DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brad Paisley ‘RAWKS’

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Brad Paisley. Photo: Jeff Lipsky

Yesterday was the first day of summer, and the country artists are celebrating.

Jameson Rodgers, Brian Kelley and Brad Paisley all have new singles saluting the season. The rocking effort by Brad Paisley takes home the Disc of the Day award.

The DISCovery Award goes to Tanner Adell, one of three Black female acts in today’s playlist. The others are the equally listenable O.N.E. The Duo and Black Opry alumna Roberta Lea.

Three seems to be today’s magic number. Big Machine is on fire this week, with three of our contenders. David Garcia is having a moment, since he’s also involved in three of this week’s releases. And that bring us back to summertime, which is the topic of three DISClaimer sounds. Here’s hoping yours is a sunshine-and-flowers season.

JOSH ROSS / “Trouble”
Writers: Josh Ross/Mason Thornley; Producer: Matt Geroux; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Heartbreak and anguish from a shredded tenor voice. The ballad is taken at a mournful pace as he describes drinking to ease the pain. In mid-song, everything stops for a drunk-dial, spoken-word passage. The echoey guitars are cool. too.

CARLY PEARCE & CHRIS STAPLETON / “We Don’t Fight Anymore”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Shane McAnally/Pete Good; Producers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine
– The relationship is so dead that they have stopped communicating completely. There’s no love, but there’s also no hate. A dobro drones sympathetically as the vocalists portray this super sad story. Both are such glorious singers that you hang on every line.

BRIAN KELLEY / “See You Next Summer”
Writers: David Garcia/Michael Hardy/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Machine
– This mid-tempo effort unspools with pent-up energy as his voice rides atop a swirling mix of beats and electric guitars. They hooked up at the beach in Florida. Instead of calling it a summer fling, he fell in love.

BRAD PAISLEY / “So Many Summers”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Ross Copperman/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Label: Loaded Goat/UMG
– Live it up and have a good time, because you only get so many summers. “Swing for the fence, jump in the water …and tell her you love her.” A word of wisdom from the senior citizen at the playground. And it RAWKS. Play this on repeat.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Mine for the Summer”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Jake Mitchell/Jameson Rodgers/Smith Ahnquist; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Columbia/River House Artists
– Well written. He’s fallen so hard that he doesn’t care about anybody back home or anything else, for that matter. They’ve just met, but he’s dizzy and giddy enough that it doesn’t matter whether she’s his for the night, for the summer or for the rest of his life. The chiming production supports him at every melodic turn. A lovely little single.

CHRIS JANSON / “The Outlaw Side of Me”
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Chris Janson/Lee Miller; Producers: Julian Raymond/Chris Janson/Scott Borchetta; Label: Big Machine
– The title tune of Janson’s new album is a thumping redneck anthem that marries his drawling vocal performance with some processed electronics and a Southern-rock production. Fiery and fierce.

JOE NICHOLS / “Brokenhearted”
Writers: John Thomas Harding/Marv Green/Rhett Akins; Producers: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– This lively tune puts tongue firmly in cheek to state that there’s no crying-in-your-beer country music anymore. Instead, everybody’s dancing to party songs, “gettin’ up and gettin’ down.” I love this song, and he’s still one helluva country singer.

PILLBOX PATTI / “Low Life”
Writers: Nicolette Hayford/Chris Tompkins/Jessie Jo Dillon/Nicolette Rose Hayford; Producers: Chris Tompkins/Park Chisolm; Label: Monument Records
– This is a terrifically gripping account of a misspent youth of drugs, booze, theft, jail and bad behavior. Despite the sordid details, you get the impression that she has fond memories. Her hushed vocal is wonderfully compelling, and the echoey, wooshy, electronic production casts a hypnotic spell. As a songwriter, Nicolette Hayford is top-notch. As an artist, Pillbox Patti has no equal.

ROBERTA LEA / “Too Much of a Woman”
Writer: Roberta Lea Halmond-Walters; Producer: none listed; Label: Heaven Lea Records
– Very feisty. She might be too loud and too assertive, but she’ll be nobody’s doormat. “If I’m too much of a woman, you’re too little of a man.” So there. Here’s an interesting tidbit: This feminist anthem was recorded in the studio with an all-woman band.

TANNER ADELL / “Throw It Back”
Writers: Dan Pellarin/Tanner Adell; Producer: Evan Cline; Label: Columbia
– Adell employs a fishing metaphor on this bopping, amusing, girl-power outing. If you don’t like the way he talks or acts, well just like something you hauled in with your rod and reel, toss him overboard. On the other hand, if he likes classic country songs, “grab him by the hand and take his country ass back home.”

O.N.E. The Duo / “‘Til You Called My Name”
Writers: Prana Supreme Diggs/John Bettis/Tekitha Washington; Producer: Nash Overstreet; Label: Visionary Media Group
– Lilting and very pretty. Their airy, wafting voices blend in harmony beautifully. The sighing strings in the mix are exquisitely arranged and produced. The message is a balm of finding home and solace after a wanderlust life. Lend this your ears. By the way, this mother-daughter team deserves some major-label support.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Take Me Out”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Sweet sounding. Underwood wants to rekindle romance with some simple solutions—some flirting, some kisses, some attention. Most of all, take her out on the town. The gently pulsing rhythm and hushed soprano harmonies are the icing on the audio cake.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Gabby Barrett Has ‘Only Just Begun’ Making Hits

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Rockers and ballads share equal space in this edition of DISClaimer.

In the former category is Gabby Barrett, who earns a Disc of the Day with her toe tapper. But not without strong competition from Dierks Bentley and Brandy Clark.

In the ballad column, you’ll find our DISCovery Award winner, Ben Goldsmith. He’s joined by strong slow-song mavens Rebecca Lynn Howard and The War and Treaty. Play ‘em all.

JAKE OWEN / “On the Boat Again”
Writers: Willie Nelson/Devin Dawson/Kyle Fishman/Rocky Block/Blake Pendergrass; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– Country’s resident Beach Boy heads back to the shore with this lively retooling of Willie’s “On the Road Again.” Boppy, goofy, summer-sunshine fun.

BRANDY CLARK / “Northwest”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label:Warner Records
– Clark sings of the majesty, beauty and space of her Pacific Northwest homeland on this punchy country rocker. Producer Carlile is also from that area, and maybe that’s why this has an extra touch of magic. There is simply no one in country music who is making music that is more consistently excellent than this awesome singer-songwriter.

LARRY FLEET / “Layaway”
Writers: Larry Fleet/Josh Miller/Mark Trussell; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– This blue-collar anthem depicts a hard-working man who struggles to make ends meet while finding solace with those who love him. The steel licks are as cool as his vocal drawl. A winner.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Something Real”
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Michael Hardy/Ashley Gorley/Luke Dick; Producers: Dierks Bentley/F. Reid Shippen/Jon Randall/Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Nashville
– The deep bass rumble and chiming guitars frame a darkly dramatic vocal performance that yearns for authenticity and emotion in life. “I’m just looking for some truth,” he sings in a surprise, stark, blank passage amid the crashing, rocking track. Well done, son.

