DISClaimer: Jordan Davis Sings It Loud And Clear

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All stars, no waiting.

With Blake, Strait, Kane, Luke and Thomas Rhett all in the mix, today’s column is loaded with headliners. So loaded, in fact, that there was no room for any newcomers. Hence, no DisCovery Award.

And as it happens, the Disc of the Day doesn’t belong to any of the superstars. It goes to up-and-comer Jordan Davis. Sing, bro. I hear you loud and clear.

INGRID ANDRESS/More Hearts Than Mine
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis/Derrick Southerland; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Atlantic
– This woman has talent in spades. The single remains “Lady Like,” but check out this dynamic ballad for an extra special treat.

KANE BROWN & BECKY G/Lost In The Middle Of Nowhere
Writers: Kane Brown/Lauren Alaina Suddeth/Jon Nite/Jesse Frasure; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Universal/Warner-Chappell/Sony-ATV/Downtown, no performance rights listed; RCA
– Bopping and infectious. In fact, the bounce and the groove are so catchy, you don’t even notice that there’s not much of either a lyric or a melody. There’s a Spanish-language mix, too.

MIDLAND/Mr. Lonely
Writers: Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne; Producer: Shane McAnally, Osborne and Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– A cool, retro-country, uptempo shuffle, complete with twang, vocal harmonies and plenty of steel. Enthusiastically recommended.

GEORGE STRAIT/God and Country Music
Writers:Luke Laird, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna; Producers: George Strait/Chuck Ainlay; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
-Just one thing: God doesn’t need “saving.” God is omnipotent, that’s kind of the whole point. However, this is a very pretty country ballad.

JORDAN DAVIS/Slow Dance In A Parking Lot
Writers: Davis/Lonnie Lee Fowler; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Publishers: ole Red Cape/Jordan Davis/Amylase Songs N Such/Matching Cowlicks/WB, ASCAP; MCA Nashville
– The combination here is a dense, echoey, pop production with his extraordinary vocal warmth and an ultra romantic lyric. Dreamy is the result.

THOMAS RHETT/That Old Truck
Writers: Rhett Akins/Julian C. Bunetta/Ryan B. Tedder; Producer: none listed; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Write Me a Song, no performance rights listed; Valory
– This is a country-music smash if I’ve ever heard one. It has a summer-nostalgia vibe that is super listenable and undeniably addictive.

RUSTON KELLY/All Too Well
Writers: Taylor Swift/Liz Rose; Producer: Ruston Kelly/Jarrad K; Publisher: none listed; Rounder
-Hushed and swirly and atmospheric. Lost in the reverie of a faded romance. Utterly lovely. You need to listen to this artist. Now.

BLAKE SHELTON/God’s Country
Writers: Michael Hardy/Jordan Schmidt/Devin Dawson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Relative Music Group (BMI), Administered by Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing (BMI) / WB Music Corp. / Georgia Song Vibez / We-volve Music (ASCAP) / Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. / Neon Cross Music (BMI); Warner Bros.
– Dark and passionate, with a Bocephus outlaw vibe. A salute to the hard-working everyday folks of Middle America. A terrific change of pace for this superstar.

SCOTTY McCREERY/In Between
Writers: McCreery/Jessi Alexander/Jonathan Singleton; Producers: Frank Rogers/Aaron Eshuis/Derek Wells; Publishers: none listed; Triple Tigers
– Very well written. As usual, he sings with aplomb. The toe-tapping rhythm is perfect for a springtime playlist.

LUKE BRYAN/Knockin’ Boots
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Gordie Sampson/Jon Nite; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol
– It is doubtless timed to become a summer radio fave and intends to beckon you to a weekend good time. Thanks, but I believe I’ll sit this one out.

DISClaimer: Hailey Whitters’ “Ten Year Town” Offers Eloquence And Truth

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Hailey Whitters

In a genre infamous for its treatment of female artists, country music’s women command center stage today in DISClaimer.

The top tempo tune belongs to that Irish lass, Mags. A quartet of distaff singer-songwriters pinned my ears back during the listening session. Among them, you’ll find our award winners.

The gifted four are Jenny Tolman, Lauren Jenkins, Rachel Wammack and Hailey Whitters. The DisCovery Award goes to Lauren Jenkins. And give a long overdue Disc of the Day honor to Hailey Whitters.

These are all women you need to get to know. NOW.

LAUREN JENKINS/Running Out Of Road
Writers: Lauren Jenkins/Ingrid Andress/Jessie Jo Dillon/Tina Parol; Producers: Julian Raymond/Lauren Jenkins; Publishers: Super Big/Elle Jae/Big Machine/Songs of Universal/Straight From the Art/New Writers of Sea Gayle/Clear Box Rights/Revelry/Jay Gatsby/Kobalt/Sony-ATV/Songs of Blue Bandana/Twentyfourtina, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
– Languidly pleasing. The tempo drags somewhat, but that allows for clarity in her husky delivery of the lyric. The ringing, extended guitar solo at the fade is ultra cool (thank you, Tom Bukovac). Extremely promising.

AMERICAN YOUNG/Gonna Be You
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– Lovely. Their voices are like twin pearls in an oyster shell. The production surrounding them is a velvet jewel case. The aching-for-love lyric is poignant and sweet. I’m in.

BRAD PAISLEY/My Miracle
Writers: Brad Paisley/Gary Nicholson; Producers: Dann Huff/Luke Wooten; Arista
– Groove soaked, yet heartfelt. It’s an unabashed love song to his wife with finely polished lyrics. He had me from the opening lines, “This is the gospel, according to me/A tale of whiskey turned to wine.” The icing on the cake is his guitar work.

