DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Sam Hunt, Kane Brown, Chris Young, Brandy Clark, And More

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Sam Hunt

In this wildly uneven listening session, I was alternately lifted out of my seat and glued to it by dull inertia.

The triumphs here belong to The Wild Feathers, Dillon Carmichael, the collaboration between Chris Young & Kane Brown and our Disc of the Day winner, Brandy Clark.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.

SAM HUNT/”Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s”
Writers: Chris LaCorte/Ernest K Smith/Josh Osborne/Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell; Publishers: Universal Music Corp./Between the Pines, LLC/BIPOD/Spirit Two Nashville/Miller Crow Music/Kyler’s Kinda Night/Songs Of Universal, Inc./Ern Dog Music/Big Loud Mountain/Tree Vibez Music, LLC/Sony/ATV Accent/Smackborne Music, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: MCA Nashville
-His successful formula is in place—spoken-word verse, sparse rhythm, chorus with the title phrase repeated over and over. The fact that the phrase has nothing to do with the rest of the lyric doesn’t seem to matter. I got bored quickly.

THE WILD FEATHERS/”Fire”
Writers: Ricky Young; Publishers: none listed; Producer: The Wild Feathers; Label: Magnolia Record Club
-I loved these guys when they were a pop/rock band, and the quality of their output has remained completely excellent since they began marketing their sound as country. This fabulously melodic, brilliantly harmonized tune has a soaring, uplifting quality underpinned by throbbing bass, punchy drumming, sighing organ and chiming guitars. It’s an awesome listening experience that is drawn from a collection titled Medium Rarities. During the pandemic, the group reached into its vaults for unreleased, unheard tracks to assemble the collection. If something this stunning was “buried,” I can’t imagine how great the new material is going to be. I remain a massive fan.

DEVIN DAWSON/ “He Loved Her”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Nicolle Galyon/Jordan Reynolds; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: WMN/Atlantic
-It’s an homage to his grandfather, an ordinary man whose decency was extra-ordinary. But Dawson’s colorless singing voice and the generic production doesn’t rise to the occasion.

KALIE SHORR/”My Voice”
Writers: Kalie Shorr/Simon Reid/Fred Wilhelm/Skip Black; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Skip Black/Kalie Shorr; Label: TMWRK
-The sound is crashing country-punk and the lyric is a very involving look at her journey on an unconventional road. This lady is carving out her own niche, and bravo for that.

CHRIS YOUNG & KANE BROWN/”Famous Friends”
Writers: Chris Young/Cary Barlowe/Corey Crowder; Publisher: none listed, BMI/SESAC/ASCAP; Producer: Corey Crowder/Chris Young; Label: RCA
-Very cute. The “famous friends” of the title are people you’ve never heard of who live in Rutherford County (Chris), Hamilton County, GA (Kane) and Davidson County (both). The bopping track and the two stars’ jaunty vocals celebrate these everyday heroes. Hit bound.

BRANDY CLARK/”I’ll Be the Sad Song”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon/Chase McGill; Publishers: Highway 508/New House of Sea Gayle/ClearBox Rights/Jay Gatsby/Revelry/Kobalt/Songs of Universal/Plum Nelly, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner 
-It’s a happy coincidence that I was listening to this woman’s awesome album (again) over the weekend and bitching about how this blindingly brilliant troubadour was being overlooked by the country mainstream. Then, BAM, yesterday it got nominated for a Grammy Award, as did its single “Who You Thought I Was.” The collection’s title, Your Life Is a Record, comes from the lyric of this song. The haunting melody, wistful mood and sweet/sad singing pierce your heart and linger there long after the sound fades away. That’s what a masterpiece can do.

PARMALEE & BLANCO BROWN/”Just the Way”
Writers: Matt Thomas/Nolan Sipe/Kevin Bard; Publishers: Sony/ATV Countryside/JM Thomas Music/Sony/ATV Tunes LLC/Kevin Bard Music/Margetts Road Music/Nolan W. Sipe Music, ASACP/BMI; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Stoney Creek
-I originally reviewed this back in April. Now there’s a video that underscores its message of acceptance by showing girls and women of widely varying physical images.

STURGILL SIMPSON/”Breaker’s Roar”
Writers: Sturgill Simpson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: David Ferguson/Sturgill Simpson; Label: High Top Mountain
-He has a rock Grammy nomination this year, so of course his next step is a bluegrass album. That recording, titled Cuttin’ Grass, features an all-star bluegrass instrumental lineup backing Simpson on rearrangements of his songs from earlier albums. This one, featuring Sierra Hull, is an utter transformation. The sound is elegant, pristine and clear (which is saying something, considering the artist’s prior tendency to mumble). The COVID survivor’s Kentucky roots are definitely showing.

RUSSELL DICKERSON & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/”It’s About Time”
Writers: Casey Brown/Parker Welling/Russell Dickerson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff/Casey Brown/Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
-It’s a party anthem on steroids. And it is impossible not to get caught up in its energy and verve.

DILLON CARMICHAEL/”Hot Beer”
Writers: Michael Hardy/Ashley Gorley/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jon Pardi; Label: Riser House
-Hilarious. Dillon’s brawler voice sasses the lyric like a rampaging buffalo. She asks him to take her back, and he replies that he’d rather drink a hot beer and do a lot of other goofy, stupid stuff. With those songwriting credits and Pardi producing, you know it’s country, country, country. It is also Essential Listening.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Kelsea Ballerini, Shania Twain, Logan Mize, Clare Dunn, And More

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Welcome to a country-music, all-duets edition of DisClaimer.

Let’s cut right to the chase. Logan Mize and Clare Dunn have the Disc of the Day with Jonathan Tyler and Nikki Lane snapping at their heels and picking up a DisCovery Award as a consolation prize for Tyler.

But the previously reviewed “Rebels and Angels” by Terry McBride and Patty Loveless is still my 2020 favorite in this sub-genre.

LOGAN MIZE & CLARE DUNN /”Get ‘Em Together”
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Mark Holman/Ben Hayslip/Justin Wilson; Publisher:Big Yellow Dog; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
-I love male-female country duets, and this one is a sensation. It’s got tempo, smiles, thump, crunch and guitar. Not to mention two personality-packed vocal performances for the price of one. Spin, spin, spin this baby.

