DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ray Wylie Hubbard, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Zach Williams, And More

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Ray Wylie Hubbard. Photo: Alan Messer

Nostalgia for ’90s country seems to be everywhere.

Let’s not forget that many of those legacy acts are still making music today. This special edition of DisClaimer collects some of their efforts. With concert, nightclub and casino bookings kaput while we all social distance, some of these artists have lost their day-to-day livelihoods. So lend them all the support that you can.

Leading the way with the Disc of the Day is Ray Wylie Hubbard. But there are several other worthy candidates, namely Dolly, Billy Ray, Rosanne and Mark Chesnutt.

Joe & Martina have been in this column before, under their old billing of Terra Bella. Since this is their first appearance using their own names, give ’em a DisCovery Award, as well as a tip of the hat for throwing a spotlight on veteran John Berry.

BILLY RAY CYRUS, AKA MAMA KUSH/Ballad of Jed
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: WMG/BMG Rights Management, no performance rights listed; BRC
– Wonderfully wacky. It’s a rewrite of the theme song of “The Beverly Hillbillies” with references to Granny firing up some weed. This is tied in with the fact that Billy Ray now has his own pot blend, “Midnight Special.” Ya gotta love this guy.

RAY WYLIE HUBBARD/Bad Trick
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ray Wylie Hubbard; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– Dark, bluesy and smoky….. and way, way cool. The hypnotic, minor-key groove is great enough, but the dancing-with-the-devil lyric is just as good. Texas legend Hubbard is best known for “Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother,” but his songwriting and stage presence have always been light years better than that timeless gem. His profile was raised recently by his songwriting collaborations with Eric Church (“Desperate Man,” etc). His backup band here consists of Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh, Don Was and Chris Robinson of The Black Crows. Are those credentials good enough for ya? Play and believe.

MARK CHESNUTT/I Found Another You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Nada Dinero
– Chesnutt remains one of our most underrated honky-tonk vocal stylists, and this audio delight demonstrates that he has lost none of his talent. A country-rock tempo churns this tune relentlessly while a chicken-pickin’ guitar stutters and a steel sizzles along. The punch line is hilarious: “I found another you, and she hates me, too.” Keepin’ it country, bro.

CLINT BLACK/America (Still In Love With You)
Writers: Clint Black/Steve Wariner; Producer: Clint Black; Publisher: none listed; CB
– A snooze. The ballad’s tempo plods, and the message sounds instantly trite.

CLAY WALKER/Easy Goin’
Writers: Clay Walker/Adam Wheeler/Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Publishers: Espiritu de Leon Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Accent / Pedal Down Music (ASCAP), Oven Music, Inc. (BMI); CW
-It has the gently rolling atmosphere you might expect, given the title. The gal was here and gone on the highway, to his regret. Heartache with a breezy vibe.

ZACH WILLIAMS & DOLLY PARTON/There Was Jesus
Writers: Jonathan Smith/Casey Beathard/Zach Williams; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Little Louder/Be Essential/Seven Ring Circus, BMI; Provident/Essential
-Indomitable Dolly lets no grass grow under her feet. She won a Grammy last year for her “God Only Knows” collaboration with For King & Country and began 2020 singing a five-week No. 1 smash on the dance charts along with the Swedish electro-duo Galantis on a tune titled “Faith.” Now she is dueting with Dove and Grammy-winning CCM star Zach Williams. As fiery a singer as he is, she matches him lick for vocal lick until the two of them built to a goosebump-raising crescendo. This is audio superstardom.

JOHN PAUL WHITE & ROSANNE CASH/We’re All In This Together
Writers: John Paul White/Rosanne Cash; Producer: John Paul White; Publisher: none listed; Single Lock
– Set in an acoustic-guitar setting, this shimmering duet is an artistic lyric that reflects our pandemic-plagued world. The ballad’s proceeds benefit Music Health Alliance. Its video shows news footage of just how harrowing this all is.

TRACY LAWRENCE/When The Cowboy’s Gone
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Wyatt McCubbin/Tracy Lawrence; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony/ATV; Steadfast
-We’ve heard this worn-out sentiment many times before, but Tracy refreshes it a little because of his still-distinctive voice.

HOT COUNTRY KNIGHTS & TERRI CLARK/You Make It Hard
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Brett Beavers/Jim Beavers/Mary Hilliard Harrington/Jon Randall/Luke Wooten; Producer: Dierks Bentley; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
-I guess the bordering-on-lewd lyric is supposed to be a so-bad-its-good parody. To me, it just sounds dumb. She deserves better.

JOE & MARTINA WITH JOHN BERRY/Give Me Back The ’90s
Writers: Joe Costa/Johnny Garcia; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; JM
-The video (shot outside the iconic Nashville Palace) has visual references to Wynonna, Alan, Strait and Yearwood. Joe Costa takes the lead with his wife Martina Costa providing harmony while they wax nostalgic for the ’90s. John Berry pops up about 2/3 of the way through. Pleasant. Jaunty.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ryan Hurd, Jackson Michelson, Rachel Wammack, Tyler Braden, And More

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Rachel Wammack

Willie Nelson celebrated his 87th birthday yesterday (April 29). We have two tunes this week saluting the Red Headed Stranger. We should all rejoice in his enduring greatness.

Despite the presence of some major country stars, this listening session belongs to the up-and-comers. Vying for Disc of the Day are Ryan Hurd, Jackson Michelson and our winner, Rachel Wammack.

The DISCovery Award belongs to Tyler Braden. I can’t wait to hear more from this extraordinary new voice.

