DISClaimer Single Reviews: Charlie Worsham, Keith Urban, Hailey Whitters

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Charlie Worsham. Photo: Jason Myers

Vets and babies coexist in today’s roundup of new country tunes.

The Oaks, Lisa Brokop and Keith Burns all have sounds that stand alongside Sarah Jane Nelson, Forrest Finn and our DisCovery Award winner, Zach Bryan.

In a hard-charging contest among Hailey Whitters with Jordan Davis, Keith Urban with Breland, Brokop and Filmore, the multi-talented Charlie Worsham wins the Disc of the Day with his “Fist Through This Town.”

FORREST FINN / “How Do You Break a Heart”
Writers: Thomas Archer/Lalo Guzman/Nick Boyd; Producer: Forrest Finn; Label: New Lost City
— Breathy, R&B flavored vocal, plus finger snaps, electronic track and sing-songy melody. Attractive, if not exactly your daddy’s country music.

CRAIG CAMPBELL / “Good Things Come to Those Who Drink”
Writers: Craig Campbell/Mark Holman/James McNair; Producer: none listed; Label: Grindstone
— The track is too loud and busy. But the rollicking song and his good-time performance are both right on the money. Raise a glass and shake your booty.

SARAH JANE NELSON / “Smile Pretty”
Writers: Sarah Jane Nelson; Producer: Jamie Tate/Sarah Jane Nelson; Label: none listed
—Dark and moody, this ballad about a rape rings with resonance and authenticity. Her alto delivery and the beautifully mixed production both bolster the lyric perfectly. Sarah Jane and her song will be featured on Saturday (April 24) at a benefit for Nashville’s Sexual Assault Center. The gig is 4-6 p.m. at the fabulous Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, and she’ll be joined by Mary Gauthier (who has a new book), Alice Wallace, Jaimee Harris, Kenny Foster, The HawThorns and Caitlin Cannon.

CHARLIE WORSHAM / “Fist Through This Town”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Jeremy Spillman/Travis Meadows; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Super powerful. The track throbs with visceral strength. His searing guitar solo lifts off the top of your head. His singing gains in intensity and passion as the production builds to a crescendo. Most important, the hard-times lyric and its blue-collar attitude grab you by your coat lapels and command you to pay heed. Brilliance all around.

RHONDA TOWNS / “Walking in Your Wonderful Light”
Writers: Teddy Hayes; Producer: Billy Sherrill/Rhonda Towns; Label: none listed
— Rhonda was in the vanguard of the swell of Black country artists who have appeared during the past couple of years. Her comeback single is a light, airy, pop-inspirational ditty with a gentle innocence and sweet affection.

KEITH URBAN, BRELAND & NILE RODGERS / “Out The Cage”
Writers: Sean Small/Daniel Breland/Keith Urban/Sam Sumser; Producer: Keith Urban/Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Zippy and zesty track overlaid with scampering vocals, empowering rapid-fire lyrics and fleet-fingered guitar work. Inventive and imaginative. Energetic, to say the least.

HAILEY WHITTERS & JORDAN DAVIS / “The Ride”
Writers: Ben West/Hailey Whitters/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jake Gear/Ben West/Hailey Whitters; Label: Pigasus/Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
— This terrific talent has an updated album, The Dream: Living the Dream Deluxe. It features collaborations with Little Big Town, Brent Cobb, Trisha Yearwood and Lori McKenna, as well as this rolling, utterly enchanting outing with Mr. Davis. Hooky as well as meaningful. You need this woman’s music in your life.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “Life Is Beautiful”
Writers: Colin Linden/Kevin Moore; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lightning Rod
— Lovely and uplifting. The magical, echoey audio atmosphere makes the spare, piano-and-rhythm-section arrangement seem like a wonderland. The message could not be more healing.

ZACH BRYAN / “Heading South”
Writers: Zach Bryan; Producer: Leo Alba; Label: Warner Records
— His urgent, online, acoustic, lo-fi, guitar-vocal performance of this poetic story song evidently made this active-duty Navy ordnanceman such a viral sensation that he’s earned a deal with Warner and a guest appearance on the Opry. A preview of stardom?

FILMORE / “Used to Be”
Writers: Filmore/Geoff Warburton/Brandon Day/Andy Albert; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Curb Records
— This guy is so cool. His sound is utterly different and ultra modern, while his songwriting is thoroughly country. I’ve loved everything he’s done to date, and this rhythmic new heartbreak track only deepens my affection for his music. Get on board.

LISA BROKOP / “Is It Me and You”
Writers: Harley Hatcher; Producer: Harley Hatcher; Label: Amersong
— The ‘90s Canadian country thrush returns with a propulsive, dancefloor rocker that features a newly assertive vocal style. Her throaty delivery here has loads of moxie and emotional maturity. Arguably the most potent single of her career to date.

KEITH BURNS / “Tryin’ Times”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: KB
— This vet of Trick Pony and Burns & Poe goes solo with this gentle meditation on faith, turbulence, hope and perseverance. Easy does it.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tim McGraw, Brian Kelley, Lanco, Kat & Alex

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Tim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein

Country’s big boys are strutting their stuff in today’s edition of DisClaimer.

And at what better time, with the ACM Awards set to air on Sunday night? So Luke Bryan, Lanco, Brian Kelley of FGL, Thomas Rhett and Jameson Rodgers are on tap with new songs. They are all bested by a superstar veteran, Tim McGraw, who nails down the Disc of the Day award.

This is a male-dominated stack of sounds, but there are three female voices worth your attention this week. One of them is the enduringly great Miranda Lambert, singing with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall and recorded in the great outdoors. Secondly, don’t miss the fiery Maggie Rose performance.

Third is our DisCovery Award winning duo Kat & Alex. Kat Luna sings lead on “Heartbreak Tour.” Partner Alex Garrido shines just a brightly on “You and the Radio.” Here’s a sweet touch: The eliminated American Idol alumni were married in January.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Good Dogs”
Writers: Jameson Rodgers/Hunter Phelps/Jake Mitchell/Brent Anderson; Producer: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
— For doggie lovers everywhere. It’s a raspy-voiced, slow meditation on life and mortality that concludes “good dogs don’t live long enough.”