HONEY COUNTY/ “Cry Wolf”
Writers: Danielle Rosner/Devon Eisenbarger/Katelyn Clampett/Katie Stump/Maks Gabriel; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Maks Gabriel/Katelyn Clampett; Label: Orchard
-The vocals by this female duo are mixed beautifully—so right up close and intimate you can almost hear them breathing into the microphone. The production shifts from soft and airy to rocking, swirling and exciting. I dig this little toe tapper.

LARKIN POE/”Take What You Want”
Writers: Andrew Wotman /Austin Richard Post/Billy Walsh/Jacques Webster/John Osbourne/Louis Russell Bell; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Larkin Poe; Label: LP
-The latest collection by these two sisters (Megan & Rebecca Lovell) is a covers-only effort titled Kindred Spirits. On it, they reinterpret songs by The Moody Blues, Elvis, Lenny Kravitz, Phil Collins, Elton John and others. This track is their rootsy/acoustic version of the Post Malone number. It’s pretty dang ear opening. If you aren’t hip to these two multi-instrumental wonders, get with the program…..

PRESLEY & TAYLOR/”Everybody Sees It”
Writers: Tenille Arts/Aaron Goodvin/Adam Wheeler; Publisher: none listed; Producer: James Stroud; Label: White Mustang
-These two sisters exude confidence and elan on this goose-bumpy, close-harmony performance. A steady, throbbing beat and tasty guitar licks underscore the silky vocals. One more thing: it is as catchy as can be.

SHENANDOAH & ASHLEY McBRYDE/”If Only “
Writers: Lori McKenna/Phil Barton/Jaron Boyer; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Foundry
-The Shenandoah comeback album of celebrity duets is loaded with delights. Not the least of them is this charming collaboration with McBryde. It’s a sweetly nostalgic, gentle, lilting song that wafts along with wishes of love, hope and decency.

THE SWON BROTHERS & LEWIS BRICE/”Southern Draw”
Writers: Zach Swon/Colton Swon/Lewis Brice; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Zach Swon/Colton Swan; Label: SB
–Nashlahoma is the title of the new Swon Brothers album. This lively, highly likeable track kicks up a lot of dust with its furious drumming, stinging guitar licks and party atmosphere. And no, that’s not a typo. It’s not “drawl.” It’s “draw.” They’re inviting you to the festivities by saying, “Let that Southern draw you in.”

LENA PAIGE & TANYA TUCKER/”Joan of Arkansas “
Writers: Robert Walton Jenkins/Selena Lynn Van Wyk; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: LP
-Paige has a languid delivery that’s not particularly compelling. Tucker, on the other, hand, is vocal charisma on the hoof. The lyric they share is interesting, but the melody just lays there.

ORVILLE PECK & SHANIA TWAIN/”Legends Never Die”
Writers: Orville Peck/Duncan Hay Jennings; Publisher: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Producer: Orville Peck; Label: Columbia
-Colorful, mask-wearing Orville and snazzy dresser Shania might seem to be a good duet idea. Alas, neither of them sings well here, and evidently neither one is capable of vocal harmonizing. Also: The song is a dud.

KELSEA BALLERINI & SHANIA TWAIN/ “Hole in the Bottle “
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Hillary Lindsey/Jesse Frasure/Kelsea Ballerini/Steph Jones; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Ballerini/Frasure; Label: Black River
-The remix of Kelsea’s current single is pointlessly busy with competing drum tracks, overlapping vocals and trainwreck mixing. Shania’s vocals add little. It’s still a very cool song, so I’m sticking with Kelsea’s solo rendition.

JONATHAN TYLER & NIKKI LANE /”Old Friend”
Writers: Jonathan Tyler; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jonathan Tyler; Label: JT
-Funky, warm and friendly, this rhythm-happy toe-tapper is loaded with cool little acoustic touches from mandolin, harmonica, shaker, fiddle and more. Lane’s sweet soprano harmony sounds lovely up against Tyler’s folkie vocal rasp. Sweet, jaunty and utterly endearing.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Billy Ray Cyrus, Thomas Rhett, Shy Carter, Kameron Marlowe, Brittney Spencer

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Billy Ray Cyrus. Photo: Steven Bradley/9slash9

Radio seems bent on trying to make you believe that all country music sounds the same, but today’s listening session is abundant proof that it does not.

We have tremendous diversity on display here. Two of the best sounding discs come from from Black Nashville singer-songwriters Shy Carter and Brittney Spencer. The Mavericks are here singing in Spanish. Lacy J. Dalton is political. Shelby Lee Lowe is a traditionalist.

Four songs name-check country heroes Waylon Jennings, John Wayne, Dolly Parton and, most excellently, the late coronavirus victim John Prine.

We also have a transition from rap to country with the imaginative Billy Ray Cyrus reworking of “Mama Said Knock You Out.” It is our Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to Columbia newcomer Kameron Marlowe.

CHARLIE OVERBY/”Ode to John Prine”
Writer: Charlie Overby; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Tedd Hutt; Label: CO
– This country rocker is a COVID song. Amid a rolling rhythm, Overby sings, “The higher-ups say it ain’t so/But I can read between the lines…..Take me to another place, take me to another time/Tell me that we’re going out tonight to see John Prine.” The video features shots of Prine murals in Louisville, Nashville, Raleigh, Seattle, Austin and Chicago and images of shuttered nightclubs. Proceeds from the song will benefit the NIVA Association’s Save Our Stages program.

ALEX STERN/”John Wayne”
Writers: Alex Stern/Reed Pittman/Brian Donkers; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Phil Barnes; Label: AS
– She sings this rumbler strongly, with lots of emotion and authenticity. The lyric is about a woman who acts like an outlaw and a hero, but realizes she’s vulnerable and only playing a part.

SCOOTER BROWN BAND/”Something Waylon Would Sing”
Writers: Rick Huckaby, Scott E. Brown; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Zach Farnum, Scooter Brown; Label: SBB
– It starts out semi-spoken, with a steel guitar weeping in the background. Then that familiar Waylors beat kicks in and the thumper production adds chicken-pickin’ Telecaster guitar and the audio pleasure meter goes up to “10.” Well done.

