Shortly after MusicRow Magazine was established in 1981, respected music critic, author and historian Robert K. Oermann began reviewing the newest music to come out of Nashville with his weekly DISClaimer column.

Each week, Oermann shares his thoughts on a collection of new tunes. His reviews have become an iconic part of MusicRow.

In each week’s DISClaimer column, Oermann chooses a Disc of the Day as a highlight of the pack. Below are his 2025 Disc of the Day winners.

MORGAN WALLEN / “Smile”
Writers: Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/John Byron/Luis Witkiewitz/Morgan Wallen/Rocky Block; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– Bittersweet heartache, accompanied by hushed backup sighing and gently-plucked guitars. Beautifully done.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Save Me”
Writers: Kendell Marvel/Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producers: Andrew Capra, Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter; Label: UMG Nashville
– Can we all just agree that these two are in a completely different class than the rest of the singers in this town? On this vow of love, their thrilling voices are backed by a rock-star track that fills the speakers with electronic power and rhythm. The War and Treaty’s forthcoming album, Plus One, will drop on Valentine’s Day. Somebody say, “Amen.”

MAGGIE ROSE & VINCE GILL / “I Can’t Make You Love Me”
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Mike Reid; Producer: Davis Naish; Label: One Riot Records
– Maggie Rose is one of the finest singers in a city full of great vocalists. She isn’t a country artist, but collaborating with Country Hall of Famer Vince Gill gives her definite country-soul cred. Especially because it’s on this aching ballad of unrequited love originally immortalized by Bonnie Raitt in 1991. Melody. Emotion. Technique. Flawless artistry.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Run”
Writer: Miranda Lambert; Producers: Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert; Label: Big Loud Records/Republic Records
– The thrilling, pumping production sets your pulse racing. The lyric of regret, deception and escape grabs your ear. Her voice, as always, rules your heart. An artist at the top of her game with a mini masterpiece.

RASCAL FLATTS & THE JONAS BROTHERS / “I Dare You”
Writers: Dewain Whitmore/Nick Jonas/Shay Mooney/Tommy English; Producers: Dann Huff, Jay DeMarcus, Jeremy Hatcher, Tommy English; Label: Big Machine Records
– This snazzy little country rocker has a built-in spring breeze. Lyrics fly by like highway scenery as the band kicks up dust. Gary carries the lead with the Jonas boys adding vocal embellishments, holding back until the bridge. After that, everybody sings to the sky. A winner, even though one yearns for more Jonas.

RILEY GREEN / “Worst Way”
Writer: Riley Green; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– He has s-e-x on his mind, and he lets her know it. The feel-good, midtempo track keeps the sultry mood rolling right along. Green’s streak of chart-toppers ought to continue with this dandy outing.

SABRINA CARPENTER & DOLLY PARTON / “Please, Please, Please”
Writers: Amy Allen/Jack Antonoff/Sabrina Carpenter; Producer: Jack Antonoff; Label: Island Records
– What a delicious audio confection. Burbling, airy, twinkling and loaded with Carpenter’s signature wit. The two wafting sopranos lift this thing into a cotton-candy cloud of bliss. Sabrina keeps falling for losers and begs this one not to embarrass her like all the others. Best line: “Don’t bring me to tears, when I just did my makeup so nice.” Totally loving this.

TRACE ADKINS / “What Color’s Your Wild”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Monty Criswell; Producer: Bart Butler; Label: Verge
– The big man can still deliver the goods. And how. This stomper is loaded with charisma, and the color-coded lyric about pursuing passion is terrific. I hung on every note. Essential audio.

CARLY PEARCE / “No Rain”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Weisband/Jordan Reynolds/Lauren Hungate; Producers: Carly Pearce, Dave Clauss; Label: Big Machine Records
– When you’re going through hardship, remember that without rain, there are no flowers. Pearce’s vocal is beautifully phrased, and the strings-and-guitar accompaniment is simply poetic. Country music eloquence.

MICKEY GUYTON / “You Don’t Know Me at All”
Writer: Dave Jordan; Producer: Karen Kosowski; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Guyton drew a standing ovation for her performance of this power ballad on Monday’s Ringo & Friends at the Ryman TV special. As a single, it’s a stunning listening experience, with goosebumps popping up all over when she rolls into that chorus. This lady can SING. Listen and believe.

DIERKS BENTLEY & STEPHEN WILSON JR. / “Cold Beer Can”
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producers: Mary Hilliard Harrington, Jon Randall, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Wilson’s bluesy drawl and strong guitar work strongly color this duet performance. It salutes blue-collar friendship, family ties, romantic events, brotherhood and life’s best moments. “Money can’t buy what a cold beer can,” they sing. Amen, bro’s. Sing on.