CORINNE COOK/One Box of Tissues
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CCM
– It’s such a cool title. But the stumbling, oafish, lead-footed production does her no favors. And she has sharp, pitchy vocal problems of her own.

HAILEY WHITTERS/Ten Year Town
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Brandy Clark; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; HW
– Eloquence and truth in every perfectly crafted line. If there’s a better song about being an aspiring country female artist, I’ve never heard it. It’s obviously her own story, which makes her dry, ironic delivery all the more touching. The great Brandy Clark is here as her cowriter, but Hailey’s recording deserves its own shining spotlight and a standing ovation. You must hear this. As for me, I absolutely cannot wait for her next album. It’s going to be awesome.

RACHEL WAMMACK/Enough
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Laura Veltz/Sam Ellis; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– She’s so talented. Her ballad “Damage” was a masterpiece. This upbeat follow-up finds her vocally taking wing in a churning, echoey, dense, electronic bed of sonic splendor. I remain a major fan.

CALE DODDS/I Like Where This Is Going
Writers: Cale Dodds/busbee/Nicolle Galyon; Producer: none listed: Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Young romance set to music. Warm sounding, with plenty of verve and enthusiasm. You can practically hear him smiling.

JENNY TOLMAN/Welcome Mat
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publishers: none listed; JT
– This woman is a major talent. Her new ballad is effortlessly country, yet with a contemporary, conversational lyric about acceptance and inclusiveness. In these divisive times, she is a voice of gentility, grace and peace. Play this.

MAGS/Run
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: noen listed; Emerald Field
– She’s rocking out, cautioning her heart to get outta Dodge fast, before it falls too hard for a charming ex. This got my heart pumping and my feet tapping from the opening downbeat.

COLT FORD/How To Lose A Woman
Writers: Noah Gordon/Lance Miller/Wade Kirby; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Average Joes
– His finest effort to date. The cautionary, instructional lyric is loaded with truth. The melody is delicious. His delivery sounds like your buddy on the next barstool telling you things you need to hear. A star-making performance.

DISClaimer: Tucker Beathard, The Vegabonds Issue Career-Making Music

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It’s an alpha-and-omega kinda day here at DisClaimer.

We have everything from bona fide Country Music Hall of Fame members to the newest of baby acts. Ronnie Milsap, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire are here to remind us of what great country music sounds like. Maddie & Tae, Tenille Townes and Sam Grow are on board with strong bids for future stardom.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Tucker Beathard. It sounds like a career breakthrough to me.

Our DisCovery Award winners are The Vegabonds. I see that this is not their first record, so where has this awesome band been all my life? And will somebody please pick these guys up for a major-label shot?

SAM GROW/History
Writers: Cam Montgomery/Mike Hardy/Nick Donley; Producer: Jacob Rice; Publishers:MV2 Music (BMI), Harding Road Music/Watsky Music (admin. by Kobalt) (BMI), Big Loud Mountain, CamTrack Music, Cam I Am Music (BMI); Average Joe’s
– Very involving. He has a wonderfully strong, expressive delivery. The production soars in all the right places. The song about a troubled relationship has hooks a-plenty.

MADDIE & TAE/Tourist In This Town
Writers: Maddie Marlow/Taylor Dye/Barry Dean/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Jimmy Robbins/Derek Wells; Publishers: Super Big Music/Seven Red Birds Publishing/Big Machine Music/Jehovah Nissi/Be Barry Quiet/Creative Pulse Music/Pulse Nation; Round Hill Songs Jimmy Robbins/Extraordinary Alien/Jammy Rabbins Music; Mercury Nashville
– Yowza. This has spunk, vocal verve and tempo, tempo, tempo to chase away those winter doldrums.

Youtube video

DAVE ERNST/Superstar
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Eastwood
– This Louisville alt-country fellow has a new CD titled Hickory Switch. This track finds him emoting over a garage-y rock backing track featuring organ, guitar and crashing percussion. He doesn’t have the pipes for mainstream country appeal, but brims with conviction.

STELLA PARTON/Dirty Rotten Dog
Writers: Stella Parton; Producer: Stella Parton; Publisher: none listed; SP
– The track could use a little bass. But the humorous, sarcastic ditty is catchy, her slide-guitar work is dandy and her stacked vocals in the fade are an audio delight. Worth some spins.

THE VEGABONDS/Best I Can
Writers: none listed; Producer: Tom Tapley; Publisher: none
-Love it, love it, love it. This has all the pulse-quickening snap, crackle and pop you could want of a country rocker. The band has the heat cranked up to “10,” and the blue-collar, working-musician lyric blazes like an bonfire. I turned it up and howled. Here’s to all the “poor boys doin’ the best they can.”

Youtube video

 

TENILLE TOWNES/White Horse
Writers: Tenille Townes/Daniel Tashian/Jeremy Spillman; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: noen listed; Columbia
– I dig this artist. Her feisty voice sounds like no one else. This hand clapper has slammin’ beats, a chorus with big hooks and a layered track, as well as her personality-packed vocal performance.

TUCKER BEATHARD/Better Than Me
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Dan Isbell/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Tucker Beathard; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– His best yet. Tucker is singing his face off here, especially on that airborne chorus. The track rolls with admirable forward momentum as he sings of a breakup where she’s doing better than he is. Played it twice, and can’t wait to hear it on the radio. By the way, that’s him on lead guitar and drums, as well as vocals.

