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.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Matt Stell, Russell Dickerson, Dan + Shay, LANCO

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Today’s listening session was dominated by country’s male up-and-comers.

Troy Cartwright, Canaan Smith, Russell Dickerson, Matt Stell and Cooper Alan are all spinning new tunes. The Disc of the Day competition features Stell and Dickerson duking it out with Chapel Hart. Matt Stell wins in a close decision.

Chapel Hart is one of four groups in the spotlight. The others are Lanco, The Shootouts and our DisCovery Award winners, Restless Road.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Take One Look at Her Momma”
Writers: Andy Albert/Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Lindsay Rimes/Zach Beeken; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
– Well sung and well played country-rock with a good-time attitude. It’s not too deep, to put it politely.

LAUREN ALAINA & JON PARDI / “Getting Over Him”
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Paul DiGiovanni/Emily Weisband; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: 19 Recordings/Mercury Nashville
– The song is pretty cool, and Alaina sings it splendidly. The rest of the ingredients don’t quite mix—the screaming rock guitar and Pardi’s strained vocal are a bit jarring.

THE SHOOTOUTS / “Rattlesnake Whiskey”
Writers: Ryan Humbert; Producer: Chuck Mead; Label: Soundly
– This rumbling “spaghetti-western” groovefest is about a moonshine runner. Step right up for lots of exciting rhythm & twang.

DAN + SHAY / “Glad You Exist”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Ryan Lewis/Tayla Parx/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Dan Smyers; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Jaunty pop swathed in sweet romance. A smile, for sure.

CHAPEL HART / “I Will Follow”
Writers: Savannah Keyes/Jennifer Hanson/Nick Brophy; Producer: Jennifer Hanson, Nick Brophy & Jeff Glixman; Label: CH
– I am a big fan of this trio. “Jesus and Alcohol” and “You Can Have Him Jolene” were both delights, and so is this tuneful, beautifully harmonized bopper of positivity. The act has deservedly been chosen as one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” for 2021.

CANAAN SMITH / “Mason Jars & Fireflies”
Writers: Canaan Smith/Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder; Producer: Canaan Smith/Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley; Label: Round Here Records
– We may be in the dead of winter, but Smith evokes summertime fun on this uptempo thud-romp. The melody is dull and repetitive, but the vibe is in the right place.

COOPER ALAN / “New Normal”
Writers: Seth Mosley/Cooper Alan/Victoria Shaw; Producer: Victoria Shaw; Label: Cooped Up Records
– This guy is a TikTok star, I am told. His new single has finger snaps, deft guitar plucking and a resonant, romantic, baritone vocal. Very listenable.

TROY CARTWRIGHT / “Hung Up on You”
Writers: Troy Cartwright/Solomon Olds/Rebecca Lauren Olds; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This new release is a stripped-down acoustic version of his debut single. The Texas-to-Tennessee transplant definitely has the goods, and I dig his “woo-hoo” falsetto breaks. Best line: “That damned jukebox is a memory machine.”

MATT STELL / “That Ain’t Me No More”
Writers: Michael Hardy/Hunter Phelps/Smith Ahnquist/Jake Mitchell/Nick Donley; Producer: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: RECORDS/Arista Nashville
– Nicely done. The deep-twang intro leads to sincere performance of a wailing, loved-and-lost lyric. Matt is a prior chart topper who’s batting a thousand.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Home Sweet”
Writers: Casey Brown/Charles Kelley/Russell Dickerson; Producer: Russell Dickerson/Dann Huff/Casey Brown; Label: Triple Tigers
– A sound of joy and celebration. Love has seldom seemed as delirious as this rocking, soaring slab of inspiration. Play it again. And again.

CALLISTA CLARK / “It’s Cause I Am”
Writers: Callista Clark/Cameron Jaymes/Laura Veltz; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine Label Group
– Youthful and poppy. Promising, even though it ain’t all that country.

LANCO / “Near Mrs.”
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Shane McAnally/Jeremy Spillman; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Arista Nashville
– Exceedingly clever as a piece of songwriting. The stately tempo throws the spotlight on the spiffy lyric as well as Lancaster’s delivery. This act always hits the bullseye.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Hailey Whitters & Brent Cobb, More

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Miranda Lambert. Photo: Ellen von Unwerth

It’s “duet day” here at DISClaimer.

Collaborations rule the roost with discs by Alex Hall & Tenille Townes, Luke Combs & Billy Strings, Ryan Kinder & Brandy Clark and Hailey Whitters & Brent Cobb. I had a ball listening.

There’s nobody new here, so the DisCovery Award is dormant this week.