BEN GOLDSMITH / “Flowers in Your Hair”
Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Marshall Altman; Producer: Ben Goldsmith/Brad Jones; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Different and intriguing. He possesses a piercing tenor voice that conveys sincerity in every note. The arty, poetic ballad is accompanied by simple piano playing and a lovely string quartet. Send more.

VINCE GILL & PAUL FRANKLIN / “Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)”
Writers: Ray Price/Mel Tillis/Wayne Walker; Producer: Vince Gill/Paul Franklin; Label: MCA Nashville
– Vince’s next collection, Sweet Memories, is a tribute to the music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys. It’s a collaboration with steel-guitar great Paul Franklin, who answers the singer’s phrases with silvery instrumental passages. Price was the king of the country shuffle, so naturally this advance track is a dandy one. Country trends might come and go, but I will always love me some Vince Gill.

GABBY BARRETT / “Glory Days”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Emily Weisband/Seth Mosley/James McNair; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This youngster is a queen of catchy hooks, as this rapid, rushing rocker underscores. She savors the simple joys of everyday love while beats thump all around her. “I Hope,” “The Good Ones” and “Pick Me Up” were the country-pop gems that propelled her debut album. This lead-off track of her sophomore collection suggests that she’s only just begun. Barrett heads to her home turf on Aug. 11 for a post-game concert when the Pirates play the Reds at PNC Park, which is baseball’s most perfect venue.

LEWIS BRICE & LEE BRICE / “Product Of”
Writers: Lewis Brice/Josh Gallagher/Taylor Goyette/Mark Addison Chandler; Producer: Ben Simonetti; Label: Digitally Sound Records
– This rousing, upbeat ode to small-town romance reflects the brothers’ South Carolina upbringing. It’s a terrific audio rush with an emotional core of honesty.

REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “I Am My Mother”
Writers: Rebecca Lynn Howard/Jamie Floyd/Rachel Thibodeau/Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Producers: Elisha Hoffman/Lee Brice/Rebecca Lynn Howard; Label: Pump House
– I remain an enormous fan of this lady. She remains one of country’s superior singers. Howard hits an emotional bullseye with this powerful ballad connecting her to her mother. “I look in the mirror expecting me/But her reflection is all I see.” Spine tingling stuff.

JELLY ROLL / “Need a Favor”
Writers: Jelly Roll/Rob Ragosta/Austin Nivarel/ Joe Ragosta; Producer: Austin Nivarel; Label: BBR
– “I only talk to God when I need a favor.” It has other lyrics, but those 10 words are repeated so often that it’s all you remember about the song. It and the ballad “She” have been on the market for a few months, but are now joined by the release of their parent album Whitsett Chapel.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Katie’s Song”
Writer: Robyn Ottolini; Producer: Mark Schroor/Erik Fintelman; Label: Aleu Records
– Timed to Pride Month, Robyn’s lively new song celebrates her sister, “Sometimes girls and girls can fall in love….Katie’s got a girlfriend/Love is love, it is what it is/And they’re both happy as shit.” Alrighty then.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Dumb Luck”
Writer: Beau Bedford; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Mercury Nashville
– It seems like the label releases a new track by this titanically talented duo every week. Which is fine by me. In this case, it’s a performance video of a thrilling, to-God-the-glory power ballad. If your spirit needs a lift, play it now. Then shout, “Amen.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Parker McCollum Shows His Star Power On ‘Smoldering Heartache Song’

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Teamwork makes the dream work.

A flurry of collaborations mark this edition of DISClaimer. Putting their voices together to create fine listening are Miranda Lambert & Leon Bridges, Bryan Ruby & Ty Herndon, Brothers Osborne and Kenny & Dolly, who are best harmony singers in the bunch.

But the Disc of the Day goes to a solo performer, Parker McCollum. He sounds more and more like a headliner every day.

The DISCovery Award belongs to singer-songwriter Julie Williams, a captivating new talent, for sure.

DYLAN SCOTT / “This Town’s Been Good to Us”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Ashley Gorley/Ryan Vojtesak/John Byron/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Charlie Handsome/Jacob Durrett; Label: Curb
– Memories of a time and place. Nostalgia and reflection for a well-spent youth. Engaging and hearty.

BOY NAMED BANJO / “What Keeps Me Going”
Writers: Barton Davies/Pat McLaughlin/William Reames; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Excellent vocal harmonies, a gentle vibe, soaring instrumental work and a feel-good message are the hallmarks of this uplifting ballad. The members of this band have been playing together since they were teens, and it shows.

JASON ALDEAN / “Try That in a Small Town”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy/Kelley Lovelace/Neil Thrasher; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: BBR
– Tuneless, bellicose bellowing about how evil big cities are.

KENNY ROGERS & DOLLY PARTON / “Tell Me That You Love Me”
Writers: Todd Cerney/Buffy Lawson/Eric Pittarelli; Producer: Tony Brown; Label: UMG
– The late Kenny Rogers has a new album titled Life Is Like A Song. It contains previously unreleased performances and rarities, including this long-lost duet with Dolly. The jaunty rhythm and buoyant mood burble along while these two superb harmony vocalists bounce their voices merrily against each other. A total smile.

BECKY HOBBS / “About the Children”
Writer: Rebecca Ann Hobbs; Producer: none listed; Label: Beckaroo Records
– “It’s just another shooting in the U.S.A.” is the opening line of this heartfelt ballad about our society’s epidemic of gun violence. Our children are being murdered. “Thoughts and prayers are not enough,” she sings, adding, “When are we gonna say we’ve had enough?” and chanting a middle passage that demands reforming our gun laws.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Goodbye’s Kickin’ In”
Writers: John Osbornes/Lee Miller/Mike Elizondo/TJ Osborne; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: EMI Nashville 
– This change-of-pace number is a bluesy, moody stomper with hot guitar licks that don’t quit. Highly listenable.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Burn It Down”
Writers: Parker McCollum/Hillary Lindsay/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: MCA Nashville
– The smoldering heartache song bursts into flame on its bridge and keeps on burning to its smoking-ashes finale. McCollum’s delivery is appropriately edgy and pained. The man is a star.

JULIE WILLIAMS / “Sugarcoat”
Writers: Julie Williams/Alex Slay; Producers: Michael Beckhart/Gabriel Klein/Gideon Klein; Label: Julie Williams Music
– Every time I have seen her at a Black Opry show, Williams has impressed me with her talent. Now she’s been chosen for the 2023 CMT Next Women of Country class. Last week, she celebrated the release of her debut EP with a show at Analog. On its title tune and first video, she’s showing her sweet self so he will never see her hurting. It’s a lilting, bright, pop-ish ditty that showcases her songwriting talent as well as her winsome vocal style.