Youtube video

 

REBA McENTIRE/Stronger Than The Truth
Writers: Hannah Louise Blaylock/Autumn McEntire; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Reba McEntire; Publishers:Big Deal Beats / Fouche River Publishing (BMI)/ Catch This Music / Autumn McEntire Songs (ASCAP); Big Machine
– Praise be, there’s still an artist in this format who believes in telling a story, feeling some pain and cherishing real song craftsmanship. This Hall of Famer proves she remains way out in front of the youngsters when it comes to taking a heartbreak lyric straight into your heart. Great song. Great performance.

THE HIGH PLAINS DRIFTERS/Virginia
Writers: none listed; Producers: Greg Cohen/Charles Czarnecki; Publishers: none listed; HPD
– The song is okay, in a simplistic-melody kinda way. The lounge-y lead vocal is way too pop for me.

RONNIE MILSAP & DOLLY PARTON/Smoky Mountain Rain
Writers: Kye Fleming/Dennis Morgan; Producers: Ronnie Milsap/Rob Galbraith; Publishers: none listed; G-Force
– They sound great together. Dolly rewrote the lyric to make the song come from the points of view of two lovers, instead of one lovelorn man. The beautifully melodic tune remains a timeless country treasure. A terrific listening experience.

DISClaimer: Newcomer Hits From Logan Brill, Abby Anderson, Jimmie Allen, Morgan Wallen, Zac Clifton

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Today’s listening session belongs to country’s up-and-comers.

Despite the presence of proven hit makers Thomas Rhett, Jennifer Nettles, The Randy Rogers Band and pop stars A.J. McLean and Danny Woods, the winning sounds in today’s DisClaimer column belong to artists with less marquee power.

In fact, I loved the baby acts so much that I’m dishing out three Disc of the Day prizes. The Female winner is Logan Brill. The Male winner is Morgan Wallen. The Group honoree is the duet by Jimmie Allen & Abby Anderson. Play them all.

The DisCovery Award winner is a revelation. I can’t remember the last time I was so blown away by a young talent as I am by Zac Clifton. If you love real country music, by all means lend him your ears.

A.J. MCLEAN/A Boy and a Man
Writers: Rob Crosby/Dave Fenley; Producer: Jason Massey; Publishers: none listed; InTune
– This Backstreet Boy tosses his hat into the country winner’s circle with this lilting come-on. He’s going to be her best lover because he’s gonna show her the difference between a boy and a man. A mid-tempo charmer with a lovely, wafting production.

DANNY WOOD and JESSIE CHRIS/Bodyguard
Writers: Danny Wood; Producer: Dow Brain; Publisher: none listed; JC
– New Kids on Block vet Danny teams up with new country soprano Jessie on this would-be power ballad. The anti-bullying song falls flat, and they lack chemistry as a vocal team.

JIMMIE ALLEN & ABBY ANDERSON/Shallow
Writers: Lady Gaga/Mark Ronson/Anthony Mossomando/Andrew Wyatt; Producer: Ash Bowers and Doug Johnson; Publishers: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, House Of Gaga Publishing LLC, Concord Copyrights, Songs Of Zelig; Downtown DMP Songs, Downtown DLJ Songs, Warner-Barham Music, LLC and Warner-Olive Music, LLC; BBR
– This ballad won the Oscar as Best Movie Song and is a proven pop favorite. Jimmie and Abby’s acoustic version shimmers with the tension and finesse that only two vocalists of outstanding ability can deliver. These country kids sing their hearts out here. An undeniable winner.

LOGAN BRILL/Walk of Shame
Writers: Logan Brill/Nathan/Chapman/Chad Carlson; Producer: Jason Lehning; Publishers: WB Music Corp./Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp/Eight Nine 89 Music/Cabana Publishing; ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; LB
– I dig this. She sounds wise and bruised. Booze can lead you to regret and recrimination. The chiming production gives oomph to every line of her tale of feeling dirty after spending a night of weakness with an old flame.

LOCKWOOD BARR/I’m Not Crazy
Writers: Lockwood Barr/Ryan Youmans; Producer: Ryan Youmans; Publishers: Barr None Entertainment
– It begins with an ear-catching hesitation in her delivery and a deliberate, halting quality in the production. The tempo and the sonic complexity increase as she gets to the hook. The contrast between her rippling banjo notes and her sultry singing is oddly pleasing. Although I think this is a terrifically creative record, it’s probably a mite too meditative, atmospheric and hook-challenged to succeed on country radio.

MORGAN WALLEN/Chasin’ You
Writers: Craig Michael Wiseman/Jamie Moore/Morgan Cole Wallen; Producer: Christen Pinkston; Publishers: Kobalt/Warner-Chappell/BMG Rights Management, no performance rights listed; Big Loud
– I think this guy is a superstar in the making. I have loved everything he has issued, including this airy, open-road ode to a romance that has its taillights fading off in the distance. Great vocal, great song.

THOMAS RHETT/Look What God Gave Her
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Valory Music
– This thumpy toe tapper has a light-hearted innocence that’s infectious. Highly listenable.

RANDY ROGERS BAND/Crazy People
Writers: Brad Clawson/Jamie Paulin/Will Weatherly; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher:© 2019 Mandy’s Favorite Songs/Five Miles West/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI), Songs of Universal, Inc./Songsfortatum Publishing (BMI), Mandy’s Favorite Songs/Track House Worldwide Entertainment/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI); Thirty Tigers
– I’d have mixed the lead vocal a little hotter. But the band remains a total groove governor. And you have to give props to an outfit that has retained the same membership for 20 years. This is an endearing and enduring country treasure.