As for the Disc of the Day, take your pick. I honestly can’t decide among Kinder & Clark, Kelly Lang, Eric Church, HARDY, Granger Smith and Miranda Lambert. They all thrilled me. There’s never been a six-way tie before, but there’s a first time for everything….

SOUTHERLAND / “Along Those Lines”
Writers: Chris Rogers/Greg Bates/Joseph Driver Williams III/Matt Chase; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Greg Bates; Label: River House Artists/Sony Music Nashville
– Gentle nostalgia for the small town of one’s youth, nicely harmonized and sympathetically produced. This duo (Matt Chase & Chris Rogers) manages to effectively blend traditionalist vocals with echoey electronic arrangements.

LUKE COMBS & BILLY STRINGS / “The Great Divide”
Writers: Luke Combs/Billy Strings/Wyatt Durrette; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Chip Matthews; Label: River House Artists/ Columbia Nashville
– This is so pleasurable on so many levels. The rippling, bluegrassy, acoustic backing is enchanting. The lyric is a poignant plea for unity. The vocals are so comfortingly sincere that you can practically warm your hands by them.

HAILEY WHITTERS & BRENT COBB / “Glad to Be Here”
Writers: Brent Cobb/Brent Rupard/Neil Medley; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters
– Whitters turns in her usual, pure-country vocals and winsome charm. Cobb matches her for down-home friendliness and warmth. The expertly mixed track blends organ, twang guitars, Dobro, rock electronics and frisky percussion. Her current single ( “Fillin’ My Cup” ) with LBT is a gem, and this makes me even more eager to hear the whole album.

RYAN KINDER, BRANDY CLARK & JERRY DOUGLAS / “Tired of Flying”
Writers: Ryan Kinder/Jenn Schott/Luke Sheets; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner
– The presence of one of the greatest female country artists alive, plus an instrumental living legend, ought to be enough to pique your interest. Kinder sings in a haunting, airy tenor, and his writing in this gorgeously poetic, wistful meditation is superb. The ballad has you hanging on every line. I think I am becoming a major, major fan.

ALEX HALL & TENILLE TOWNES / “Heart Shut”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Monument
– Hall’s Six Strings EP features collaborations with Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Kassi Ashton, John Osborne and Brad Tursi. The best companion to his “broken” vocal style is perhaps the always heart-tugging Townes. However, the song could be stronger.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Tequila Does”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall/Jack Ingram; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Beat Up Ford/Platinum Songs US/BMG/Lonesome Vinyl, BMI; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville
– Oh, hell yeah! A honky-tonk moaner that shifts into a barroom toe tapper. With border-town Texas lyrics, no less. It goes without saying that her vocal is as tangy as a twist of lime.

KELLY LANG / “I’m Not Going Anywhere”
Writers: Kelly Lang; Publishers: Kelly Lang Music, BMI; Producer: Kelly Lang; Label: Kelly Lang
– I have been fixated on this song ever since I first heard it in an Ascension Hospitals TV ad and have long been wondering who is singing it so brilliantly. Now it can be told. This is heart-gripping, inspirational stuff. A balm for those who are aching. A comforting ballad for the ages.

ERIC CHURCH / “Heart On Fire”
Writers: Eric Church; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– It has a jangly country-rock vibe with a heartland-roots lyric to match. The soundtrack for a ride on back roads with the windows rolled down and the radio turned up. Does anybody in country music do it better than this guy? I don’t think so.

GRANGER SMITH / “Hate You Like I Love You”
Writers: Justin Wilson/Rodney Clawson/Granger Smith/Kyle Fishman; Publishers: Play It Again/Round Hill/Ford Drives a Chevy/Shirt at Work/Kyle Fishman; Producer: Derek Wells/Granger Smith/Scott Johnson; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– Tuneful and hooky. This extremely well-written breakup song sung with heart sure sounds like a Big Hit to me. Play it.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Can’t Fool Your Own Blood”
Writers: Jaimee Harris/Mary Gauthier/Samuel Williams; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Tommy Cecil; Label: Samuel Williams
– It’s an anguished-sounding ballad about escaping self-destructive ways. Mama’s drinking again and can’t hide it. Hank Jr.’s boy sounds like he has his own highly creative soul.