MIRANDA LAMBERT & LEON BRIDGES / “If You Were Mine”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Jesse Frasure; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Columbia
– These two Texans melt their voices together like an ice-cream sundae on a summer day in this deliciously dreamy duet. The band provides tasty licks between their vocal phrases to complete the sweet dish.

KIDD G / “Daylight Savings”
Writers: Alex Maxwell/Gabe Foust/Jonathan Gabriel Horne/Joybeth Taylor; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Rebel/Geffen Records
– Rocking country that sounds vaguely like an Aldean outtake. Youthful and rousing.

LAUREN ALAINA / “A Walk in the Bar”
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Casey Brown/Lydia Vaughan/Parker Welling; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– Getting over him is as easy as a barroom pick-up. A melody would have been nice.

BRYAN RUBY & TY HERNDON / “The Standouts”
Writers: Bryan Ruby/Chad Sellers/Anthony Fiddler; Producer: Smith Curry; Label: Pivotal Records
– This is a power-packed anthem celebrating heroes who display courage in their lives. Although it’s not specific in the lyric, they intend for it to be a song for Pride Month. Because among the several heroes depicted in the song are LGBTQ+ folks.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Wendy Moten Releases A ‘Groove-Saturated Sonic Slab Of Soul’

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I have been looking forward to this for years.

This is the first all-Black column in DISClaimer’s 40-year history. Never before have there been a full dozen current Black-music releases related to the Nashville music scene that are available in the same week.

Musically, it’s a mixed bag. You’ll find blues, folk, R&B, reggae, Americana and more in this roundup. What unites almost all of them is musical excellence.

Wendy Moten’s new single is the Disc of the Day. The DISCovery Award goes to the sister quartet The BoykinZ. Both acts are proud Nashvillians, and we’re just as proud of them.

JOY OLADOKUN / “Taking Things for Granted”
Writers: Joy Oladokun; Producers: Joy Oladokun, Elliot Skinner, Aaron Steele; Label: Verve Forecast/Republic
– I usually think of her as a folkie, but this track rocks with pop punch. Plus, she shreds on the electric guitar. It’s so hooky and radio friendly that she could ascend to Swiftian levels with it. This Nashvillian is celebrating a new album, Proof of Life, with a national tour and a basket full of rave reviews. Rousing applause from this corner.

WENDY MOTEN / “Don’t Give Up”
Writers: Wendy Moten/David Santos; Producers: Paul Worley/Wendy Moten; Label: Radio Eye Music
– After more than 20 years as a background vocalist for others, Moten shot to national fame via competing on The Voice last year. She was an inspiration to mature performers everywhere when she became a fan-favorite finalist. Her new single is similarly inspiring, a life philosophy about persevering through the storms. Not only that, it’s a groove-saturated sonic slab of soul. Everything about this is electrifying, from the sizzling organ to the rump-shaking rhythm section, from the tasty guitar licks to her shout-to-the-heavens vocal. All together now: “Hallelujah!”

LOUIS YORK & JESSIE J / “Heaven Bound”
Writers: Charles Harmon/Claude Kelly/Jessica Ellen Cornish/Margaret Rose Durante; Producer: Louis York; Label: Weirdo Workshop 
– Contemporary R&B the way it is meant to be played. It’s also an ultra-romantic duet with scintillating harmonies, killer production and hooks a-plenty. Jessie sings great, but the stars of this show are the Louis York production team with Claude Kelly vocalizing up a storm and his partner Chuck Harmony laying down all the keyboard and guitar parts. It is part of a forthcoming album by these two Music City creators titled Songs With Friends.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Up Yonder”
Writers: Michael Trotter, Jr., Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– These two thrilling voices wrecked the house during the PBS broadcast of the Memorial Day concert. Elaborating on the gospel chestnut “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” they paid tribute to the fallen men and women of our armed services. By the time they finished, I was sobbing openly. If you didn’t catch this performance on TV, go to YouTube right now and be prepared to be shaken to the depths of your soul. Michael and Tanya make me feel so proud to live in a community that lifts them up.

THE SHINDELLAS / “Last Night Was Good For My Soul”
Writers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony; Producers: Louis York; Label: Weirdo Workshop
– This Nashville female trio harkens back to the glory days of the “girl group” era. Over an addictive funk/disco groove, they harmonize and emote marvelously on this sunny thumper. It debuted on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart this week, and hooray for that. The Shindellas opened last fall’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame banquet, and I’d sure like to see them again. How about a local club date?

KEB’ MO’ / “Taking Me Higher”
Writers: Keb’ Mo’/John Lewis Parking; Producers: Keb’ Mo’/John Burk; Label: Candid
– “Taking Me Higher” is the first single from the soundtrack of the upcoming movie Sweetwater, which tells the story of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African American to land an NBA contract. Nashville’s resident blues genius gives it a stately, deliberate reading, loaded with cool guitar licks, accompanying female choristers and his own brilliant, mellifluous, behind-the-beat phrasing. Totally uplifting. Love this. Love him.

DEVON GILFILLIAN / “All I Really Wanna Do”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Henry Brill/Ran Jackson; Producer: Jeremy Lutito; Label: Fantasy
– This guy attracted attention a few years back by recreating Marvin Gaye’s 1971 masterpiece What’s Going On, song for song. That influence is still audible on his new Love You Anyway album and its trippy, dreamy current single. Gilfillian’s presence in Nashville seems to me like the future of the town’s Black-music scene. This is a sound to get lost in.

MORGAN HERITAGE / “Ready”
Writers: Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr./Emmanuel Mkono, Jose Chameleone/Morgan Heritage/Romeo Bangula; Producers: Morgan Hertiage/Nahreel; Label: CTBC Music Group
– Among Nashville’s most distinctive musician residents is Gramps Morgan, the Grammy-winning reggae star. His Morgan Heritage recording ensemble has a new 21-track album titled The Homeland, and it has already spawned several simultaneously released stoner singles. This one features Jose Chameleone and Shatta Wade chanting the refrain with Gramps coming in with a baritone rap about midway through. It’s a rhythm-happy bouncer extolling booty beauty. Beats to brighten your day.

AMYTHYST KIAH / “Chained to the Rhythm”
Writers: Ali Payami/Katy Perry/Max Martin/Sia Furler/Skip Marley; Producers: Amythyst Kiah/Matty Alger/Ethan Ballinger; Label: Rounder
– This Johnson City, Tennessee resident recently hit TikTok with her cool cover of the Katy Perry 2016 hit “Chained to the Rhythm.” It is awash in electronic atmosphere and an alto vocal echoing from deep in a well. The track is on her EP titled Pensive Pop. Hypnotic listening.