JENNIFER NETTLES/I Can Do Hard Things
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– Sung from the point of view of a woman who has endured much, but who perseveres through it all with joy, gratitude and wisdom. Sung with force and believability, this ballad has the power to become an anthem.

ZAC CLIFTON/Honky Tonk Heaven
Writer: Zac Clifton; Producer: Bobby Flores; Publishers: Rain In Spain, BMI; RD
– This 17-year-old Texan is a breath of fresh air. He’s a hard-country, honky-tonk throwback with a penetrating vocal delivery and a delightful, fiddle-and-steel production. The title tune of his album salutes Lefty, Paycheck, Merle, Patsy, Waylon, Hank, Johnny & June, Mel, Jones, Tammy, Kitty and your other gone-away country favorites in a place where “heroes spread their wings and fly.” Yee-Haw! from this corner. Not only does he sing like a bird, he wrote every song on the collection.

DISClaimer: Kip Moore, King Calaway Lead New Releases

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Country music is shaking off the winter doldrums.

The tempo tunes here seem designed to chase away those gray skies. So a hearty thanks to Hunter Hayes, Blackberry Smoke, Alexis Ebert and our Disc of the Day prize winner, Kip Moore.

Interestingly, all three of the DisCovery Award contenders are groups. Farewell Angelina, Rebel Union and our winners, King Calaway, all have audio enchantment in their arsenals.

KING CALAWAY/World For Two
Writers: Ross Copperman/James Abrahart/Josh Osborne; Producers: none listed; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Artist 101/Smackville/Anderson Fork in the Road/Rezonant/Plain Jane/Let’s Get Brunch, no performance rights listed; Stoney Creek
– Wafting and dreamy. The soft, seductive lead vocal blends into enchanting group harmonies as you drift into the choruses. A head-in-the-clouds musical moment.

HUNTER HAYES/Heartbreak
Writers: Hunter Hayes/Thomas “Tawgs” Salter/Gordie Sampson/Simon Wilcox; Producers: Hunter Hayes/Sam Ellis; Publishers: Published by Songs of Universal, Inc. / Ogden Avenue Publishing (BMI) / Sony/ATV Music Publishing Canada (SOCAN) / 1217 Music / Still Working For The Woman Inc. (ASCAP), All rights administered by Kobalt Songs Music Publishing / EMI Blackwood Music Inc. / Stellar Songs Limited / Dames Booze And Chains (BMI); Atlantic
-Wonderfully energetic, delightfully upbeat, undeniably hooky. Loved it.

JON LANGSTON/Dance Tonight
Writers: Jon Langston/Jody Stevens; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed, EMI/32 Bridge
– Lotsa guitar. Lotsa everything. Busy sounding.

DIERKS BENTLEY/Living
Writers: Ross Copperman/Jon Nite/Ashley Gorley/Dierks Bentley; Producers: Ross Copperman & Jon Randall Stewart; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Plain Jane/Rezolant/EMI April/Nite Writer/Combustion Engine/Sadie’s Favorite/WB/DudeTunes/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol
– Drink in every moment. Savor your existence. Experience the beauty of life with every breath. “Have a heart full of grateful for all you’ve been given.” Cool message. Cool record. Cool artist.

ALEXIS EBERT/Ride Or Die
Writers: Alexis Ebert/Tammy Hyler; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Publishers: Wrensong Music Publishing/Rezonant Music Publishing/Smashville Entertainment Music Publishing; BMI; Smashville
– She has a dark, smoky delivery that matches the deep-bass rumble of the rocking production perfectly. Fiery and sexy.

KIP MOORE/The Bull
Writers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick; Producer: Luke Dick; Publishers: BMG Platinum/SWMBMGBMI/Lonesome Vinyl/Emileon/Little Louder/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; MCA
– His finest performance to date. Full of bluster, packed with rhythm snap, swaggering with pride and blazing with intensity. Every second is an amusement-park ride.

REBEL UNION/Brand New
Writers: Allie Johnson/Zach Laughlin/Madison Parks/Suzanne Dennis/Blake Mohler; Producers: Dan Hannon; Publishers: none listed; RU
– There’s a lot of talent here. The pop-ish arrangement bubbles along nicely. The voices are charming. The song is sweetly endearing. Send more.

LOGAN MIZE/Better Off Gone
Writers: Abe Stoklasa/Donovan Woods, Producer: Daniel Agee; Publishers: Big Yellow Dog/CMRRA/Sony ATV/Downtown, ASCAP; Big Yellow Dog
– Everything this guy releases is just dandy. I remain a fan with his performance of this bittersweet farewell song.

FAREWELL ANGELINA/Women and Wine
Writers: Nicole Witt/Andrea Young/Lauren Lucas/Sarah Davidson; Producers: Farewell Angelina; Publishers: Wittsong Entertainment, Sagivarius Songs, Sparky Noodle Music, Little Georgia Peach Music; 117 Entertainment
-This female quartet has flawlessly rehearsed vocal harmonies to spare. The shimmering, echoey production is lovely. The song is super contemporary: “You know only two things get better with time, women and wine.” Welcome to the winner’s circle.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE/Best Seat In The House
Writers: Keith Nelson/Charlie Starr; Producers: Blackberry Smoke; Publishers: none listed; BS
– Nice work. Chiming, shining, hooky, rhythm-happy roots-pop in the vein of Tom Petty. These popular country rockers are booked to play the Ryman on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 22 & 23). I am told that they are fantastic live.