THOMAS RHETT / “Country Again”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Zach Crowell/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory Music Co.
— He went Hollywood, but now he’s back to drinking beer, hunting, fishing, wearing boots, going to church, loving his honey, sitting at a campfire and hanging out in Tennessee. Ho hum.

KARISSA ELLA / “Maybe It Was Memphis”
Writers: Michael James Anderson; Producer: Zach Farnum & Karissa Ella; Label: Orchard/117 Entertainment
— The acoustic production is admirable. But her vocal performance is sharp and pitch-y. It doesn’t help that she’s asking for comparison to a Pam Tillis oldie that was a dang-near perfect record the first time around.

KAT & ALEX / “Heartbreak Tour”
Writers: Alex Georgia/Kat Georgia; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— They are billed as “Country-Latin disrupters,” whatever that means. All I know is that the sound is very cool. Their harmonies are stellar. The production is echoey-groovy. The chorus is one massive hook. Turn it up. I’m in. Also check out their super rhythmic and equally hooky “You and the Radio.”

MANNY BLU / “Train”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Ryan Beaver/JT Harding; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Label: MB
— It’s a frothing rocker with loads of energy and sizzle. He’s asking for her love to “hit me like a train.” The rhythm section and electric guitar kick serious butt behind his youthful wail.

TIM McGRAW / “God Moves the Pen”
Writers: James Slater/Tony Lane; Producer: Byron Gallimore/Tim McGraw; Label: Big Machine Records
— Awesome. This man is a superstar for a reason. Is there anyone else in country music who chooses superb songs this consistently? This brisk tempo outing is a string of terrific lines about love and the act of writing. What a wonderfully satisfying country artist.

JACK INGRAM, MIRANDA LAMBERT, JON RANDALL / “Am I Right or Amarillo”
Writers: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Producer: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Acoustic bliss with outdoor trio harmonies. It’s a honky-tonk cheatin’ song dressed up like a folk tune. Lovely listening. The Marfa Tapes album by these three stellar tunesmiths drops on May 7.

LANCO / “First Beer”
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Tripp Howell/Jaren Johnson; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Arista Nashville
— I fell in love with this right away. The nostalgic lyric is extremely well written, and the echoey, upbeat audio setting is perfect for the wistful mood. This act never disappoints.

BRIAN KELLEY / “Beach Cowboy”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Brian Kelley/Jake Rose; Producer: Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder/Jake Rose; Label: Nashville South Records Inc/Warner Music Nashville
— Mellow, like summer in the Southern sun. The repetitive song is slim pickin’s, but this outing is all about the groove. Get baked and lay back stoned.

LUKE BRYAN / “Waves”
Writers: Zach Crowell/Ryan Hurd/Chase McGill; Producer: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Highly evocative. It will bring back memories of every beach-spent summer of your youth while the swirling rhythm and anthemic production dazzle your brain today. Bryan’s vocal is one of the most passionate of his career.

CARL RAY / “I Can See Clearly Now”
Writers: Johnny Nash; Producer: none listed; Label: CRW
— Black country singer Carl Ray (Williams) was mentored by the late Johnny Nash, who gave him his start. Ray takes Nash’s million-selling 1972 reggae-tinged pop chart topper, adds his own lyric contributions and reinterprets the tempo to become a country rocker. Intriguing. And the message of hope is timeless.

MAGGIE ROSE / “What Are We Fighting For”
Writers: Alex Haddad/Larry Florman/Maggie Rose; Producer: Ben Tanner; Label: Starstruck
— I remain a massive fan of this blue-eyed soul stylist. This torrid, slow-burn performance is equal parts gospel emotion and blues ambiance. The woman should be some kinda superstar.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Logan Mize, Chrissy Metz, Canaan Smith, Chevel Shepherd

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Logan Mize. Photo: John Shearer

Today belongs to country’s newcomers and baby acts.

First timers to DisClaimer include John PayCheck, Sydney Mack and our DisCovery Award winner, Timmy Brown.

One of our up-and-comers goes home with the Disc of the Day prize. That’s the endearing Logan Mize with his coming-of-age tune “Practice Swing.”

JACKSON MICHELSON / “Tip Jar”
Writers: Jackson Michelson/Patrick Mencel/Justin Morgan; Producer: Jeff Pardo; Label: MCC/Curb
— If the tunes keep playing, maybe he’ll get over her. The sound here is a funky kinda pop with barroom country sentiments. Fresh and innovative.

CHRISSY METZ / “Girl Go”
Writers: Chrissy Metz/Dan Fernandez/Faren Rachels/Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jimmy Robbins/Derek Wells; Label: EMI Records Nashville
— The This Is Us star comes up to bat again, this time with a punchy, feisty, female-empowerment country rocker. Strong and catchy. Give her your spins.

TIMMY BROWN / “If You Were Here”
Writers: Timmy Brown/Joshua Gleave; Producer: Josh Gleave; Label: Independent
— This guy is a big favorite in New England, voted Male Artist of the Year in that region for five years straight. This resonant, nicely shaded production finds his hearty, charismatic baritone musing on the loss of a loving father. I think he has the goods.

CHEVEL SHEPHERD / “Good Boy”
Writers: Kellys Collins/Bill Luther; Producer: Todd Tidwell; Label: Country Sweetheart
— The soprano delivery of this 2018 winner of NBC-TV’s The Voice struck me as a little piercing at first, but youthful sincerity and heart carry the day. The lyric pleads for her Mama to love and understand her boyfriend. This teen delivers like a pro here. Keep your ears on her.

CANAAN SMITH / “Sweet Virgina”
Writers: Canaan Smith/Brian Kelley/Tyler Hubbard/Corey Crowder; Producer: Canaan Smith/Brian Kelley/Tyler Hubbard; Label: Round Here Records
— Laid back and mellow, with a wistful lyric about the gal he leaves behind back home. Sweetly relaxing.

TERRI CLARK / “The Highway”
Writers: Holly Williams; Producer: Terri Clark; Label: Baretrack/Orchard
— Ya gotta love this. It’s about how much a musician misses the road, misses the shows, misses the people and misses her life. And it has hooks to spare.