THE BOYKINZ / “Girls Night”
Writers: Alona Boykin/Anale Boykin/Cory Moore/Craig King/Kylan Boykin/Nytere Boykin; Producers: none listed; Label: The BoykinZ
– These four Black Nashville vocalists harmonize as only blood sisters can. An encounter with Shania Twain on Kelly Clarkson’s TV show led to an invitation to appear with the superstar on her June 7 concert at GEODIS park. They are still working on their album, but already have more than half a million followers on social media. The BoykinZ current single has hip-hop rhythms, dancefloor style and a country vibe. For an even more ear-opening experience, check out the YouTube footage of them singing Dolly’s “Jolene” in a cappella harmony on that same Kelly Clarkson Show.

RHIANNON GIDDENS / “You’re the One”
Writers: Lalenja Harrington/Rhiannon Giddens; Producer: Jack Splash; Label: Nonesuch
– This is the title track of her first solo album in six years (due Aug. 18). Previously noted for her old-time country and quasi-classical explorations, the set also marks her first collection of all original songs. The sound here is attractive, romantic pop-country with her fluid vocal layered over a track rippling with mandolin, fiddle and banjo notes plus crashing chorus percussion.

VALERIE JUNE & BILL FRISELL / “Handsome Molly”
Writer: Don Watson; Producer: Matthew Stevens; Label: FLi Records/Budde Music
– This is drawn from the Doc Watson tribute album I Am a Pilgrim. Both artists are big Americana favorites. The track is a traditional Anglo-American folk song, and June’s lead vocal sounds exactly like an Appalachian mountaineer, backed by Frisell’s ethereal, loopy strumming. She is a delightfully genre-defying Black Tennessee artist who has always followed her own bliss.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Carrie Underwood ‘Rocks Out On This Defiant Stomper’

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It’s an all-female country roundup in this edition of DISClaimer.

Tanya Tucker, Brandy Clark and Joydyn Shellhart have the best songs. There are memories of Tina Turner and Olivia Newton John lingering in the air. Hannah Dasher, Harper Grace and Morgan Wade sound like stars in training.

If there’s a downside to all of this, it’s that this stack of releases is way ballad heavy. The two ear catching tempo tunes belong to Runaway June and to Carrie Underwood, who wins the Disc of the Day award.

To our list of DisCovery winners, add the name of the HuneyFire duo. They have all the spark needed to start a fire.

HARPER GRACE / “Oh Say Can You See”
Writers: Harper Grace/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Alex Kline/Tedd T; Label: Curb Records
– I am wild about her “Sparkle” debut single. This autobiographical ballad track is promise fulfilled. It’s an anti-bullying lyric addressed to her hurting, 11-year-old self. She tells herself that she’ll get off her knees and sing to crowds one day.

BRANDY CLARK & BRANDI CARLILE / “Dear Insecurity”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Michael Pollack; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– Clark is firing on all cylinders this year. She is Tony nominated for the Shucked Broadway musical, and she has a new album produced by Americana superstar Brandi Carlile, who is her duet partner on this lilting ballad. Strings soar while the brilliant song craftswoman weaves her magic spell. Have I mentioned I also think that she is an awesome singer?

HUNEYFIRE / “Too Late for Sorry”
Writers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Producers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Label: Double Decades Entertainment
– This is an Afro-Latina mother-daughter country act. Both women sing the fire outta this torrid heartache ballad. They swap verses powerfully, but don’t actually harmonize, which is a disappointment. Mom Cheaza Figueroa is the daughter of former Ikette Barbara Cook, who danced and sang backing the late, great Tina Turner. Daughter Marriana Nevarez’s father Alfred Nevarez is a founding member of the hit pop group All-4-One (”I Swear,” “I Can Love You Like That”).

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Out of That Truck”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Lydia Vaughan; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Carrie rocks out on this defiant stomper addressed to her ex. She vows that no matter how hard he tries, he’ll never erase her memory from his truck, because they shared so much in it. A winner.

HANNAH DASHER / “Ugly Houses”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Robert Arthur; Producer: Ilya Toshinskiy; Label: HD
– Delightful. I dig everything about this bodacious artist. What’s not to like? She has wit and charm and is as country as grits. She even has her own YouTube channel.

TANYA TUCKER / “When the Rodeo Is Over”
Writers: Billy Don Burns/Craig Dillingham/Brandi Carlile; Producers: Shooter Jennings/Brandi Carlile; Label: Fantasy
– Sad and wistful. Tucker pushes emotional buttons as she unspools the tale of a broken-down, wino cowboy who used to be a rodeo champ. This downbeat narrative ballad is what country music does best. Bless her for always having her heart in the right place. The new album is titled Sweet Western Sound. And it is.

MORGAN WADE / “Psychopath”
Writer: Morgan Wade; Producer: Sadler Vaden; Label: Ladylike Records/RCA Nashville
– The title tune of Wade’s sophomore album doesn’t sound like you might expect, given that it is such a emotionally charged word. Rather, it’s a lilting love song. Listen for yourself. I think you’ll dig it.

KELLY LANG & OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN / “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”
Writers: Barry Gibb/Robin Gibb; Producer: Kelly Lang; Label: Primary Wave Music
– The late Olivia’s swan song was this duet with the lustrous Nashville vocalist Kelly Lang. The ultra melodic 1971 Bee Gees oldie sounds shimmering when they harmonize.

JORDYN SHELLHART / “Maybe Someday You’ll Have a Daughter”
Writers: Jordyn Shellhart/Courtney Dashe; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– When people ask me who I’m excited about these days, I tell them, “Jordyn Shellhart.” This extraordinary song is one reason why. In the lyric, she gives herself to a no-good guy who breaks her heart. Her loss of innocence, her abandonment and her pain spill out eloquently as she muses about his future. Her debut album is titled Primrose. I urge you to experience it.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Hands on the Wheel”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The title tune of her debut EP is a moody, bluesy and utterly compelling mid-tempo rush. Her gravely, aching voice grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. She’s drivin’ and cryin,’ trying to keep it between the lines as she speeds to heal a broken heart.

LORI McKENNA & HILLARY LINDSEY / “Killing Me”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Hillary Lindsey/Luke Laird; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label CN Records
– This has a charming, jingle-jangle quality. The track rumbles along merrily, but the lyric is anything but merry. “Would it kill you to be happy?/Because trying to make you happy is killing me.” She’s pretty miserable, folks, no matter what the rhythm section says.

RUNAWAY JUNE / “Make Me Wanna Smoke”
Writers: Jason Sellers/Ella Langley/Bobby Hamrick; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall and Stevie Woodward romp their way through this thumping urban rocker with sass to spare. The relationship might be wrong, but she’s going for it anyway.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lee Brice Honors Late Collaborator, Kyle Jacobs

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Kyle Jacobs and Lee Brice

We’re mixing it up with hard country, pop country, blues, rock and folk-pop in this edition of DISClaimer.

For real meat-and-potatoes country music, I prescribe Brennen Leigh, Thompson Square, Chase Matthew and Colby Acuff.