HARDY / “Give Heaven Some Hell”
Writers: HARDY/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson/Ashley Gorley; Publishers: Relative Music Group, BMI/Rednecker Music, BMI/Round Hill Songs II, ASCAP/Caleb’s College Fund, ASCAP/8 Minutes Twenty Seconds Publishing, BMI/Artist Publishing Group West, ASCAP/Big Blue Nation Music, ASCAP/Nontypical Music, ASCAP/Who Wants To Buy My Publishing, ASCAP/ WC Music Corp., ASCAP; Producer: Joey Moi/Derek Wells; Label: Big Loud Records
– Very cool. A loving send-off to a running buddy who’s passed on. It manages to have deep sentimental affection and rocking attitude at the same time. “I’ll see you again/But ‘til then give Heaven some Hell.” Can you pump your fist at a funeral? This guy can, and I dig him the most.

JAY DEMARCUS / “Music Man”
Writers: Jay DeMarcus; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Label: Big Machine
– This super-gifted Rascal Flatts member penned this ballad in homage to his mentor father when he recently died. It’s an airy, soaring atmospheric creation with a lyric and a tenor vocal that tug at the heartstrings in all the right ways.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Parker McCollum, Lauren Weintraub, Jimmie Allen, Brad Paisley, More

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The theme for this edition of DisClaimer is evidently breakups.

The busted hearts belong to Seaforth and Lauren Weintraub, the latter of whom wins the DisCovery Award. On the other hand, Filmore and Hunter Hayes are positively rejoicing in the freedom that they’ve found, post-breakup.

Poor Parker McCollum can’t even get his relationship off the ground, but he sure sounds great trying. Jake Hoot & Kelly Clarkson are just plain pissed-off about the whole thing, and they sound great, too.

But the Disc of the Day prize goes to Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley, who have nothing whatsoever to do with heartbreak. For that matter, neither does the duo Bexar, who is the runner-up.

BEXAR / “One Day”
Writers: Chris Ryan/Logan Turner/Ross Copperman/Josh Osborne; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This duo continues to impress. Named for Bexar County, Texas, these two combine hooky melodic sensibilities with acoustic textures and rhythm-happy production. If this doesn’t get your toes tapping and your head singing “Hey” along with the gang, you must be deaf. Absolutely essential. And joyous, too.

JIMMIE ALLEN & BRAD PAISLEY / “Freedom Was a Highway”
Writers: Ash Bowers, Jimmie Allen, Matt Rogers; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ash Bowers, Jimmie Allen; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– Rocking nostalgia for the days when we were all 17 years old and carefree. Both men sing with passion, and guess-who takes off a stinging guitar solo?

LAUREN WEINTRAUB / “She’s Mine”
Writers: Lauren Weintraub/Daniel Ross; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: Big Machine Music
– This gifted former Belmont student and NPR/Grammy U/NSAI talent contest standout has amassed more than a million views on TikTok with this debut single. It’s a tuneful swirl of jealousy, heartache and obsession. She can’t stop thinking about the girl who stole him away: “I guess we all got reasons why we can’t sleep at night—and she’s mine.” A star is born.

JAKE HOOT & KELLY CLARKSON / “I Would’ve Loved You”
Writers: Jake Hoot/Dean Sams/Jamie Floyd; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Danny Myrick; Label: MLH Records
– The Voice winner teams up with his coach Clarkson on a dynamic, romantic power ballad. Both are mighty singers, and they hold nothing back as they tear this one up. Hang on for the “false” ending, after which they unleash two more blasts of fiery vocal emoting.

FILMORE / “Nothing’s Better”
Writers: Tyler Filmore/John Luke Carter/Michael Whitworth; Publishers: none listed; Producer: John-Luke Carter/Zach Abend; Label: Curb
– Here’s a switch. Instead of wallowing in heartache following a breakup, this tune is a celebration of getting rid of her. It’s kinda hip-hoppy and tuneless, but it has enormous goofy charm. I remain a fan.

RODNEY ATKINS / “A Little Good News”
Writers: Charlie Black/Rory Bourke/Tommy Rocco; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb
– This 1983 Anne Murray oldie sounds relevant all over again in these troubled times, and Atkins’ reading of the song is super effective. The production is restrained, giving the lyric extra room to touch you. Applause for a job well done.

CLARE DUNN / “Real Thing”
Writers: Jenn DeCilveo/Clare Dunn; Publishers: Big Yellow Dog Music, Kobalt Music Publishing; Producer: Clare Dunn; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– She’s such a gripping singer, and perhaps never more so than when she’s dipping into her lowest alto range in the verses of this steamy shout of True Love.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “To Be Loved By You”
Writers: Parker McCollum/Rhett Akins; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Parkermac/Ritten by Rhettro, BMI; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Label: MCA Nashville
– I love the heart-in-throat country-boy sincerity in this vocal performance. He’s tormented by his failing attempts to get her to love him. There’s ache in every note while the band kicks up dust all around him. Highly listenable.