NATHANIEL RATELIFF/Willie’s Birthday Song
Writers: Nathaniel Rateliff; Producers: Patrick Reese/James Barone/Rateliff; Publisher: none listed; Stax
-He had me from the opening lines: “Pass me that joint. It’s Willie’s birthday.” Usually noted as an Americana blue-eyed soulman, Rateliff turns in a straight-ahead country vocal on this sing-along ditty. I still say he’s one of the finest singers around. His great Night Sweats band is along for the ride, as are Willie stalwarts Bobbi Nelson and Mickey Raphael. Proceeds benefit Rateliff’s charity Marigold Project (in this case, FarmAid and StrongHearts Native Helpline).

EDIE BRICKELL & WILLIE NELSON/Sing To Me Willie
Writer: Edie Brickell; Producers: Edie Brickell/Kyle Crusham; Publisher: none listed; Shuffle/Thirty Tigers
– Native Texan Brickell shucks her pop duds for country trappings on this sparely-produced duet with the living legend. He provides his distinctive guitar picking as well as a well-seasoned vocal that offers Lone Star State local color. Proceeds benefit the MusicCares COVID-19 fund.

KANE BROWN/Cool Again
Writers: Kane Brown/Josh Hoge/Matthew McGinn/Lindsay Rimes; Producers: Dann Huff/Lindsay Rimes; Publisher: none listed; RCA
-Very catchy and well sung. There’s not much that’s “country” about it, but it is highly listenable. Besides, he’s on an unstoppable roll.

RACHEL WAMMACK/When I Say Amen
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Matt Maher/Sam Ellis; Producer: Sam Ellis; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– It’s a piano ballad that works as a spiritual balm for a world that has plunged into pandemic darkness. Heartfelt and very, very moving. This lady always rules.

KEITH URBAN/Polaroid
Writers: Steph Jones/Geoff Warburton/Griffen Palmer/Mark Trussell/Sam Fischer; Producers: Joey Moi/Keith Urban; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– Bubbling memories of summers gone by. Bopping and endearing.

RYAN HURD/Every Other Memory
Writers: Ryan Hurd/Nathan Spicer/Cole Taylor; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Publisher: UMPG; RCA
– Nostalgia with a kick-drum backbeat. It rumbles along so beautifully that you’d be a fool not to fall under its spell and roll with it. Ryan’s wife Maren Morris is on harmony vocals.

HIGH VALLEY/River’s Still Running
Writers: Brad Rempel/Randy Montana/Corey Crowder; Producers: Mike “X” O’Conner/Seth Mosley; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– Upbeat and anthemic, this engaging thumper definitely looks on the bright side. The gist of it is, “Everything’s gonna be okay.” The “gang” vocals are particularly rousing.

JACKSON MICHELSON/One Day
Writers: Jackson Michelson/Justin Ebach/Matta Alderman; Producer: Jeff Pardo; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– Charming. It’s about watching your kids grow up. His performance is loaded with sincerity, and the twirling, swirling production around him infuses the whole thing with a warm glow. Absolutely worth your attention. Listen.

WALKER HAYES/Trash My Heart
Writers: Walker Hayes/Josh Jenkins/Josh Osborne/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Sam Sumser/Sean Small/Shane McAnally; Publisher: none listed; Monument
– Kinda hip-hoppy, lotsa rhythmic. There are so many novelty audio touches in the arrangement and production that you can almost forget the absence of melody. Even without one, he manages to be highly personable throughout.

TYLER BRADEN/Brother
Writers: William Rinehart/Nathaniel Rinehart/Gavin DeGraw; Producer: Randy Montana; Publishers: Bear Lee Breathing Music (BMI), NeedToBreathe Music (BMI), G DeGraw Music Inc. (BMI), All rights administered by Downtown DMP Songs (BMI); Warner
– This stirring tune comes from the rock band NEEDTOBREATHE. Newcomer Braden has a commanding delivery, with power and grit to spare. Hang on when he swings into the choruses with wailing, chesty oomph. I dig this guy.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs, Brett Eldredge, Sam Hunt, Morgan Wallen, Parmalee & Blanco Brown, And More

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jim Wright

The mighty Luke Combs strikes again.

He shines a pinpoint spotlight on our current crisis with a terrific tune titled “Six Feet Apart” and nails down another Disc of the Day award.

For more uplift in these troubled times, I recommend a dose of Mags doing Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” and Jake Owen singing “Made for You.” Feeling wistful? Check out Sam Hunt‘s “Young Once” and Brett Eldredge‘s “Gabrielle.”

The DisCovery Award goes to a promising youngster named Rachele Lynae.

BRETT ELDREDGE/Gabrielle
Writers: Eldredge/Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk; Producer: Tashian/Fitchuk, Publisher: none listed; Warner Music Nashville
-Melodic and memorable. It builds from piano based simplicity to a denser, chunkier production, but Brett’s chesty vocal strength remains the focus throughout. Which is as it should be.