MORGAN WALLEN / “I’m a Little Crazy”
Writers: Hunter Phelps/Jameson Rodgers/Michael Hardy/Smith Ahnquist; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/ Mercury Records
– I got totally into this. Wallen unspools the thoughtful lyric in plain-spoken, unfussy fashion while acoustic guitar notes ripple around him. He sings, “I’m a little crazy, but the world’s insane.” I believe we can all relate to that. Wallen showcases tunes from his upcoming I’m the Problem album this weekend as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on March 29.

CODY JOHNSON & CARÍN LEÓN / “She Hurts Like Tequila”
Writers: Cody Johnson/Johan Sotelo/Orlando Aispuro Meneses/Oscar Armando Diaz de Leon Huez/Trent Willmon; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Cojo embraces his Lone Star State’s Hispanic heritage with this sublimely country waltz that blends Mexicali guitar, accordion and steel guitar. Latin superstar Carín León alternates with Spanish verses. A bi-lingual triumph. In a word, gracias.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Finish This Drink”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/TJ Osborne; Producers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– This RAWKS. Lightning-bolt lead guitar and flamethrower fiddle electrify the instrumental passages. TJ’s tongue-in-cheek drawl spits a potent, rollicking, frothing tune of a wayward honky tonker while John’s audio stew heats up to boiling.

CARTER FAITH / “Grudge”
Writers: Carter Faith/Steph Jones/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– Witty and delightfully bitchy toward a back-stabbing former friend. The uptempo romp has a cute phrase around every corner. She needs to somebody to hold her beer, but she sure can hold one hell of a grudge.

CODY JOHNSON / “The Fall”
Writers: Bobby Pinson/Jeremy Stover/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Philosophical, moody and super compelling. “The ride was worth the fall/The fall was worth the smile/Smiles were worth the tears…Life is worth the fall.” A superb song in the throat of a master stylist. Essential.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “Baggage”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Hillary Lindsey/Jessie Jo Dillon/Karen Fairchild/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini; Label: Black River Entertainment
– She’s feeling frisky and free, because she’s letting go of her emotional baggage. The country-rock track features a gal-pal sing-along finale, rapid guitar strums, bouncing rhythm and a searing electric guitar break. Sing and dance along.

TRISHA YEARWOOD / “The Wall or the Way Over”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Maia Sharp/Trisha Yearwood; Producers: Chad Carlson, Trisha Yearwood; Label: Virgin Music Group/Gwendolyn Records
– Produced with crystal clarity and dynamic tension, this exudes energy. As usual, this goddess has few peers as a supreme vocalist. The deliciously bluesy rocker is drawn from Yearwood’s upcoming The Mirror, her first self-penned collection. I love this. Can’t wait to hear the rest.

MEGAN MORONEY & KENNY CHESNEY / “You Had to Be There”
Writers: Ben Williams/Mackenzie Carpenter/Megan Moroney/Micah Carpenter; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– What a complete delight. This sounds like a party, if I’ve ever heard one. Moroney wrote it as a thank-you to Chesney for taking her out on tour when her career was launching last year. He jumps right into the spirit of things as she unspools this romping bopper. Here comes summer.

KEB’ MO’ & TAJ MAHAL & RUBY AMANFU / “Room on the Porch”
Writers: Ahmen Mahal/Henry St Claire Fredericks, Jr./Kevin R. Moore/Ruby Amanfu; Producers: Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal; Label: Concord Records
– This is the title tune of the second TajMo collaborative album. The gifted Nashville diva Ruby Amanfu is their guest vocalist on the rolling, swaying, relaxing, welcoming, sweet-sounding, acoustic outing that celebrates friendship and community. This is absolutely essential listening. The Grammy winning blues masters are booked to appear on the Opry tomorrow (May 23), which is also their album-release day. I bet they’ll bring the house down.

SISTER SADIE / “Do What You Want”
Writers: Dani Flowers/Erin Enderlin/Sharon Richardson; Producer: Deanie Richardson; Label: Mountain Home Music Company
– The much honored and applauded all-female bluegrass sextet returns with a totally cool, waltz-time outing of feisty, independent-female sass. A delightful listen, from the tart lyric to the swaying fiddling, from the glorious harmonies to the rowdy-gang finale. The schoolhouse video is a blast. The tune is drawn from the band’s All Will Be Well album, which drops on June 27. Can’t wait.

OLD DOMINION / “Water My Flowers”
Writers: Jerry Flowers/Jordan Reynolds/Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Ridiculously hooky and a complete audio addiction. But what else is new? This band seems to live and breathe hooks. The restless tempo and haunting melody pull you into the swirl of questing, loneliness and doubt in the lyric. Massively wonderful.