We have two excellent entries by Black country stylists this week. One is from a previous favorite, O.N.E. The Duo. The other comes from our DISCovery Award winner, Tae Lewis.

Towering above everybody else is the sublime single by Lee Brice, which earns the Disc of the Day prize.

TAE LEWIS / “Summer of 21”
Writers: Brian Alexander/Mary Kutter/Chris Sligh/Heath Warren/Tae Lewis; Producers: Taylor Bias/Lukas Scott Klingensmith; Label: Tae Lewis Music
– Nostalgia for that summertime beach romance with oomphy production to match his sterling, range-y, tenor-vocal performance. Best debut disc I’ve heard in ages. Lewis is one of the Black Opry talents.

JD DARLING / “1995”
Writer: Jonathan Darling; Producers: John Kennedy/JD Darling; Label: JD Darling
– He has an honest, slightly pitchy baritone, and the spare production is attractive. His song is kinda simplistic, sing-songy and overly wordy, but the overall listening experience goes down smoothly. He’s still on the amateur side of things. But keep him writing. He’s on the path.

LEE BRICE / “Save the Roses”
Writers: Lee Brice/Joe Leathers/Kyle Jacobs; Producers: Ben Glover/Kyle Jacobs; Label: Curb Records
– I love this man. He’s a song magnet who gets to me every time. Brice is a superb country singer who delivers a lyric like no one else in this business. In this case, it is a powerful, chesty elegy to the late songwriter Kyle Jacobs, and I promise it will hit you in your heart.

BRENNEN LEIGH / “I Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin Yet”
Writers: Brennen Leigh/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Chris Scruggs; Label: Signature Sounds
– I’ve been a fan of this talented Texan for years. She is unashamedly country down to her fingertips, unafraid to bask in fiddles and steel while delivering songs of beers & tears. This is the title tune of her Nashville album, which drops June 16. On board in the CD’s cast are Rodney Crowell, Chris Scruggs and Marty Stuart. This exquisitely retro tune will make you want to grab a partner and two-step across that dance floor. To coin a phrase—This is music to my ears.

CHASE MATTHEW / “Where There’s Smoke”
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Alysa Vanderheym/Josh Miller/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Chase Matthew Music
– Matthew’s new 25-song album arrives on June 9, but there’s already a lot to preview. Its single is “Love You Again.” The collection’s title tune is “Come Get Your Memory.” There’s a video of “County Line.” Yet another advance is this track marrying heartache and doubt with driving, top-down energy. Modern country with a twang.

DOLLY PARTON / “World on Fire”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: Kent Wells; Label: Big Machine Records, LLC
– Dolly premiered this stomping, apocalyptic, thunderous call for love and unity on last week’s ACM awards show. She’s channeling Queen, U2 and Springsteen as she introduces us to her new rock personna. The chanted barn burner will be found on Rockstar, her 30-track, star-studded rock collection coming this fall. An audio revelation.

O.N.E. The Duo / “Hearts Like Mine”
Writers: Tekitha Washington/Prana Supreme Diggs/Rebecca Lynn Howard/Elisha Hoffman/Lincoln Morris; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Visionary Media Group
– The mother-daughter team displays a glossy, melodic, pop-ish sound on this outing. Their wafting, gently harmonized, feminine bopper is simply lovely. It joins the video of “Feels Good” and last year’s “Stuck in the Middle” as advance tracks. All three songs are drawn from Blood Harmony, O.N.E. The Duo’s debut album, which drops Aug. 11.

RILEY GREEN & LUKE COMBS / “Different ‘Round Here”
Writers: Randy Montana/Jonathan David Singleton/Riley Green; Producer: Dan Huff, Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
– Let’s see: So far, Mr. Green has released duets with Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett and Dustin Lynch. Now here’s another. This redneck anthem features country king Combs. It pre-supposes that their hometown is “different” because it can tell “right is right and wrong is wrong.” Unlike the rest of us?

THOMPSON SQUARE / “Without You”
Writers: Tim Nichols/Anthony Olympia/Brent Rupard; Producers: Derek George, Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Rippling banjo notes set the merry mood as the husband-wife duo rolls out of the driveway and out onto the open road with this zesty, made-for-summer ditty. Keifer sings lead and Shawna shadows him in perfect harmony. The electric guitars soar as the track hits its stride. Highly recommended.

LINDSAY ELL / “Sweet Spot”
Writers: Lindsay Ell/Mark Campbell/Pete Groenwald; Producers: Mark Campbell/Peter Groenwald; Label: WM Canada
– The Canadian guitar-slinging country troubadour unleashes a punchy, pop production that motors along steadily with relentless beats in an echoey atmosphere. Breezy and pleasant. North of the border, she’s the host of Canada’s Got Talent. In a recent People magazine story, she revealed that she has been battling an eating disorder.

GRIFFEN PALMER / “Put Me Through Hello”
Writers: Griffen Palmer/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– He lets her put him through “Hell-oh” every time his ex calls him and reels him back in. The rapid-fire delivery is expertly done, and the production has just the right touches of electric instrumentation, thumping rhythm and swirling atmosphere. This is drawn from Palmer’s debut album, the recently released Unlearn. Nicely done, bro.

TRACY NELSON & WILLIE NELSON / “Honky Tonkin’”
Writer: Hank Williams; Producers: Roger Alan Nichols/Tracy Nelson; Label: BMG
– On her new Life Don’t Miss Nobody album, timeless Nashville blues diva Tracy Nelson dips into the catalogs of Ma Rainey, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Sonny Boy Williamson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Gene McDaniels, the Nevilles and Stephen Foster. Among the highlights is her reunion with Willie. The two last scored a blazing duet success with “After the Fire Is Gone” in 1974. On this upbeat. loosey-goosey rendition of the Hank Williams classic, the two are equally charming. The hot harmonica licks by Mickey Raphael don’t hurt a bit. Throughout the collection, producer Roger Nichols’ tracks are brilliantly imaginative.

COLBY ACUFF / “Playing God Again”
Writers: Colby Acuff/Dwight Baker; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This Idaho singer-songwriter has issued three self-penned indie albums. For his Sony debut, he trots out a fiddle-led romper that tells us to “sit back and let the future unfold” and don’t try to control what you can’t. His energy and his reedy, heartfelt voice are infectious. Also check out the lilting folkie ballad that is his album’s title tune, “Western White Pines.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Janson, Dolly & Slash Come Together For A ‘Sensational Collaboration’

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Sunday is Mother’s Day, and country music has its soundtrack.

Dalton Dover, Ernest, Veronique Medrano, Rebecca Lynn Howard and Honey County are all releasing singles that relate to this holiday. For her Tex-Mex entry, Veronique Medrano wins the DisCovery Award. I don’t understand Spanish, but she comes through loud and clear anyhow.

There are some pretty amazing performances in this week’s column. Luke Combs and the Shy Carter/Caitlyn Smith duet are both essential listening experiences. So is the extraordinary “21 Forever” by Chris Janson, Dolly Parton and Slash. It wins the Disc of the Day.