RACHELE LYNAE/Got It Bad
Writers: Rachele Lynae/Hannah Bethel/Jamie Good; Producer: David Dorn/Rachele Lynae; Publisher: none listed; RL (track)
– Breezy pop-country with some cool dynamics in a production that shifts from stripped down “open” verses to swirly, rushing, lush choruses. Highly listenable. This troubadour has it going on in both songwriting talent and vocal finesse

LUKE COMBS/Six Feet Apart
Writers: Luke Combs/Brent Cobb/Rob Snyder; Producers: none listed; River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– This was on his live-feed stream last week. It is Luke’s contribution to the growing list of quarantine songs. It captures the uncertainty and discomfort of this era, but points to a future when we will hug, share concerts, go to ballgames and visit together again. “There’ll be light after dark/Someday when we aren’t/Six feet apart.” Catch Luke and Craig Morgan as the Opry’s unplugged stars this week. By the way, if you haven’t been tuning in to the Opry shows of the past six weeks, you have been missing some extraordinary music. The first was Brad/Vince/Marty, then Vince/Amy/Jenny/Corinna, Terri Clark/Lauren Alaina/Ashley McBryde, Trace/T. Graham/Jason Crabb and last week Ricky with Dailey & Vincent. Bobby Bones has been hosting. Great stuff.

MAGS/Light of a Clear Blue Morning
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Velvet Apple, BMI; Emerald Field
– All artists should cover a Dolly song, and this is one of the living legend’s best. The Irish lass kicks up the tempo and rocks the inspirational song of freedom with fantastic energy. That’s Mags’ own fiddle in the background. Great job.

SAM HUNT/Young Once
Writers: Josh Osborne/Matt Jenkins/Miller Zachary Crowell/Sam Lowry Hunt; Producer: Zach Crowell; Publishers: Warner Chappell/Sony-ATV/Universal, no performance rights listed; MCA Nashville
– I was beginning to think of this guy as a one-trick pony, but this time he has ditched the white “rapping” and “hey girl” whispering to sing and deliver a lyric that brims with youthful optimism.

BAILEY CALLAHAN/Roll
Writers: Bailey Callahan/Nick DeLeo/Nick Halsted; Producer: Robbie Artress; Publisher: none listed; Pink Mustang
-Very cool. It has a dark, minor-key, rebel edge that is kinda gritty and smoldering. Searing electric-guitar lines shoot in and out of the mix, underscoring her get-out-of-my-way performance.

MORGAN WALLEN/More Than My Hometown
Writers: Morgan Wallen/Michael Hardy/Ernest Keith Smith/Ryan Vojtesak; Producer:Joey Moi; Publisher: none listed; Big Loud
– Wallen’s “Chasin’ You” is still storming the charts, but he’s giving us another tease from his upcoming album with this rollicking and warm love song. It’s not his strongest effort, but I remain a fan.

PARMALEE & BLANCO BROWN/Just The Way
Writers: Kevin Bard/Matt Thomas/Nolan Sipe; Producer: David Fanning; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek
– It goes without saying that it is extremely well sung. I just wish the material was stronger. A positive, uptempo country love song, doubtless written with the mentality of country radio at the forefront.

JAKE OWEN/Made For You
Writers: Benjy Lashar Davis/Joey Hyde/Neil Medley; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Kobalt, no performance rights listed; Big Loud
– Very pretty. A sweetly romantic expression from a guy who still has plenty to give us. Jake is better known for party fare, but this demonstrates his equally strong balladeer side. I don’t watch the show, but the song evidently got a boost via his performance of it on The Bachelorette.

SHANE OWENS/Love Me To Death
Writer: Galen Griffin; Producer: Nick “Ace” Lutz; Publisher: none listed; Amerimonte
– One of our finest current hard-country singers takes on a sexy lyric cooked in an audio stew of twang, fiddle and backbeat. Kinda classic sounding.

DISClaimer: Laine Hardy Records A Love Letter To His Hometown

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Drink up, everybody.

The dominant theme in this stack of sounds is booze, booze and more booze. Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Jameson Rodgers (with Luke Combs) and Brad Paisley all have new drinking songs, while Chingy’s collaboration with Meg & Tyler is their perfect party accompaniment.

The Disc of the Day goes to something a little deeper and a lot more rocking. It’s the always delightful Lee Brice and his “One of Them Girls.”
American Idol champ Laine Hardy earns this week’s DisCovery Award.

LUKE BRYAN/One Margarita
Writers: Michael Carter/Matt Dragstrem/Josh Thompson; Producers: Jeff and Jody Stevens; Publishers: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/243 Music/Round Hill/Matt Drag/Big Loud Proud/Big Machine/Two Laine Collections, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol Nashville
-Bopping and charming. As sunny as the summer that will soon be here.

PARKER McCOLLUM/Like A Cowboy
Writers: Al Anderson/Chris Stapleton; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
-Somewhat disappointing. It’s meant to be a thoughtful ballad, but his delivery is bland.

BRAD PAISLEY/No I In Beer
Writer: Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Brad Paisley/Dann Huff/Luke Wooten; Publisher: none listed; Arista
– It’s about togetherness, which is something we probably all need to hear right now. Especially packaged with the wry, good-natured delivery this guy specializes in. A smile and a head bob.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/Champagne Night
Writers: Andrew DeRoberts/Charles Kelley/Dave Haywood/Dave Thomson/Ester Dean/Hillary Scott/Madeline Rae Merlo/Patricia Conroy/Ryan Tedder/Shane McAnally/Tina Annette Gemza; Producer: Shane McAnally/Andrew DeRoberts; Big Machine
-This happy little ditty competed on the TV show Songland. “Drinking beer on a champagne night” sounds exactly like a summer jam.

JAMESON RODGERS & LUKE COMBS/Cold Beer Calling My Name
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Brett Tyler/Hunter Phelps/Jameson Rodgers; Producers: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Publishers: none listed; River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– Every time Combs takes the mic, he takes over the song. He’s such a powerful, personality-packed vocalist that Jameson just can’t keep up. Nevertheless, it’s a country-music rousing good time.