ZACH TOP / “Good Times & Tan Lines”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Wyatt McCubbin/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Stuttering twang guitar, happy fiddle, singing steel and a bopping breezy beat — what more could you ask for in a summer single? As always, Top sings his face off. The ACM New Male Vocalist winner strikes again.

MORGAN WALLEN / “I Got Better”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase McGill/Ernest Keith Smith/Joe Reeves/Michael Hardy/Morgan Wallen/Ryan Vojtesak; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– Brilliantly produced. An understated, rippling track carries a softly voiced performance. The gently rolling sound frames a lyric of healing following a breakup. Essential listening.

TRISHA YEARWOOD / “The Mirror”
Writers: Trisha Yearwood/Leslie Satcher/Bridgette Tatum; Producer: Trisha Yearwood & Chad Carlson; Label: Virgin/Gwendolyn
– The title tune of Yearwood’s forthcoming (July 18) album is an awesome slab of sound. She gazes at the image in her mirror and is startled to see a strong, beautiful, brave woman instead of a wimp. The collection is the first one that the singer has co-written and co-produced. Watch for this superstar on the NBC telecast of the Macy’s 4th of July Firework show from New York City. She’ll introduce the album on the TODAY show on the 18th, then perform and do an album signing at the Opry the next day. If you haven’t already jumped on this, get tix now, because she’s also starring in the Hall of Fame’s tribute show to Linda Ronstadt with James Taylor, Rodney Crowell, Patti Scialfa and Emmylou Harris on July 22.

RILEY GREEN & ELLA LANGLEY / “Don’t Mind If I Do”
Writer: Riley Green; Producer: Dann Huff, Scott Borchetta & Jimmy Harnen; Label: Nashville Harbor
– The “You Look Like You Love Me” team returns with a lovelorn ballad that aches with yearning. Green carries the song, then Langley floats in with her harmonies and a gentle, haunting finale. Sublime listening.

MIRANDA LAMBERT & CHRIS STAPLETON / “A Song to Sing”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Jenee Fleenor/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Republic Records
– Groove soaked and soulful. A stately, rump-shaking beat and some smokey, swirly guitar-organ-violin atmosphere back a masterpiece of duet singing. Stunning, beautiful and absolutely essential.

RODNEY CROWELL / “Twenty-One Song Salute (Owed to G.G. Shinn and Cléoma Falcon)”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Tyler Bryant; Label: Rodney Crowell
– Hidden in the lyric are the titles of 21 songs that helped to forge his musical life. The track rocks splendidly and Crowell remains a master at delivering a Texas-accented country performance. Tyler Bryant provides the harmony vocal. Highly recommended. This singer-songwriter belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Turn This Truck Around”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Jake Mitchell/Jordan Davis/Josh Thompson; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– I am such a huge fan of this guy. His furry, throaty vocals are so emotionally compelling, and his songwriting is just terrific. On this outing, an insistent rhythm track beats like his broken heart while he heads for a destination unknown—unless her memory becomes so powerful that he heads back home. I hung on every line.

DIERKS BENTLEY, RILEY GREEN & JOHN ANDERSON / “Broken Branches”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Graham Barham/Zach Abend; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– A rollicking drinkin’ party with lotsa rhythm and plenty of smiles. The trailer-trash music video is creating a viral sensation.

ZACH BRYAN & KINGS OF LEON / “Bowery”
Writers: Caleb Followill/Jared Followill/Matthew Followill/Nathan Followill/Zach Bryan; Producer: Zach Bryan; Label: Warner Records
– This rocks splendidly. Bryan’s wailing lead vocal hits the mark, and the slammin’ Nashville band kicks serious butt. The whole thing sounds exactly like a great big hit record.

OLD DOMINION / “Late Great Heartbreak”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Matthew Ramsey/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The much-awarded band’s much-anticipated new album, Barbara, drops tomorrow (Aug. 22). I expect it will be filled with wall-to-wall great songs, as usual. That’s certainly the case of its ridiculously hooky new single. It’s tuneful and bopping and utterly charming.

BILLY CURRINGTON / “One Thing I Ain’t Been”
Writers: Chase McDaniel, Johnny Clawson, Steve Moakler; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: MCA
– The groove is enchanting, a rolling ride on a calm sea of sound. Amid the swaying atmosphere is Currington’s softly yearning invitation to romance. Very listenable.

DIERKS BENTLEY & THE BAND LOULA / “Get Down on Your Knees and Pray”
Writer: Bill Monroe; Producer: Ben Helson; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Swampy and moody and totally cool. Deep twang guitar, multi-part harmonies, searing fiddle and bluesy mandolin cut through a swirling cloud of haunting atmosphere. Fabulous listening. It’s recorded live, and it drives the audience absolutely wild. Me, too.