HUNTER HAYES / “The One That Got Away”
Writers: Hunter Hayes/Sam Ellis/Sara Haze; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Hunter Hayes/Andrew Wells; Label: LP Entertainment
– This is a pop-oriented, forward-momentum sound, with a vibe like wind rushing through a car’s open window. Hayes sings of freedom and escape as he leaves a bad relationship. It’s attractive, in an ‘80s kinda way, but I don’t think there’s much that is “country” about it.

CATHERINE BRITT / “Me”
Writers: Catherine Britt/Katrina Burgoyne; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Catherine Britt/Michael Muchow; Label: Beverly Hillbilly
– Dull production, dull performance, dull sentiment. Go find a song.

SEAFORTH / “Breakups”
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitch Thompson/Liz Rose/Cameron Bedell; Publishers: Warner Chappell Music; Producer: Tom Jordan; Label: RCA
– A plaintive sob from a heart crushed by a bad goodbye. The vocals have a sweet/sad quality that evokes a lonely guy, drinking too much, hurting a lot and thinking about her with deep regret. It’s a little word-y, but the feelings are authentic. I’m in.

DANIELLE BRADBERY & KURT / “Yo Nunca He (Never Have I Ever)”
Writers: Danielle Bradbery/Laura Veltz/David Hall Hodges/KURT/Mauricio Rengifo; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff/Enrique López Lezama; Label: Big Machine Records
– Although she does not speak fluent Spanish, Bradbery comes from Mexican roots. She taps into that via this duet with romantic, breathy Latin star Kurt. It is sung entirely in Spanish, except for interjections of the English song title. The whole thing goes down smoothly.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Marty Stuart, Blake Shelton, Tiera, Caitlyn Smith, Old Dominion

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Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart. Photo: Bill Thorup

We have a historic DisClaimer column today—for the first time, five of our spotlight sounds are by African-American country up-and-comer’s.

Mind you, not all of them have a deep understanding of what “country” is, exactly. But if you’re into hick-hop fusion styles, we have you covered.

Of these five, two of them have authentic approaches, Aaron Vance and our DisCovery Award winner, Charley Crockett.

Scattered among these folks are a bevy of country heavyweights. Old Dominion, Maren Morris, Willie Nelson, FGL and Kip Moore are all on hand.

The Disc of the Day prize is shared by two extraordinary rocking tracks. New Country Music Hall of Fame honoree Marty Stuart rides high with “I’ve Been Around” and future Hall of Famer Blake Shelton is right there with him singing “Minimum Wage.”

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “I Can Help”
Writers: Billy Swan; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Bruce Robison; Label: The Next Waltz
– This Texan takes the 1974 Billy Swan country-pop classic out for a leisurely drive. The laid-back folkie groove with a tinge of New Orleans R&B backbeat is a relaxing ride. The track is making inroads on both country and Americana playlists, and deserves to.

BLAKE SHELTON / “Minimum Wage”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Corey Crowder/Jesse Frasure; Publishers: Warner Chappell Music; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a sentiment as old as country music, itself—being rich in love is better than having material goods. This time, the lyrics are spitfire sharp, the vocal delivery has edgy passion and the track totally rawks. A smash.

TIERA / “Found It In You”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Tiera Leftwich; Publishers: Songs & Daughters; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: Tiera
– This Birmingham native has been signed by Nicolle Galyon’s female-driven publishing company and hosts her own daily show on Apple Music Country that focuses on up-and-coming artists. Tiera describes her sound as “R&B country.” This languid, acoustic piano ballad swoons in jazzy romance.

KIP MOORE / “How High”
Writers: Kip Moore/Bobby Terry/Luke Dick/Westin Davis; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: MCA Nashville
– Thumping and rocking, with a doomy, deep-twang melodic bed under Moore’s raspy, fiery vocal. Super hooky. Essential.

AARON VANCE / “Cabin Fever”
Writers: Aaron Vance/Rich Karg; Publishers: Rich Karg, ASCAP; Producer: Aaron Vance/Rich Karg; Label: Windy Holler
– Very funky and twangy. He’s a really cool, traditional-leaning hillbilly vocalist, but equally important is the groove-soaked track with its catchy, boing-boing guitar effects. I dig this guy’s distinctive, creative, off-the-wall approach. Play it again.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE / “Life Rolls On”
Writers: Ben Burgess/Alysa Vanderheym/Emily Weisband; Publishers: Warner Chappell Music; Producer: FGL & Corey Crowder; Label: Big Machine
– The title tune of the duo’s upcoming fifth album has a steady-state, somewhat monotonous sound with not much of a melody. Blandly listenable.