TORI MARTIN/”What Would Dolly Do “
Writers: Tori Martin/John Cirillo/Sarah Spencer; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Bill Warner; Label: LuckySky
– This bright, bouncy bopper is about following your dreams, no matter what anyone says. As she is to so many, Dolly is Tori’s empowering inspiration.

THOMAS RHETT/”What’s Your Country Song”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/Jesse Frasure/Ashley Gorley/Parker Welling; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Warner-Chappell, no performance rights listed; Producer: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
– The lyrics string together the titles of country classics to create an anthem with an uplifting mood. The production is rather compressed and busy sounding. Some audio clarity would have made it more effective.

BILLY RAY CYRUS/”Mama Said Knock You Out”
Writers: Bootsy Collins, George Clinton Jr., Gregory E Jacobs, James Louis McCants, James Todd Smith, Leroy Mccants, Marlon Lu’Ree Williams, Sylvester Stewart, Walter B. Morrison, Jr.; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jaco Caraco, Tyler Hilton; Label: BBR
– It has a spooky, minor-key vibe with a ghostly banjo and a deep, dark bass line. Billy Ray’s quasi-hushed delivery makes it all the more ear catching. The original by LL Cool J in 1991 was aggressive and shouted. This totally re-imagines that million-selling rap classic.

KAMERON MARLOWE/”Giving You Up”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Brad Hill; Label: Columbia
– He’s given up cigarettes and whiskey. Now he’s doing the same with a destructive relationship. Marlowe sings with a slight rasp and plenty of soul in this pulse-quickening, urgent production. Super promising.

LACY J. DALTON/”I Can’t Breathe”
Writers: Lacy J. Dalton/Jimmy Jackson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jimmy Jackson; Label: LJD
– A steady undertow of a percussion and electric guitar creates a dramatic backdrop to Lacy’s heartfelt song for the Black Lives Matter movement. It manages to be both patriotic and progressive. Proceeds benefit the Equal Justice Initiative, which the singer learned about as a teacher in the California Prison System.

SHY CARTER/”Good Love”
Writers: Shy Carter, James Slater, Micah Carter, Carlo Colasacco; Publishers: none listed; Producers: David Garcia; Label: Warner
– This is so sweet and tender and hopeful. The sentiments about lifting each other up when times are tough couldn’t be better. It sounded so uplifting I wanted to hug him.

SHELBY LEE LOWE/”Could’ve Fooled Me”
Writers: Shelby Lee Lowe/David Ross/Andrew Scott Wills; Publishers: Green Hills/Draw Four/Taxaby, BMI; Producers: Andrew Scott Wills; Label: ONErpm
– Lowe sounds like a traditionalist with his sincere honky-tonk baritone surrounded by steel guitar and slow, two-step rhythm. The heartache lyric about finding a girl getting over a romance is straight-up country, too. I like him.

THE MAVERICKS/”Poder Vivir”
Writers: Alejandro Menendez/Raul Malo; Publisher: Wixen, no performance rights listed; Producer: Raul Malo & Niko Bolas; Label: Mono Mundo/ Thirty Tigers
– The Mavericks current album, En Espanol, is the group’s first Spanish-language project. This lovely, melodic and wildly catchy single has a charming, chugging beat and lilting squeezebox/Mariachi horns/guitar accompaniment. Malo sings his face off, as always. Even if you don’t understand a word of this Tex-Mex gem, you’ll swoon over the sound.

BRITTNEY SPENCER/”Sorrys Don’t Work No More”
Writers: Brittney Spencer, Brock Human, Connor Wheaton; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Kevin Dailey, Will Reagan; Label: Merlin
– Soft, sad and wistful, this mourns the end of a relationship in the loveliest way. When Maren Morris gave a shout-out to country women of color on the CMA Awards, I was with her all the way through Rissi Palmer, Mickey Guyton, Linda Martell, Yola and Rhiannon Giddens. Until she got to Brittney Spencer, at which point I went, “Who?” It turns out that Spencer is originally from Baltimore, has sung backup for Carrie Underwood and enrolled at MTSU. Oh, and she sings splendidly. Check her out.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, Florida Georgia Line, And More

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The country industry is chugging into the fall with a full slate of star releases.

For your listening pleasure today, we have offerings from Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, FGL, Miranda Lambert and Eric Church. We don’t have Dan + Shay or Lee Brice, but we do have their siblings.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Tyler Braden. I have loved everything he’s put out so far, but nothing so much as “Secret.” Play and believe.

The DisCovery Award goes to Miranda’s duet partner, Luke Dick. The guy is super gifted as a songwriter, and his personality as a record maker is also abundant.

TYLER BRADEN/“Secret”
Writers: Tyler Braden; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Nashville
-Alcoholism, PTSD, pregnancy, heartache and misery can’t hide in a small town, where everyone knows each others’ “secrets.” Powerfully written and sung with gut-punch authority, this is the kind of thing that makes stars out of mortals. I remain an enormous fan of this newcomer.

KIP MOORE/”Don’t Go Changing”
Writers: Blair Daly/Westin Davis/Kip Moore; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Mercury Nashville
-This mid-tempo rocker looks at a crazy world and asks love to remain something stable. Moore attacks it with his trademark vocal urgency while guitars snarl. The song’s gritty video is dedicated to all the live-venue owners who are suffering right now.

KAREN WALDRUP/”I Go By Jane Doe”
Writers: Karen Waldrup/Brandon Darcy/Dean Kreseki; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: KW
-The lady is out for a roaring good time with a take-no-prisoners attitude. When she cuts loose, she makes sure she is among strangers. She’s anonymous, and likes it that way. So there.

BILL ANDERSON/”It’s a Good Day to Have a Good Day”
Writers: Bill Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: TWI
-The production is a little thin sounding, but the upbeat rhythm matches the message perfectly. We can certainly use this sentiment these days. And the Country Music Hall of Famer is still whisperin’ as effectively as ever. He’s a treasure, for sure.

ERIC CHURCH/”Through My Ray-Bans”
Writers: Eric Church/Luke Laird/Barry Dean; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: EMI
-Pulsating and inspirational, this heart-touching lyric poem reaches out to the crowds he used to see beyond the footlights. Eric asks us to have faith and to hold each other in solidarity. I’m with you, bro.