CARIN LEÓN & KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Lost in Translation”
Writers: Amy Allen/Kacey Musgraves/Oscar Armando Diaz de Leon/Shane McAnally; Producers: Julian Bunetta, Matt Zara; Label: Socios Music
– Mexican-style instrumental flourishes embellish this lilting, lively duet that describes a romance that’s trying to navigate a language barrier. León’s rapid-fire Spanish delivery contrasts with Musgraves’ languid style beautifully, and he harmonizes with her with immense verve. Wonderfully refreshing…and sexy, too.

ZAC BROWN BAND & DOLLY PARTON / “Butterfly”
Writers: Dan Auerbach/Sasha Sirota/Zac Brown; Producer: Zac Brown; Label: Master of None
– In a word, thrilling. Brown and Parton both sing their faces off on this inspirational duet that soars on wings of harmony. By the time they finish, you feel like you’re flying on the wind. Essential listening.

CHARLEY PRIDE / “Endlessly”
Writers: Brook Benton/Clyde Otis; Producers: Bob Pickering, Charley Pride; Label: Music City Records
– Tomorrow (Sept. 19) would have been Brook Benton’s 94th birthday. I have long believed that he was an unheralded country hero. The pop-soul baritone recorded two country albums, immortalized Tony Joe White’s “Rainy Night in Georgia” and wrote great songs that were covered by country stars. Benton and/or his co-writer Clyde Otis were responsible for “It’s Just a Matter of Time” (Randy Travis), “The Ties That Bind” (Don Williams). “Endlessly” (Sonny James) and more. The last named is the title tune of a long overdue Brook Benton tribute album. After Charley Pride’s death in 2020, these tapes were found, revealing that the superstar was definitely appreciative of Benton’s talent. His vocal performances on these classics are arguably the finest of his career. Backed by the Dallas Symphony, Pride glides through the lushly melodic “Endlessly” and dips into its bass notes with delight. Every track on this collection is a mini masterpiece. Also check out his stunning version of “The Ties That Bind.” The collection drops tomorrow (Sept. 19).

COLBIE CAILLAT & MAREN MORRIS / “Fallin’ For You”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Rick Nowels; Producers: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– A rolling, rumbling, country-rock delight. The two women’s voices blend so seamlessly that it sounds like they’ve been singing together all their lives. It’s drawn from Caillat’s This Time Around, an all-duets collection that drops tomorrow (Sept. 26). The wildly catchy, rhythm-happy tune was a double-Platinum pop hit for her in 2009.

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND / “Night After Night”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Paul Kennerley; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: Many Hats Distribution
– OMG what a delightful track. The band zips through this catchy country rocker with joyous abandon. The song has more hooks than a tuna boat, and Jeff Hanna’s lead vocal is beyond cool. Put this on endless repeat. The Dirt Band is currently on its farewell tour. Go see these legends while you still can.

BRAXTON KEITH / “The Chair”
Writers: Dean Dillon/Hank Cochran; Producers: Alex Torrez, David Dorn; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Keith takes this fabulous George Strait oldie out for a welcome revival. The song is a country-music masterpiece. It takes guts to go up against Strait’s iconic performance, but this man is up to the task, and then some. Hear for yourself why it has streamed two million times in a single week. A tip of the cowboy hat to a sublime performance of an undeniable classic.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Worth Your Wild”
Writers: Anthony Kiedis/Bret Mazur/Casey Brown/Chad Smith/John Frusciante/Michael Balzary/Parker Welling/Russell Dickerson/Seth Binzer; Producers: Casey Brown, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Joyously rocking. This lights a fire under Friday night and points to a night of tearin’ up the roads and makin’ whoopie. Dickerson always heats up a playlist, and he’s hotter than ever here.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Beautiful Things”
Writers: Connie Harrington/Jessi Alexander/Jessie Jo DillonMegan Moroney; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Records
– From a broken-hearted place come words of comfort and hope. She reassures the hurting one that, “You’re pretty and you’re smart….The world is hard on beautiful things.” A tender ballad with a healing balm.

KIP MOORE / “The Crown”
Writers: Andrew DeRoberts/Kip Moore/Luke Preston; Producers: Andrew DeRoberts, Kip Moore; Label: KM
– In a career that’s been built on barn-burning performances, this one truly scorches. Moore’s gripping rasp advises us to live life to the fullest, but be wary of crashes. His most fiery and fearsome single to date. This deserves massive exposure. Turn it up.