HONEY COUNTY / “Got It From My Mama”
Writers: Kalie Shorr/Dani Rose/Maks Gabriel/Hillary Reynolds/Sofie Lynn ; Producers: Maks Gabriel/John Spiker; Label: Honey County
– This manages the tricky feat of being trippy and danceable while also having heart and meaning. The swirling beats are charming, and the sentiment is poignant. Happy Mother’s Day, y’all.

SHY CARTER & CAITLYN SMITH / “How Did You Sleep”
Writers: Blake Anthony Carter/Caitlyn Smith/Bryan Simpson; Producers: Shy Carter/Caitlyn Smith; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– These two sound great together. Her soprano harmony voice is flawless, and he invests every note of his vocal with emotion. The lyric of bitter reproach is penetrating, and their duet delivery has you hanging on every line. I’m into this one.

LUKE BRYAN / “But I Got a Beer in My Hand”
Writers: Chase McGill/Matt Dragstrem/Geoff Warburton; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records
– This lively bopper is produced with rousing oomph. He should be broken hearted, but instead he’s in party-hearty mode. Sounds like summer energy.

REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “I Am My Mother”
Writers: Rebecca Lynn Howard/Jamie Floyd/Rachel Thibodeau/Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Producer: Rebecca Lynn Howard; Label: Rebecca Lynn Howard
– I have always loved this artist. Her Mother’s Day sentiment is a heart tugger, as is attested by such celeb endorsers as Lee Brice, Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs and Charlie Worsham.

CHRIS JANSON, DOLLY PARTON & SLASH / “21 Forever”
Writers: Chris Janson/Tommy Cecil/Tom Douglas; Producers: Julian Raymond/Chris Janson/Scott Borchetta; Label: BMLG Records
– Yes, it’s a sensational collaboration. But the song is so awesome and powerful that it doesn’t need any guest stars at all. That said, Janson turns in the finest vocal of his career to date, and I’ll go to my grave loving Dolly. Hang on for the extended, breath-taking Slash guitar solo at the coda. A magnificent recording.

VERONIQUE MEDRANO / “Que Hueva!”
Writers: Veronique Michelle Medrano/Mariano Herrera; Producers: Veronique Michelle Medrano/Mariano Herrera; Label: Veronique Medrano
– This bi-lingual Tejano artist takes an aggressive feminist stance here, speaking out forcefully for self-determination and pro-choice and against our government’s war on women. The zippy, accordion-accented Mexicali track sounds happy, but she means business as a badass woman. Apparently, there’s an uncensored version coming, but I don’t speak Spanish, never mind understanding its cuss words. In this release timed for Mother’s Day, Medrano reminds us, “Ser una mujer es todo una guerra (Being a woman is constantly having to go to battle).” A joyous, Latina rallying cry.

LUKE COMBS / “Fast Car”
Writer: Tracy Chapman; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– Tracy Chapman won a 1988 Grammy with this timeless tune. Combs sets his usual belting-vocal style aside to give the song the folkie spin it needs. In doing so, he brings out the lyric’s blue-collar power. It’s one more reason why this guy deserves his superstardom.

DALTON DOVER / “I Wouldn’t Be Here”
Writers: Dalton Dover/Russell Sutton/Dan Isabell; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Beautifully done. This is a heartfelt ode to the mother who loved him, believed in him, supported him and held him. “I am the man I am because you cared/And I wouldn’t be here, if you hadn’t been there.” It’s lump-in-throat time, folks. Partly because Dover, as always, is a brilliant country singer.

JASON ALDEAN / “Tough Crowd”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Marv Green/Tully Kennedy/Kelley Lovelace/Neil Thrasher; Partner: Michael Knox; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Lotsa volume and electric guitars here. Amid the noise, he sings of the throngs who pack his shows every night.

ERNEST / “Takes After You”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Jordan Schmidt/Josh Thompson; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– This Mother’s Day gift is a wish that his son will have the attributes of his mom, rather than the singer’s own imperfections. Very loving.

CODY BELEW / “Charlene”
Writer: Cody Belew; Producer: Dustin Ransom; Label: Visionary
– This forcefully sung, gospel-flavored ballad was written as a response to a woman who told him he couldn’t go to Heaven because he was gay. Belew is an outspoken member of country music’s LGBTQ community and wrote a Tennessean op ed last Sunday about religion being used as a weapon of intolerance.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Old Dominion Weaves A ‘Delightful Tapestry Of Sound’

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It’s a miracle.

There is not one, single, “bro country” song in this week’s stack of sounds. No pick-up trucks, no skinny dipping, no bonfires, no dirt roads, no rural fields, no beer. Okay, so I lied about that last one.

What we DO have is a flurry of artists who want you out on that dance floor. Beckoning you to trip the light fantastic are Kylie Morgan, Tim Dugger, Tyler Hubbard & Keith Urban, Willie Jones and our Disc of the Day winners, Old Dominion.

Not to worry: country music isn’t losing its sentimental side. For that, I refer you to the fine efforts by Drew Parker, Tyler Rich, Jameson Rodgers and our DisCovery Award winner, Micaela Kleinsmith.

OLD DOMINION / “I Should Have Married You”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers/Geoff Sprung/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally; Producers: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally; Label: Arista Nashville
– Enchanting. The rippling production, twirling melody, percussive effects and hearty vocals combine to weave a delightful tapestry of sound. The summertime vibe and merry tempo contrast with a lyric of regret. There’s a reason why this is the five-time ACM Group of the Year, and this is it.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Louder Than Guns”
Writers: Ketch Secor/Mike Harris; Producers: Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO Records
– The Opry string band speaks out against gun violence in this rousing anthem. Leader Secor has carved the names of the six Covenant victims on his fiddle, is dedicating this song to them and has joined the 97Percent organization to work for sanity. Polls have repeatedly stated that the public wants gun reform, yet our legislators remain pawns of the NRA, rather than serving the people. Why is the U.S. the only country on earth with this problem?

DREW PARKER / “King of Country Music (with Mallory Parker)”
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Marc Beeson; Producers: Phil O’Donnell/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The rollicking “Middle of Nowhere Class” remains the flagship song of the EP, and you should definitely lend it your ears. Also check out this heart-tugging, newly released track. It’s a tender word portrait of a struggling country singer and the woman who has undying faith in him. He remains one of my favorite new country vocalists, because he makes me believe every word. That’s Drew’s wife Mallory singing harmony, by the way.