LOGAN MIZE “Practice Swing”
Writers: Randy Montana/Blake Chaffin; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
— Holy moly, what a song. It’s a chesty, anthemic thumper about what it feels like to be reckless and 17 and trying your wings. Its truth hits you like a ton of bricks. I’ve always dug this guy, and never more so than now. A gem of a single.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “I’m Not for Everyone”
Writers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne/Luke Dick/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Records Nashville
— I love these guys. This drawling, lightly humorous outing is packed with cool images in its misfit message. As usual, the production, vocal oomph, guitar hooks and audio charisma are unmistakable. Play, play, play it.

SYDNEY MACK / “Pretty Boy”
Writers: Sydney Mack/Wade Kirby/Shane Minor; Producer: none listed; Label: Sydy Wall Music
— She has an attractive, throaty alto that caresses the ear quite attractively. Her well-crafted song is a cautionary message to a ladies man. A crystal-clear production supports her perfectly. Recommended.

JOHN PAYCHECK / “Lone Stars”
Writers: John PayCheck/Scott Gabbey; Producer: Bill Mcdermott; Label: HorseBite
— His father was one of the greatest honky-tonk singers of ‘em all. This PayCheck faces an impossible comparison. Of course, he’s not nearly as soulful as his pop. But he gets points for trying with this frisky toe tapper.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Maddie & Tae, Brandy Clark, Georgia Webster

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It’s a country-music Ladies’ Day here at DisClaimer.

Women are making a lot of the most interesting music in this genre these days, and today’s listening session was a good illustration of that.

It is not even a single, but Brandy Clark wins the Disc of the Day prize for her extraordinarily moving “Remember Me Beautiful.” It is is for everyone who has had to say farewell to Mom.

If you must have a bona fide single release for the week’s Disc award, give it to Maddie & Tae for their sprightly, feisty “Woman You Got.”

The DisCovery Award also goes to a female artist. That would be Georgia Webster, who is definitely a highly promising new talent around these parts.

AUSTIN TOLLIVER / “Yodelay You Down”
Writers: Austin Tolliver/Chase J.; Producer: Maxim Laskavy; Label: Average Joes Entertainment
— It has both a delightful twang and a can’t miss dance-floor beat. Electronics and acoustics combine for a highly infectious, imaginative track. Just one question: Should you build a song around the word “yodelay” when you can’t yodel?

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Shut Up Sheila (live)”
Writers: Nicolette Hayford/Charles Chisholm; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— This has been a favorite of mine in her catalog ever since the first time I heard it. This live version amps it up into a barn burner. One of the all-time coolest—and most offbeat—country songs about a funeral.

TYLER BRADEN / “What Do They Know”
Writers: Tyler Braden/Aaron Scherz; Producer: Randy Montana; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— This uplifting fist pumper is about chasing your dreams, no matter how discouraging those around might be. Braden alternates conversational verses with top-of-his-range vocal soaring on the choruses. Very effective.

HUNTER HAYES / “If You Change Your Mind”
Writers: Hunter Hayes/Johnluke Lewis/Rachel Braig; Producer: Hunter Hayes/Ruslan Odnoralov; Label: LP Entertainment
— Kinda pop. Kinda “teen.” Kinda slick. Kinda generic.

SCOOTER BROWN BAND / “Country At All”
Writers: Scott E. Brown/Tim Montana; Producer: Scooter Brown & Zach Farnum; Label: 117 Entertainment/Orchard
— This slow moving, almost plodding, ditty calls out contemporary “country” for straying too far from good ole boys, outlaws and three chords and the truth. Putting a bit more tempo to it would have made it hit harder.

BRANDY CLARK / “Remember Me Beautiful”
Writers: Liz Rose/Brandy Clark/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Records
— Brandy introduced this on the Opry last weekend, and it left me speechless with tears on my face. It’s a track from the Deluxe edition of her Grammy-nominated Your Life Is a Record CD, which was already a perfect album. Now it’s super perfect. This powerfully emotional gem could become an everlasting anthem for every Mama’s funeral.

ANDREW JANNAKOS / “Wine Country”
Writers: Andrew Jannakos/Jason Afable/Eric Mallon/Alex Pennington Smith; Producer: Derek Wells; Label: RCA Nashville
— This is a warm, low-key, drowsy romantic ballad with an intimate vocal performance. Relaxing in the extreme. Raise a glass or pass out. Your call.

JOHN SCHNEIDER / “Born at a Truck Stop”
Writers: Jacob Lyda/Brian Maher/Bill Shore; Producer: none listed; Label: BFD/Audium
— Actor/singer Schneider’s upcoming album will benefit trucker charities. This toe-tapper from the concept CD boasts plenty of twanging electric guitar and a dandy lyric. A good-time, gospel-tinged rouser.

GEORGIA WEBSTER / “Push & Pull”
Writers: Georgia Webster; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: River House Artists/Sony Music Nashville
— Enchanting. Her sweet/tart soprano has folk overtones and hidden strength. The production is a nicely layered acoustic thumper. In the lyric, she’s just gotta get outta this relationship, pal, while she still has feelings for you. Send more.

MADDIE & TAE / “Woman You Got”
Writers: Maddie Font/Taylor Kerr/Laura Veltz/Mark Holman; Producer: Derek Wells/Jimmy Robbins; Label: Mercury Nashville
— The duo kicks off their 2021 with a groove-saturated, upbeat, joyous celebration of womanly things. She’s a steadfast lover, a doll collector, a risk-taking wild child, a mess maker, a non-cook, an emotional roller coaster and a multifaceted kook. All to a crazy-good beat.

KYLE ELLIOTT / “Come On Over”
Writers: Kyle Elliott; Producer: none listed; Label: KE
— He has a luxuriously rich baritone that he puts to good advantage on this hooky, well-produced, midtempo romantic outing. Promising.

JUSTIN MOORE / “She Ain’t Mine No More”
Writers: Justin Moore/Paul DiGionvanni/Jamie Paulin/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Valory
— “We Didn’t Have Much” remains the current single. This new track is a second sneak peek at his upcoming album Straight Outta the Country. It’s rolling ride down Heartbreak Highway with plenty of oomph and drive. Highly recommended.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kelsea & Kenny, Breland & Mickey, Morgan Wade

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Disc of the Day winner “Half of My Hometown.”

