DISClaimer Single Reviews: Alan Jackson, Gary Allan, Brittney Spencer

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Alan Jackson. Photo: Russ Harrington

Spring has sprung, but not all the blossoms are beautiful.

Today’s survey of current country sounds can serve as a textbook for what is wrong with some of the directions that contemporary country acts are taking. We have pop-rock, teen pop and hip-hop influenced tracks here, flaunting any classic definitions of the genre.

I have always been a traditionalist at heart. That’s why Alan Jackson easily wins the Disc of the Day award.

Mind you, I’m not averse to modern country stylings. Hence, my hearty endorsement of the tunes by Gary Allan, Mitchell Tenpenny, Brittney Spencer and our DisCovery Award winner, Savannah Keyes.

ROSS COPPERMAN / “Holdin’ You”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Ashley Gorley/Shane McAnally; Producer: Ross Copperman/Alex Mendoza; Label: Photo Finish Records
— Copperman has produced and/or written a blue-zillion country hits (Darius, Dierks, Kelsea, Phil, Jake, Brad, Eldredge, Gabby, etc. etc.), but his own music is quite pop. Processed vocals, electronic track, the works. A pleasant surprise.

GARY ALLAN / “Temptation”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Chase McGill/Jon Nite; Producer: Mark Wright/Tony Brown; Label: EMI Nashville
— Rocking and dramatic with a percussive undertow, bell-clear guitar chiming, a driving melody and a terrific vocal performance. Allan exchanges his rasp for tenor clarity and the shift is ear opening. Highly recommended.

SOUTHERLAND / “Boot Up”
Writers: Greg Bates/Matt Chase/Chris Rogers/Austin Taylor Smith; Producer: Greg Bates; Label: River House/Sony Nashville
— This has a slight “outlaw” vibe and more than a little macho attitude. Blue-collar listening.

ALAN JACKSON / “Where Have You Gone”
Writers: Alan Jackson; Producer: Robert Keith Stegall; Label: EMI Nashville
— Tender, wistful, yearning, profound and bluer than blue. A ballad of loss, wrapped in fiddle and steel and performed by a country-music master. “Sweet country music, where have you gone?” Amen, bro.

BRITTNEY SPENCER & COMMON HYMNAL / “Whiskey Lows”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Shelley Scarr/Stephan Hovsepian; Producer: Will Reagan; Label: BS
— A plea from the depths of addiction that echoes with emotional truth and honesty. The gospel-infused performance of this ballad is riveting. Former Underwood backup singer Spencer steps into a solo spotlight with her debut on the Grand Ole Opry Friday night.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “To Us It Did”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Michael Hardy/Jordan Schmidt; Producer: none listed; Label: Columbia Nashville/Riser House
— Marvelously energetic and charmingly written. It’s a anthem for small-town kids everywhere that Tenpenny sings with immense verve. Loved it.

WALKER HAYES & JAKE OWEN / “Country Stuff”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Joe Thibodeau/Adam Stark; Producer: Walker Hayes/Joe Thibodeau/Shane McAnally; Label: Monument Records
— Is this title meant to be ironic? Neither of these artists has shown much affinity for real country music. This utterly tuneless, monotonous outing doesn’t change that.

SAVANNAH KEYES / “I’m Not California”
Writers: Savannah Keyes/Blair Daly; Producer: Jason Afable; Label: SK
— Youthful, yet strong. Her singing has a striking clarity of tone and unmistakable confidence. The song is cool and hooky, too.

SAMMY KERSHAW / “Evangeline”
Writers: Bob McDill/Carson Chamberlain; Producer: none listed; Label: Kershaw
— Cajun-flavored party-tempo music. Tap your toes and smile while guitars stutter, fiddles saw and Sammy drawls his best honky-tonkin’ heartache phrasing.

ALANA SPRINGSTEEN / “California”
Writers: Alana Springsteen/Jerry Flowers/Jared Keim; Producer: Alana Springsteen/Jerry Flowers/Jared Keim; Label: none listed
— Contemporary pop-country with a sunny teen twist. Electronics mixed with acoustics. It gets old fast.

DREW GREEN / “The Rest of Our Lives”
Writers: Andrew Rollins/Drew Green/Mitch Allan/Russell Sutton; Producer: none listed; Label: Villa 40/Sony
— His singing voice is rather ordinary, but conveys sincerity. The song is a mundane romance outing.

CASSADEE POPE, KAREN FAIRCHILD & LINDSEY ELL / “What the Stars See”
Writers: Cassadee Pope/Jake Rose/Lindsay Rimes; Producer: Karen Fairchild/Nick Wheeler; Label: Awake
— The obnoxiously loud track is all rocked up, frothing, cluttered and junky. The vocals are pitched high above and piercing. I breathed a sigh of relief when it ended.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Stapleton, Elvie Shane, Drew Parker

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Chris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke

There’s two-word headline for this week’s edition of DisClaimer.