DISClaimer: Kacey Musgraves, Ingrid Andress Bring Star Power

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Country’s big guns are out for Country Radio Seminar.

Today’s stack of platters is loaded with star power, with some of today’s hottest hit makers next to living legends.

I am happy to report that — at least this week in “DisClaimer” — we have gender parity. The four finest releases are split between two female and two male acts. The women are Kree Harrison and Kacey Musgraves. The men are the newly stellar duo Dan + Shay and a trio consisting of Florida Georgia Line and Hardy.

The Disc of the Day award goes to Grammy queen Kacey Musgraves. The DisCovery Award also goes to a galentine, Ingrid Andress.

CHRIS JANSON/Good Vibes
Writers: Chris Janson/Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell; Producers: Chris Janson & Zach Crowell; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Not as innovative as his earlier efforts, but it is irresistibly merry and smiley. Ya gotta love this guy.

KREE HARRISON/I Love The Lie
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Morgane Stapleton/Liz Rose; Producers: Jordan Lehning/Skylar Wilson; One vision
– Everything works here — her silvery vocal delivery, the super hooky song, the steel guitar solo and the superb, rolling-rumble production. Rock on, sister.

GEORGE STRAIT/Every Little Honky Tonk Bar
Writers: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producers: Strait/Chuck Ainlay; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
-A hillbilly toe tapper with tightly-packed lyrics portraying your favorite roadhouse. I particularly like the “answering” steel and the super-close vocal harmonies.

INGRID ANDRESS/Lady Like
Writers: Derrick Southerland, Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis; Producer: Sam Ellis; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic
– Cool, offbeat, tomboy lyrics. She sounds like a comer to me. Lend her your ears.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE & HARDY/Y’all Boys
Writers: Jesse Frasure/Ashley Gorley/Michael Hardy/Brett Tyler; Producers: Joey Moi/FGL; Producers: Warner-Tamerlane/Telemitry Rhythm House/Songs of Roc Nation/Songsofgroceries/Round Hill Songs II/Caleb’s College Fund/Relative/Songs of Kobalt/Extremely Combustible/Music of One77, BMI/ASCAP; BMLG
-The dense production holds audio delights around every corner. The good ol’ boy lyrics sound like retreads, but there’s no getting around the overall sonic splendor.

DOLLY PARTON/Red Shoes
Writers: Dolly Parton/Linda Perry; Producer: Linda Perry; Publishers: Velvet Apple/Dark Robot/Peer, BMI; RCA/Dolly
– Tucked in among her classics in the show-stopping Grammy telecast medley was this riveting gem from Dolly’s Dumplin’ soundtrack. Perry’s production builds nicely as the superstar relates her empowering lyric.

ADAM HAMBRICK/All You, All Night, All Summer
Writers: Adam Hambrick/Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Producers: Andrew DeRoberts/Paul DiGiovanni; Capitol/Buena Vista
-It’s February, so Adam thinks we need a sunshine song. It’s a catchy dandy, full of bright production touches and featuring a boyish, upbeat, tenor vocal. I remain a fan.

KACEY MUSGRAVES/Rainbow
Writers: Natlie Hemby/Shane McAnally/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Daniel Tashian & Kacey Musgraves; Publishers: none listed; MCA
– Wow. As we saw on the Grammy Awards where she triumphed, it’s just Kacey’s poignant voice and Ian’s piano. But what an enchanting spell they cast. The sweet ballad of perseverance offers strength and encouragement to the oppressed and downtrodden everywhere. Country music needs this song.

DAN + SHAY/All To Myself
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
-An intoxicating romantic cocktail, mixed with twirling rhythm and delicious melody. A stone smash.

JASON ALDEAN/Rearview Town
Writers: Kelley Lovelace/Bobby Pinson/Neil Thrasher; Producers: EMI Music Publishing/Sea Gayle Music Publishing/peer music; Publishers: Michael Knox; BBR
– Lots and lots of people will relate to this lyric. There’s not much to the tune or the production, so it’s left to Jason’s vocal performance to carry the day. And it does.

DISClaimer: Indie Acts Take The Spotlight

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The wait is over.

Week after week, country music’s indie-label artists wait in a long line behind releases by major-label artists in the DisClaimer column. This week, 10 of those indies get noticed.

Highlights include the releases by Sister Hazel and column newcomers Tyler Resch and Josh Pruno.

But the day belongs to two guitar aces named Eddie. Our DisCovery Award goes to Eddie Heinzelman. And my longtime fave Eddie Bush wins the Disc of the Day prize.

JOSH PRUNO/Just A Minute Ago
Writers: Josh Pruno/Lew Garrison/Jack Williams; Producers: Pruno/John Willis/Jack Williams; Publishers: moboymusic, ASCAP; JP (track)
– Sweet nostalgia, delivered in an aching tenor. The twang-guitar, tinkling piano and sighing steel interludes are dandy, too. Well worth your attention. Josh’s record-release party takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16 at B.B. King’s.

RICK MONROE/Smoke Out The Window
Writers: Adam Craig, Rick Monroe, Isacc Rich; Producer: JD Shuff; Publisher: none listed; Thermal
– The bass-heavy production nicely underscores his snarly “outlaw” vocal vibe on this title tune to his latest collection. The galloping electric guitar is also on the money.