JON LANGSTON/”Happy Ever After”
Writers: Blake Bollinger/Jon Langston/Brent Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: EMI/32 Bridge
-Fun, drawling and utterly countrified. She dumps the hillbilly for a trust-fund dude. So the redneck heads to a honky-tonk, downs some cold ones, plays Hank on the jukebox and meets a babe. Therefore, he’s “Happy Ever After….Her.”

NELLY & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/”Lil Bit”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Columbia
-This is a taste of Nelly’s forthcoming “country influenced” EP The Heartland. The St.Louis rapper previously collaborated with FGL on a remix of “Cruise,” featured Tim McGraw on his hit “Over and Over” and recorded his own take on Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man.” This catchy jam is his best attempt yet to fuse twang with dope beats.

LEWIS BRICE/“Young”
Writers: Lewis Brice/Rozes/Joshua Logan Tangney; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Lewis Brice, Lee Brice & Ben Simonetti; Label: Pump House
-It’s a nostalgic look at what it was like to be youthful and carefree. Brice’s vocal has lots of warmth and personality. The production is too thickly processed.

LUKE DICK & MIRANDA LAMBERT/“Polyester”
Writers: Luke Dick/Chris Dubois; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: INgrooves
-I have always dug him as a songwriter. Who knew he was such a charming singer? His soft/fuzzy semi-spoken rasp swaps verses with Miranda’s bell-clear honky-tonk soprano while a spare little combo romps along. Luke’s documentary film that contains this on its soundtrack sounds fascinating.

TY HERNDON & KRISTIN CHENOWETH/”Orphans of God”
Writers: Joel Lindsey/Twila LaBar; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: TH
-This was originally sung by the CCM group Avalon. This duet by country hit maker Herndon and Broadway star Chenoweth drives home its message that we are equal and loved in His eyes. The over-the-top production is power-ballad pop all the way, complete with heavenly choir.

GABRIELLE MOONEY/”Come On In”
Writers: Kelly Johnson/Gabrielle Mooney/Jenna Johnson/Benjamin Joel Johnson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: GM
-She wants her romantic partner to know who she is, a country gal. The voice has a pert quality with just a little tangy taste. Gabby is the older sister of the prodigiously gifted Shay Mooney, so I guess talent runs in the family.

DARIUS RUCKER/“Beers and Sunshine”
Writers: Darius Rucker/John Thomas Harding/Josh Osborne/Ross Copperman; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Capitol Nashville
-What a cute line: “The only B.S. I need is Beers & Sunshine.” As usual, Rucker espouses easy-going good times and romance. No wonder radio loves him so.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean

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Chris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke

The weather might be getting chilly, but country’s new sounds will warm your insides.

For heart medication, you can’t beat the new sounds by Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, the late John Prine and Alex Hall. Topping them all is a fiery hot performance by our Disc of the Day winner, Chris Stapleton.

I don’t know much about Nate Barnes except that he has enormous promise and that he’s working with super talent Jason Sellers. He wins the DisCovery Award.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Gone”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Ben Johnson/Niko Moon; Publishers: Warner Tamerlane/A Boy Named Ford/Ben There Wrote That/Artist 101/Songs of Kobalt/Hits From the Tape Room/Round Hill/W.C.M./Niko Moon, BMI/SESAC; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Stompin’ on heartache and misery with the emphasis on a shouted chorus that is super catchy. Nicely produced and sung with believability. Dierks strikes again.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Goodyears”
Writers: Travis Denning/Tony Martin/Cole Taylor; Publishers: Red Creative Group/Anthem Music Publishing/UMPG Nashville, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
– While “Where That Beer’s Been” remains the single, fans have evidently been clamoring for this track’s release. I can see why: The lyric is loaded with everyday, neighborhood, small-town details, and the mood is hopeful.

JASON ALDEAN / “Blame It On You”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy/John Edwards/Michael Tyler/Brian White; Publishers: WMG/BMG Rights Management/peermusic/CMRR/Audiam/Sony-ATV/Anthem Entertainment, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: BBR
– She’s gone, thanks to whiskey. Echoey production touches and ghostly vocal “answers” perk up your ears. Highly listenable.

JOHN SCOTT SHERRILL / “You Are Still Great”
Writers: John Scott Sherrill; Publisher: none listed; Producer: John Scott Sherrill, Ronnie Bowman & Scott Paschall; Label: Lobo Libre
– The message is that there is still so much that unites us, rather than tears us apart. The sentiment is all the more potent because he’s such a wonderful honky-tonk singer and because the harmonies are bluegrass-inspired. In case you don’t know, Sherrill is one of the greatest country songwriters in history. Just ask Reba, Strait, Buffett, Brooks & Dunn, Patty Loveless, John Anderson, Johnny Lee, Steve Wariner, Josh Turner, Neal McCoy, John Michael Montgomery, Shenandoah, Highway 101, Restless Heart or any of the many others who’ve hit with his works.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “Arkansas”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Mike Campbell; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Stapleton rocks out. His soulful roar lights this up like a bonfire. Southern rock lives.

ALEX HALL / “Jealous Love”
Writers: Alex Hall/AJ Babcock; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Alex Hall, Pete Good & AJ Babcock; Label: Monument
– Newcomer Hall is a guitar slinger, and he trades riffs here with the equally fiery picker John Osborne. Just as important, he delivers the goods vocally on this stormy, propulsive, hooky romance promise. Hot stuff.

GARTH BROOKS & TRISHA YEARWOOD / “Shallow”
Writers: Lady Gaga/Andrew Wyatt/Anthony Rossomando/Mark Ronson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pearl
– Haven’t we heard this song enough? I mean, the thing has already won two Grammys and an Oscar. That said, this version has class. Yearwood hits the “money” notes with her flawless vocal firepower and the whole performance shimmers with confidence. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper will remain unforgettable as the Star Is Born originators, but this rendition might create new memories.

NATE BARNES / “You Ain’t Pretty”
Writers: Nate Barnes/Jason Sellers/Jimmy Yeary; Publishers: Jason Sellers (ASCAP)/Nate Barnes-Self Published (NS)/Cedar Church Music (BMI)/Sony ATV Tree Publishing (BMI); Producer: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill
– This is stoked with warmth and sincerity. And what woman wouldn’t want to hear a romantic partner say, “I ain’t never seen ya, girl, when you ain’t pretty?” I also like the dynamics in the arrangement, which begins and ends small, but packs a big punch in the choruses. This kid has the goods.