Our survey of new country sounds is topped by our hands-down Disc of the Day winner, whose two words are Chris and Stapleton.

The listening session was festooned with new faces. Staging their column debuts were Triston Marez, Alexander Ludwig, Elvie Shane, Norman North and our DisCovery Award winner, Drew Parker.

CHASE BRYANT / “Upbringing”
Writers: Chase Bryant/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producer: Chase Bryant/Jon Randall; Label: Green Iris
— The track churns and burns with a frothing, rocking energy while his urgent tenor vocal soars above. Excitement rules in this excellent production.

TRACE ADKINS / “Heartbreak Song”
Writers: Greg Crowe/Johnny Garcia/Adam Wood; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Verge Records
— This icon doesn’t know how to be anything but charismatic. This rolling, midtempo tune decries happy-happy, feel-good country songs and points out that sometimes ya just gotta have heartache in your audio diet. Recommended.

WALKER COUNTY / “Bits & Pieces”
Writers: Benjamin Mathis/busbee/Jon Bellion; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Their scampering vocals are a delight. I love how the pinpoint, twin-like harmonies stay perfectly in place no matter how rapid-fire the delivery becomes. The song has a cool, femme attitude, too. I definitely look forward to hearing this on the radio and to hearing more from this talented duo.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “You Should Probably Leave”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Ashley Gorley/Chris DuBois; Producer: Chris Stapleton/Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville
— The sensuous soul groove is super compelling, with laid-back guitar, funky organ and deep-blue rhythm section. It goes without saying that his vocal is stunning on this steamy ode to magnetic sexual attraction. He’s a mighty, mighty man.

ELVIE SHANE / “My Boy”
Writers: Elvie Shane/Lee Starr/Nick Columbia/Russell Sutton; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Wheelhouse Records
— Like all great country music, this song is nothing but emotional truth. He feels love and fatherhood for a boy who comes into his life as a stepson. Written with insight. Sung with depth. Millions will relate to this.

ALEXANDER LUDWIG / “Let Me Be Your Whiskey”
Writers: Alexander Ludwig/Mike Dulaney; Producer: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG
— He’s the Hollywood star of Hunger Games, Vikings, Lone Survivor, Bad Boys for Life and more. But don’t hold that against him. He’s also a Real Deal country artist, as this nicely done romantic ballad demonstrates.

TRISTON MAREZ & RONNIE DUNN / “Where the Neon Lies”
Writers: Chris Duboise/Lynn Hutton/Triston Marez; Producer: David Dorn/Alex Torrez; Label: Torrez Music Group
— Triston has a smooth, solidly country delivery that’s beautifully complemented by Ronnie’s spine-tingling honky-tonk vocal burn. The twang guitars and echoey backdrop add to the single’s undeniable oomph. By all means, play it. This youngster been paying his dues in Texas and on Lower Broadway long enough and deserves his time in the spotlight.

NORMAN NORTH / “Plain Jane”
Writers: Norman North; Producer: Norman North/Lex Lipsitz; Label: Venice
— His pleading tenor is country and the backing track is hip-hop. A fascinating fusion by another Black entrant into the format.

GARY LeVOX & MERCYME / “A Little Love”
Writers: Bart Millard/Jordan Mohilowski/Ethan Hulse/Jess Cates; Producer: Jordan Mohilowski/Tedd T./Brown Bannister; Label: Big Machine Records
— The Rascal Flatts front man is issuing his debut CCM collection, One on One. Its single is a collaboration with Christian stars MercyMe and is infused with that group’s pop sensibilities. The mood here is sunny, positive and uplifting.

DREW PARKER / “While You’re Gone”
Writers: Drew Parker/Jameson Rodgers; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— I dig this guy. He has a powerful singing voice, and the production is epic. The song finds him sitting and drinking, knowing that she’s gone and wondering if she’s ever coming back. I’m thinking she’s history, pal, so drink up and go home. Heartache on the hoof.

TEXAS HILL / “Neon Heart”
Writers: James LeBlanc/Ryan Beaver/Mike Walker; Producer: Texas Hill; Label: Queue
— This new trio is comprised of former TV-competition stars Craig Wayne Boyd (The Voice), Casey James (American Idol) and Adam Wakefield (The Voice). They harmonize effectively on the choruses. The thin, unimaginative pop production lets them down.