MITCHELL TENPENNY/Here
Writers: Jordan Schmidt/Marc Beeson/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Producer: none listed; Riser House Entertainment/Columbia Nashville
– Live it up while ya can, sez Mitch. The busy-busy track scampers nervously behind him while he gives the lyric plenty of oomph and vocal charisma. Less production, please.

LEE BRICE/One Of Them Girls
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Dallas Davidson/Lee Brice; Producers: Ben Glover/Kyle Jacobs/Lee Brice; Publishers: none listed; Curb
-This man can do no wrong, it seems. This terrific tempo tune describes being completely smitten by an independent, self-sufficient gal. The lyric is cool, and it goes without saying that Lee sings the fire out of it.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/Cowboy Cool
Writers: William Michael Morgan/Doug Johnson/Adam Wood; Producer: Doug Johnson & Adam Wood; Publisher: none listed
-He’s such a wonderful country singer. The paint-by-numbers song does nothing for me.

LAINE HARDY/Ground I Grew Up On
Writers: Brandon Kinney/Brett Beavers/Josh Thompson; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: none listed; Hollywood Records/19 Recordings
– This boyish 2019 American Idol winner brims with sincerity on this love letter to his hometown. Earnest and warm and endearing.

MEG & TYLER & CHINGY/The Woah Down
Writers: Chingy, Meghan Linsey, Tyler Cain; Producer: Tyler & Chingy; Publisher: none listed; Full Dekk
– “Meg” is Meghan Linsey, formerly of Steel Magnolia and solo. “Tyler” is her fiancé Tyler Cain. Chingy is, of course, a hip-hop superstar. Their collaboration is meant to be an “Old Town Road” or “The Git Up” kinda thang. Meg sings the hoedown dance instructions, but it’s mainly Chingy’s record, thanks to his distinctive midwestern drawl. The whole thing is as catchy as the dickens.

DISClaimer: Tenille Townes, The Randy Rogers Band, Tim Dugger Top New Tracks

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It’s a spread-the-love kinda day here at DISClaimer.

We have three Disc of the Day winners. The female prize goes to the always awesome Tenille Townes. Our male winner is Tim Dugger, another dependable artist. The group award belongs to veteran crowd pleasers The Randy Rogers Band. All three of these acts deserve far more radio airplay than they are currently receiving.

We have no newcomers today, and thus no DisCovery honoree.

DRAKE WHITE/Eat, Drink & Dream
Writer: Drake White/Tommy Cecil/Greylan James; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Jaren Johnston & Drake White; Reverend White Records
-Loose limbed, rhythmic and funky. It is somewhat over-produced, since it doesn’t give you a sense of what a strong singer/performer this guy is. But I remain a fan.

TENILLE TOWNES/The Most Beautiful Things
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Josh Kear/Tenille Townes; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Columbia
-She is a treasure. This touching ballad meditates about the glorious beauty that is all around us, but seldom noticed. Moving and meaningful.

JESSI ALEXANDER & RANDY HOUSER/Country Music Made Me Do It
Writers: Jessi Alexander/John Osborne/TJ Osborne; Producers: Jessi Alexander/Jon Randall Stewart/Leslie Richter; Publisher: none listed; Lost Creek
-This is a rump shaker, complete with a pumpin’ backbeat and twangin’ lead guitar. Not to mention two of our most outstanding vocalists. Tap your toes and bop along.

KAREN WALDRUP & WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/Me Again
Writers: Danny Wells/Karen Waldrup/Phillip White; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; KW
-I’m not sure what Morgan is doing on this track. He murmurs along charmingly, but it’s really her performance from top to bottom. It’s a lovely ballad about love rescuing a broken spirit.

TIM DUGGER/Home Away From Home
Writers: Andrew DeRoberts/Andy Albert/Devin Dawson; Producer: Brandon Hood; Publisher: none listed; Curb
-I like it that it is a stone-country lyric married to an ultra contemporary production. He sings with warmth and charm about your favorite watering hole. It might be a dive, but it’s where everybody knows your name. I’m into this.

BRANTLEY GILBERT/Fire’t Up
Writers: Brandon Day/Brantley Gilbert/Justin Weaver; Producer: Brandon Day; Publisher: Indiana Angel Music, Songs Of Rhythm House, Songs Of Roc Nation Music, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., Songs Of Peer, Sound Wagon Songs; BMLG
– Brantley’s party invitation promises like a raucous, rocking good time. It’s kinda brainless and repetitive, but maybe that’s what makes it work.

SHERYL CROW & CITIZEN COPE/Lonely Town, Lonely Street
Writer: Bill Withers; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Steve Jordan; SC
-Sheryl is here to remind us that we lost one of the greats last week. Bill Withers created “Grandma’s Hands,” “Use Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me,” then completely dropped out of the music game more than 30 years ago. I’ve never forgotten him, and neither should you. Let this insistent R&B groover serve as a memorial.

RANDY ROGERS BAND/You, Me and a Bottle
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Kenton Bryant/Randy Rogers; Publisher: none listed; Producers: Tommy Jackson; Thirty Tigers
-Don’t let the title mislead you. It’s really quite sweet and romantic. These guys always seem to hit emotional targets perfectly.

MACKENZIE PORTER/These Days
Writers: Mackenzie Porter/Parker Welling/Jordan Sapp; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Mackenzie Porter/Tunes By Trailerparker/Songs of Home Team, no performance rights listed; Producer: Joey Moi/Dave Cohen; Big Loud
-The nostalgia in the lyric is touching. Unfortunately, the over-produced and too-pop track makes it almost impossible to grasp.