JOHN PRINE / “I Remember Everything”
Writers: John Prine/Pat McLaughlin; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Oh Boy
– I saluted this lovely, wistful, acoustic ballad when it was first released in June. Prine’s last recorded song received new notoriety this week when it was featured on the season premiere of This Is Us and the announcement that Jack White’s Third Man label is releasing it as a blue-vinyl 45 r.p.m. single. In whatever format, it’s a deeply touching mini masterpiece.

GEORGE DUCAS / “Old Timers”
Writers: George Ducas; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: GD
– Teachers, preachers, mothers, fathers, soldiers, workers and salt-of-the-earth folks are the real heroes, sings Ducas. The tempo is a little plodding, but this song’s heart is definitely in the right place.

ANDREW GOLD / “Spooky Scary Skeletons”
Writers: Andrew Gold; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Craft/Concord
– Happy Halloween, everybody. Singer-songwriter Gold has the holiday’s soundtrack song. It’s a goofy, simple, child-like ditty with xylophone flourishes that’s totally cute. Initially released in 1996, it has gradually become an internet sensation. This year, it is a top-10 TikTok phenomenon with more than 550 million 2020 YouTube plays (it has more than five million YouTube plays in all). The newly launched “Spooky, Scary Skeletons” Activity Hub is now up. Visit to learn a variety of at-home things you can do, including Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt, a comic Mad Libs sheet and a dance with the skeletons.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Lee Brice, Miranda Lambert, Jaden Hamilton, And More

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Pictured (clockwise from top left): Lee Brice, Jaden Hamilton, Miranda Lambert

Today, we’re holding on to fading summertime as hard as we can, and as usual country music has the soundtrack.

There’s so much warmth to like here that the Disc of the Day award is being divided into categories. Our Male Vocalist winner is, hands down, Lee Brice. The best Female disc belongs to a reigning queen, Miranda Lambert. The group performance is “Pink,” which combines the talents of five women from multiple genres.

The DISCovery Award goes to Sony newcomer Jaden Hamilton.

WALKER COUNTY / “Drag It Out”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– Vocally smooth and languid, but produced with punch. The sisters’ harmony is ultra warm and close as they essay this lyric about getting the “goodbye” over with. The relationship is toast, so let’s make the going as painless as possible. Nicely done.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Lose You”
Writers: Jordan Davis/Josh Kerr/Josh Dorr/Paul DiGiovanni; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; MCA Nashville
– While his single “Almost Maybes” continues to rise on the charts, Davis issues this tuneful, tasteful meditation on keeping love alive. Rhythmic and pleasant.

RYAN KINDER & SYKAMORE / “Doing Fine”
Writers: Ryan Kinder/Jordan Ostrom/Justin Morgan; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– This is a fiery male-female duet performance that builds in intensity as it unspools. One person can’t move on if the other person doesn’t hurt as badly. I have always liked this guy’s singing, and he’s just as potent with a harmony partner. Sykamore was discovered and brought to Nashville by Rhett Akins. She’s a winner, and this is definitely worth your spins.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Settling Down”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Luke Dick/Natalie Hemby; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Emileon/Little Louder/Songs of Kobalt/Songs of Universal/Wrucke For You, BMIl Producer: Jay Joyce; RCA/Vanner
– An awesome, swirling production surrounds this lovely contemplation of a life lived as both a gypsy and a homebody. This lady always rocks my world.

ADAM DOLEAC / “Whiskey’s Fine”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Monty Criswell; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Arista
– I reviewed this song three years ago when he had it out as an independent artist. With a push by Arista, it’s now getting another shot. “Come on in, the whiskey’s fine,” he says to the old flame who knocks on his door in the dead of night. The lyric is sexy and his vocal delivery has passion.

DOLLY PARTON, MONICA, JORDIN SPARKS, RITA WILSON & SARA EVANS / “Pink”
Writers: Erin Kinsey/Jodi Marr/Victoria Shaw; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Victoria Shaw; Brighter Day
– Wilson is a breast-cancer survivor. This stirring, uplifting, all-star anthem looks to a better day when there is a cure, “when pink is just another color.” This disease will affect one in eight women in America. The 12th annual “Opry Goes Pink” show is this Saturday in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It will star Wilson, co-writers Kinsey and Shaw, Lauren Alaina and Little Big Town.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “F-150″
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– She’s doing fine, getting over him and moving on with her life. Then she sees the kind of truck he drives and is flooded with memories and regret. The production rushes and crashes around her, then becomes suddenly still. Very effective.

CLARE DUNN / “We Are”
Writers: Clare Dunn/Mark Holman/Connie Harrington; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Clare Dunn; Big Yellow Dog
– She’s one of our finest current singers, and her throaty style is on full display here. The track rocks with plenty of frothing pop energy. It’s awfully hard not to get caught up in the excitement of this celebratory track.

JADEN HAMILTON / “Ain’t That Something”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Sony
– There’s something kinda warm and intimate in his singing. The overall vibe is a gently rolling Texas/Strait sound with sympathetic fiddle-and-steel-guitar backing. Very promising.

LEE BRICE / “Memory I Don’t Mess With”
Writers: Lee Brice/Brian Davis/Billy Montana; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Kyle Jacobs & Ben Glover; Curb
– What a powerful performance. He’s a mighty, mighty man. Brice depicts the anguish of seeing The One and being overcome with longing and regret that she slipped away from him. He piles ache on ache in this power ballad. It’s yet another master work by this artist.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Never Get Old”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Russell Dickerson, Casey Brown & Dann Huff; Triple Tigers
– It’s a clap-stomp, shout-along party anthem. Rousing and catchy as can be.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Kane Brown, Josh Turner, High Valley, Gone West

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There is very little in this edition of DisClaimer that is earth shattering—This week’s hallmarks are craftsmanship and competence.

Rising above the routine are Josh Turner, High Valley, the exquisite Gone West and our Disc of the Day winner, Kane Brown.

The DisCovery Award goes to the new duo Southerland, comprised of Matt Chase and Chris Rogers.

SOUTHERLAND/”Thing Is”
Writers: Matt Chase/Chris Rogers/Greg Bates; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Trent Willmon; River House/Sony
– Rollicking, good-natured and relentlessly upbeat. A single with a smile.