The pickin’s are slim today.

There are only five essential listening experiences here. They belong to Marty Stuart, Breland & Mickey Guyton, Mo Pitney and the Lee Ann Womack collaboration with the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Plus our Disc of the Day winner, Kelsea Ballerini with an assist from Kenny Chesney.

Morgan Wade, who has been opening shows for her equally tattooed sister Ashley McBryde, wins the DISCovery Award.

FILMORE / “Good Thing”
Writers: Filmore/Geoff Warburton/Zach Abend; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Curb
—The relationship is kaput, but the fond memories linger. He sings it with sweet regret, and the shuffling, kinda nervous track is cool. The repetitive chorus is sung a few too many times.

KELSEA BALLERINI & KENNY CHESNEY / “Half of My Hometown”
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini/Jimmy Robbins/Nicolle Galyon/Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally; Producer: Kelsea Ballerini/Jimmy Robbins/Ross Copperman; Label: Black River
—Wonderfully evocative. Musing about your roots. Whether you get away or stay put, your heart always belongs to the place where you were raised. Chesney provides a subtly shaded, perfectly nuanced harmony vocal.

STEPHEN FLATT / “Hold You Tonight”
Writers: Stephen Flatt; Producer: Dave Roe/Stephen Flatt; Label: SF
—It’s a breezy country rocker about a trucker headed for home. The ride is smooth and easy. The singer is the great-nephew of Country Music Hall of Fame bluegrass legend Lester Flatt.

LORETTA LYNN & MARGO PRICE / “One’s on the Way”
Writer: Shel Silverstein; Producers: Patsy Lynn Russell/John Carter Cash; Label: Legacy
—Well, nothing is ever going to match Loretta’s original 1972 performance of this gem. But this has plenty of verve and goodwill going for it. Margo is very much a disciple, and her affectionate warmth shines through.

GARY LeVOX / “The Distance”
Writers: Gary LeVox/Josh Hoge/Matt McVaney; Producers: Gary LeVox/Matthew McVaney; Label: Big Machine
—Gary’s debut solo single is a big-production, Christian pop outing. It’s about leaning on faith when times are hard. His searing tenor retains its impressive range.

BRELAND & MICKEY GUYTON / “Cross Country”
Writers: Breland/Sam Sumser/Sean Small/Will Gittens; Producers: Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic
—This is simply lovely. An airy, lilting track with both vocalists turning in extraordinarily affecting performances. The gentle tune celebrates a journey, a quest to find one’s identity, and it hits home beautifully. Previously issued as a superb Breland solo track, this duet version is just as terrific.

LATHAN WARLICK & TYLER HUBBARD / “My Way”
Writers: Lathan Warlick/RaeLynn/Tyler Hubbard/Blake Hubbard/Jarrod Ingram; Producer: The720; Label: RECORDS/Columbia
—Warlick raps. FGL’s Hubbard sings and raps. The hip-hop track is stuffed with acoustic samples. It sounds too spare for the r&b crowd and too rap for the country audience.

MORGAN WADE / “Don’t Cry”
Writers: Morgan Wade/Paul Ebersold; Producer: Sadler Vaden/Paul Ebersold; Label: Orchard/Ladylike
—Confessional and soul baring. She has a hushed, intimate delivery, and the overall vibe is kinda like ‘70s singer-songwriter-troubadour. Promising.

MARTY STUART / “Ready for the Times to Get Better”
Writer: Allen Reynolds; Producer: none listed; Label: MS
—If I didn’t know this was a 1978 Crystal Gayle oldie, I’d swear this lyric was written specifically for our seemingly endless pandemic times. New Country Music Hall of Fame member Stuart strips things down to a moody, guitar-vocal track and dips down into his lower baritone to create charismatic audio magic. Compelling and mesmerizing.

CHARLES N. GALLASPY JR. / “Fried Bologna Sandwich”
Writers: Charles N. Gallaspy, Jr.; Producer: none listed; Label: CNGJ
—Don’t give up your day job.

MO PITNEY / “Local Honey”
Writers: Adam Wood/Mo Pitney/Wil Nance; Producer: Jim “Moose” Brown; Label: Curb
—I love the loose-limbed, funky track with all the rhythm in the trunk. Pitney’s on-the-money vocal brings out the tune’s good-time vibe perfectly. Rollicking and a boatload of fun. Get buzzy with this.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS & LEE ANN WOMACK / “Everybody Ought to Treat a Stranger Right”
Writer: Blind Willie Johnson; Producers: Shannon Sanders/Jim Ed Norman/Mike Curb/Paul T. Kwami; Label: Curb
—The disc celebrating the 150th anniversary of Nashville’s original superstars has won the Jubilee Singers their first Grammy Award. Collaborations abound on it — Jimmy Hall, Keb Mo, CeCe Winans, Rodney Atkins, The Fairfield Four, Ruby Amanfu and more make appearances. A wailing Womack fronts the ensemble on this rousing foot stomper drenched in bluesy gospel atmosphere. Soulful in the extreme. Clap hands and believe.

DISCovery Award winner Morgan Wade.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Cadillac Three, Cam, Ronnie Milsap

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The Cadillac Three. Photo: Dylan Rucker

Diversity is the name of the game in this edition of DisClaimer.

In a preposterously male-dominated genre, we have gender parity today—fully half of our contestants are female. With Tiera, Darius Rucker and Chapel Hart in the mix, country music made by Black artists is well represented. South American native Flo Olavarria adds a touch of Latin. Canadian country is along for the ride, too.

Because the sounds are so difficult to compare to one another, the Disc of the Day award is divided. The Male winner is Ronnie Milsap. The essential Female disc belongs to Cam. The Group award goes to The Cadillac Three.

The afore mentioned Flo Olavarria takes home the DisCovery Award.

JOEY HENDRICKS / “Yours Or Mine”
Writers: Joey Hendricks/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— Producer Ross surrounds this earnest-sounding troubadour with an echoey swirl of yummy pop flavors. Hendricks sings with sweet sincerity.