SHANNON McNALLY & RODNEY CROWELL / “I Ain’t Living Long Like This”
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producer: nShannon McNally; Label: Compass Records
— Shannon’s album is called The Waylon Sessions. Her drawling alto slips just behind the relentless beat to find a groovy pocket on this revival of a 1980 classic. The song’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame writer jumps in for a personality-packed third verse. The track kicks butt. She also has videos of “Black Rose” and “I’ve Always Been Crazy.” This gal has the goods.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Marty Stuart, Reba McEntire, Lauren Alaina & Jon Pardi

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Marty Stuart brings home Disc of the Day honors for “One In A Row.”

It’s country stars old and new in today’s DISClaimer column.

Despite the presence of such hot “today” acts as Kip Moore, Lauren Alaina, Jon Pardi, Brett Young, Justin Moore and Jameson Rodgers, it’s the established legends who carry the day.

Ruling the roost are Reba McEntire, Mark Collie, Joe Nichols, Terri Clark and our Disc of the Day winner—and new Country Music Hall of Fame inductee—Marty Stuart. Singing a Willie Nelson song, no less.

Everyone here has been making records for years, so we have no DISCovery Award to give.

ADAM DOLEAC / “Coulda Loved You Longer”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Casey Brown/Jesse Lee Levin; Producer: Andy Skib; Label: Arista
—Finger-snapping pop, heavy on the groove and light on the lyric.

MARK COLLIE / “The Son of a Gun”
Writers: Mark Collie/Jonathan Hensleigh; Producer: Chad Cromwell/Kenny Greenberg/Mark Collie; Label: MC
—Dramatic and forceful, this poetic outing salutes the courageous individuals who have stood their ground, been true to themselves and lived wild and free. The video salutes war veterans.

BRETT YOUNG / “Not Yet”
Writers: Brett Young, Justin Ebach, Kelly Archer; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG
—We’re in familiar Brett-romance territory here. As always, professional and listenable, if not exactly ground breaking.

KIP MOORE / “Good Life”
Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Jay Joyce; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: MCA Nashville
—Very cool sounding. The rump-shaking rhythms and double-tracked, spoken/shouted/sung vocals on this jam add dandy new textures to this artist’s sound. Get up and bop around the room.

ASHLEY MONROE / “Groove”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Ashley Monroe/Mikey Reaves; Producer: Mikey Reaves; Label: Mountainrose
—The stacked vocal harmonies in this lustrous production are lovely. The single continues this former country standout’s exploration of the pop-music landscape.

JUSTIN MOORE / “Straight Outta the Country”
Writers: Michael Hardy/Cam Montgomery/Josh Thompson; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Valory
—It’s the one with the rock guitars about the hard-working redneck party boy out in the sticks. Been here. Done that. Bought the t-shirt.

JOE NICHOLS / “Home Run”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Dallas Davidson/Ross Copperman; Producers: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill
—He remains a superb country singer. It’s almost baseball season, but despite its title, this irresistibly rhythmic tune isn’t about that. It’s about doing a run back to your family, your roots, your innocence and your home. Well worth your spins.

JAMESON RODGERS / “In It for the Money”
Writers: Jameson Rodgers/Jake Mitchell/Hunger Phelps/Brent Anderson; Producers: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: Columbia/River House
—This is the title tune of the new EP by this shooting star, and it’s a doozy. His soulful rasp is effectively applied to this terrific lyric about what life is like as a country troubadour. The collection also includes “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” “Good Dogs” and “Some Girls.” Get it now.

REBA McENTIRE / “Somehow You Do”
Writers: Diane Warren; Producer: Tony Brown; Label: Rockin’ R/UMG
—In this slow-waltz ballad, Reba offers balm and comfort to people everywhere who are suffering and struggling in grief, difficulty, tough times and loss. Powerful stuff.

TERRI CLARK / “The Highway”
Writer: Holly Williams; Producer: Terri Clark; Label: Baretrack
—She yearns for the road. Don’t we all? Nicely written and performed with sincerity.

LAUREN ALAINA & JON PARDI / “Getting Over Him”
Writers: Emily Lynn Weisband/Lauren Alaina Suddeth/Paul Charles Digiovanni; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury
—A rollicking duet about using a no-strings hookup as a remedy for heartbreak. Full of personality.

MARTY STUART / “One In a Row”
Writers: Willie Nelson; Producer: none listed; Label: MS
—Gorgeous. Marty takes this Willie gem into a Latin realm with swirls of strings, guitars and keyboards. His umber shaded baritone vocal is given just a touch of echo to make the whole thing even more compelling. The track is from Songs I Sing in the Dark, a stunning new collection by this new Country Music Hall of Famer. Also check out his timely remake of “Ready for the Times to Get Better.”

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.