JASON SCOTT & HIGH HEAT / “Too Good, Too Bad”
Writers: Jason Scott/Taylor Johnson; Producers: Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson; Label: Leo33
– Rollicking and rootsy. As we bop along, we’re doing all kinda stuff that really isn’t good for us. But ain’t it fun? A good-time, feel-good single.

JAMIE O’NEAL / “Ole Heartache”
Writers: Ed Hill/Jamie O’Neal/Shaye Smith; Producer: Jamie O’Neal, Rodney Good; Label: BFD
– Languidly paced, to underscore the lonesome blues in the soaring tune. Deep twang guitar and aching harmonica work back her terrific vocal performance. Country music eloquence.

ELLA LANGLEY / “Choosin’ Texas”
Writers: Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Ben West, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– She loses her Tennessee lover to a temptress from the Lone Star State. Langley’s singing has never sounded better than it does on this delightful two stepper. Park this on your playlist right next to Strait.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “I Sit in Parks”
Writer: Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Black River
– Airy and pretty. In a lilting soprano, Ballerini muses on her life’s direction, wistfully thinking about where she is and where she wants to be. Sophisticated and elegant sounding.

CARLY PEARCE / “Dream Come True”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Weisband/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– She has it all, except for love. Pearce delivers the aching lyric with throaty, emotional force. This is country music royalty at work.

VINCE GILL / “Secondhand Smoke”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA Nashville
– This legend is in the midst of a monthly series of autobiographical EPs that chronicle his journey from Oklahoma. The series is titled 50 Years From Home. The title tune of the second EP recalls his late father with enormous heart and deep love. There is no finer living country-music artist. Nor one more beloved.

CODY JOHNSON / “Travelin’ Soldier”
Writer: Bruce Robison; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Records Nashville
– This masterpiece country song was a No. 1 hit for the Chicks in 2002. Johnson’s revival is packed with feeling and delivered with heart. His take on the tale of the lonely soldier who goes to die in Vietnam is a ringing reminder of what a great artist he is.

STEVE MARTIN, ALISON BROWN, JACKSON BROWNE, JEFF HANNA / “Dear Time”
Writers: Alison Brown/Steve Martin; Producer: Alison Brown, Garry West; Label: Compass Records
– Steve and Alison’s twin-banjo duet and droll banter during their appearance as presenters on last month’s CMA Awards were a breath of fresh air. They’ve also been promoting their new album on Jimmy Kimmel, The View, NPR, Jimmy Fallon and the IBMA Awards, which they co-hosted. The album’s track with vocalist Browne and Hannah on harmony vocals is a standout moment on the Safe, Sensible and Sane collection. Wistful, thoughtful, nostalgic, melodic and utterly enchanting. Vince Gill, The Indigo Girls, Della Mae, Tim O’brien and other guests also celebrate the album.

It’s “Band Day” here at DISClaimer.

Groups tend to be pushed aside by solo stars every week, so I’m dedicating a whole column to survey what everyone’s been up to. Our entries come from Texas, Colorado, Chicago and New York, as well as Nashville.

They also come from the Americana, country, folk, rock and bluegrass fields. From the latter emerges the stellar sound of Steve Martin & Alison Brown. Joined by the everlasting troubadour Jackson Browne, they have the Disc of the Day.

Also in the hunt for our top prize this week were Needtobreahe, Shinedown, The Kody Norris Show, Flatland Calvary, The Band of Heathens and our DISCovery Award winners, the Clay Street Unit.

THE JACK WHARFF BAND / “Saved”
Writers: Garrett Howell/Jack Wharff/Ryan Atchison; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Big Machine Records
– Chopped rhythms and steady-state guitar strumming underscore a contemporary Christian song with a plaintive lead vocal.

PARMALEE / “How Do I Let You Go”
Writers: Casey Brown/David Fanning/Matt Thomas/Parker Welling; Producers: Casey Brown, David Fanning; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– The band pivots from the good-timey “Cowgirl” to a deeply personal song about dealing with grief. Echoey and soaring.

THE BAND OF HEATHENS / “High on Our Own Supply”
Writers: Ed Jurdi/Gordy Quist/Jesse Noah Wilson; Producers: Jim Vollentine, The Band Of Heathens; Label: BOH Records
– This genre-agnostic Austin group is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Band of Heathens has built up a solid following by doing things its own grass-rootsy way and resisting conformity. Its upcoming album will be titled Country Sides, and this is its advance track. The earthy, crunchy, earnest, folk-rock sound is enormously endearing.

HEARTLAND / “Tractor Rolls”
Writers: Harrison Kindy/Jaron Boyer/Michael Tyler; Producer: none listed; Label: Yellowhammer Music Group
– Its an anthem for/about America’s farmers. Lots of screaming electric guitars.