ALANA SPRINGSTEEN / “Twenty Something”
Writers: Alana Springsteen/Liz Rose/Trannie Anderson/AJ Pruis; Producers: Chris LaCorte/Alana Springsteen; Label: Columbia
– Moody and minor-key, this is an exploration of the complex, roller-coaster feelings of youth. It is well sung and produced with oomph. This is an advance track and title tune of the second installment of her “three-part album,” I am told.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Built for Heartbreak”
Writers: John Byron/Chris LaCorte/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: David Garcia; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– He had me at hello: “My blood’s a whiskey reservoir with clouds of barroom smoke” are the song’s opening lines. And it gets better as it goes. “Get that hammer, raise it up and bring it down/I’m already a disaster…ain’t a swing of pain that I can’t take,” he sings, because he’s “Built for Heartbreak.” Talk about a song you wish you’d written…..

TEDDY ROBB / “Question the Universe”
Writer: Brad Tursi; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Teddy Robb
– He sings it expressively, but I don’t hear “hit” in this wordy, downbeat, meandering ballad.

WILLIE JONES / “Something to Dance To”
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Eric Arjes/Willie Jones; Producers: Willie Jones/Eric Arjes; Label: Sony Music Nashville 
– Go ahead and lose yourself in the music, Jones advises. Amid the happy beats, he suggests that we all dance like nobody’s watching, whether it’s in the middle of a cornfield or a nightclub. This giddy, rhythmic ditty is a blast. It’s the hooky-as-heck title tune of his debut album, which drops on June 16.

TIM DUGGER / “Mary Wanna?”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Tim Dugger; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb Records
– This is a marvelous two stepper, loaded with banjo licks and fiddle filligrees. As usual, Dugger is a model country singer, and this goofy-fun, blue-collar romance lets him shine brightly. Tap your toes and sing along as he gets high on love.

TYLER HUBBARD & KEITH URBAN / “Dancin’ in the Country (Demo)”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Keith Urban/Ross Copperman/Jon Nite; Producers: none listed; Label: EMI Nashville
– Hubbard’s current hit remains a happy-feet bouncer. The original demo of the song features his cowriter Urban bopping right alongside him and taking his turn in the lead vocal spot during the bridge. The burbling beat makes ya smile, even in this unpolished, stripped-down version

TYLER RICH / “Heaven Is Your Hometown”
Writers: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/Tyler Rich; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– I have always liked this guy’s singing. This rolling, easy-going track has some dandy pick-up lines as he approaches the new girl in town. She’s so beautiful that she must have fallen out of the clouds, he tells her. Go for it, buddy.

MICAELA KLEINSMITH / “Butterfly”
Writer: Micaela Kleinsmith; Producer: Tommy Sims; Label: Platoon
– Dreamy, bluesy and atmospheric. Her hushed vocal, the gently plucked guitar and the airy production cast a hypnotic pop spell. Hang with her as she invests the song with more and more vocal power as it progresses. Kleinsmith is a South African performer who won Reese Witherspoon’s “My Kind of Country” global competition with this performance. Very promising.

KYLIE MORGAN / “Sugar Daddy”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/James McNair/Seth Mosley; Producers: Seth Mosley/ Malcom “X” O’Connor; Label: EMI Nashville
– Thumping and propulsive, this imbeds her pert, youthful vocal in a feisty, driving ditty. “Be your own Sugar Daddy,” she advises her empowered sisters. “Get your own money, honey.” Sassy and fun.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Colbie Caillat Releases ‘Dreamy’ New Single

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As we head into springtime, Music City’s country artists have a breezy soundtrack for us.

Topping the playlist in this edition of DisClaimer is Colbie Caillat. She came to pop fame with “Bubbly” back in 2007, and during the successive decade issued a string of hit “alternative A/C” tracks (”Fallin’ for You,” “I Do,” “Realize,” “Try,” etc.). In 2018, she turned toward country with her group Gone West. Now she has this week’s country Disc of the Day.

Caillat was not without challengers. I was particularly smitten with the new tracks by Melonie Cannon, Cattie Offerman, Brandy Clark and Danielle Bradbery. K. Michelle also sounds promising.

I have been grooving on Jamie Floyd’s sounds for several seasons. Years ago, she was a cool pop-rocker. Today, she wins a DisCovery Award for being a new country artist.

BREI CARTER / “Straight Up Country Crazy”
Writers: Brei Carter/Ken Matthiesen/Blaine Younger/Rachel Seiler; Producer: Curt Ryle; Label: Brown Lee Entertainment/Orchard
– What are you waiting for? Get up on your feet; Carter is summoning you to the dance floor. The “gang” chorus and pounding rhythm let you know she’s aiming for an anthem here.

CATIE OFFERMAN / “I Just Killed a Man”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Ryan Beaver/Joe Clemmons/Jessie Jo Dillon/Benjy Davis; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
– Offerman aches with guilt on this stately ballad. She’s dumped the guy she doesn’t love anymore, and now she has his heartbreak on her hands. Very cool and very different.

COLBIE CAILLAT / “Worth It”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Liz Rose/AJ Pruis; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– Pop star Caillat has always had country tendencies. On this power ballad, she realizes the relationship is kaput, but doesn’t regret a thing. “I know it wasn’t perfect, but loving you was worth it,” she sings in the hooky refrain. The echoey production atmosphere gives the whole thing a dreamy quality.

ELLA LANGLEY & KOE WETZEL / “That’s Why We Fight”
Writers: David Garcia/Brett Tyler/Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville
– It sounds like ‘70s rock, and it is over produced.

TENILLE TOWNES / “Landslide”
Writer: Stevie Nicks; Producers: Tenille Townes/Jaxon Hargrove; Label: Sony
– Canadian superstar Townes (she’s the reigning Country Entertainer of the Year there) is issuing a stripped-down, acoustic, live set of tunes. The Train Track Worktapes is an EP consisting mainly of originals, but she also does a cool, folkie version of this Stevie Nicks classic. I’m a huge fan of both of those ladies.

BRANDY CLARK / “She Smoked in the House”
Writer: Brandy Clark; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– How great is it that one of our own has a musical on Broadway? Two of our own, actually, since Brandy and Shane McAnally are the co-writers of the songs in Shucked. Anyhow, Brandy also continues her winning ways as an artist. Ahead of her third album, she has issued “Buried” as a single and this lively character portrait as an advance track. The production ripples around her as she unspools the delightful details of her grandma’s personality. No one, but no one, writes a song like Brandy Clark.

JAMIE FLOYD / “I Never Want to See You Again”
Writers: Jamie Floyd/Jimmy Thow/Madi Diaz; Producers: Jamie Floyd /Jimmy Thow; Label: JF
– Floyd is a veteran Nashville songwriter who has penned tunes for Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, Ingrid Andress, Brian Wilson, Sturgill Simpson, Ronnie Dunn, Ashley Monroe, Miranda Lambert, Cassadee Pope, Ty Herndon and more. This bopping, danceable ditty is ear candy on several levels. The melody is enchanting. The production shines like crystal beads. Her soprano-leaping vocal is a delight. The songwriting is stellar: “I never want to see you again, until I see you again,” she warbles as she contemplates an up-and-down relationship while notes sparkle like glitter around her. A lovely record.