WILLIE JONES / “American Dream”
Writers: Willie Jones/Josh Logan/Jason Afable; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jason Afable; Label: The Penthouse / EMPIRE
– Dark and very compelling, if not exactly down-home rootsy. This is an ear-opening hick-hop country fusion sound with a pointed political message about what it means to be Black in America. Jones is partnering with the new National Museum of African American Music in Nashville to solicit fan statements on the topic. He performed at the museum’s virtual, grand-opening celebration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

WILLIE NELSON / “That’s Life”
Writers: Dean Kay/Kelly Gordon; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon/Matt Rollings; Label: Legacy
– The title tune of Willie’s Frank Sinatra tribute album is one of the coolest songs in the Sinatra catalog. The country legend’s take on Ol’ Blue Eyes’ 1966 hit is a woozy, bluesy delight.

SEE YOUR SHADOW / “I Know My Worth”
Writers: Michael Coleman/Shukur Haynes; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Michael Coleman; Label: See Your Shadow
– This is a multi-racial, female quintet fronted by a hick-hop stylist. Driven by a bopping banjo, the song is a female-empowerment anthem with hooks a-plenty. Girl power with a groove that doesn’t quit.

J.P. SAXE & MAREN MORRIS / “Line By Line”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/JP Saxe/Maren Morris/Ryan Marrone; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ryan Marrone; Label: Arista
– Enchantingly pretty pop. Is this woman ever going to release a country record again?

CAITLYN SMITH & OLD DOMINION / “I Can’t”
Writers: Ben West/Caitlyn Smith/Steven Wilson Jr.; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Christian “Leggy” Langdon/Shane McAnally; Label: Monument
– Lustrously produced with gobs of echoey audio atmosphere surrounding stellar vocal work. Radio ready.

MARTY STUART / “I’ve Been Around”
Writers: Johnny Cash/Marty Stuart; Publishers: none listed; Producer: John Carter Cash; Label: Legacy
– Sensational. I completely love this record. Stuart channels the slap-back rockabilly vibe of the Man in Black, giving it a snappy, contemporary edge. Cash’s lyric is a dandy. It’s shocking that he never recorded this, himself.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rhonda Vincent, Sister Sadie, Carolina Blue, The Grascals

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Rhonda Vincent

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) airs its 2020 awards show on Circle TV on Monday (Jan. 18).

What better time to catch up with some of its winners, as well as other current hit makers in the genre?

The essential-listening tracks here belong to IBMA Entertainer of the Year winners Sister Sadie, as well as Donna Ulisse, Carolina Blue, Jerry Salley and our Disc of the Day winner, Rhonda Vincent.

The IBMA’s New Artist honorees Mile Twelve, also own this week’s DisCovery Award.

The award show is a pip, with performances by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Brooke Aldridge, Taj Mahal, the Del McCoury Band and dozens more. Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and Ronnie McCoury induct New Grass Revival, The Johnson Mountain Boys and The Station Inn’s J.T. Gray into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

SPECIAL CONSENSUS / “Chicago Barn Dance”
Writers: Becky Buller/Missy Raines/Alison Brown; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Alison Brown; Label: Compass
– This durable band is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a No. 1 bluegrass single and the IBMA’s Song of the Year winner. It’s a lyric celebrating the WLS National Barn Dance during the days of the Great Depression. The group members alternate lead vocals while the track dances with twin-fiddle work and lively mandolin and banjo breaks. A joy to hear.

CAROLINA BLUE / “Too Wet to Plow”
Writers: David Stewart; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This band is currently No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart with its Take Me Back CD. Its motto is “Traditional Yet Original,” and you can hear the band’s freshness on this quickly rising single. Between the youthful, yearning lead vocals, twinkling instrumental finesse and flawless harmony singing, this band has the future of the genre in its hands.

RHONDA VINCENT / “I Ain’t Been Nowhere”
Writers: Chuck Mead; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Upper Management
– The Queen of Bluegrass returns with a sneak peak of her upcoming album, a riotously funny update of Hank Snow’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” explicitly written as a COVID ode to being quarantined. Previously popularized by its writer, Chuck Mead, this deserves massive airplay. Vincent will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry cast on Feb. 6.

MILE TWELVE / “Jericho”
Writers: Catherine Anne Bowness, David Shelton Benedict, Nathaniel Benjamin Sabat, Evan James Murphy, Browyn; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Bryan Sutton; Label: Delores the Taurus Records
– This young Boston band won the New Artist award at the IBMA honors. Its current City on a Hill CD is a jewel, balancing brilliant acoustic playing with meaningful songs such as this intensely emotional account of a homeless veteran suffering from PTSD. For flash, check out the whiplash track “Cold Wind.” For another ear-opener, listen to the band’s bluegrass take on Elton John’s “Rocket Man.”