HIGH VALLEY/”Grew Up on That”
Writers: Brad Rempel, Ben Stennis, Jaron Boyer; Publisher: WMG/Sony-ATV/Peermusic/Kobalt, no performance rights listed; Producer: Seth Mosley; Warner
– Well written and highly engaging. The word portrait of simple values is dazzlingly detailed, and the melodic bed surrounding it twinkles like a holiday sparkler. I’m in.

JOSH TURNER/”I Can Tell By the Way You Dance”
Writers: Sandy Pinkard/Robert Strandlund; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; MCA Nashville
– This is smokin’ hot. Turner’s arrangement ups the tempo and intensity of this 1984 Vern Gosdin classic, giving it a zesty, refreshing spin. It’s a risky business covering one of country music’s greatest vocal stylists, but Turner shows that he’s up to the task with his artfully phrased delivery. And anyone who shines a light on Gosdin’s greatness gets an A+ in my book.

ALECIA NUGENT/”Way Too Young for Wings”
Writers: Alecia Nugent/James Leblanc/Jen Stegall/Brian Maher; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Keith Stegall; Hillbilly Goddess
– Nugent is taking the unusual step of releasing two singles simultaneously. This gentle, poignant ballad about dealing with the death of a young person is for the country market. The two stepper “Tell Fort Worth I Said Hello” is aimed at Texas-music programmers. Makes sense to me, since Texas is its own planet. And since both songs are stunners.

LUKE BRYAN/”Down to One”
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Justin Ebach/Kyle Fishman; Publisher: Play It Again Entertainment, BMI/ Kyle Fishman Music, BMI/Round Hill Compositions, BMI/ Natalia’s Music Money, BMI/Memory Days, SESAC/Curb Wordspring Music, SESAC/W.C.M. Music Corp., SESAC; Producer: Jeff Stevens & Jody Steven; Capitol
– Beautifully produced. At its most basic, this is yet another uptempo, not-too-country love song. But the swirling sonic mix makes it sound like a real romance.

KINKY FRIEDMAN/”Resurrection”
Writers: Kinky Friedman; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Larry Campbell; Echo Hill
– The soulful title tune of Friedman’s current CD serves notice that he’s not the snarky comic presence that he used to be. It’s a toe tapping meditation on death and the passage of time, sung with a soft, folky rasp that exudes sincerity. Willie Nelson drops by to harmonize.

JUSTIN MOORE/”We Didn’t Have Much”
Writers: Jeremy Stover/Randy Montana/Paul DiGiovanni; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jeremy Stover & Scott Borchetta; Valory
– The restless shuffling tempo propels this toe-tapper-with-a-heart. It gives it a certain edge and helps lift the song above mere nostalgia and a familiar poor-but-happy message. It’s a glimpse into Moore’s album to come next year.

MARGIE SINGLETON/”Never Mind”
Writers: M. Singleton/S.S. Singleton; Publisher: aintquittin, BMI; Producer: Stephen Shelby Singleton & Derrick Dexter Mathis; aintquittin music
– Singer-songwriter Margie Singleton celebrated her 85th birthday on Monday by releasing a new EP. Its title tune is a bass-heavy rumbler with an autobiographical lyric that she delivers with moxie. Active for seven decades, Singleton has sung hit duets with George Jones and Faron Young. She has written “Lie to Me” (an R&B hit for Brook Benton), “She Understands Me” (a pop hit for Johnny Tillotson) and “Laura What’s He Got That I Ain’t Got” (a country hit by her late husband Leon Ashley). And she’s still at it.

KANE BROWN/”Worship You”
Writers: Eskeerdo/Kane Brown/Matthew McGinn/Ryan Vojtesak; Publisher: Songs Of Universal, Inc., BMI/ Kane Brown Music, BMI/BMG Gold Songs, ASCAP/AIX Publishing, ASCAP/Kobalt Group Music Publishing, SESAC/McGinntellectual Property, SESAC/True Blue Works, SESAC/Krispy Pork Gang, BMI ; Producer: Dann Huff; RCA Nashville/Zone 4
– A repeated acoustic guitar figure sends a rippling wave through this super-romantic ballad that’s shot through with religious metaphors. His performance is a slow-burn dandy. This guy’s stardom seems to burn brighter with every release.

GONE WEST/”I’m Never Getting Over You”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Danielle Leverett Reeves/Jason Bradford Reeves/Justin Young/Liz Rose; Publisher: Warner-Chappell/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Triple Tigers
– This packs a punch. The anguish and ache in the farewell tune are made all the more piquant by the facts that this is the group’s swan song and that Colbie Caillat and Justin Young are breaking up as a couple. Caillat is noted as a Grammy winning pop artist, but it is Hawaiian music star Young’s soul-searing performance here that sent chills up my spine. Intensely moving. I am going to miss this always-flawless foursome.

KASSI ASHTON/”Black Motorcycle”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/Luke Laird; Publisher: Creative Nation; Producer: Kassi Ashton & Luke Laird; MCA Nashville/Interscope
– The track is a muffled mess. The lyric consists of the same inane phrase repeated over the over. There is nothing “country” about it. Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Maren Morris, Everette, Cam, And More

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Today’s edition of DisClaimer is a spotty collection, with clunkers as well as winners.

Leading a parade of females this week is Maren Morris, who takes home the Disc of the Day award with a topical tune. Raising their voices by her side are Jenny Tolman, Cam and Lindsay Ell, all of whom have also turned in splendid sides.

There’s a new duo in town called Everette. Named after George Clooney’s character in O Brother Where Art Thou, these two Kentucky natives show all kinds of promise on “Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot.” Needless to say, this wins them the DisCovery Award.

EVERETTE/“Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Luke Laird; Broken Bow
-I dig this. It’s a very cool small-town banger with plenty of rhythmic punch and a charming, drawling delivery. Rockin’ and twangin’ Everette is a duo consisting of Kentucky natives Brent Rupard and Anthony Olympia. Play them.

CAM/“Classic”
Writers: Cam/Jack Antonoff; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Cam & Jack Antonoff; RCA
-This lady never disappoints, and I remain a huge fan. This deliriously hooky bopper jangles merrily along with hand claps, choppy beats, stacked vocal harmonies and poppy electronic touches. Producer Antonoff is noted for his work with Taylor Swift, The Chicks, Lana Del Ray and St. Vincent.