DARIUS RUCKER / “My Masterpiece”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Ross Copperman/JT Harding/Josh Osborne; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Positive, sunny, upbeat and engaging, as usual. The happy-in-love theme is common, but its delivery in this finely crafted lyric is exceptional. Supremely playable. In case you missed it: earlier this week, producer and four-time BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Copperman signed a pop recording contract in New York.

CAM / “Till There’s Nothing Left”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jeff Bhasker/Cameron Ochs/Tyler Johnson; Producer: Jeff Bhasker/Tyler Johnson; Label: RCA Records/Triple Tigers
— It goes beyond steamy and sensual, all the way to hot sex. I have always been captivated by this woman’s talent. This gorgeous, tempest-tossed ode to youthful passion renews my fandom. Cam rules.

LADY A / “Like a Lady”
Writers: Brandon Paddock/Dave Barnes/Hillary Scott/Martin Johnson/Michelle Buzz; Producer: Dann Huff/Martin Johnson/Brandon Paddock; Label: BMLG Records
— Hillary takes the lead in this zesty, female-proud ditty. The mood is sprightly.

CHAPEL HART / “You Can Have Him Jolene”
Writers: Chapel Hart; Producer: Chapel Hart; Label: none listed
— The trio rocks out on this feisty whiplash ride, with their flawless vocal harmonies intact. This CMT Next Women of Country act is outstandingly talented, and so far has been batting a thousand with its releases. The video is a hoot, too.

DUSTIN LYNCH & MACKENZIE PORTER / “Thinking ‘Bout You”
Writers: Dustin Lynch/Andy Albert/Hunter Phelps/Will Weatherly; Producer: none listed; Label: Broken Bow Records
— The small-town details in the lyric are groovy, and the tune bops along with verve. It originally appeared as a collaboration with Lauren Alaina. Top Canadian country star Porter is an able substitute.

JULIA COLE / “My Home Too (My Voice Too)”
Writers: Josh Berkowitz/Matt Wynn; Producer: Josh Ronen; Label: none listed
— The rhythm-happy song’s message of inclusion, empowerment and equality spans relationships, households and nations. It’s also as catchy as the dickens. Sing along.

RONNIE MILSAP / “Wild Honey”
Writers: Jim Weatherly/Nigel Wright; Producer: Ronnie Milsap/Rob Galbraith; Label: Black River
— A little bit hillbilly, a little bit soul, a little bit rock n roll, this toe tapper is pretty hard to resist. The legendary Country Music Hall of Famer still has plenty of kick in his delivery. We recently lost songwriter Weatherly, and this dandy concoction illustrates what a shame that is.

TIERA / “Not Your Girl”
Writers: Tiera/Cameron Bedell/Jack Newsome; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: Tiera
— Signed to Nicolle Galyon’s Songs & Daughters female-driven publishing company, this singer-songwriter is staking her claim to country authenticity with a new, five-song EP that showcases her heart warming, sweet/tart vocals and her flair for relatable lyrics. Wildly promising.

THE CADILLAC THREE / “Long After Last Call”
Writers: Jaren Johnston; Producer: The Cadillac Three; Label: Big Machine Records
— Easily their finest single to date, this has a restless rhythmic energy, a brilliantly understated lead vocal and a marvelously crafted lyric about a late-night hookup. I could definitely get used to this on country radio. Absolutely play this ACM nominated Group of the Year.

DREW GREEN / “Hooch”
Writers: Drew Green, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell; Producer: none listed; Label: none listed
— The production is over-stuffed with busy audio effects. His rapped lyric is a repetitive loop that quickly wears out its welcome.

FLO OLAVARRIA / “Talking to Myself”
Writers: Flo Olavarria/Noah Henson; Producer: Flo Olavarria/Noah Henson; Label: none listed
— Now here’s a country biography you don’t read every day. Flo is a native of Chile who migrated to Canada, went back to Chile, began performing in Singapore, moved to Miami and now resides part time in Music City. She brings a Latina flair, a sharp pop sensibility and country verve to this peppy, female-positive bopper. I dig her pert attitude.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Travis Denning, Breland, Miranda Lambert, Shenandoah

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Travis Denning, BRELAND

There are a number of conflicting country forces in today’s stack of wax.

With two Shenandoah entries, there’s a hint of nostalgia in the air. Matthew West and Lathan Warlick bring a CCM flavor to the proceedings. The Wild West is an all-female band. Brett Kissel is a gust of Canadian country. Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall represent the acoustic, troubadour, singer-songwriter wing of our format. Robert Counts and Hardy are Southern rock.

Wandering through this forest of diverse sounds, we emerge with a DisCovery Award for Montana’s Jonah Prill. Finishing in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day honor are Travis Denning and Breland, two thoroughly different artists who are doing superb work in their respective arenas.

JONAH PRILL / “You Remind Me”
Writers: Jonah Prill/Ryan Hayes/Justin Olmstead; Producer: none listed; Label: JP Media
— He has a resonant country baritone with a warm sincerity that suits this tune of romantic regret just fine. The track crashes around him with loads of electric guitar and rock energy. Promising.

CARLY PEARCE & MATTHEW WEST / “Truth Be Told”
Writers: Andrew Watt/Andrew Jacob Pruis/Matthew West; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
— The song has been a big CCM solo hit for West. The addition of Pearce makes the already affecting lyric shimmer with new polish. It’s a lovely effort, although I wish her excellent harmony vocals were mixed louder so that their “twin” performance twirled even brighter in the spotlight.

ANDREW JANNNAKOS / “Gone Too Soon”
Writers: Andrew Jannakos/Jason Afable/Josh Bricker; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— He sings well, and the swirly production is okay, if a little too busy. The tuneless pop song does nothing for me.

SHENANDOAH & BLAKE SHELTON / “Then a Girl Walks In”
Writers: Adam Sanders/Lance Miller/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Foundry
— We’ve previously reviewed the Zac Brown Band and Ashley McBryde cuts from the Shenandoah duets album. Now comes a collaboration with the mighty Blake. He and band’s Marty Raybon are a very hearty vocal match for one another. It doesn’t hurt that the song is as warm and comfy as this one is. Solid work.