TINA ADAIR / “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses”
Writers: Paul Nelson/Gene Nelson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Adam Engelhardt/Glen Duncan; Label: Engelhardt Music Group
– New on the bluegrass chart this month is this gorgeous take on the 1988 Kathy Mattea goldie (a CMA Single of the Year winner then). Exemplary picking and the mountain-soprano vocal beauty we have come to expect from this artist.

SISTER SADIE / “900 Miles”
Writers: Dale Ann Bradley/Tina Adair/Deanie Richardson/Gena Britt; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Tina Adair, Dale Ann Bradley, Gena Britt and Deanie Richardson comprise Sister Sadie, the first female band to win the IBMA Entertainer of the Year trophy. In addition, Sister Sadie claimed the 2020 Vocal Group of the Year bluegrass award, an honor also won in 2019. Richardson’s mournful fiddle paves the way on this minor-key Appalachian folk chestnut. Adair moans the vocal lead. Bradley chimes in on soprano harmony, and then Britt adds her stunning deep-alto part. A thrilling listening experience.

MERLE MONROE / “Hello Sunshine”
Writers: Tim Raybon; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Happy, toe-tapping music of new love. Love these close-harmony, fleet-fingered guys. The single charges into the bluegrass top-10 this month.

VALERIE SMITH / “From a Distance”
Writers: Julie Gold; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Midnite Mike Pokalsky; Label: Bell Buckle
– First an international hit for Nanci Griffith (1988), then a pop giant by Bette Midler (1990), this awesome song now gets an acoustic bluegrass rendition with Claire Lynch and Irene Kelley in vocal support of Smith, the pride of Bell Buckle, TN. It’s as powerful and touching as ever.

THE GRASCALS / “Sleepy Little Town”
Writers: Jerry Salley/J.B. Rudd; Publishers: none listed; Producer: The Grascals; Label: Mountain Home
– This lilting lament for lost innocence makes its wistful debut on the charts this month. It’s a preview of this multiple award winning Nashville band’s next collection. The group is among the genre’s most dependable, and this does not disappoint.

DONNA ULISSE / “When I Go All Bluegrass On You”
Writers: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This is the most charming celebration of the joys of bluegrass I’ve ever heard. Every line is a delight, and so is every instrumental note. I particularly like the way the pickers “answer” her when she gives them a shout-out. A total smile.

JUNIOR SISK / “Hooked on Bluegrass”
Writers: J.R. Satterwhite; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Home
– Bluegrass is “my drug of choice.” Because “I feel good when I hear it, so I use it as a crutch.” Addiction has never sounded merrier.

JERRY SALLEY / “Let Me Be the Bridge”
Writers: Jerry Salley/Jim Rushing; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Very Jerry
– The man is so hillbilly-gifted he ought to be illegal. Not only one of the greatest hard-country writers still working today, he’s also a moving, natural singer. This barroom two-step will sway you across the dance floor while your heart rejoices that such a Country Music Great walks among us.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tim McGraw, Tyler Hubbard, Dolly Parton, Barry Gibb, Mitchell Tenpenny, More

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As we begin 2021, we look at a landscape of rubble.

Music is a healing force, so let the healing begin. You can’t go wrong with Dolly, especially when she’s singing with Barry Gibb. Hailey Whitters is here with a good-time collaboration with LBT. Both the legendary John Fogerty and newcomer Mitchell Tenpenny are offering especially poignant songs for our troubled time.

But the Disc of the Day, and perhaps one of the most important country-music songs of our era, is “Undivided” by Tim McGraw & Tyler Hubbard. Be ready to blast this to listeners everywhere when it drops next week.

Our DisCovery Award goes to Helene Cronin, yet another example of how women are making some of our best music.

TRUNDLED / “High Water”
Writers: Ellen Braun/Joe Shea; Publishers: Trundled, SOCAN/ASCAP; Producer: D. Ledwell; Label: Indie Pool
– Echoey and dreamy. The gentle, atmospheric ballad wafts and caresses as singer-songwriter Ellen Braun delivers in a soft, comforting soprano. This is the title tune of a set of 10 Canadian gems by an ace band that has all the Americana bases covered.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Bucket List”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Chris DeStefano/Laura Veltz; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jordan M. Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia
– A lovely sentiment. It’s about living life to the fullest while we’re here, and he sings it with tender sincerity. The production ebbs and swells as he loses himself in the song. Well worth your spins.