TYLER FARR/“Soundtrack to a Small Town Sundown”
Writers: Jon Nite/Jonathan Singleton; Publishers: EMI April/Super Big/Jett/Nite Writer, no performance rights listed; Producer: Jason Aldean; Broken Bow
-This well-written lyric evokes wistful nostalgia. Farr’s delivery has urgency and believability. I just wish it had a groovier melody.

MAREN MORRIS/“Better Than We Found It”
Writers: Maren Morris/Jessie Jo Dillon/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Columbia
-“America, America, divided we fall….America, America, we’re better than this.” Sister Maren pleads for a better world, with freedom and justice for all. The video addresses anti-immigration, Black Lives Matter and the COVID pandemic and ends with her reading a letter of promise to her infant son, Hayes. It ends with the one-word exhortation: Vote.

THE QUARANTINE ALL STARS/“Quarantine”
Writer: Scotty Wilbanks; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Scotty Wilbanks; 9 North
-Brad Paisley, Steve Wariner, Chuck Leavell and Journey’s Jonathan Cain head the list of the roughly two dozen musicians who partake in this snappy, country-rock instrumental jam. Among the others are members of the bands that back Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett and Dave Matthews. Proceeds benefit the MusiCares COVID 19 Relief Fund. It’s a guaranteed, toe-tapping pleasure.

JERROD NIEMANN/“The Blame”
Writer: Jerrod Niemann; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jerrod Niemann; JN
-While the dazzling “Tequila Kisses” continues to ride the radio airwaves, Niemann is issuing this track that shows his more vulnerable, heartache side. Lilting and deliciously melodic, it was written in the wake of his divorce. This guy is a such a gem.

TEXAS HILL/“Darkest Sky”
Writers: Ryan Beaver/James Leblanc/Mike Walker; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; TH
-This trio is Craig Wayne Boyd, Casey James and Adam Wakefield. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t recommend launching your career with a ballad, but these three sing so magnificently, and the lyric is so inspirational and hopeful that I have to cheer. Well done, boys.

LINDSAY ELL/“Workin’ Out”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; BBR
-This is evidently from the soundtrack of the “Make It Up As We Go” podcast. It’s acoustic and stripped down, which showcases her conversational delivery of the jaunty, upbeat lyrics. Bopping and effective.

SOPHIE SANDERS/“Nobody Special”
Writer: Sophie Sanders; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Paul Sikes; SS
-Written for her fiancée, this echoey, wafting ditty swirls in a romantic dream.

BRANDON COLLINS/“Blame It On Nashville”
Writer: Brandon Collins; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Steve Freeman; BC
-Boyish, plaintive and a little tentative, he sings of his busted heart in this soft ballad. He’s not the strongest singer on earth, but there’s some songwriting promise here.

JENNY TOLMAN/“Invent a T-Shirt”
Writers: Jenny Tolman/Dave Brainard/Bill Whyte; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dave Brainard; JT
-The always witty Ms. Tolman tickles yer funny bone with this talking-blues ditty about social media, virtual bickering and wild opinion spewing. Accompanied by scampering fiddle and lickety-split guitar work, she offers a saucy, catchy chorus that ends with “kiss my derriere.” She is practically single handedly bringing humor back into country music and deserves our heartiest applause for doing so. The “selfie” video with her band will make you smile as brightly as the lyric does.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Luke Combs, Shenandoah, Michael Ray, Ingrid Andress, And More

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Luke Combs. Photo: David Bergman

In today’s column, the country veterans are here to show the youngsters how it’s done.

Travis Tritt, Willie Nelson, John Rich and Shenandoah with Zac Brown Band all have comeback singles. And vets Terry McBride & Patty Loveless have the Disc of the Day.

All of which is not to deny the sterling work turned in by the younger generation, especially Ingrid Andress, Luke Combs and Danielle Bradbery.

The DISCovery Award goes to the female trio Vicki Kristina Barcelona. “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” is just one of the many delights to hear on the Tom Waits-penned Pawn Shop Radio collection. For starters, also check out “Innocent When You Dream” and “Cold Cold Ground,” then plunge in and thrill to the rest of this amazing debut disc.

MICHAEL RAY/”Whiskey and Rain”
Writers: Josh Thompson/Jesse Frasure; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Ross Copperman; Warner
– Routine. There’s nothing really wrong with it, and it’s perfectly competent work. But I don’t hear anything special about this plodding barroom homage to the Gary Allan sound.

VICKI KRISTINA BARCELONA/”I Don’t Wanna Grow Up”
Writers: Tom Waits/Kathleen Brennan/Jalma; Publisher: none listed; ASCAP; Producer: VKB Band; Storysound (track)
– This is a trio consisting of multi-instrumentalists Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Terry Radigan. The album is titled Pawn Shop Radio and consists entirely of Tom Waits songs. This single, which has been out awhile, is a Cajun-flavored bopper embellished with accordion, harmonium and triangle, not to mention their saucy, joyous harmony vocals. You have GOT to hear this.

DANIELLE BRADBERY/”Girls in My Hometown”
Writers: Nicole Galyon/Josh Osborne/Emily Weisband; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff; BMLG
– Wow. What a beautiful, thoughtful and evocative performance. The lyric vignettes capture a lost-in-the-city gal who’s thinking of the small-town friends back home, musing and meditating about what has become of everyone. This piano-based, harmony-kissed ballad is star-making stuff.

TRAVIS TRITT/”Ghost Town Nation”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/JB Strauss; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Big Noise
– I have missed this man so much. Always one our most charismatic singers and entertainers, his return to disc is cause for celebration. His “outlaw” attitude is fully unfurled on this guitars-blazing, rockin’ rouser.

TERRY McBRIDE & PATTY LOVELESS/”Rebels and Angels”
Writers: Terry McBride/Chris Stapleton; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Luke Laird; Creative Nation
– Country, country, country. Drenched in steel and twin fiddles, this is a hillbilly jewel. Their brilliant voices sound splendid together as they weave the tale of parents seeing the kids become the same people they were. My heart warmed in my chest with every note of this mini masterpiece. Duet of the Year.