SAMMY SADLER & MARTY RAYBON / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob DiPiero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: none listed; Label: BFD/Audium
— Sadler’s album is titled 1989 because it consists of remakes of tunes from that year. In this case, it’s a Shenandoah chart topper, and the band’s Marty Raybon is along for the retro ride. Sadler doesn’t have Raybon’s vocal charisma, but he holds his own on this sprightly outing.

JACK INGRAM, MIRANDA LAMBERT & JON RANDALL / “In His Arms”
Writers: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Producer: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Recorded live outside with only Randall’s guitar for accompaniment, this airy, atmospheric performance is a like a fresh, clean breeze of authenticity. Lambert sings lead as her songwriting collaborators chime in with soft, gentle harmonies. In a word, enchanting.

BRETT KISSEL / “Make a Life, Not a Living”
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day/Steven Lee Olsen; Producer: Brett Kissel/Bart McKay/Jesse Frasure; Label: OneRPM
— Kissel is a huge deal north of the border, the reigning Canadian country Male Vocalist of the Year with buckets of Gold Records and awards. This soaring song of positivity has one of country’s most timeless messages: Money can’t buy happiness, and life’s simple pleasures are best.

ROBERT COUNTS & HARDY / “What Do I Know”
Writers: Hardy/Robert Counts/Jake Mitchell; Producer: Dann Huff/Jimmy Ritchey; Label: Arista Nashville
— Lotsa noise—screaming guitars, pounding drums, shouted vocals. I think it’s supposed to be some kinda redneck/outlaw vibe. Both of them can do better.

TRAVIS DENNING / “ABBY”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
— “Abby” stands for “AnyBody But You,” which is how he feels about moving on from his ex and finding someone new. First of all, I love spelling songs. Second of all, this is as clever as all get out. Catchy, too. Play it.

THE WILD WEST / “Better Way”
Writers: Manda Mosher/Tawny Ellis/Heather Anne Lomax/Amilia K. Spicer/Pi Jacobs/Deb Morrison; Producer: Eric Craig/Manda Mosher; Label: Blackbird
— All six of the members of this all-female ensemble swap lead vocals, and they create choral magic when they all sing together. The song is a love-your-neighbor hippie ode with a lilting, inspirational vibe. It’s quite charming, in a homemade, under-produced kinda way.

LATHAN WARLICK & RAELYNN / “Roots”
Writers: Blake Hubbard/Jarrod Ingram/Lathan Warlick/Racheal Lynn Davis/Summer Overstreet/Zach Dyer; Producer: The720; Label: Records/Columbia
— Warlick is a singer/rapper/dancer from Jackson, TN who has made a few waves in the Christian-music field. His collaboration with country’s RaeLynn is more hip-hop than country, despite her able singing. Pass.

BRELAND / “Cross Country”
Writers: Breland/Sam Sumser/Sean Small/Will Gittens; Producer: Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic
— His “My Truck” collaboration with Sam Hunt was a Platinum success. Now Breland steps out with something even better, a lovely, uplifting, melodic tenor vocal performance that wafts and soars on zephyrs of sound. There’s equal parts of vulnerability and strength in his delivery of an autobiographical lyric about trying to find your place in a world where you don’t fit in. The acoustic guitar, gently shuffling rhythm and open-air atmosphere are all wondrous.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Brandy Clark

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Disc of the Day winner Eric Church Photo: Reid Long

I must be living right.

How else can you explain new music in the same listening session from three of my very favorite artists—Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Brandy Clark? They are among the reasons I still listen to country music, no matter how bad most of the rest of it is. Any one of them could be the Disc of the Day. I’m giving the nod to my main man, Eric Church.

There are bright rays of hope in this edition of DISClaimer. I refer to the dandy disc debuts by Ian Munsick, Hannah Dasher and Callista Clark. Hannah Dasher wins this week’s DISCovery Award. I look forward to hearing much, much more from her.

HEATH SANDERS / “Old School’s In”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Heath Sanders/Houston Phillips; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— He’s bellowing about how things haven’t changed where he lives, as though someone was arguing with him about it. It’s meant to be some kind of redneck anthem, but it sounds like we’ve heard all this before from other flag wavers. A worn retread.

ELLE KING & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
Writers: Elle King/Martin Johnson; Producer: Martin Johnson; Label: RCA Records Nashville/Vanner Records
— Feisty, rocking and oh-so-adorable. I never would have imagined these two together, but the result is ridiculously catchy.

NOAH SCHNACKY / “She Broke My Heart”
Writers: Noah Schnacky/Lindsay Rimes/Laura Veltz; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Big Machine
— The production is too busy, but his charm is undeniable on this jaunty ditty. Despite what the title might lead you to believe, it is an upbeat bopper about how getting dumped led to True Romance. Or at least to meeting a hottie at the House of Blues.

BRAD PAISLEY / “Off Road”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Ross Copperman/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Ross Copperman/Luke Wooten; Label: Arista Nashville
— If you want to go with her, get ready for a wild ride with an empowered woman. She might have some “dust on her halo,” but you can’t keep her down. She’s heading for parts unknown with her moxie and grit intact.

HANNAH DASHER / “Left Right”
Writers: Brandon Hood/Hannah Dasher/Wynn Varble; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RCA Nashville
— I like her a lot. She’s got lots of country-female attitude, a witty way with words and twang to spare. While the rhythm thumps merrily, she advises him to make up his mind and “put a ring on her left right now.” Sign me up for the fan club.

BRETT YOUNG / “You Got Away With It”
Writers: Brett Young/Justin Ebach/Ashley Gorley/Jon Nite/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG Records
— She stole his heart and got away with the crime. I like it that this track has some stomp to it, which is a new texture for this guy. The harmonica work is cool, too.

CALLISTA CLARK / “It’s ‘Cause I Am”
Writers: Callista Clark/Cameron Jaymes/Laura Veltz; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine Records
— She’s way too complicated for you. Get used to it. It ain’t real “country,” but the tune has its spicy, saucy moments.