SISTER HAZEL/Life and Love
Writers: Ken Block/Trent Summar; Producers: Sister Hazel & Ben Jackson; Publishers: Crooked Chimney/Songs of Universal/Songs of NTN, BMI
– This five-piece band is one of country’s indie success stories. With more than a million followers on social media, a guest appearance on the Opry and a Platinum album already to its credit, Sister Hazel returns with a seven-song EP titled Fire. This uplifting track features the group’s characteristic close-harmony vocal work and Block’s forceful lead. I got so hooked that I played the whole collection twice through.

EDDIE BUSH/Love That Remains The Same
Writers: Eddie Bush; Producer: Dave Matthews; Publisher: none listed; EB
– This guitar slinger has backed many Music City greats while also releasing a long string of solo CDs. The title tune of his latest features his hearty, warm vocal delivery as well as his sizzling, fleet-fingered guitar flash. Exciting is the only word that will do. Catch Eddie next Wednesday with Marcus Hummon at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “Greatest Show Ever” event.

EDDIE HEINZELMAN/Wherever You Go
Writers: Eddie Heinzelman/Radney Foster; Producers: Heinzelman/Casey Wood; One Louder
-Heinzelman plays guitar and mandolin for Radney Foster on the road, and Radney is his collaborator on this title tune of the sideman’s sophomore solo CD. The rolling, rollicking number showcases a jaunty, engaging vocalist and some splendid slide guitar as well as a terrific, multi-layered production. Foster and American Idol alumnus Kendra Chantelle provide splendid backup singing. I guarantee you’ll fall for this. Eddie appears with Radney on Feb. 15 at City Winery, then has a show with his Band of Brothers at the Fillin’ Station in Kingston Springs on Feb. 22.

DEARLING/Silver and Gold
Writers: Rachel Jones; Producer: Dave Preston/Rachel James; Publisher: none listed; Dearling
– Fronted by the husband-wife duo of Dave Preston and Rachel James, this Denver band stirs up an echoey, polished sound on its EP. The title tune is lilting and lovely. The only drawback with this and Rachel’s other songs here is that they seem rather wordy and take a long time to get to their hooks.

MARTY BROWN/Umbrella Lovers
Writers: Jon Tiven/Marty Brown; Producers: Jon Tiven/Marty Brown; Publishers: Lead Pencil Publishing (BMI) admin by Sony/ATV / Uncontrolled Compositions (BMI), admin by Kobalt; Plowboy
– This fellow made some noise on MCA in the 1990s. His comeback single combines country romance with beach imagery. The relaxed atmosphere in the track contrasts with his urgent, in-your-face vocal delivery. It’s a little jarring, but you get used to it.

TYLER RESCH/Honkytonk Overtime
Writers: Tyler Resch/Byron Hill; Producer: Byron Hill; Publisher: Triage/Ramber American/DHM, ASCAP; BHP
– The latest discovery by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Byron Hill steps out with a collection titled Highways and Honkytonks. This toe-tapping standout tune from it boasts frothing guitar accompaniment, a blue-collar lyric and a sincere vocal delivery. So wonderfully catchy that you want to dance around the room while it spins. Get to know this guy’s music.

TIFFANY WILLIAMS/When You Go
Writers: Tiffany Williams; Producer: Britton Patrick Morgan; Publisher: none listed; Blue Redbird
– Her languid contralto delivers this acoustic ode to coal country with sad grace. It’s the title tune of a five-song EP that introduces a singular songwriting talent. Mournful yet lovely. Tiffany performs at Alley Taps on Monday, Feb. 18.

JEFF CLAYBORN/Caddy In The Campground
Writers: Clayborn/Betsy Walter/Chuck Ebert; Producer: Ebert; Publisher: none listed; Cabin
– Rockin’ country with a decided attitude. It’s about a slumming daddy’s girl checking out the macho Texas music man.

DISClaimer: Lockeland, Ashley McBryde Lead New Music Offerings

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Today’s edition of DisClaimer belongs to country music’s up-and-comers.

Travis Denning turns up with another winner. Kassi Ashton and Kendall Beard redeem themselves with their sophomore singles. Shane Owens continues to hold the flag high for vintage honky-tonk sonic attitude.

Best of all, the goddess Ashley McBryde has issued the title tune to her awesome album. It earns her an unchallenged Disc of the Day award.

A trio called Lockeland wins this week’s DisCovery Award.

KENDALL BEARD/Here Comes Trouble
Writers: Kendall Beard/A.J. Vallejo; Producer: A.J. Vallejo; Publisher: none listed; VMG/Broken Angel
– The track cooks with a neo-rockabilly railroad chug, leaving cinders and smoke in its wake. She rides atop it with a saucy, coy, confident soprano. A toe tapper.

ASHLEY MCBRYDE/Girl Goin’ Nowhere
Writers: McBryde/Jeremy Bussey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Songs of Song factory/Universal Tunes, BMI/SESAC; Atlantic
– The ballad title tune of Ashley’s spectacular debut album plucks at every heart string of every picker there ever was. Her tender, aching delivery contrasts the depressing naysayers of her youth with her ultimate glow in the spotlight. The long delay until the band comes in only adds to the exquisite emotional pinpoints. This woman rules.

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EASTON CORBIN/Somebody’s Gotta Be Country
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; EC
– Ya gotta love it. It’s yet another proud-to-be-country romp. But his delivery is just so earnest and good natured that you can’t help smiling. A happy redneck winner.