RATBOYS / “Anywhere”
Writers: Dave Sagan/Julia Steiner/Marcus Nuccio/Sean Neumann; Producer: Chris Walla, Ratboys; Label: New West Records
– Chicago’s Ratboys are billed as “post country.” Despite its name, the band has a female lead singer, Julia Steiner. The sound is bright, bopping, thrashy, garage rock & roll.

SHINEDOWN / “Searchlight”
Writers: Brent Smith/Dave Bassett/Eric Bass; Producer: Dave Bassett, Eric Bass; Label: Atlantic Records
– The popular rock band introduced this on the Grand Ole Opry last month. It’s pretty cool sounding, with just enough guitar jangle to tickle country lovers’ ears. A melodic delight.

THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS / “Dancing on the Moon”
Writers: Andrew Falco/Andrew Hall/Christopher Pandolfi/Jeremy Garrett/Jon Weisberger/Josh Shiling/Travis Book; Producer: The Infamous Stringdusters; Label: Americana Vibes
– These Grammy and IBMA award-winning progressive bluegrassers are haunting and minor-key on this sophisticated, offbeat melody. The lyric describes the delirium of falling in love while dobro notes dribble all around.

CLAY STREET UNIT / “Rollin’”
Writer: Sam Walker; Producer: Chris Pandolfi; Label: Leo33
– This Colorado band is renowned for its incendiary live performances. On its Leo33 debut, the group sounds relaxed and contemplative about moving on after a breakup. Steel, mandolin, banjo and guitar notes sparkle, then in mid-song, the percussion shifts the song into high gear. Highly promising. Send more.

NEEDTOBREATHE / “Where You Call Home”
Writer: Bear Rinehart; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: NEEDTOBREATHE
– Surviving life’s struggles sounds easy in this lilting, harmony-embellished, acoustic charmer. Hearty, warm and embracing. By all means, play this beautiful audio gift.

THE KODY NORRIS SHOW / “Waitress, Waitress”
Writer: Boudleaux Bryant; Producer: The Kody Norris Show; Label: Rebel Records
– I adore this band. The groovy retro stage wear, the warmly sincere vocals, and the overall attitude have always been first rate. This merry ditty about romancing a waitress comes with a built-in smile. The video was filmed at the Elliston Place Soda Shop and features cameo appearance by T. Graham Brown, William Lee Golden, John Berry and more. Bluegrass perfection.

STEVE MARTIN, ALISON BROWN, JACKSON BROWNE, JEFF HANNA / “Dear Time”
Writers: Alison Brown/Steve Martin; Producer: Alison Brown, Garry West; Label: Compass Records
– Steve and Alison’s twin-banjo duet and droll banter during their appearance as presenters on last month’s CMA Awards were a breath of fresh air. They’ve also been promoting their new album on Jimmy Kimmel, The View, NPR, Jimmy Fallon and the IBMA Awards, which they co-hosted. The album’s track with vocalist Browne and Hannah on harmony vocals is a standout moment on the Safe, Sensible and Sane collection. Wistful, thoughtful, nostalgic, melodic and utterly enchanting. Vince Gill, The Indigo Girls, Della Mae, Tim O’brien and other guests also celebrate the album.

THE LONE BELLOW / “Islands in the Stream”
Writers: Barry Alan Gibb/Maurice Ernest Gibb/Robin Hugh Gibb; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Burly Bellow Music
– These enduring Americana favorites have always loved infectious hooks. This Kenny & Dolly oldie is packed with them. Long a fan favorite at live shows, now it’s a tuneful, trio-harmonized single. There’s also a live, acoustic video performance on YouTube. Sing along.

FLATLAND CALVARY / “Gone”
Writers: Aaron Eshuis/Cleto Cordero/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Dwight Baker; Label: Lost Highway
– This ode of a drifting vagabond is country to the core, from the fiddle solo to the twang guitar and drawled vocals. It’s another great illustration of this fine band’s “Easy on the ears, heavy on the heart” ethos. The group’s swirling sounds are brilliantly mixed and produced. Here’s toasting its new contract with Lost Highway with the sincere hope that this deserving group gets the accolades and attention it has long deserved.

BRYAN SUTTON & DOC WATSON / “Working Man Blues”
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Home
– The late Doc Watson is among the guitar heroes collaborating with six-string master Sutton on his From Roots to Branches series (also check out the Sierra Hull and Trey Hensley collabs). Doc sings, but it’s the brain dazzling acoustic guitar playing that makes this an utterly jaw dropping listening experience.

Fall is in the air, and so is a gust of new country sounds.

Vince Gill and Carly Pearce lead the way with ballads that share this week’s Disc of the Day award. Cali Tucker is our DISCovery Award winner.