LUKE COMBS/”Better Together”
Writers: Luke Combs/Dan Isbell/Randy Montana; Publishers: Big Music Machine/50 Egg/Straight Dime/Sony-ATV/Warner-Tamerlane/Sullivan S Guns, BMI; Producer: Scott Moffatt; River House/Columbia (track)
– Who’s gonna fill their shoes? Somebody already has, and his name is Luke Combs. This supremely romantic piano ballad is mixed with his heart-in-throat vocal delivery right up front. Say, Amen, everybody.

SHENANDOAH & ZAC BROWN BAND/”I’d Take Another One of Those”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Foundry
– Very groovy. Both lead singers deliver with oversized hearts. The warm, nostalgic lyric simply glows with simple beauty and truth. The rippling production, full group harmonies and lilting atmosphere are all hallmarks here. Lovely listening.

JOHN RICH/”Earth to God”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Studio2Bee
– The soaring production and echo-chamber vocal underscore this as Rich’s troubled-times Big Statement song. Oomphy.

SHANE OWENS/”Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Amerimonte
– The song fits this solidly country vocalist like a glove. Fiddle and steel are played pristinely as he phrases the simple-and-true message to perfection. A breath of fresh air.

INGRID ANDRESS/”Lady Like”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Warner
– Kinda feisty. Kinda outspoken. Kinda rocking. And way, way cool. I really like the dynamics in this that range from intimate lyric delivery to full-throated roar with the throttle wide open in the production. By all means, play the fire outta this.

WILLIE NELSON/”Vote ‘Em Out”
Writers: Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Legacy
– This catchy toe-tapper has a simple message, Get Out and Vote. Willie’s wry delivery, slippery guitar pickin’ and jaunty attitude will make you smile. Cannon’s production gives the whole thing panache.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Priscilla Block, Brandy Clark, Brandi Carlile, Luke Combs, And More

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Priscilla Block

Country goes topical this week.

In this stack of tracks we have an ode for world peace, an anti-racist message, a gay man’s song and a coronavirus composition. And they’re all pretty darn good.

The Disc of the Day award is being divided into categories. The Female honor goes to Brandy Clark (with a harmony assist from Brandi Carlile). The male prize belongs to Luke Combs. The Duo/Group platter to pick belongs to Jon Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles.

Our DisCovery Award is for newcomer Priscilla Block. She sounds like a comer.

ADAM DOLEAC/Meet Me in the City
Writers: Adam Doleac/Sarah Buxton/Andy Skib; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Arista
-Buoyant and bubbly, this is a rush of smiling energy. Romantic, youthful, joyous and utterly delirious. Get up and twirl around the room.

LUKE COMBS/Without You
Writers: Daniel Paul Isbell/Luke Albert Combs/Wyatt Beasley Durrette III; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews & Jonathan Singleton; River House/Columbia/Country
-My main man brings it home yet again. This is a stirring, personal anthem to his loving fans. He sings that his stardom is nothing without them. Spoken like a country star, amen. That’s Amanda Shires on fiddle backing him.

PAISLEY FIELDS/Stay Away From My Man
Writers: Paisley Fields/Mya Byrne; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Trace Faulkner/Don Giovanni
-He’s an out gay man with country song titles like “Ride Me Cowboy.” This track is an uptempo, stuttering-guitar romp cautioning, “I’m gonna slap you silly if you touch my hillbilly” to the guy in the bar who’s coming on to his lover. He’s not the strongest singer in the world, and the band is ragged-but-right. But there’s energy and verve here.

BRANDY CLARK & BRANDI CARLILE/Same Devil
Writers: Brandy Clark/Marla Cannon/Hailey Whitters; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Warner
-This haunting, echoey ballad explores a variety of troubled souls with a ghostly female choir soaring softly in the background. The two voices weave and blend imaginatively while the production swirls. Captivating. Clark deserves country superstardom like nobody’s bizness.

PRISCILLA BLOCK/Just About Over You
Writers: Priscilla Block/Emily Kroll/Sarah Jones; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Mercury Nashville/InDent
-This song became a TikTok viral sensation, which led to her being signed by Universal. Block has a strong, emotive country voice which she most effectively applies to this plaintive lyric. It’s almost closing time in the bar, and she’s got a nice wine buzz going, feeling good about herself. Then her ex walks in and ruins everything. Sounds like a relatable relationship, right?

JON BON JOVI & JENNIFER NETTLES/Do What You Can
Writer: Jon Bon Jovi; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Big Machine
-These two previously won a Grammy for their No. 1 hit “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” This country-rocking track appeared on Bon Jovi’s CD as a response to the coronavirus pandemic a couple of months ago. Now Nettles has added her terrific vocal to create another memorable duet. Their two voices hit all of the highlights of our “new normal,” social distancing, closed schools, lost paychecks, skipped graduations, PPE, front line workers, yearning for a vaccine, etc. The message is that we will survive this if we love one another. Filmed on the streets of New York City, the video is downright inspirational. This just might be the ultimate song of our COVID-19 times.

RILEY GREEN/If It Wasn’t for Trucks
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producers: none listed; BMLG
-A song about trucks? What a novel idea. Lucky for us, Riley’s great country vocal, honest presentation and true-to-life lyrics raise this one head and shoulders above the rest. Ya gotta love him. Folks like Mr. Green and Mr. Combs are going to lead us out of the pop-country wilderness.

CHARLES J. JONES/What Color Am I
Writer: Troy McConnell; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Troy McConnell; Metamundo
-Back in the 1990s, this guy was billed as “J.C. Jones” on Rising Tide Records (”One Night,” 1998). He has returned with this timely ode’s anti-racist message. The lyric profiles African American, Native American and Latino American people, asking, “What color am I on the inside?” and “Can you tell how I feel by the shade of my skin?” and “Just like you, I laugh and I cry.” The video shows soldiers, first responders, medical professionals and law enforcement people of various races, working together.

MADELINE MERLO/If You Never Broke My Heart
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Open Road
-This Canadian won on the NBC-TV songwriting competition Songland. She has since penned a Lady A hit (”Champagne Night”) and issued her own “Kiss Kiss,” as well as this heartache ditty. Promising.

JEFF CARSON/God Save the World
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Curb
-Originally put out in 2003, this is a reissue of a stately ballad that pleads for world peace. Who can argue with that?