh sounds. The Disc of the Day goes to Adele with our own Chris Stapleton, adding more than a little to the pop superstar’s performance.

I don’t know much about her, but the DISCovery Award winner is Madeline Edwards.

AMERICAN BLONDE / “Quicksand”
Writers: Jimmy Nash/Natalia Morris; Producer: Cliff Downs; Label: AB
– The Mississippi-bred Morris sisters are feisty and fierce on this downbeat rocker about a dissolving relationship. The tune is rather repetitive, but there’s plenty of energy and attitude.

ADELE & CHRIS STAPLETON / “Easy On Me”
Writers: Adele Adkins/Greg Kurstin; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Columbia
– The simple piano-and-rhythm accompaniment stays in the background to let both voices shine in the spotlight on this stunning ballad. The harmony performance by Stapleton is exquisite. Supple, soulful and powerful. There are few vocalists who can stand toe-to-with Adele, but this mighty man can. And does.

DALLAS SMITH / “Hide From a Broken Heart”
Writers: Mark Holman/Lauren LaRue/Ernest Keith Smith/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– Smith was just named Canada’s country Entertainer of the Year for the third consecutive time. Judging by his current single, I can’t explain it. The formulaic song, jumbled production and generic vocal performance went in one ear and out the other.

WALKER HAYES / “AA”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Shane McAnally/Luke Laird; Producer: Joe Thibodeaux/Shane McAnally/Scott Johnson; Label: Monument Records
– Hardly anything in the lyric rhymes. The track is a looped groove. He doesn’t really sing. But you know what? As was the case with “Fancy Like,” this guy taps directly into a blue-collar mindset that is absolutely the Truth. He’s just trying to get along like an ordinary fella, resisting the lure of alcohol while raising his kids, making a living and loving his wife. I hear ya, bro.

MADELINE EDWARDS / “Best Revenge”
Writers: Joy Lippard Hanna/Klare Essad/Madeline Edwards; Producer: Gena Johnson; Label: ME
– She was the “unknown” in the vocal trio on the CMA Awards with Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer. Her sultry, midtempo single reveals a husky, throaty vocalist with a tremendous intimacy that communicates really well. The song is cool, too: “The best revenge is moving on.”

OLD DOMINION / “No Hard Feelings”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers/Geoff Sprung/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally; Producer: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally; Label: Arista
– Ridiculously catchy and utterly irresistible. If the rump-shaking rhythm doesn’t get you, the jaunty, melodic singing will. Galloping talent from the Vocal Group of the Year.

COLE SWINDELL & LAINEY WILSON / “Never Say Never”
Writers: Cole Swindell/Jessi Alexander/Chase McGill; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner
– Both singers are coming off huge hits (”Single Saturday Night” and “Things a Man Oughta Know,” respectively). This choppy, bombastic, loud effort doesn’t measure up to either of its predecessors. It also has one of those irritating, shrieking rock guitar solos. Pass.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Heartland”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Nicolle Galyon/Forest Whitehead; Producer: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud
– This troubadour has proved herself as a major talent over and over again. Her current tune is a winning meditation on life and love. As always, she is delightfully melodic and endearingly sincere. She has just landed a Song of the Year Grammy nomination as a co-writer on “A Beautiful Noise” (sung by Alicia Keys & Brandi Carlile). There are eight (!) writers credited on the song, so you know somebody is getting a free ride. I’m guessing it’s not her.

ALAN JACKSON / “Racing the Dark”
Writers: Alan Jackson/Mattie Jackson Selecman; Producer: Keith Stegall; Label: ACR/EMI
– Daughter Mattie wrote the lyrics, and daddy Alan put them to music and then recorded this extraordinary, beautifully country, vocal performance. It’s mini-masterpiece about healing, which is something Mattie has learned about following the tragic death of her husband. She also has an inspirational book exploring grief and God, titled Lemons on Friday.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Steady Heart”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe/Jessi Alexander/Dan Isbell; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia
– OMG, how romantic is this? His soulful singing has always pierced my heart, but never more so than on this terrifically warm, tender paean to True Love. A song to make you dreamy, soft, grateful and swoony.

TAYLOR SWIFT & CHRIS STAPLETON / “I Bet You Think About Me”
Writers: Taylor Swift/Lori McKenna; Producer: Aaron Dessner/Taylor Swift; Label: Republic/MCA
– She’s the working-class gal who married the upper-crust dude, and it didn’t work out. Like, spectacularly wrong. So she wrote a song excoriating him (surprise). The hilarious video (directed by Blake Lively) is a fantastic mini movie. The previously unreleased song dates from her country-music days, and the addition of Stapleton’s harmony voice underscores the point.

CALLISTA CLARK / “Real To Me”
Writers: Callista Clark/Cameron Jaymes/Laura Veltz; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine
– She sings so well. She’s only 18, and this soul-pop stomp points the way toward something more promising than her current radio tune.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keb’ Mo’, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Olivia Evans

/by

Keb’ Mo’. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Nashville artists dominate this overview of current Americana recordings.

Admittedly, I’m mixing in some pop with this column, notably by durable Music City rocker Tommy Womack and new popster Olivia Evans. But there’s no denying the Americana bona fides of our own singer-songwriters Erin Enderlin, Gary Burr and Kent Blazy.

Nor those of our Disc of the Day winner, Keb’ Mo’, whose new album I eagerly await. The DISCovery Award goes to the majestic young alt-country vocalist, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, also a Nashvillian.

They’re all competing in a worthy field that also includes Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Single Girl Married Girl and Nathan Bell.