But be sure and also check out this week’s offerings from Randy Houser, Ne-Yo, Priscilla Block and Emily Ann Roberts. They also have something to say that you’ll want to hear.

CARLY PEARCE / “Dream Come True”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Weisband/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– She has it all, except for love. Pearce delivers the aching lyric with throaty, emotional force. This is country music royalty at work.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Come Home To You”
Writers: Jim McCormick/Makayla Parry/Michael Wayne Wilkes; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Heartache on the hoof. Sad country music is always in fashion, and this is a pluperfect example of just how aching it can be. This woman is gem.

RANDY HOUSER / “Back In The Bottle”
Writer: Randy Houser; Producers: Blake Chancey, Randy Houser; Label: Magnolia Music Group
– This mighty voice stopped the show at this week’s BMI Awards. Houser’s ferocious vocal attack lights a fire under this propulsive drinking song as his new single. Play and become a believer—he’s one of country’s true treasures.

NE-YO / “Simple Things”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Motown
– If you are wondering what this Grammy-winning, Platinum-selling R&B star was doing at the CMA Awards, here’s your answer. Ne-Yo (Shaffer Chimere Smith) applies his lustrous, fluttery tenor voice to a super catchy romance tune with a terrific acoustic track. He totally crushes it. Country? You bet.

LUKE COMBS & BIGXTHAPLUG / “Pray Hard”
Writers: Bandplay/Dave Cohen/Jon Robert Hall/Krishon Gaines/Luke Combs/Mark Nilan Jr/Nick Monson/Tony Coles/Xavier Landum; Producers: Bandplay, Dave Cohen, Mark Nilan Jr, Nick Monson, Tony Coles; Label: UnitedMasters
– It’s about faith and perseverance. Like most country-rap collaborations, it’s quite repetitive.

PAUL KENNERLEY / “Born to Run”
Writer: Paul Kennerley; Producer: Paul Kennerley; Label: PK
– Songwriting legend Kennerley has released a 30-track compilation of his demos. This tune was a hit for Emmylou in 1982, and it’s fascinating to hear the acoustic, strummy, raw, rootsy version that she would have learned it from. On this album, you’ll listen to “Hillbilly Rock,” “Have Mercy,” “Cry Myself to Sleep,” “Heaven Only Knows,” “Give a Little Love” and other hit tunes with fresh ears. This whole project is a keeper.

NICKELBACK & SHENANDOAH / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob Di Piero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– This rocks. The two bands merge nicely, thanks largely to Nickelback’s genuine commitment to a country sound. As unlikely as it seems, this collab works splendidly.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Brunette”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Josh Miller; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: MCA
– His “3,2,1” single continues to climb, and now he’s issuing a cowboy-themed video to promote this new bopper. He’s through with Southern blonde heartbreakers and is out to find a brunette from north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Castle in the Sky”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Gigi Rich/Hallie Hertrick/Paul Wrock; Producer: Hallie Hertrick; Label: Neon Holler
– Shaky fiddling and snappy handclaps underscore this uptempo reflection on the afterlife. They’ve done better.

GAVIN ADCOCK / “Perfect Man”
Writers: Colton Venner/Gavin Adcock/Jack Hummel/Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Drowsy musing in search of a hook.

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Things You Didn’t See”
Writers: Brandon Paddock/Martin Johnson/Priscilla Block; Producer: Dave Cohen, David Garcia; Label: MCA
– “Everybody’s got a hurting heart they’re hiding underneath.” I have come to expect nothing but emotional Truth from this talented artist, and she has never let me down. This tuneful, insightful, autobiographical single is one more reason to love her.

LACOSTA TUCKER / “Woman Behind the Wheel”
Writers: Cathy Majeski/Stephony E. Smith/Sunny Russ; Producer: Roger Ball; Label: LT
– Women make the world go ‘round, says LaCosta in this midtempo ditty. Twangy retro guitars back the stacked vocal harmonies. Tanya’s sister is best known for a string of charters back in the ‘70s, including “Get on My Love Train.”

CALI TUCKER / “Last Name”
Writers: Cali Tucker/Derek Robertson/G’harah “PK” Deg/Tricia Battani; Producer: G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze; Label: Mother Tucker Music
– LaCosta’s daughter and Tanya’s niece also has a new single. It’s a languidly paced pop-leaning tune of reclaiming her independence. Like her better-known family members, she’s a strong and assured vocalist.

VINCE GILL / “Secondhand Smoke”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA Nashville
– This legend is in the midst of a monthly series of autobiographical EPs that chronicle his journey from Oklahoma. The series is titled 50 Years From Home. The title tune of the second EP recalls his late father with enormous heart and deep love. There is no finer living country-music artist. Nor one more beloved.