TRAVIS TRITT / “Smoke in a Bar”
Writers: Jeremy Bussey/Derek George/Tim Montana; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Noise Label Group
— Nostalgia for simpler times. I’m a huge fan of Tritt, and he’s been away for far too long. But, sorry, I don’t miss smoking in a bar at all. Seat belts save lives. The six o’clock news does tell the truth, and implying that it doesn’t is twisted. Find a better song.

IAN MUNSICK / “Long Haul”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Dave Villa/Jamie Kenney; Producers: Jamie Kenney/Dave Villa/Ian Munsick; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— He has a heart-tugging tenor voice and a marvelous sense of melody. The sonic atmosphere is beautifully airy and open. A simply stunning disc debut. Munsick’s first album, Coyote Cry, dropped last week, and the whole thing is heartily recommended.

ERIC CHURCH / “Never Break Heart”
Writers: Eric Church/Luke Dick; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
— I love everything about this. The production is a wonderland of rhythmic punch, twinkling mandolin, echoey harmony singing, sighing organ, stately piano and crunch guitars. The song is superbly well written. The message is inspirational. Three albums at once? Really? Believe it, when a man this gifted is doing it. The Church Choir rises with one mighty voice. Sing along.

BRANDY CLARK / “The Past Is the Past” feat. Lindsey Buckingham
Writers: Brandy Clark/Barry Dean/Luke Laird; Producer: Lindsey Buckingham; Label: Warner Records
— On her album, this is a gentle ode of farewell. This new version, produced by Lindsey Buckingham, rocks out with splendor and verve. However you slice it, this is a very cool song, and Clark is as good as it gets.

MARK COLLIE / “Born Ready”
Writers: Mark Collie/Kenny Greenberg/Gary Nicholson; Producers: Kenny Greenberg/Chad Cromwell; Label: BFD/Audium/Orchard
— That Waylon/outlaw beat gets me every time. And it fits this renegade/rebel song perfectly. Welcome back, buddy. We’ve missed ya.

This week’s DISCovery Winner Hannah Dasher. Photo: Andrew Morton

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Niko Moon, Tenille Arts, Lainey Wilson, Dillon Carmichael

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Niko Moon: Photo: Matthew Berinato

New talent ruled this listening session.

Despite the presence of big names Kenny Chesney, Jordan Davis, Ashley Monroe and Luke Combs, the lesser-known artists had the records to beat—Jaden Hamilton, Tenille Arts, Drew Green and Dillon Carmichael, for starters.

One of the baby acts completely pinned my ears back. Lainey Wilson has a tough road ahead, since she is a woman and since she writes songs that actually say something. Both of which country radio abhors. But she is unquestionably the finest new talent here, and her album deserves to be on the short list of the Best of the Year. She triumphs as our DisCovery Award winner.

Niko Moon is a “comer,” too. He’s already had one big hit. I definitely hear another in his Disc of the Day winner, “No Sad Songs.”

TENILLE ARTS / “Give It To Me Straight”
Writers: Tenille Arts/Dave Pittenger/Allison Veltz Cruz; Producer: Dave Pittenger; Label: 19th + Grand Records
— Extremely well written. Getting a kiss-off burns like whiskey from the bottle. She sings it with finesse, and the production is a shuddering crunch of sympathetic heartbreak. I remain a fan.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Knowing You”
Writers: Brett James/Adam James/Kat Higgins; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair Records/Warner Music Nashville
— It’s a country waltz! I love that. Cushioned by an airy, open production, Chesney sings wistfully of a love lost with the fondest of memories. It’s like being gently held in a comfy blanket while the porch swing sways.

JADEN HAMILTON / “Bad Spot”
Writer: Casey Beathard; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— It’s an apology to someone he did wrong when he was going through a rough patch. His voice has enormous warmth and believability, and the echoey production is perfect. Hamilton is evidently a big TikTok sensation, and I can certainly hear why. This performance was so strong that it made me listen to his entire EP.

ASHLEY MONROE / “Drive”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Niko Moon/Mikey Reaves; Producers: Ashley Monroe/Niko Moon/Mikey Reaves; Label: Mountainrose Sparrow/Thirty Tigers
— This one’s a head scratcher. It’s kinda mysterioso sounding, with a twang guitar popping out of a swirling audio atmosphere. Her near-whispered delivery is at the top of her soprano range. With all the twinkling, synthesized swoons and delicate, ear-catching pips going on, it’s a mite difficult to grasp the lyric.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Almost Maybes”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jesse Frasure/Jordan Davis; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
— Bopping and catchy as the dickens. “I wouldn’t be sitting here next to you, if it wasn’t for the ‘almost maybes,’” he sings as he recalls all the past relationships that led him to her. The bearded one strikes again.

LAINEY WILSON / “Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’”
Writers: Lainey Wilson/Jay Knowles; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
— This woman totally grabbed my attention when she sang this on the Opry last weekend. I think we’re in the presence of a major talent, here. Her hillbilly-accented singing is pristine and sprinkled with stardust. The song about honesty and heartbreak is extraordinary. The wooshing, shuffling, wafting production beats with heartbeat rhythm. It is the title tune of her debut album; be sure and check out the set’s terrific single “Things a Man Oughta Know,” which she also performed on the Opry. Which reminds me, if you’re not tuning in to these weekly Circle TV streams, you are missing one of the great country-music showcases.

LUKE COMBS / “Forever After All”
Writers: Luke Combs/Drew Parker/Robert Williford; Producers: Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
— Have I mentioned how grateful I am for having this man in country music? In a world of “pop country” bullshit, he screams authenticity. This slab of romantic joy is yet another reason to love him.

DREW GREEN/ “She Got That”
Writers: Arkady Gelman/Drew Green/Jonathan Ross/Lee Starr; Producers: Mark Trussell/Alyssa Vanderheym; Label: Villa 40
— It’s a fusion of pop production, hip-hop beats and a country vocal that goes down easy. He exudes personality and friendliness.