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Survivor”
Writers: Nathaniel Rateliff/Sam Cohen/Patrick Meese; Producer: Brad Cook, RMB & Elijah Thompson; Label: Stax
–I was initially put off by this. The choppy tempo and oddball melody just didn’t seem to work with the horn blasts and riffs. But the more I listened, the more it grew on me. The stop-and-go vibe actually becomes quite addictive. As always, Rateliff puts his whole soul into the lead vocal.

OLIVIA EVANS / “Leave It Behind”
Writers: Nash Overstreet/Olivia Schelske/Shane Stevens; Producer: none listed; Label: Interstreet/Middle Gypsy
–Olivia is the daughter of country star Sara Evans, but the sound on her debut EP Level is pop all the way. Her vocal on this sweet-sad heartbreak ballad is a folkie soprano layered with enchanting stacked harmonies. Elsewhere on the CD, you’ll find thumpy rhythm tunes, R&B balladry and hip-hoppy tuneful bangers. Extremely promising.

KEB’ MO’ / “Lean On Me”
Writers: Bill Withers; Producer: Keb’ Mo’, Vince Gill & Tom Hambridge; Label: Rounder
–Nashville’s leading bluesman pays tribute to his buddy Bill Withers, whom we lost last year. Keb’ Mo’ takes this familiar refrain at a gentle, steady pace with a nicely shaded vocal embrace embellished by lovely gospel-quartet harmonies. It is drawn from his forthcoming (Jan. 21) album Good To Be, which will feature collaborations with Darius Rucker (”Good Strong Woman,” the set’s first video), Old Crow Medicine Show (”The Medicine Man”) and Broadway’s Kristin Chenoweth (”Quiet Moments”). Meanwhile, he has landed on Toby Keith’s new album with his song “Old Me Better.”

ERIN ENDERLIN / “If I’m Not In Hell”
Writers: Erin Enderlin/Kimberly Kelly/Kayla Ray; Producer: Erin Enderlin; Label: Black Crow
–As a songwriter, Enderlin has cuts by Alan Jackson (”Monday Morning Church”), Reba, Bill Anderson, Terri Clark, Lee Ann Womack (”Last Call”), Randy Travis, Rodney Crowell, Rhonda Vincent, Luke Bryan (”You Don’t Know Jack”) and more. As a record maker, she specializes in deeply etched portraits of honky-tonk pain. This hard-country ballad is super cool, telling the tale of a grieving woman who drinks away the pain while her life falls apart around her. What a line: “If I’m not in Hell, I’m headed that way.”

TOMMY WOMACK / “Pay It Forward”
Writers: Tommy Womack; Producer: Tommy Womack & Jonathan Bright; Label: Schoolkids
–Longtime Nashville rock hero Tommy Womack turns up the heat on his new CD I Thought I Was Fine. The set kicks off with this deep-twang, frothing track with Tommy’s droll, dry vocal contrasting with the driving tempo. I have loved him since his days in Government Cheese and The Bis-Quits in the ’90s. He’s survived cancer and a car crash and is still rocking splendidly, I am pleased to report. Buy this record.

CALEB LEE HUTCHINSON / “Slot Machine Syndrome”
Writers: Caleb Lee Hutchinson/Brent Cobb; Producer: Brent Cobb; Label: CLH
–This young Nashville singer-songwriter displays his wondrously deep, warm, country baritone on this swampy, twangy, melancholy honky-tonk ballad. It’s guaranteed to hook you and is the title tune of his new EP, which I heartily recommend.

GARY BURR / “Shout a Little Louder”
Writers: Gary Burr; Producer: Gary Burr; Label: GB
–Gary’s pal Ringo Starr plays drums on this track, but the real reason to listen is the songwriter’s passionate performance of the anti-war lyric. You’ll find the stately peacenik anthem on Gary’s self-penned and produced new CD Shout. He remains one of the coolest dudes in town. Ridiculously talented, too.

KENT BLAZY / “The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be”
Writers: Kent Blazy/Garth Brooks; Producer: none listed; Label: KB
–This new Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has a CD appropriately titled Me & My Guitar. The stark, simple musical settings make the lyrics jump out at ya. Especially on this country lyric about an empty, hollow, haunted guy who lost his wife and home and now looks forward to nothing. Blazy’s tender, tremulous vocal quivers with sadness while acoustic guitars ripple around him.

SINGLE GIRL MARRIED GIRL / “Wreck Cut Loose”
Writers: Daniel Morosi; Producer: Tom Gardner; Label: SGMG
–This folk-pop band’s latest is titled Three Generations of Leaving because it is a song cycle about the trials and tribulations of a mother, daughter and granddaughter who deal with everything from insecurity to drug dependency. Although the album chronicles this in a semi-narrative fashion, the songs can also stand on their own. Lead vocalist Chelsea Coy carries this languid, mournful, mesmerizing track with minor-key organ and guitar accompaniment. Elsewhere, you’ll find girl-group harmonies, Appalachian banjo, a hillbilly waltz, jazzy chords and more.

NATHAN BELL / “Retread Cadillac”
Writers: Nathan Bell; Producer: Brian Brinkeroff & Frank Swart; Label: NeedtoKnow
–Bell is an intense showman who champions working people, takes Fascists to task, waves a BLM banner and honors truth in the political, poetic lyrics of his new collection Red, White and American Blues. Guest vocalists include Aubrie Sellers, Patty Griffin and Nashville’s supreme soul sister Regina McCrary. The last named is heard on this slow-burn ode about a Black ex-con who makes his bitter way through a new life on the road while blues guitars moan along. Gripping.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brothers Osborne, Brandi Carlile, The Kentucky Gentlemen

/by

Brothers Osborne

Wednesday’s CMA Awards marked new maturity for the country genre.