Pop influences permeate this week’s country outings in DISClaimer.

The Jonas Brothers are here. So is Jimmy Webb. And the tunes by Charles Kelley, Slater Nalley and Graham Barham sound more related to pop artists than they do to anyone named Hank.

The hillbilly bright spots here include new music from Ashland Craft, Rissi Palmer, Luke Combs and Dylan Gossett, not to mention our Disc of the Day winner, Ella Langley.

The DISCovery Award goes to Sammy Arriaga. He sure can sing.

BRENDAN WALTER / “Pipe Dream”
Writers: Brendan Walter/Grady Smith; Producer: Grady Smith; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Jangly and plaintive, with a driving acoustic guitar and rumbling rhythm track underpinning his aching vocal. In the lyric, he has a yen to make it in music, no matter the cost.

LITTLE BIG TOWN & JIMMY WEBB / “Wichita Lineman”
Writer: Jimmy Webb; Producer: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– LBT has delighted fans for years with its live covers of pop hits. It has collected several of these in an EP titled Scattered, Smothered and Covered. This echoey, lovely, harmony-drenched interpretation of the Glen Campbell classic features its composer setting the ethereal tone with his rippling piano accompaniment.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Kick Rocks Cowboy”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Jonathan Singleton/Shane Minor; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– Love the snappy attitude in this kiss-off country rocker. Her personality and sass shine in every drawled note. I remain a big fan of this lady.

RUSSELL DICKERSON & THE JONAS BROTHERS / “Happen to Me”
Writers: Chase McGill/Christopher LaCorte/Jessie Jo Dillon/Robert Hazard/Russell Dickerson; Producers: Chris LaCorte, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Adding the pop superstars to his joyous, rocking hit country tune sounds like a good move, since this mix simply soars with positive energy.

SLATER NALLEY / “Foolish Pride”
Writer: Slater Nalley; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– This teen was a finalist on American Idol earlier this year. His gripping delivery of this anguished ballad was a big factor. Now it’s an electrifying country disc debut. The production is admirably spare, which throws the spotlight on his rasping, soulful voice.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Whiskey River”
Writer: Johnny Bush; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: W&T
– Michael and Tanya alternately swap lead vocal lines and bring their gospel-influenced style to Willie’s perennial show-opening song. The result is audio excitement.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “Buckshot”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Graham Barham/Ryan Hurd/Sam Bergeson; Producer: Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is country music? Electronic loops and processed, compressed vocals. A heartbreak drinking song in a busy-sounding pop production.

CHARLES KELLEY / “Steal Your Heart”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Josh Kear/Lindsay Rimes/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Southern Accent Entertainment
– Soaring and scintillating, this has an ‘80s pop-music vibe. Kelley reaches into his upper vocal register on the choruses, which gives the performance a very different tone than his work in Lady A.

RISSI PALMER / “Old Black Southern Woman”
Writers: Kyshona Armstrong/Rissi Palmer; Producer: Shannon Sanders; Label: RP
– Reflective and emotionally honest, Palmer imagines life as a senior citizen while a fiddle saws along and guitars strum in sympathy. Gently warm and comforting.

LUKE COMBS / “Days Like These”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Brent Cobb/Luke Combs; Producer: Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The ballad extols the simple joy of a pretty day lived with love. As usual, Luke’s singing is a beacon of emotional beauty. The enduring country truth triumphs again: Money can’t buy happiness.

SAMMY ARRIAGA / “Before the Next Teardrop Falls”
Writers: Ben Peters/Vivian Keith; Producer: Adam Mitchell; Label: Walk Off Entertainment
– Arriaga is a vocal soulman who issued a collection titled Heart In Texas that is billed as “the industry’s first fully bilingual country Latino album.” Seven tracks are in English, and six track are in Spanish. Plus, it contains this lovely, acoustic, Spanglish revival of Freddy Fender’s 1975 classic. The plucking guitar work and sweet fiddle notes plus Arriaga’s heart-in-throat vocal give this an audio eloquence that can’t be beat.

ELLA LANGLEY / “Choosin’ Texas”
Writers: Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Ben West, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– She loses her Tennessee lover to a temptress from the Lone Star State. Langley’s singing has never sounded better than it does on this delightful two stepper. Park this on your playlist right next to Strait.

DYLAN GOSSETT / “Windy City”
Writer: Dylan Gossett; Producer: Dylan Gossett; Label: DG
– Wistful and tender. He’s far from home, up north in Chicago. But he hopes his songs will resonate with unfamiliar audiences and carry him along. Written and performed with the panache of a true troubadour.