KASSI ASHTON/Violins
Writers: Kassi Ashton/Luke Dick/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Luke Dick/Luke Laird; Publishers: none listed; MCA
– Despite what you might expect from the title, this is feisty, rocking and smart-ass. The gist is that whatever sympathy tune he’s playing, she ain’t listening. Her spitfire delivery is packed with tart attitude.

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TRAVIS DENNING/After A Few
Writers: Travis Denning/Kelly Archer/Justin Weaver; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
– It has a nice, rolling groove with a thumping undertow. His urgent vocal relays the story of a guy who relapses with an ex way too often. I remain a booster of this fellow.

LOCKELAND/Til The Cows Come Home
Writers: Michael Boris/Kyndon Oakes/Mark Vikingstad/Renn Anderson; Producers: Boris/Sean Spence; Publishers: none listed; Lockeland
– Everyone’s trying real hard. Intense picking. Polished group harmonies. Propulsive energy. It has a rather anxious vibe, but there’s no denying the talent here.

SHANE OWENS/Love To Try Them On
Writers: noen listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Amerimonte
– It’s sort of an answer to “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” Which means it is perfect for a hardcore traditionalist like Shane. On top of that, it’s a toe-tapping, honky-tonkin’ par-tay. While he tips his hat to George Jones, Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin and Keith Whitley, he has a blast. Play it.

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GARTH BROOKS/Stronger Than Me
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Pearl (ERG)
– I know it is supposed to sound love-y, but I can’t escape the feeling that it is somehow condescending.

DEE JAY SILVER & CORT CARPENTER/Safe Zone
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; DJS
– Dull, plodding and repetitive. Even the naked chick in the video can’t save it.

JOHN SCHNEIDER/Who Da Baby Daddy
Writers: Haselden; Producers: Paul Leim, Schneider, Alicia Allain, Bob Bullock; Publisher: none listed; Maven (track)
– Ripping off Stevie Wonder’s groove to “Superstition” is not a promising start. Attempting a black accent while relating the Christmas story digs the hole deeper. However, I have to admit that the lyric is as clever as the dickens. Definitely worth a listen.

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DISClaimer: Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Nathan Stanley With Patty Loveless, Mitchell Tenpenny Lead New Offerings

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Country music is alive and well.

Patty Loveless returns as the duet partner of Ralph Stanley’s grandson Nathan. Tim McGraw is issuing another heart-piercing song to play alongside “Neon Church.” Eric Church continues to reign as an absolutely stunning contributor to the genre. Newcomer Mitchell Tenpenny proves that he belongs in this stellar company with a drinking song that has some brains.

Any one of these could be a Disc of the Day awardee. Take your pick.

There’s no contest for the DisCovery Award. It belongs to former Lower Broadway performer and now Texas honky-tonk stalwart Chuck Shaw.

CHUCK SHAW/Burn That Oil
Writers: none listed; Producers: Dave Percefull; Publishers: none listed
-He has a penetrating country tenor with plenty of personality. The punchy tune is about burning the midnight oil and partying ‘til dawn, mixed with piquant profiles of friends and lovers gone by. The fiddle, harmonica and organ in the mix are all dandy.
Highly listenable.

TIM McGRAW/Thought About You
Writers: Lee Thomas Miller/Brett Warren/Brad Warren; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: none listed; Columbia/McGraw
-This man belongs in the Country Music Hall of Fame. This is yet another example of the heart and soul he puts into his work. It’s a brilliantly written song about love and reflection and the passage of time. Heart tugging. Moving. Awesome.

RAY SCOTT/Honky Tonk Heart
Writers: Ray Scott; Producer: Michael Hughes; Publisher: none listed; RS
– The autobiographical song is fine, and his vocal is solid, as usual. The muddy, garage-level production is an audio mess.

MAREN MORRIS/Girl
Writers: Morris, Sarah Aarons, Greg Kurstin; Publisher: none listed; Columbia
– Uplifting, positive-think, “girl power” lyrics.

KENT BLAZY/Where The Hell Did Music Row Go
Writer: Blazy; Producer: none listed; Publishers: I Want To Hold Your Songs, BMI; KB (track)
– Garth gave his sometime cowriter enough studio time that Blazy could record a whole album with his band. Titled Songwriter, it concludes with this jaunty, sing-along ditty about the loss of such landmarks as Combine Music and Fireside Studio in favor of condo construction. Timely and recommended listening.

NATHAN STANLEY & PATTY LOVELESS/All I Have to Offer You Is Me
Writers: A.L. Owens/Dallas Frazier; Producer: Nathan Stanley; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Acuff-Rose/UniChappell, BMI; TRT
– Sublime country harmonizing. This whole thing brims with hillbilly authenticity. Both vocalists shine in solo turns in the verses. Then they blow the lid off with Patty’s sensational Appalachian-harmony soar above Nathan’s lead on the choruses. The song is a bona fide country classic, thanks to Charley Pride’s immortal 1969 hit. You’ll find this new version on Nathan’s Controversial Man collection.

MITCHELL TENPENNY/Alcohol You Later
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Sam Sumser/Michael Lotten; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tenpenny; Publishers: Sony-ATV Countryside/Sam Sumser/Lava/Kobalt/Lucky Mic/Music of Parallel, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia/Riser House
– Superb. He manages the tricky feat of sounding solidly country with a totally contemporary production. The deep-thump track lies under his feathery vocal delivery of a lyric about a booze-soaked night that will lead to greater romantic things. I’m beginning to think this guy might be sprinkled with stardust.