There were still drinkin’ and cheatin’ songs, to be sure. But there were also a great many truly transcendent musical moments–Jennifer Hudson soul singing with Chris Stapleton, the electrifying showmanship of Jimmie Allen, the rocking delight of Eric Church and sterling duet work by Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde, plus the three songs highlighted in today’s column.

They are “Doin’ This” by Luke Combs, “Love My Hair” by Mickey Guyton and our Disc of the Day winner, “Younger Me” by Brothers Osborne. This is a stand-alone song with its own video, not a track from the Osbornes’ Skeleton. The clip is as moving as the live performance was.

Our DISCovery Award goes to the charming duo The Kentucky Gentlemen.

SIX GUN SALLY / “Drunk Text”
Writers: Daniel Rach/David Evan Barbe/Jeffrey Todd Thurston; Producer: none listed; Label: SGS
–Blue-collar country-rock, performed with raucous good vibes. There’s a bit of Skynyrd in their honky-tonking sound. Sweaty, gritty and beer soaked.

JOE NICHOLS / “Screened In”
Writers: Neil Thrasher/Anthony Jerome Martin; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones & Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill
–This stellar neo-traditionalist’s new single drops tomorrow. It’s a good-time banger about chillin’ with your pals. It goes without saying that his vocal performance is exemplary. And country to the core.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Vibin’”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Kyra Hunter/Laurin Hunter; Producer: none listed; Label: TKG
–Twin brothers Derek and Brandon Campbell hail from Versailles, KY. They made it onto CMT with the video for this tune, and it’s a solid winner. The groove is burbling and bubbling. The singing is sunny and sublime. It’s everything a hit needs to be, memorable, hooky and singable. Breezy is the vibe. Catchy is the bottom line.

AARON LEWIS / “Goodbye Town”
Writers: Aaron Lewis/Randy Montana; Producer: Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean & Ben Kitterman; Label: Valory
–A simple acoustic guitar strum kicks it off, framing his beautifully weathered baritone eloquently. Harmonica and dobro accents gently rise in the mix as he unspools a ballad of wistful departure. You can hear him breathing in the performance. I love this. We need his sound.

LUKE COMBS / “Doin’ This”
Writers: Drew Parker/Luke Combs/Robert Williford; Producer: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews & Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House / Columbia
–That “Amen” you might have heard when he introduced this song on the CMA telecast was the sound of every musician in the arena hearing themselves in the lyric. It was a moment of profound truth and beauty from a man who seems to brim with them. He moves me every time he opens his mouth. His heart is so huge, and their are few in the format who are as completely relatable. Our titanic Entertainer of the Year strikes once again. A masterpiece.

MICKEY GUYTON / “Love My Hair”
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Anna Krantz; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Capitol
–As recently as five or ten years ago, it would have been unimaginable that a song about Black hair would be showcased on the CMA Awards. Gutsy Guyton is just the woman to do it. You’ll find the tune on her excellent CD Remember Her Name, alas without the terrific harmony vocals of Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards you heard on the telecast.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Younger Me”
Writers: Kendell Marvel/John Osborne/T.J. Osborne; Producer: John Osborne; Label: EMI
–There was a lot of love in the room at the CMA Awards, perhaps never more manifest than in the re-crowning of the Osbornes as Duo of the Year. “Love wins,” said T.J. succinctly. One of the most profoundly poignant moments on the CMA show was his performance of this song. It’s a gay adult singing to his younger self that, “It gets better.” The lyric is stunning; the throbbing tempo is thrilling, and he sings his face off. Country music for the ages. Check out the video with its images of inclusion.

BRANDI CARLILE / “This Time Tomorrow”
Writers: Brandi Carlile/Phil Hanseroth/Tim Hanseroth; Producer: Dave Cobb & Shooter Jennings; Label: Elektra / Low Country Sound
–Nashville’s time in the network TV spotlight wasn’t limited to the CMA show. On Tuesday, this Americana star performed this lovely ballad on Stephen Colbert’s late-night telecast. Performed as a harmony trio with the Hanseroth twins, accompanied by acoustic guitars, it’s a goodbye to a loved one in the most kind and gentle way. This is one of the many gems on her current album In These Silent Days.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Snow Angels”
Writers: Sam Williams/Hillary Lindsey/Jonny Price; Producer: Paul Moak; Label: Mercury
–Williams brings a tender, nostalgic vocal to this wintery ballad of recollection. Strings provide a gorgeous billowing curtain behind his plaintive delivery. A simply exquisite recording.

ROSS COPPERMAN & CAM / “Everything Changes”
Writers: Ross Copperman/ROMANS/Steph Jones; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Photo Finish
–Heartbreak and loss have seldom sounded so pretty. They’re going their separate ways, resigned to the fact that they are simply too different as people. Copperman’s tenor is sweet and strong, but the thing really comes alive when Cam’s sensational voice chimes on harmonies and takes a verse on her own. Awesome listening.

NATALIE HEMBY / “It Takes One to Know One”
Writers: Natalie Hemby/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Label: Fantasy
–Renowned a a powerhouse pop and country hit songwriter, Hemby’s sophomore album is Pins and Needles. As before, the Highwomen chanteuse channels Tom Petty as much as she does Sheryl Crow and Miranda on this emphasis track. It’s a funky little hip shaker with loads of verve.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jameson Rodgers, Tenille Townes, Nate Smith

/by

Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Matthew Berinato

With five contenders this week, the folks at Sony are on fire.

Drew Green, Willie Nelson and Tenille Townes all have worthy new tracks.