TEDDY ROBB/ Me On You
Writers: Deric Ruttan/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Shane McAnally/Ben Fowler/Matt McGinn; Publisher: none listed; Monument
-This continues his perfect winning streak. The steady rhythm and chiming guitar work is mixed perfectly beneath his ultra cool vocal performance. A breezy, uplifting ride through springtime. Climb on board.

DISClaimer: Thomas Rhett, Jordan Davis, Orville Peck Top New Releases

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Thomas Rhett, Jordan Davis, Orville Peck

It’s country-ballad day here at DISClaimer.

Maybe it’s the dreadful time we’re living in or maybe it’s a coincidence, but lots of guys in this listening session are gazing inward and slowing things down. Whatever the cause, there’s some terrifically moving stuff here.

Our duos Florida Georgia Line and Big & Rich are rocking, but the listening session was dominated by the slowies offered by Kenny Rogers, Kane Brown & John Legend, Jordan Davis, Kip Moore and Thomas Rhett. I’m calling this a photo finish for Disc of the Day between the bearded men, Thomas Rhett and Jordan Davis.

If you haven’t already been hip to Orville Peck, now is your chance to catch up with this left-field wonder. He’s our DisCovery Award winner.

ORVILLE PECK/Summertime
Writer: Orville Peck; Producer: Orville Peck; Publisher: none listed; Columbia
– Deep, deep twang and big, big drama infuse this slow, echoey ballad. His throaty vocal hails from the jumpsuit-Elvis era, which catches your ear right away. This theatrical masked man is kind of a country “performance artist.” Different and oddball, maybe. But heaven knows we can use a little “different” in this hidebound genre.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/I Love My Country
Writers:Corey Crowder/Ernest Keith Smith/Ryan Vojtesak; Producers: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley; Publisher: none listed; BMLG
-This rompin’ stomper is the feel-good anthem for the warm days to come. At a time when everybody else seems intent on sounding like a pop act, this loud-and-proud ditty is country to the core.

BIG & RICH/Stay Home
Writer: Charlie Pennachio/John Rich/Larry Gatlin/Phillip Anthony McDaniel; Producer: Big & Rich/Nick Brophy listed; Publisher: none listed; Thirty Tigers
-A country rocker with a coronavirus-containment lyric that has built-in smiles.

THOMAS RHETT/Be A Light
Writer: Thomas Rhett/Josh Miller/Josh Thompson/Matt Dragstrem; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BMLG
-I choked up and my eyes brimmed with tears because of the powerfully beautiful message here. In a world of madness, this is, indeed, a shining light. Rhett’s guests on this include Reba, Keith Urban, Chris Tomlin and Hillary Scott. Proceeds benefit MusicCares.

RYAN GRIFFIN/Going Going Gone
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jason Duke/Ryan Griffin; Producer: Mark Trussell; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– Pop-urban-hiphop blah blah blah.

KENNY ROGERS/Goodbye
Writer: Lionel Richie; Producer: Tony Brown; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– It was written as a break-up song, but in light of Kenny’s passing it takes on an extraordinary poignancy. It’s pretty dang hard not to be touched by this ballad. I still think Kenny is one of the great voices. Framed by strings and piano, he shines as brightly as ever on this swan song. Farewell, Kenny. I’m grateful for the music you left us.

KELSEA BALLERINI & HALSEY/The Other Girl
Writers: Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally/Ashley Frangipane/Kelsea Ballerini; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Publisher: Sony ATV/Kobalt/Warner Chappell; Black River
– There already is a Taylor Swift. And she’s better than this.

JORDAN DAVIS/Detours
Writers: David Turnbull/Jacob Davis/Jordan Davis; Publishers: Anthem Entertainment; Producer: none listed; MCA Nashville
-Very cool and super expressive. He’s thoughtful, meditative and reflective as he takes us through the wrong turns of life that led him to goodness. I was with him on every note. This deserves to be a smash.

KIP MOORE/Wild World
Writers: Josh Miller/Kip Moore; Producer: Kip Moore/David Garcia; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
-Kip slows it down and gives life a harder look while a chubby rhythm track and tastefully spare guitar work give his soulful vocal extra oomph.

KANE BROWN & JOHN LEGEND/Last Time I Say Sorry
Writers: Kane Brown/John Legend/Matt McGinn/Andrew Goldstein; Producer: Andrew Goldstein; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– We’ve all been here. How many times have we hurt the one we love and then felt a regret so deep that it’s in your bones? Legend’s piano anchors the arrangement and both voices soar mightily. Well done, you two.

DISClaimer: Buddy Brown Offers Some Humor In Troubled Times With "The Coronavirus Song"

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Buddy Brown

Name attractions on indie labels is today’s theme.

Brett James, John Anderson, Delta Rae, Dean Miller and Sara Evans all used to record for major conglomerates. Now they’re all here under their own steam, sounding as good as ever.

In fact, Miller snags a Disc of the Day prize for his new slab of sound. Pay heed also to Jenee Fleenor‘s tough little rocker.

Give a DisCovery Award to Buddy Brown. I guarantee he’s make you smile and provide you with a light-hearted view of the pickle that we’re in.

DEAN MILLER/1965
Writer: Dean Miller; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; DM
-Awesome. His singing has never sounded more resonant and powerful. The song is stirring, nostalgic, pulse-quickening and truth telling. Play it once and you are hooked completely.