JOHN FOGERTY / “Weeping in the Promised Land”
Writers: John Fogerty; Publishers: none listed; Producer: John Fogerty/Julie Fogerty; Label: BMG
– This Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer has touched the pulse of the nation so many times in his career. Now he takes us to church with this stirring anthem that offers a balm for these troubled times of pandemic and social injustice. Say, “Amen.”

JON PARDI / “Tequila Little Time”
Writers: Jon Pardi/Rhett Akins/Luke Laird; Publishers: Sony-ATV Countryside/Cowboy and Gus/Happy Song Factory/Ritten By Rhettro/Warner-Tamerlane/Sony-ATV Story/We Are Creative Nation/Suzanne James, BMI/GMR; Producer: Jon Pardi/Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Capitol Nashville
– It seems like I reviewed this a couple of years ago, but here it comes again. I still think it’s utterly charming. The Mariachi horns, squeezebox and rhythms create a romantic beach vibe that goes down easy.

CARVIN WALLS / “Hippie”
Writers: Kelly Carvin Walls, Drew Green, Kyle Coulahan, Quinn Loggins; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ryan Rossebo; Label: Carvin Walls
– A hillbilly boy falls in love with a hippie in this lively bopper. Troy Walls takes the lead with partner Kelly Carvin ad-libbing, harmonizing and adding sprightly energy. This will take you back to summertime.

BARRY GIBB & DOLLY PARTON / “Words”
Writers: Barry Gibb/Maurice Gibb/Robin Gibb; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Capitol
– The legendary Bee Gees genius teams up with Alison Krauss, Little Big Town, Jason Isbell, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Brandi Carlile, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Sheryl Crow, Olivia Newton John and more on his Nashville-recorded Greenfields CD (which drops tomorrow, Jan. 8). This gorgeous, timeless 1968 ballad finds full expression as Dolly trills the lead and Barry offers pinpoint harmony plus a taste of his inimitable, quavering solo voice on a brief lead vocal at the close. Two awesome talents at work.

PAUL BOGART / “I’m Just Sayin’”
Writers: Trent Willmon/Jenee Fleenor/Buddy Owens; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: 117 Music
– It’s a likeable string of pick-up lines with a jaunty country production. Warm and welcoming. The album is titled Won’t Have Far to Go. In addition to six Bogart originals, it features cool covers of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” This cowboy has the Strait goods.

TIM McGRAW & TYLER HUBBARD / “Undivided”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Chris Loocke; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/ Tim McGraw/Byron Gallimore; Label: BMLG
– It is wonderfully catchy. More important, it’s a call for unity….and, boy, do we need that now. “We’ve been hateful long enough,” they sing, adding that it’s time for love and brotherhood. Well done, men.

HELENE CRONIN / “Riding the Gray Line”
Writers: Helene Cronin/Davis Corley; Publishers: Smoke and Honeysuckle/Brower Avenue, SESAC/ASCAP; Producer: Matt King; Label: HC (track)
– I was captivated by her resonant alto from the first notes. The vivid word portrait of a long-distance bus ride is underpinned by deep, heartbeat bass and a sighing steel. A supremely lustrous ballad experience, and a new troubadour to keep your ears on.

HAILEY WHITTERS & LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Fillin’ My Cup”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Nicolle Galyon/Hillary Lindsey; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Hailey Whitters/Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus/Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
– Are you hip to Hailey Whitters yet? If not, get with the program, because this is a Class A singer-songwriter. On this sprightly outing, she’s going for the gold with LBT harmonizing lustily along for the romping ride. Ridiculously hooky and packed solid with good-time vibes.

KENT BLAZY & STEVE WARINER / “Scotty Moore”
Writers: Kent Blazy/Steve Wariner; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Chris Utley; Label: KB (track)
– It’s an Elvis tribute song embellished with Scotty Moore-style guitar licks. Blazy does the singing, but every instrumental sound you hear on the record was recorded by Wariner. A toe tapper, for sure.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jimmie Allen, Lee Brice, Lady A, Tim McGraw, Shy Carter, More

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The Big Week is here. Is your shopping done? Have you wrapped everything? If not, here’s a sampling of Nashville holiday music to get you in the mood.

It’s been a bonanza year for this kind of record in Music City. By my count, there are 109 new Yuletide releases by Nashville artists great and small. I can’t get to them all, but here are 13 selections.

Lee Brice has the Disc of the Day. The Shindellas, who collaborate with Jimmie Allen and Louis York on his debut Christmas single, win the DisCovery Award.