The label group also chimes in with the Disc of the Day by Jameson Rodgers, as well as the DISCovery Award winner, Nate Smith.

NATE SMITH / “Raised Up”
Writers: Nate Smith/Trannie Anderson/Jonathan Smith; Producer: Joel Bruyere; Label: Sony
—This guy’s resonant voice grabbed me from the very first note. The track begins simply, with just stark piano accompaniment, then gradually builds its punchy, oomphy instrumentation to match his soulful vocal emoting. The power ballad is about looking to the roots of your values whenever you lose your way. Promising in the extreme.

PAULETTE CARLSON / “Branded Soul”
Writer: Paulette Carlson; Producer: Mark Capps; Label: The Orchard/CDX
—Noted in the 1980s for her lead singing in Highway 101 on Warner and solo work on RCA, Carlson is still singing with throaty distinction. This mid-tempo outing has a nicely rumbling production, but she needs a stronger song for a comeback.

DENNIS QUAID / “Heartbeat”
Writers: Dennis Quaid; Producer: Chris Lindsey; Label: DQ
—The beat of her heart is an ocean in which he drowns. Not exactly a metaphor I understand, but his singing on this lovely waltz is steady and strong. The clear, eloquent production is exquisite. I think I can finally forgive him for his dreadful portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in the 1989 feature film Great Balls of Fire.

THE WILLIE NELSON FAMILY / “All Things Must Pass”
Writers: George Harrison; Producer: Willie Nelson/Steve Chadle; Label: Legacy
—Willie’s new album, which drops Nov. 19, is a family affair wherein children Micah, Amy, Paula and Lukas, plus sister Bobbie participate. Lukas takes the lead on this sweet, gentle revival of the George Harrison pop classic. Willie softly harmonizes while Mickey Raphael’s harmonica sighs in sympathy.

RANDALL KING / “You in a Honky Tonk”
Writers: John King/Matt Rogers/Brandon Day; Producer: Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Warner Music Nashville
—Drenched in steel guitar, neo traditionalist King is turned on by seeing his gal in a roadside dive. Whatever floats your boat….

MICHAEL RAY / “Higher Education”
Writers: Derek George/Frank Rogers/Jeremy Bussey/Monty Criswell/Tim Montana; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Warner Music Nashville
—“Learnin’ how to rock, learnin’ how to roll,” in the school of hard knocks, that’s Ray’s “Higher Education” according to this rousing romper. Lee Brice, Kid Rock, Tim Montana and Billy Gibbons provide hearty guest vocals. A good-time vibe, for sure.

CLARE DUNN / “Holding Out for a Cowboy”
Writers: Clare Dunn/Whitney Phillips; Producer: Clare Dunn; Label: Big Yellow Dog
—This is a powerful performance, full of soulful vocal licks that range from dark, chesty tones to soaring high-end dramatics. Her own electric guitar passages are the icing on this tasty cake. Very cool, indeed.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Missing One”
Writers: Hunter Phelps/Smith Ahnquist/Jameson Rodgers; Producer: Chris Farren/Mickey Jack Cones; Label: River House/Columbia
—Since their breakup, he’s missing one of his Eagles records she took, missing cigarettes and missing his own heart. The thumping, heartbeat tempo is cool. The furious guitars are cooler. His scintillating vocal performance is coolest of all. I love this record. It pulses with passion.

LEA SWEET / “Can I Kiss Away a Broken Promise”
Writers: Jeff Silverman/Lolita Lea Sweet; Producer: Lea Sweet/Jeff Silverman; Label: LS
—I love it that her album is called The Black Queen of Country Music. The single from it demonstrates that she has the vocal chops to back up that claim. A promising disc debut.

TENILLE TOWNES / “Villain in Me”
Writers: Tenille Townes/Alex Hope; Producer: Alex Hope; Label: Columbia
—Kinda dark, intimate and personal, and wholly involving. This woman is consistently excellent. Another building block in a star-making career.

THOMAS RHETT / “Slow Down Summer”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/Sean Douglas/Jesse Frasure/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
—Now that he’s back at home in country music, he’s going from strength to strength. This is a wonderfully well written bit of wistful romance—they were so madly in love that they wanted time to stop moving. Sincerity shines here.

DREW GREEN / “Dirt Boy”
Writers: Drew Green/Kelley Lovelace/Lynn Hutton; Producer: Mark Trussell; Label: RCA
—Instead of “hillbilly” “hayseed” and “hick,” they called him “dirt boy” because he was a farm kid. Now he’s proud of it, and singing about it with gusto. Sing on, bro.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Wade Bowen, George Strait, Muscadine Bloodline

/by

Music City’s major labels yield to feisty, independent artists this week.

Despite the presence of strong singles by George Strait, Jon Langston, Maddie & Tae, Kassi Ashton and The Cadillac Three, the Lone Star State’s perennially popular Wade Bowen nails down the Disc of the Day award.

Also coming from indie left field is our DISCovery Award winner, the duo Muscadine Bloodline.

MUSCADINE BLOODLINE / “Dispatch to 16th Ave.”
Writers: Charlie Muncaster/Gary Stanton; Producer: Charlie Muncaster/Gary Stanton; Label: MB
— The duo sings of a country hopeful on Music Row who fails because he wouldn’t make conformist music. The harmonies are tight, and their band sounds sprightly. Recommended.

KASSI ASHTON / “Heavyweight”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/Luke Laird/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Luke Laird/Kassi Ashton; Label: MCA Nashville/ Interscope
— Sultry and moody. She says she can take whatever heartbreak he wants to dish out. She won’t cry. She’ll fight. She’s tough. The whole thing is kinda cool, in a pop-country way.