JOHN ANDERSON/I’m Still Hanging On
Writer: none listed; Producer: Dan Auerbach and Dave Ferguson; Publisher: none listed; Easy Eye Sound
– This guy is one of the great country vocal stylists. World weary, yet hopeful and somehow sweet, this soars with echoey atmosphere. Lay back and let this superb production roll over ya.

BUDDY BROWN/The Coronavirus Song
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BB
– It’s a YouTube video with this dude playing guitar and sitting on the tailgate of his pickup truck with Clorox disinfectant products and toilet paper stacked behind him. It’s country and cute as the dickens. The virus might not be funny, but the song is. There’s a follow-up, too. It’s called “I Got a Case of Corona.” This man is performing an important public service. I believe they call it morale boosting. Play and smile.

JENEE FLEENOR/Good Ol’ Girls
Writers: Jenee Fleenor; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TuneCore
– The CMA’s Instrumentalist of the Year rocks out on this fiddle-driven quick stepper. Her drawl is charming as is the country name-dropping lyric. The recording session sounds like it must have been blast. Lend this lady your ears.

JASON ALDEAN/Got What I Got
Writers: Alexander Palmer/Michael Tyler Spragg/Thomas Archer; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: peermusic; BBR
– Despite her concerns, he swears he’s content and happy with her. The echo-chamber production helps what are otherwise fairly routine proceedings.

AVENUE BEAT/Ruin That For Me
Writers: Justin Ebach/Samantha Backoff/Savana Santos/Sami Bearden; Producer: David Garcia/Ashley Gorley/Santos/Justin Ebach/John Dennis/Salvatore; Memory Days/Curb Wordspring/Big Blue Nation/Indent; BMLG
– The female trio harmonies are as smooth as a Dairy Queen cone. The lyric is a girlie-survival treatise. Catchy, commercial and cool.

SARA EVANS/If I Can’t Have You
Writers: Barry Gibb/Maurice Gibb/Robin Gibb; Producer: Evans/Jarrad K; Publisher: none listed; Born to Fly
-Yes, it’s the 1978 Yvonne Elliman pop hit penned by The Bee Gees for Saturday Night Fever. Who can resist? Those boys sure knew how to craft a hooky melody.

ERIC ETHRIDGE/Dream Girl
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Jennifer Schott/William Bradford Weatherly Jr.; Producer: Brian Howes/Jason Van Poederooyen; Publisher: none listed; EE
– She’s left, so now she only exists in his dreams. He sings well, and the well-crafted song has an excellent pedigree, as well as lotsa hooks. Ethridge is regarded as a promising up-and-comer in his homeland, Canada.

DELTA RAE/Only In America
Writer: Eric Holljes/Ian Holljes; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; DR
– This genre-defying sextet has released its first crowd-funded indie project, The Light. This political track from it shouts for Southern progressivism. It’s basically saying that it’s great that we’ve tackled segregation and women’s suffrage, but that the country still has a long way to go. The production becomes too busy-sounding as it strives to make an Important Statement.

BRETT JAMES/True Believer
Writer: Brett James; Producer: Brett James; Publisher: Songs of Brett, ASCAP; Ingrooves/Label Logic (track)
– This Music Row songwriting superstar (25 No. 1 hits) has also had a recording career at several points in his journey. His new EP drops tomorrow [Friday] and is titled I Am Now. The five-song set concludes with this touching ballad of reassurance and shelter, written for his daughter. It’s beautifully framed with an arrangement involving acoustic guitar and string quartet. His vocal is a soul-drenched with greatness. Essential listening.

DISClaimer: Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson Offer New Musical Gems

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This week, the Americana music winners come two-by-two.

In a DisClaimer first, the tie for the Disc of the Day award is a father and son. That would be Willie Nelson and his boy Lukas Nelson.

There are also two DisCovery Award winners in this stack of Americana platters. They are singer-songwriters Sarah Peacock and Van Darien. Heed them both.

LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL/Couldn’t Break Your Heart
Writer: Lukas Nelson; Producer: John Alga and Promise of the Real; Publisher: none listed; Fantasy
– Audio ecstasy. The band is super tight, rolling along with a steady thump, some echoey atmosphere and high, keening electric and steel notes. Lukas rides atop the enchanting production with a plaintive, spot-on vocal of heart, head and soul. This is a foretaste of the act’s collection Naked Garden, which drops a week from Friday (3/27).

WILLIE NELSON/Our Song
Writer: Chris Stapleton; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Legacy
-This soft, meditative ballad completely envelopes you with its intimacy and warmth. A simple, gentle production, Willie’s guitar and an almost whispered vocal cuddle up next to you like loved ones. I swooned over this. The track comes from his forthcoming 70th (!) album, First Rose of Spring. It is due April 24, and Willie turns 87 five days later. May I remind you that he has won Grammy Awards the past two years in a row? The man is still at the top of his game.

THE SECRET SISTERS/Late Bloomer
Writers: Laura and Lydia Rogers; Producers: Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth; Publisher: none listed; New West
– Languid and folkie, this has a certain simple charm. But it is a little too pristine and pretty for my taste.

JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT/What I’ve Done To Help
Writer: Jason Isbell; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Southeastern/Thirty Tigers
– Soulful and fiery, with his usual searing honesty. A new highlight in a catalog that’s already full of memorable moments.

DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE/Emmylou
Writer: Soderberg; Producers: Darin Alridge/Mark Fain; Publisher: none listed; Rounder
– Brooke possesses one of the most gripping voices in all of country music, and Darin’s harmony work tugs at every heart string. Their little falsetto leaps in this enchanting song tickle the ears at every turn. This lovable couple is marketed as bluegrass, but their appeal is so much broader than that. Every music lover on earth needs to hear the magic that they make. And, yes, I did pen the liner notes for their exquisite current CD.

BOBBY BARE/The Day All The Yes Men Said No
Writers: Shel Silverstein; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BB
-Let’s face it, the wry, dry Bare and the wry, dry and high Silverstein were made for each other. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member (1930-1999) wrote hits for Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Dr. Hook, Brenda Lee, Dave & Sugar, Waylon Jennings, The Irish Rovers, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. But his collaborations with Bare have always been special events.

SARAH PEACOCK/Burn The Witch
Writers: Sheena Brook/Sarah Peacock; Producer: Shawn Byrne; Publisher: none listed; Road Dog
– The rumbling bass undertow, heartbeat cello and mysterious atmosphere are perfect for her haunting soprano delivery of this poetic, evocative saga. This Music City troubadour is cool and different, and I fell for her at once. Think about the wail and passion of the Jefferson Airplane’s Grace Slick mixed with the dark, magical swirl of Stevie Nicks and you’ll be in the general vicinity. Elsewhere on her Burn the Witch CD, she’s a folk-pop diva with plenty to say.

WEBB WILDER/Night Without Love
Writer: R.S. Field; Producers: Webb Wilder/George Bradfute; Publisher: Sharp Circle/ASCAP; Landslide
– This great Music City rock showman is back with a romping, thoroughly Americana collection that includes slabs of sound penned by the likes of Russell Smith, Los Lobos and Chip Taylor, not to mention six of his own individualistic concoctions. The title tune is a light-hearted skip through a countrified ditty, complete with steel guitar. Don’s worry, the CD has a bluesy take on “Hi Heel Sneakers,” too.

VAN DARIEN/Levee
Writers: Van Darien/Ryan Michael; Producer: Steven Cooper/J.D. Tiner; Publisher: none listed; Mechanical Heart
– I dig her throaty alto as well as her evocative lyrics. This is the atmospheric title tune of a collection that sends repeated waves of liquid sound over you. This Texas-to-Tennessee transplant is essentially an introspective folk-flavored troubadour with a healthy dose of deep soul. Start your welcome-to-Nashville applause right now, because this is one of the most promising debut discs I’ve heard this year.

THE CARTER FAMILY/Farther Along
Writer: traditional; Producer: John Carter Cash; Publisher: public domain; Reviver Legacy
– This fascinating collection came out late last year. It’s titled Across the Generations because it combines voices of this legendary dynasty from first generation (Sara, Maybelle), to second generation (Anita, June, Helen), third generation (Carlene, John Carter Cash, Dale Jett. Lorrie Carter Bennett, David Carter Jones), fourth (Tiffany Anastasia Lowe, AnnaBelle Cash, Tucker Jett) and even fifth (Flo Wolfe, Adrianna Cross, Lux Darling, Jacob Strong). This set-opening track features Sara with descendants Dale and Adrianna. Elsewhere, you’ll hear ear-opening new treatments of such Carter chestnuts as “Gold Watch and Chain,” “Worried Man Blues,” “I Never Will Marry,” “Foggy Mountain Top” and, of course, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” This, my friends, is the definition of American folk music. Not to mention the original foundation of country music.

DISClaimer: Mickey Guyton’s "What Are You Gonna Tell Her?" Leads New Releases

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It’s country-feminism day here at DISClaimer with female singles dominating the mix from top to bottom.

Randall King, Jackson Michelson and Hot Country Knights are all scoring runs. But the grand-slam homers are all by women—Maddie & Tae, Maren Morris, Jewel and our Disc of the Day awardee, Mickey Guyton.

Our DisCovery Award winner this week is Joe Hanson. Please send more.

MADDIE & TAE/Bathroom Floor
Writers: Josh Kerr/Maddie Marlow/Taylor Dye; Producer: Derek Wells/Jimmy Robbins; Publisher: none listed; Mercury Nashville
– Feisty, rocking, empowering and clever. Their harmonies are super tight. The lyric has “girl power.” The production punches and pounds. An absolute delight.

JACKSON MICHELSON/One Day
Writers: Jackson Michelson/Justin Ebach/Matt Alderman; Producer: Jeff Pardo; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– Very sweet. Parenthood has seldom sounded better. The passage of time gets a lovely word portrait as he describes a little girl growing up and the nostalgia of her mom and dad as they age along.

JOE HANSON/Part of Me
Writers: Victoria Banks/Justin Morgan/Joe Hanson; Producer: Austin Shawn; Publisher: none listed; 117
– The track is kinda nervous sounding. His jaunty tenor has an emotional tug. Promising.

MICKEY GUYTON/What Are You Gonna Tell Her
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Karen Kosowski/Victoria Banks/Emma-Lee; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– She created a sensation with this at CRS. It’s an echoey piano ballad about the reality of gender discrimination. You tell the growing girl to believe in herself, just to dash her dreams when she grows up. “You built her up, just so the world could let her down.” Now, what are we gonna do to make this a more fair and just place? And can we start with country radio?

HOT COUNTRY KNIGHTS/Moose Knuckle Shuffle
Writers: Brett Beavers/Brett Tyler/Buddy Brock/Chase McGill/Dan Hochhalter/Jim Beavers/Zach Turner; Producers: Dierks Bentley; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– Remember line dancing? And high tight jeans that accentuated his package? I thought so.