KYLIE MORGAN / “Shoulda”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/Shane McAnally/Ben Johnson; Producers: Shane McAnally/Ben Johnson; Label: EMI Nashville/SMACKSongs
— Get up and dance. Or at least bob your head while this rocks, rocks, rocks. And rocks some more. Frankly, it wore me out.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Lesson in Depression”
Writers: Deborah J Perry/James Edward Hand Jr; Producers: Billy Horton; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
— Do your ears feel the need for a country-music cleansing? Wash away all the Nashville pop pretensions with this slab of steel-and-twang Texas country music. Singer-songwriter James Hand died unexpectedly last year, and this is Crockett’s salute to his fallen pal. He currently has a big Americana hit with a remake of Billy Swan’s “I Can Help.”

NIKO MOON / “No Sad Songs”
Writers: Niko Moon/Anna Moon/Joshua Murty/Steven Lee Olsen/Alyssa Vanderhym; Producers: Niko Moon/Joshua Murty; Label: RCA Records Nashville
— Very cool. The creative, stuttering production is wonderfully charming. The cheery barroom song is about simply wishing for a buzz, a chill, a dance, a groove and a good-time tune. The name dropping of “Wagon Wheel,” “Chicken Fried,” “Sweet Caroline” and “Sweet Home Alabama” is a bonus. Moon’s jaunty delivery makes you want to party along. This sounds suspiciously like a No. 1 record.

DILLON CARMICHAEL / “Sawin’ Logs”
Writers: Brice Long/Wynn Varble/Brandon Kenny; Producers: Jon Pardi/Chris LaCorte; Label: Riser House Records
— I laughed out loud: “I’ve got wood, and she’s sawin’ logs.” A night of romance, thwarted. Especially since he’s bought “a box of fancy wine.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris, Taylor Swift, Walker Hayes

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Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd, Photo: Harper Smith

This seems to be a day for group harmonies and vocal collaborations.

Darlinghurst, Track45, Jesse & Noah and the Dirt Band comprise our duo/group entries. The last named is collaborating with The War & Treaty, Steve Earle, Rosanne Cash and Jason Isbell. Our other collabs include The Bellamys with John Anderson, and Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris.

The DisCovery Award belongs to Track45. Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris ride off with the Disc of the Day.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “F-150”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor; Producers: Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— She’s doing fine getting over him until she sees a certain brand of truck and remembers. Her vocal delivery has lots of emotional resonance, even if the lyric is somewhat monotonous. I hope she’s getting a kickback from the Ford Motor Company.

WALKER HAYES / “I Hope You Miss Me”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Shane McAnally/Sam Summer/Nick Ruth/Sean Smalls; Producers: Shane McAnally/Walker Hayes/Nash Overstreet; Label: Monument Records
— His compressed vocal is ear catching, as are all the little details in the verses. The layered production also scores points for creativity. Poppy and catchy.

TAYLOR SWIFT / “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)”
Writer: Taylor Swift; Producers: Christopher Rowe/Taylor Swift; Label: Republic
— Billed as “Taylor’s Version,” this remake of her chart-topping 2008 smash has a ear-tickling crispness and nice ebb-and-flow audio dynamics. Needless to say, it’s still a cool little song.

TRACK45 / “Met Me Now”
Writers: Ben Johnson/KK Johnson/Jenna Johnson/Jonny Price/J Har; Producer: Byron Gallimore/Track45; Label: Stoney Creek Records/BBR Music Group
— I’m in. This is fresh and youthful sounding. The female lead singer is charming, but the track really takes off when the whole trio harmonizes. The punchy percussion scores points, too.

RYAN HURD & MAREN MORRIS / “Chasing After You”
Writers: Brinley Addington/Jerry Flowers; Producers: Teddy Reimer/Aaron Eshuis; Label: Arista Nashville
— I love a good duet, and this certainly is one. The ballad manages to be both powerfully romantic and emotionally complex, and the couple sings the fire out of it.

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND & FRIENDS / “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producer: Ray Kennedy; Label: none listed;
— Go to nittygritty.com or Bandcamp to consume this and donate to Feeding America. It’s worth the visit. The classic, 57-year-old song remains as pertinent and timely as ever. The band’s compatriots taking turns on the verses are Jason Isbell, Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle and The War and Treaty. The audio result is simply thrilling. Applause, applause.

RORY FEEK / “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producers: Ben Isaacs/Matt Johnson; Label: Gaither Music Group
— In this unexpected and unlikely entry of “Who Wore It Best?” Rory Feek comes out stronger than you might expect. His production is a gorgeous, moody pastiche of acoustic instrumentation, chorale support and stately, meditative rhythm. His folkie, earnest, emotional delivery is right on the money, too. Stirring and stunning.

BRETT ELDREDGE / “Good Day”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Brett Eldredge; Producers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— He’s such a wonderfully hearty vocalist. I love the uplifting outlook in these lyrics. The weather might be gloomy and the times might be troubled, but nevertheless he greets the day with a positive attitude. Well done, as usual. An emotional bullseye.

TYLER RICH / “Better Than You’re Used To”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Corey Crowder/Tyler Rich; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— Your current boyfriend is no good, and Mr. Rich is here to show you how much better things could be. I wish his fine vocal was hotter in the mix, because the production fights for attention rather than being supportive.

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS & JOHN ANDERSON / “No Country Music for Old Men”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producer: none listed; Label: none listed
— Lilting and nostalgic, the song fondly recalls the days of Hank, Lefty, Patsy, Buck, Dolly, Merle, Loretta & Conway, Jones & Wynette, Cash and more. A rippling rhythm track soaked with steel floats you along while everyone sings with gusto and affection. A dandy disc.

JESSE & NOAH / “The Vision”
Writers: Jesse D. Bellamy/Noah Frank Bellamy; Producer: none listed; Label: Usonia
— Very cowboy. It has an open-spaces, spaghetti-western vibe, with lots of echoey electric-guitar work. They are David’s sons—Uncle Howard Bellamy adds a third harmony part.

DARLINGHURST / “Gotta Go Rodeo”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Helium Records
— I am told that this male-female country quartet is a big deal in Australia. This sprightly tune has rhythm to spare. The lead vocals overly dominate, to the point that you can barely hear the harmonies. The background crowd cheering is meant to make the song sound “exciting.” It does nothing for me.