THE CADILLAC THREE / “Devil’s Lettuce”
Writers: Jaren Johnston/Neil Mason; Producer: The Cadillac Three; Label: Big Machine
— In a word, strange. Is there such a thing as country psychedelia? This choppy, wacky, rhythm-soaked ditty waxes enthusiastic about homegrown weed. It’s more spoken than sung, and the drum track is more prominent than anything else. I have no idea what to do with this.

JON LANGSTON / “When You’re Lonely”
Writers: Jon Langston/Jody Stevens; Producer: Jody Stevens; Label: EMI
— This toe-tapping country rocker rolls along righteously as Langston unspools his bitter yarn. She calls him at 3 AM when she’s got nobody else to love her…. even though she already told him they have no future together. Radio ready.

JETT HOLDEN / “Taxidermy”
Writers: Jacques Landell Holden; Producer: none listed; Label: JH
— The arty lyric meanders somewhat on this wordy, passionate, heartbreak ballad. He sings with immense, intense fire. Vocally promising, but the songwriting needs to get tighter.

GEORGE STRAIT / “The Weight of the Badge”
Writers: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producer: Chuck Ainlay/George Strait; Label: MCA
— Today is National First Responders Day. King George has the commemorative song, a lustrous ballad in a lovely production that mixes sighing fiddles and aching steel with heartfelt singing. Meditative and memorable.

WADE BOWEN / “When Love Comes Around”
Writers: Wade Bowen/Eric Paslay/Heather Morgan; Producer: Paul Moak; Label: Thirty Tigers
— This dirt-road Texas honky-tonker can always be counted on for country excellence. What he doesn’t usually do is upbeat, happy love tunes. Well, he does that here, and the result is splendidly uplifting, joyous and clap-hands catchy. Get up and twirl around the room.

MADDIE & TAE / “Madness”
Writers: Maddie Font/Taylor Kerr/Jessie Jo Dillon/Zach Kale; Producer: Jimmy Robbins/Derek Wells; Label: Mercury
— Airy and wafting, this audio dreamscape is about the enduring power of true love. Relaxing and gentle. Caressed by their sweet, close vocal harmonies.

JIMMY YEARY / “Angeline”
Writers: Jimmy Yeary/Billy Droze/Chris Myers; Producer: none listed; Label: RBR Entertainment
— Yeary is a big hit songwriter via such accomplishments as “I Drive Your Truck” (Lee Brice), “I Called Mama” (Tim McGraw), “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” (Martina McBride), “Till It’s Gone” (Kenny Chesney) and more. He’s also the lucky devil who’s married to the divine Sonya Isaacs. As if that’s not enough, he is a dandy bluegrass record maker. This frothy, lickety-split, dobro-laced, scampering-fiddle ditty is a hillbilly delight.

RAY STEVENS / “Hoochie Coochie Dancer”
Writers: C.W. Kalb, Jr.; Producer: Ray Stevens; Label: Curb
— The master of the novelty single is back with a charming outing about getting mugged after falling for a carny gal. Loved the backup ooohs and the talking-blues delivery. Cute and amusing.

ABBY ANDERSON / “Bad Posture”
Writers: Abby Anderson/Anna Vaus; Producer: Marshall Altman; Label: AA
— She’s singing with more guts than ever on this stately saga of a survivor: “Since you’ve been gone, I stand up straight.” In the ebb-and-flow production, the rippling piano notes are gradually augmented by an echoey, marching rhythm track. Definitely ear catching.

LILLI LEWIS / “My American Heart”
Writers: Lilli Lewis; Producer: none listed; Label: Louisiana Red Hot Records
— She sings marvelously, with a pleading soprano that can dip to a throaty, chesty tone. The wordy, well-meaning song wanders around in search of a hook.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert, Hannah Ellis, Walker Hayes

/by

There’s an awful lot of pop music in this week’s “country” round-up edition of DISClaimer.

Holding down the fort and standing firmly on country ground are Chase Rice, Brett Young, Ryan Hurd and our Disc of the Day winner, queen Miranda Lambert.

The DISCovery Award also goes to a female artist, Curb newcomer Hannah Ellis.

HANNAH ELLIS / “Us”
Writers: Hannah Ellis/Jason Massey/Travis Wood; Producer: Jason Massey; Label: Curb Records
— Bubbling and boiling, this churning, rhythm-happy number comes across like a female version of Keith Urban’s catchy, pop-country sound. Highly listenable.

WALKER HAYES / “U Gurl”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Dylan Guthro/Jodi Guthro; Producer: Dylan Guthro; Label: Monument Records
— While “Fancy Like” continues to dominate, Hayes issues this new track. It’s more pop, white-boy hip-hop, and has even less to do with country music than his mega hit.

SHY CARTER / “The Rest of Us”
Writers: Shy Carter/Bryan Simpson/Josh Kerr; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner
— The title tune of Carter’s debut EP is a lovely pop love ode wafting with heartfelt tenor vocals, brushed percussion and sweet lyrics. Enchanting. Swoon worthy. Stick with his “Beer With My Friends” banger, but keep this in your back pocket as proof of the depth of his talent.

LEE BRICE / “Soul”
Writers: Kevin Kadish/Tony Ferrari; Producer: Ben Glover/Kyle Jacobs; Label: Curb Records
— In the wake of four straight No. 1 country hits, Brice motors down a pop side street with this wildly attractive, bouncy bopper. Deliciously hooky.