JEWEL/No More Tears
Writer: Jewel/Thomas James Profitt; Producer: Thomas James Profitt; Publisher: none listed; Words Matter/Orchard
– This is part of the soundtrack of a film about homeless youth in America. She knows all about this topic, and it sounds like it in every dramatic note in this penetrating ballad. Soulful and real.

RANDALL KING/She Gone
Writers: Chris Stevens/Randall King; Producers: Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Publisher: none listed; Warner Music Nashville
-Country, country, country. Tempo, tempo, tempo. Love it, love it, love it.

RUTHIE COLLINS/Joshua Tree
Writers: Luke Sheets/Ruthie Collins; Producer: Ruthie Collins/Wes Harlee; Publisher: none listed; Sidewalk/Curb
– Shimmering strings. Aching soprano delivery. Heartbreak song. Wide-open-spaces production. What’s not to like?

MAREN MORRIS/To Hell and Back
Writers: Maren Morris/Laura Veltz/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Morris/busbee; Publisher: none listed; Columbia
– Swirling audio around a midtempo relationship song. The gal sure can sing.

FILMORE/Blue Skies
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Jesse Frasure/Tyler Filmore; Producer: Jesse Frasure/Zach Abend; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– I remain a fan. But he can do better than this rambling, aimless tune, and has.

DISClaimer: Dixie Chicks’ "Gaslighter" Is "A Total Blast From Start To Finish"

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Greatness is timeless.

That’s the message in today’s DisClaimer column. Some of the best music in this stack comes from veterans like Pam Tillis, the Dixie Chicks, Keith Urban and Bobby Bare. In fact, the Dixie Chicks ride off with the Disc of the Day award.

Among our newcomers today, Stephanie Nash sounds like a real comer to me. Give that lady a DisCovery Award.

SEAN STEMALY/Come Back To Bed
Writers: Sean Stemaly/Andy Albert/Jared Mullins/Alysa Vanderheym; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: Buzz Light Beer Music (ASCAP), Tree Vibez Music/Mullins It Over Music/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI), BMG Platinum Songs US (BMI), Castle Bound Music, Inc. (SESAC); Big Loud
-The lyric is super sexy. The monotonic melody is a turn off.

STEPHANIE NASH/Best Side of Me
Writers: Stephanie Nash/Logan Tucker/Ethan Willis/Jody Chappell; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed; SN
– This has a very cool, dark, rocking undertow that is gripping and ear catching. Her confident, penetrating vocal delivery smacks every note resoundingly. The “rebel” lyric is a winner, too. Play it.

PAM TILLIS/Looking for a Feeling
Writers: Pam Tillis/Waylon Payne; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stellar Cat
– I have always loved the smoky soul in this woman’s voice. On this title track of her forthcoming album, she luxuriates in a deep-South, bluesy groove while painting portraits of friends, neighbors and kin. Can’t wait to hear the rest of what promises to be a landmark collection.

DON RAY/Band of Gypsies
Writers: Don Ray/Tony Paoletta; Producer: Tony Paoletta/Don Ray; Publisher: Margdon/Sister Spike, BMI; Margdon (track)
– It’s a slow, drawling, brooding, dramatic tale about refusing to give in to the demands of the music biz. He stands by his “outlaw” friends in his band when the Man tells him to leave them behind. But he sounds so darned flat-footed and boring while doing it.

DIXIE CHICKS/Gaslighter
Writers: Emily Strayer/Jack Antonoff/Martie Maguire/Natalie Maines; Producers: Dixie Chicks/Jack Antonoff; Publisher: none listed; SME/Columbia
– This is a total blast from start to finish. The trio goes all sassy and feisty, bitch-slapping a no-good ex who made off with the money. The vocal harmonies are stunning. The beat is relentless. The mood is firecracker explosive. In a word, fabulous. In another word, “Yaaaaaay!”

CAITLYN SMITH/Supernova
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Aimee Mayo; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Monument
– The title tune of Smith’s sophomore CD is a gorgeous, sad, haunting ballad. Time is fleeting, and we are all must grow and leave our childhoods behind. The echoey atmosphere and spare piano accompaniment are as mesmerizing as her aching vocal delivery.

KEITH URBAN/God Whispered Your Name
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– It’s a romantic slow-burn groover with touches of quiet-storm soul. Extremely glossy and listenable. A big hit, for sure.

KELSEA BALLERINI/Hole in the Bottle
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Black River
– Snappy and coy, this little bopper excuses her wino problem because she’s nursing a busted heart. Cleverly written. Delightfully sung.

BOBBY BARE/Living Legend
Writer: Shel Silverstein; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BB
– The Country Music Hall of Famer is wry and ironic on this self-referential two-step about a fading folk singer. He recollects past glories and regrets the pills while pleading for a one more gig. You kiddies who don’t know who the late Shel Silverstein is need to stop what you’re doing right now and research his brilliant songwriting catalog.

THE REVENUE MAN/Tennessee Sunset
Writers: Denny Rudolph/Glenn Brown; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TRM (track)
– This unusual billing belongs to singer-songwriter Glenn Hunter Brown. His debut CD is titled 25 Years Behind and features this wistful meditation on a romance he foolishly let slip away. His weathered, lived-in voice has a plain-spoken beauty, and the simple, eloquent production is perfect for the nostalgia in the lyric. Also check out his countrified reading of Elvis Costello’s “(What’s So Funny About) Peace, Love and Understanding.” Americana programmers take note, as well.