LADY A / “Christmas Through Your Eyes”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Dave Haywood/Hillary Scott; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG Records
– As sweet as a sugarplum fairy. The gentle acoustic textures, lilting pace and soft soprano lead create a twinkling holiday mood.

NICK LOWE & LOS STRAITJACKETS / “Winter Wonderland”
Writers: Felix Bernard/Richard Smith; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Nick Lowe; Label: Yep Roc
– File this under “stocking rocking.” Lowe’s wry, droll delivery carries the arrangement with Nashville’s favorite masked band romping and twanging merrily in accompaniment. Highly recommended, as well as their equally zesty take on “Let It Snow.”

LEE BRICE / “Go Tell It On the Mountain”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Lee Brice/Cody LaBelle; Label: Curb Records
– Turn it up. Brice is in rare form here, delivering an intense, fiery vocal performance that raises the rafters. Stacked harmonies and cascading instruments pile on the emotional ride. A fabulous sound.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “Down Home Christmas”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Mando Saenz; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lightning Rod/Thirty Tigers
– As the feature attraction at the Opryland Resort, the Oaks are the “official” Nashville spokesmen for the season. This bopping ditty is a toe tapping treat, sung in full four-part harmony throughout. It’s the title tune to a green-vinyl LP.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Neon Christmas”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Lindsay Rimes/Matt Rogers; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RiverHouse/Columbia
– Hey, baby, let’s head to the neighborhood dive bar, drink beer and dance to the jukebox to celebrate the season. A rollicking good time, and the title tune to Tenpenny’s new Yule-themed EP.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE / “Lit This Year”
Writers: Brian Kelley/Tyler Hubbard/Corey Crowder; Publishers: none listed; Producer: FGL & Corey Crowder; Label: Big Machine
– “That Christmas tree ain’t the only thing that’s lit this year.” This light-hearted stomper is as country as grits, what with the drawled vocals, banjo notes and deep-twang guitar work. A very hillbilly good time is had by all.

SHY CARTER / “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
Writers: Mariah Carey/Walter Afanasieff; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Label: Warner
– It starts out spare, then gradually adds rhythm elements. I takes a little while to stop missing Mariah Carey’s rocking arrangement, but if you let this roll, it will get under your skin as a slow-burn jam. Carter’s soulful voice stays in the spotlight all the while. Definitely the best R&B Nashville release of the season.

DAN + SHAY / “Take Me Home for Christmas”
Writers: Andy Albert/Dan Smyers/Jordan Reynolds/Jordan Schmidt/Mitchell Tenpenny/Shay Mooney; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dan Smyers; Label: Warner
– Wafting, rolling pop country with a winning tune and a shuffling, jaunty rhythm track. Pleasant and listenable.

ROB THOMAS & ABBY ANDERSON / “I Believe in Santa Claus”
Writers: Dolly Parton; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Marshall Altman; Label: Emblem/Atlantic
– The Matchbox Twenty rock great and the country newcomer sound terrific harmonizing together on this Kenny & Dolly favorite. I missed the tempo and bounce of the original, although this slower-paced rendition does bring out the wistfulness of the lyric. Ear opening.

JIMMIE ALLEN, LOUIS YORK & THE SHINDELLAS / “What Does Christmas Mean”
Writers: Charles T Harmon/Claude Kelly; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Louis York; Label: Stoney Creek
– Allen’s first Christmas single is a collaboration with the songwriting/production duo Louis York plus the Nashville female R&B trio The Shindellas. It has a delightful retro, doo-wop soul/pop groove with plenty of shooby-dooby-doos and a snappy beat. This one is fun, fun, fun.

TIM McGRAW / “It Wasn’t His Child”
Writers: Skip Ewing; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Danny Hemingson/Steve Gibson/Byron Gallimore; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is one of the most expressive vocals of McGraw’s distinguished career. The durable Nashville ballad has always been unusual as a version of the Christmas story that’s told from the point of view of Joseph. The superstar more than does it justice.

T.G. SHEPPARD & KELLY LANG / “Christmas in Mexico”
Writers: T.G. Sheppard/Kelly Lang; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: WMG/Time Life
– Kelly’s lustrous alto takes the lead with T.G. providing expert vocal harmony support here. The lively track features steel drums, mariachi trumpets, gut-string guitar and audio joy. Highly recommended.

BRETT YOUNG / “Silver Bells”
Writers: Jay Livingston/Ray Evans; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Keaton Simons/Noah Needleman; Label: BMLG Records
– This familiar holiday staple gets a highly imaginative arrangement in this release. Brett’s distinctive phrasing is accompanied by hip-hop beats, jazzy guitar work, steel accents and softly sighed backup voices. Well worth your attention.