THE WILD FEATHERS / “Ain’t Lookin’”
Writers: Jeffrey Steele/Joel King/Ricky Young/Taylor Burns; Producer: The Wild Feathers; Label: New West
— I loved ‘em when they were a pop/rock band, and I loved ‘em just as much as country music makers. Now they are rocking again. Whatever….

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “If I Was a Cowboy”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Jesse Frasure; Producer: Luke Dick/Jon Randall; Label: RCA/Vanner Records
— Breezy and beautiful, this is the sound of freedom and high spirits. A bases-loaded home run. Massive airplay, please.

YOLA / “Be My Friend”
Writers: Yola/Dan Auerbach/Ruby Amanfu; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye/Concord
— This British-born, Nashville-based artist seamlessly blends soul, Americana and country. She’s this month’s OpryNext artist and is touring with Chris Stapleton. Her commanding voice is center stage in this stately ballad. That’s Americana queen Brandi Carlile on the twin-like harmony vocals.

BRETT YOUNG / “You Didn’t”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Brett Young/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite; Producer: Dann Huff/Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG
— Mr. Romance cuddles up next to you while crooning a ballad about accepting a breakup without casting blame or recriminations. Tender and affecting. A heart-tugging lyric that will pierce anyone who has lived the line, “I fell in love, and you didn’t.”

RUTHIE COLLINS / “Hypocrite”
Writers: Ruthie Collins/Natalie Stovall; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sidewalk
— Ruthie’s breakup isn’t going so well. In this ballad, she’s putting on a good face, but is actually shattered because she’s still in love with him. The pounding surrounding track is very pop.

CHASE RICE / “If I Were Rock & Roll”
Writers: Chase Rice; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
— Charmingly written. It’s a jaunty ditty about love and fidelity that brings a smile to your face. The shuffling, bright, light-hearted production is mighty endearing, too.

MORGAN EVANS/ “Love Is Real”
Writers: Jordan Reynolds/Morgan Evans/Parker Welling; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Relentlessly optimistic. The burbling, percussive track and sunshine-y melody are more than a little reminiscent of the style of his fellow Oz import Keith Urban. Which is to say: toe-tapping, catchy, rocking and shiny.

RYAN HURD / “Pass It On”
Writers: Ryan James Hurd/Maren Morris/Jordan Schmidt/Michael Hardy; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Label: Arista Nashville
— Do you have good fortune? Don’t keep it to yourself. Pass it on to someone else, says Ryan in this ear-tickling pleaser. Hand claps. Gang sing-along. Rolling tempo. What’s not to like?

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keb’ Mo’ & Darius Rucker, Abbey Cone, Rod + Rose

/by

Keb’ Mo’, Darius Rucker

Country newcomers shine brightly today in DisClaimer.

Vying for our attention are Rod + Rose, Dalton Dover and our DisCovery Award winner, Abbey Cone.

Mind you, there are plenty of old friends to greet as well, notably William Lee Golden, Reba, Dolly, Maria Muldaur and the enduringly brilliant Lyle Lovett. Listen right now to Lyle’s “Teach Me About Love.” You can thank me later.

The Disc of the Day belongs to the duo of Keb’ Mo’ and Darius Rucker, with Vince Gill behind the board. It’s a pure delight.

ROD + ROSE / “Put Me Back Together”
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Trevor Dahl/Brenton Duvall/Johnny Price/Kiara Saulters; Producer: Rodney Atkins/Seth Mosley; Label: Curb
— Country hitmaker Rodney Atkins and his bride, pop princess Rose Falcon, shimmer as a duo on this dreamy love ballad. It’s a seductive swirl of vocal harmonies, electronic loops, echoey percussion and electric guitar. Yes, it’s pop. But it sure is pretty.

REBA McENTIRE & DOLLY PARTON / “Does He Love You”
Writers: Sandy Knox/Billy Stritch; Producer: Dave Cobb/Reba McEntire; Label: MCA
— This revisitation of the 1993 Reba & Linda Davis Grammy and CMA winning duet works. The new arrangement is more acoustic and less bombastic. Both Reba and new partner Dolly breathe new life into the lyric, each adding fresh vocal embellishments and emotional nuances. In a word, classy.

WILLIE JONES / “Get Low, Get High”
Writers: Willie Jones/Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day; Producer: Willie Jones/Brandon Day; Label: Sony/Penthouse
— Jones applies a low baritone vocal to ride atop the beats on this rousing, uplifting outing about overcoming. The track builds to a catchy, quasi-shouted anthem, complete with massed male & female gang sings and a bright touch of brass. The song is pretty much a continually repeated snippet that wears out its welcome about 2/3 of the way through.

JAKE OWEN/ “Best Thing Since Backroads”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Geoff Warburton/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
— This jolly thumper is churning up the charts for this perennial favorite. He’s so smitten with her that he thinks she’s prettier than a summer day or a country landscape. Everything about this smiles.

MARIA MULDAUR/ “I’m Vaccinated and I’m Ready for Love”
Writers: Maria Mudaur/Craig Caffal; Producer: none listed; Label: Stony Plain
— The “Midnight at the Oasis” charmer is back with a pandemic ditty. Musically, it’s a straightforward blues bopper with plenty of vintage ambiance and a back-alley guitar solo. Lyrically, it’s as cute as the dickens.

BLANCO BROWN / “Nobody’s More Country”
Writers: Bennie Amey III/Jordan Schmidt/Quintin Amey/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Blanco Brown/ Jordan Schmidt; Label: BBR
— Delightful. Sung to a chirping, electro-embellished, banjo-and-handclaps track, Brown’s ode to the pleasures of country living is marvelously catchy. “The Git Up” star has reemerged, rehabbed from a near-fatal motorcycle crash and sounds as hearty as ever.

WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN & THE GOLDENS / “Jambalaya”
Writers: Hank Williams; Producer: Ben Isaacs/Michael Sykes/Chris Golden/Rusty Golden; Label: Copperline
— The “mountain man” of the Oak Ridge Boys kept his family’s spirits up during the pandemic by having recording sessions. The Country Hall of Famer and his three sons (Rusty, Chris & Craig) give this Hank Williams classic a Louisiana backbeat and some zippy guitar and piano work to make it a contemporary dance tune. Lotsa fun. Also check out their exquisite family harmonies on the Jim Reeves standard “Four Walls.”

KEB’ MO’ & DARIUS RUCKER / “Good Strong Woman”
Writers: Kevin Moore/Jason Nix/Jason Gantt; Producer: Vince Gill/Keb’ Mo’; Label: Rounder
— Nashville’s Grammy-winning bluesman goes all-the-way country on this toe-tapping ditty duet with Darius Rucker, coproduced by Hall of Famer Vince Gill. Crisp, clear and totally joyous.

DALTON DOVER / “You Got a Small Town”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jamie Paulin/John Pierce; Producer: Matt McVaney; Label: Droptine
— Blake turned his chair around for this youngster on The Voice a few years back and here’s why. Dover is a forceful, confident singer with plenty of grit and swagger in his delivery. The small-town Georgian displays impressive range and volume on this salute to rural roots. The production is needlessly busy and rock electrified, but he rises above it. An impressive debut, reminiscent of the titanic Luke Combs.

LYLE LOVETT / “Teach Me About Love”
Writers: Walter Hyatt; Producer: none listed; Label: Omnivore
— Drawn from an Austin City Limits tribute show to the late singer-songwriter Walter Hyatt, this sensational little acoustic swinger slides into that sweet spot between country and jazz. And nobody has the vocal “cool” to bring this off better than Lyle Lovett. Stay tuned for the finale yodel. “Groovy” doesn’t even begin to describe it.

MATT STELL / “Boyfriend Season”
Writers: Matt Stell/Zach Abend/Seth Ennis/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: RECORDS/Arista
— The single continues to be “That Ain’t Me No More,” but this newly released track is almost as hooky. Advice for a broken hearted lady from her former lover.

ABBEY CONE / “Rhinestone Ring”
Writers: Abbey Cone/Heather Morgan/Nathan Spicer; Producer: Nathan Spicer/Abbey Cone; Label: Valory
— This youngster debuts with a sweet tune about wedding dreams. You don’t need all the fancy trimmings to make nuptials perfect, just true love. She doesn’t miss church bells, a veil, a white dress and all that: A jukebox dance in his arms wearing a little black dress in a neon-let barroom is just fine.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band, Morgan Wade

/by

Luke Bryan. Photo: Jim Wright

This productive listening session perfectly mixed country newcomers and stars.

In the latter category are fresh offerings from Blake Shelton, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, the Zac Brown Band and Dierks Bentley (with the James Barker Band). Also, our Disc of the Day winner, Luke Bryan.

Vying for newcomer attention are Walker County (again), Georgia Webster (again), Misty River, the James Barker Band and our DisCovery Award honoree Morgan Wade. Some folks might need to get over her tats-and-piercings visual presentation, but the proof is in the listening. The gal is gifted.

GEORGIA WEBSTER / “Box of Memories”
Writers: Georgia Webster; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Sony/River House
— Audio heartbreak. Over steady, slow piano chords, she delivers a trembling, cracked, lovely ballad of loneliness and reflection. Promising.

LUKE BRYAN / “Up”
Writers: Jeremy Bussey/Taylor Phillips/Bobby Pinson; Producer: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol
—Beautifully produced, with airy, echoey space around Luke’s vocal. The melodic song holds snapshots of simple country living. Faith is the key. An endearing single with a new sonic direction for this superstar.

JAMES BARKER BAND & DIERKS BENTLEY / “New Old Trucks”
Writers: James Barker/Casey Brown/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton; Producer: Todd Clark; Label: Sony
—Rust, scratches, dents and debris are the patina that makes his ride special. A mid-paced country rocker with heart. Both artists sing with conviction here.

BLAKE SHELTON / “Come Back as a Country Boy”
Writers: Jordan Schmidt/Josh Thompson/Michael Hardy; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
—This redneck rocker is a stomping manifesto in that proud-to-be-country mode. Did I miss the chapter where it says that hillbillies believe in reincarnation?

MISTY RIVER / “Rain”
Writers: Carmen Phelan; Producer: Adam Morley; Label: MR
—This U.K. singer-songwriter-fiddler sings of better days to come on this sweet-sounding ditty. Her vocal is pitched too high, making her sound childlike and frilly.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “The Comeback”
Writers: Zac Brown/Wyatt Beasley Durrette III/Ray Fulcher/Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Zac Brown/Ben Simonetti; Label: Warner
—I love how these guys are out there in their own musical space. Their harmonies slay me every time, as does Zac’s drawled countryboy phrasing. The band is enduringly great, and this uplifting anthem is directed at our collective love of our land.

MORGAN WADE/ “Wilder Days”
Writers: Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden; Producer: Sadler Vaden & Paul Ebersold; Label: Arista
—A force to be reckoned with. I love the smoky quality in her voice and the smoldering ember of rock in the track. I wish she wasn’t compressed and double tracked, but this is a stunning debut nonetheless. There is a lot of truth in her younger-woman-older-man relationship lyric. She definitely has the “wow” factor and totally deserves instant stardom.