ERIC CHURCH/Some Of It
Writers: Eric Church/Jeff Hyde/Clint Daniels/Bobby Pinson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Longer and Louder/Mammaw’s Friend Okra/Little LOuder/Songs of Kobalt/New Writers of Sea Gayle/Not a Track Guy/ClearBox Rights, BMI; EMI
– Life lessons delivered with eloquence and expression. Craftsmanship and heart in every note, from the lyric to the brain-tickling production touches. The guy is a country-music genius. Take this to No. 1.

KHALID & KANE BROWN/Saturday Nights
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Right Hand/RCA
– This is a remix of the pop star’s previously released, dreamy, meandering babbling. If country radio plays it, this genre has truly lost its way.

KELSEA BALLERINI/Lost In Japan
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Black River
– This is billed as a “Spotify Single,” which means they are still banking on “Miss Me More.” It’s a Shawn Mendes pop cover delivered in a breathy, dreamy tone.

DISClaimer: Stellar Gospel Efforts From Josh Turner, Gold City, Gordon Mote

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Music Row gets religion this week.

In today’s stack of country platters, we find fabulous gospel efforts by Josh Turner, Gordon Mote and our Disc of the Day winners, Gold City. Shout hallelujah.

If you want secular recommendations, I’m urging spins for Chris Young, Big & Rich and our DisCovery Award winners, The Jake Bartley Band. Brotherhood is this band’s debut album, and I have a feeling it won’t be its last.

THE JAKE BARTLEY BAND/Cannonball
Writer: Jake Bartley; Producers: Andrew Crawford, Jake Bartley, Matt Miller; Publisher: none listed; Bonfire (track)
– It’s a well-written Civil War story song about a slave who fights in the Confederate Army. After the war, he vows to return to South Carolina and anonymity. The tempo is brisk, the production is crisp and the harmony vocal is by Vince Gill.

GORDON MOTE/Love, Love, Love
Writers: Mark Nesler/Marty Dodson/Liz Hengber; Producer: Phil Johnson, Wayne Haun, Gordon Mote; Publishers: Nashvistaville/Songs of Universal/Black to Black/I Hope Mama’s Listening/Red Sox Fan, BMI/ASCAP; New Haven
– A-list session pianist Mote is back with a new country-gospel collection. Its title tune is a stately, folksy sermon with a steady rhythm and a splendidly crafted lyric. His singing voice is as fluid and confident as are his fingers on the ivories. Highly recommended.

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BIG & RICH/Brand New Buzz
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; B&B/New Revolution
– The champagne, the whiskey and the bong aren’t the high that her lovin’ is. The track churns and builds with shuddering electric guitar work, relentless rhythm and increasing power and volume while the boys sing their butts off. Totally righteous and rockin.’

CHRIS YOUNG/Raised On Country
Writers: Chris Young, Corey Crowder, Cary Barlowe; Producers: Young/Crowder; Publishers: none listed; RCA (download)
– Chris name-checks influences Strait, Diffie, A.J., Merle, Willie and Bocephus in this funky, rollicking, lively, joyous bopper. A smile from ear to ear.

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MARK WAYNE GLASSMIRE/I’ve Got A Feeling
Writers: Debi Champion/Mark Wayne Glassmire; Producers: JOhn Albani/John Wayne Glassmire; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Traceway
-It has a vaguely early-Eagles feeling in that it has an airy, California-country vibe. Sweet and creamy sounding.

WILLIAM SHATNER, JEFF COOK, NEAL MCCOY & HOME FREE/Why Not Me
Writers: Corey Lee Barker/Shawn Sackman; Producers: Jeff Cook, Brian Curl, William Shatner; Publishers: none listed; Heartland
– Captain Kirk has always loved country music, and now he’s getting his own country CD, thanks to Alabama’s Jeff Cook. He also knows he can’t sing, so he gives this lyric his serious, spoken-word oomph while Neal McCoy warbles and Home Free harmonizes mightily alongside him. Shatner will make his debut on the Opry with this on Feb. 15. Be there or be square.
&nsbp;

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JOSH TURNER/I Saw The Light
Writer: Hank Williams; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA Nashville
– It’s pretty hard to screw up this Hank Williams gospel classic. Josh gives it a rather mellow spin, instead of its usual hand-clapping style. The rumbling, rolling and flawlessly picked track that backs him is the star here.

AARON WATSON/Kiss That Girl Goodbye
Writer: Aaron Watson; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Label
-A breakup has never sounded this excited and rocking.

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OLD DOMINION/Make It Sweet
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– As usual, the song craftsmanship is first rate. The happy, hooky toe tapper is about seizing the moment and having a fine time in romance, because “life is short, make it sweet.”

GOLD CITY/Alabama Mud
Writers: Jason Wayne Cox/Timothy Harold Lovelace/Belinda Lee Smith; Producers: Michael Sykes, Daniel Riley & Ken Harding; Publishers: Christian Taylor/Daywind/House of Lovelace, BMI; New Haven
– These stellar singing souls recently and deservedly entered the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. If you’ve ever wondered if there really is “power in the blood,” give this deep dive into backwoods country a listen. A spectacular performance. Want a trip to vintage Southern-gospel heaven? Check out the group’s revival of the old Florida Boys favorite “Bible Lovin’ Man,” which is also on its new Hope for the Journey collection.

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