MELONIE CANNON / “Way Down Deep”
Writers: Max D. Barnes/Max T. Barnes; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Butch Carr; Label: MC
– Those breathtaking harmony vocalists surrounding Cannon belong to those hillbilly angels, Doyle Lawson and Jamey Johnson. If that isn’t enough to make you listen, dig this: It’s part of a tribute album to the late, great Vern Gosdin. Stop what you’re doing and cleanse your country-loving soul with a listen to this mini masterpiece. The album also includes contributions from Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Cody Jinks, Jim Lauderdale, Sidney Cox and more. Sign me up for a copy.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Match for My Memory”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Emily Reid; Producers: Mark Schroor/Erik Fintelman; Label: Empire
– Ottolini issues a new collection tomorrow that she’ll be promoting on the road with Shania Twain this summer. Its advance track is a passionate, throbbing vocal performance that soars on the choruses, and is just as potent on the verses, thanks to a pulsing rhythmic undertow. She’s cautioning her ex that he’ll never escape the pull of his memories of her.

DANIELLE BRADBERY / “Monster”
Writers: Danielle Bradbery/Lauren LaRue/Sam De Jong; Producer: Nathan Chapman/Derek Wells; Label: Big Machine
– We all have fears and anxieties we keep hidden. Bradbery takes hers out into the open in this moody, vulnerable song. Both the therapeutic song and the layered production are complex, which makes repeated listening all the more rewarding. A winner. And if you haven’t done so yet, go ahead and be totally charmed by her feisty single “A Special Place.”

K. MICHELLE & JUSTIN CHAMPAGNE / “Country Love Song”
Writers: Andrew P. Jackson Jr/Brooke Payne/Jeff Dyson/Justin Tyler Champagne/Kimberly Pate/Tredell Rener; Producer: none listed; Label: Justin Champagne
– He’s a hip hopper. She’s an R&B hit maker (and former cast member of VH-1’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta). They’re both “going country” on this outing. He is top billed, but the record really comes alive when she sings. In the “who wore it best” contest, she’s the country winner. I understand that we are to expect more to come from K. Michelle as a nouveau-country artist.

ERIN KINSEY / “Always Never”
Writers: Erin Kinsey/Sarah Buxton/Josh Kerr; Producer: Josh Kerr; Label: RECORDS Nashville
– The sound of young heartbreak: kinda innocent, kinda wounded, kinda sweet. Pretty, but not terribly memorable. For a fuller realization of what this artist is about, check out last year’s upbeat single “I Got You.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: ‘Major New Talent’ Megan Moroney Releases Another Smash

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Megan Moroney. Photo: David McClister

I love gender parity.

After all, we’re each half of the population. So in this stack of sounds, we have six featuring female voices and six that are males.

Do you need to ask which half has the better music?

Completely pinning my ears back was Lauren Watkins, who easily wins the DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day belongs to ACM New Female Artist nominee Megan Moroney. And it isn’t even a single.

TRACK45 / “Last Man in Tennessee”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Ashley Gorley/Geoff Warburton/Casey Smith; Producers: none listed; Label: BBR
– This sibling trio (two sisters & a brother) from Mississippi can sure ‘nuff sing. Their harmonies are perfection. On this witty, feisty kiss-off number, they are a snarky delight. Attitude wins the day.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Have You a Heart”
Writers: Michael Trotter, Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– It seethes with burning romance. The piano-based track is firmly rooted in gospel tradition and the voices of these two angels are straight from heaven. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to make music this divine. I love this duo beyond all reason. More, more, more.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Plain Jane”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Hillary Lindsey/Cary Barlowe; Producers: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud/Songs & Daughters/Pigasus
– This kicks serious hillbilly butt. A propulsive tempo catches your rhythmic soul. Her voice remains a priceless county gem. The extremely well written lyric is about self acceptance, no matter how flawed you are. It is high time you started taking this woman’s music seriously.

JUSTIN MOORE & RILEY GREEN / “Everybody Get Along”
Writers: Justin Moore/David Lee Murphy/Jeremy Stover; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Scott Brochetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– The outlaw rumble is cool. The lyric is of two buddies who disagree on lotsa stuff, but get along just fine. Both men sound like they are having a ball, and their hillbilly harmony vocal work is stellar.

DOM FLEMONS / “Traveling Wildfire”
Writer: Domonique Flemons; Producer: Ted Hutt; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
– He’s formerly a member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops, but the new album by Dom Flemons emphasizes his troubadour/songwriter/folkie side rather than the band’s old-time music sound. The title tune is a moody portrait of a bleak, downbeat emotional landscape. It is the album’s title tune, but it’s somewhat plodding. I recommend instead his romantic waltz “Slow Dance With You” from the collection.

KIP MOORE / “Kinda Bar”
Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch; Producers: Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston; Label: MCA Nashville
– Kinda sweaty, kinda raucous and kinda loud, this anthemic, good-time stomper praises a “neon dive” that’s just his kinda place. Kip Moore’s Damn Love collection containing this is due a week from Friday.

LAUREN WATKINS / “Shirley Temple”
Writers: Lauren Watkins/Nicole Galyon/Meg McRee; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
– Wow. What a debut. The songwriting here is awesome, and her expressive delivery is spot-on. “You’re sipping Shirley Temples and wondering why you can’t catch a buzz,” she croons in a softly intelligent meditation. So far, she’s issued seven sides, all just as worthy. Absolutely send more.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Girl in the Mirror”
Writers: Megan Moroney/Jessie Jo Dillon/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville
– I absolutely adore her “Tennessee Orange” single. Here’s another demonstration that we’re in the presence of a major, major new talent. She gazes into the mirror, but doesn’t recognize her own reflection because he’s bent her all out of shape. “You can’t love the boy more than you love the girl in the mirror,” she sings with a palpable ache in her throat.

RVSHVD / “Reverse”
Writers: Christopher Roen Valenzuela/Clintarius Rashad Johnson/Goodwin Alexander Coburn/Kalvin Austin/Michael Paul Ferrucci; Producer: The Dream Addix; Label: Sumerian Records
– It’s one of those hip-hop, country fusion things. Despite the spelling, his name is pronounced “Ra-Shad.”

MICHAEL RAY / “Get Her Back”
Writers: Michael Tyler/Dallas Wilson/Jordan James/Lalo; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– She’s gone, and he wants to get her back. But not the way you think—he wants to get her back for the all the bad things she did to him. He sings it well, but the production rocks harder than it needs to.

NESSA LEA / “Wake Up”
Writer: Nessa Survant; Producers: Mike Curb/Don Cusic; Label: Curb Records
– Bright, poppy and sunny with a semi-Shania vibe. But the message has some shadow, in that she’s telling a no-good guy to change. Promising.

COREY KENT / “Something’s Gonna Kill Me”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Corey Kent/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: RCA Records
– “If something’s gonna kill me, might as well be what makes me feel alive,” he warbles over a driving beat. So he likes drinking and smoking. Whatever….