DUSTIN LYNCH & RILEY GREEN / “Huntin’ Land”
Writers: Dustin Lynch/Andy Albert/Hunter Phelps/Will Weatherly; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow
—Really? He only loves her because her daddy has thousands of acres of hunting land in Kentucky? “Humor” delivered without humor.

WALKER COUNTY / “Liar”
Writers: David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey/Ivy Walker/Sophie Walker; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Warner
—This sassy sister duo (Ivy Dene and Sophie Dawn) is feisty and fierce on this cleverly written power waltz. She’s being saucy and devil-may-care, but it’s all an act because she’s still stuck on him. I love the rousing, in-your-face choruses. This rocks.

JUSTIN MOORE / “With a Woman You Love”
Writers: Justin Moore/Paul DiGiovanni/Chase McGill/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jeremy Stover/Scott Borchetta; Label: Valory
—Delightfully country. Singing the praises of true love with twang to spare.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson

/by

Pictured (L-R): Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp. Photo: Taryn Weitzman

There’s more than a touch of Americana influence in today’s country edition of DisClaimer.

Frankly, it’s what is needed to keep the country format from becoming completely boring. Charley Crockett, Rodney Crowell, Willie Nelson and son Lukas Nelson all did their part to spice up this listening session.

So did the titanic John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen, who easily earned the Disc of the Day award.

Jessie James Decker stages her debut in the column this week and wins the DisCovery Award. A TV personality, fashionista, NFL wife and social media influencer, she seems like a real go-getter.

NIKO MOON / “Paradise to Me”
Writers: Niko Moon/Anna Moon/Joshua Murty; Producer: Joshua Murty/Niko Moon; Label: RCA Nashville
— It’s a mellow party vibe with a beach-y groove. Relaxing and smiley.

KANE BROWN & H.E.R. / “Blessed and Free”
Writers: David Biral/Denzel Michael-Akil Baptiste/Gabriella Wilson/Ilsey Juber/Kane Brown/Russ Chell; Producer: Russ Chell/Take A Daytrip/Kuk Harrell; Label: RCA Nashville
— Brown takes aim at the pop charts and misses. Tuneless and lifeless.

OMER NETZER / “Country Boy”
Writers: Omer Netzer/Moran Ifragan; Producer: Omer Netzer/Moran Ifragan; Label: ON
— It says here that Omer is “Israel’s hottest country music entertainer.” He has a gritty vocal quality that’s ear catching, and the guitar noodling sounds good. The songwriting could use some work.

LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL / “Wildest Dream”
Writers: Lukas Nelson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Fantasy
— Jaunty, welcoming country-rock that rolls along an open sonic highway. This has verve to spare.

JOHN MELLENCAMP & BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN / “Wasted Days”
Writers: John Mellencamp; Producer: John Mellencamp; Label: Republic
— As fiddles, accordions and guitars bob and weave in a dizzy swirl, these two music masters muse on the fleeting nature of life. They swap verses, and Bruce takes the high harmony vocal on the choruses. The resulting sonic tapestry is more “country” than 90% of what you hear on country radio.

EDDIE MONTGOMERY / “Alive and Well”
Writers: Eddie Montgomery/Ira Dean/Chris Wallin; Producer: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Label: Average Joes
— Rousing and uplifting. The lyric is lifted from his life: It reflects on the tragic losses he has endured (the deaths of his son in 2015 and his music partner Troy Gentry in 2017) and his ultimate will to live that they led to.

WILLIE NELSON / “Family Bible”
Writers: Willie Nelson; Producer: Willie Nelson/Steve Chadie; Label: Legacy
— Sister Bobbie Nelson provides the eloquent piano accompaniment, while children Paula, Amy, Micah and Lukas softly harmonize behind papa’s sturdy, sure and soulful lead vocal. Band mainstays Mickey Raphael and the late Paul English are here as well. It’s one of Willie’s finest early songs, and it still sounds brilliant.

JENNY TOLMAN / “I Know Some Cowboys”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: JT
— Nashville’s finest unsigned talent sings the praises of Texas gentlemen in this instantly catchy, sprightly, clever country rocker. An irresistible toe tapper.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Music City USA”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Mark Neill; Producer: Mark Neill; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
— This prolific Texas honky tonker has issued 10 albums during the past six years and won the Emerging Artist of the Year honor at this month’s Americana Music Awards. The title tune of his latest skewers the star-making machinery of Nashville. “I shouldn’t have come here in the first place,” he sings to the accompaniment of a classic ‘60s, steel-soaked track, “’cause folks in here don’t like my kind.” He’s retro and proud of it.

MICKEY GUYTON / “All American”
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Victoria Banks/Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Capitol Nashville
— After a decade in Nashville, Mickey at last has an album. It is a 16-track dandy that is aptly titled Remember Her Name. This track from it is a soaring anthem of inclusion and togetherness. This lady can flat-out SING.

RODNEY CROWELL / “Something Has to Change”
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Rodney Crowell/Dan Knobler; Label: RC1/Thirty Tigers
— This timeless treasure offers introspection and social commentary in his new songs on an album titled Triage. His current Americana hit resonates with conviction and rhythmic thump, not to mention a striking trombone solo. Rodney’s singing is simultaneously conversational and soaring as he delivers this lyric asking for some social justice.

JESSIE JAMES DECKER / “Not In Love With You”
Writers: Sam Ellis/Jordyn Shellhart; Producer: Sam Ellis; Label: Big Yellow Dog/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
— Decker delivers the goods here, singing powerfully about moving on from a failed relationship. She deploys vocal breaks, sustained notes, vulnerable aches and whisper-to-a-shout range while the production chimes around her. Tuneful. Well done.