DISClaimer Single Reviews: Trisha Yearwood Wins Disc Of The Day

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Trisha Yearwood

DISClaimer celebrates indie acts today.

Among the listening session’s highlights were Colbie Caillat, Mon Rovia, Ricochet, Bizz Bigsby and DisCovery Award winners Eric Lee and Casey Chestnutt (who tied for the prize). All of them are on independent labels. So bravo for that.

The Disc of the Day honor belongs to the enduringly divine Trisha Yearwood.

ERIN ENDERLIN & RANDY HOUSER / “When You Look at Me”
Writers: Tanja Struyck-Fogleman/Brent Fogleman/Erin Enderlin; Producer: Jay Clementi; Label: SWS
– This stirring ballad captures the complex emotions of a soldier experiencing PTSD. Enderlin’s excellent performance is shadowed by softly weeping steel guitar and Houser’s aching vocal harmony. The ear-catching song is a product of an organization called “SongwritingWith:Soldiers” that pairs Music Row tunesmiths with veterans. Recommended.

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

CONOR CLEMMONS / “Double Standard”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Griffin Palmer/Devin Dawson; Producer: Parker Mathews & Derek Drye; Label: CC
– It’s an uptempo roadhouse rouser with lotsa instrumental twang. The “double” in the title of course refers to the strength of the booze in the bar.

OLD DOMINION / “Man Or the Song”
Writers: Brad Tursi, Trevor Rosen, Matthew Ramsey, Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally; Producer: Old Dominion & Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– It’s a gentle meditation on the nature of fame, the life of a professional picker and the passage of time. The mood is light and tuneful, but there’s a seriousness of intent here that makes it deeply personal. These talented guys just don’t know how to make a bad record.

BIZZ BIGSBY / “Here In This Town”
Writers: Bizz Bigsby/Phil Hughley; Producer: Gtar Phil; Label: BB
– Bigsby is the son of Nashville R&B icon Jimmy Church, and he sang lead in his dad’s band in his youth. The singer-songwriter describes his sound as “Urban Americana.” His debut single is a moody, bluesy ballad that decries the destruction of North Nashville by interstate highway construction, but vows that “a rose in the concrete” will rise, survive and thrive. Because the human spirit cannot be conquered.

RICOCHET / “Daddy’s Money”
Writers: Bob DiPiero/Mark D. Sanders/Steve Seskin; Producer: Eric Kupper; Label: Encore
– The ‘90s hit-making group returns with a thumping, jet-fueled disco remix of its 1996 smash. The song is still as clever as the dickens, so clear the dance floor.

TANNER ADELL / “Snakeskin”
Writers: Tanner Adell/Akil King/Michael Lotten/Stephen McGregor/Josh Miller/Will Weatherly/Anthony Germaine White; Producers: Di Genius, Will Weatherly & Tanner Adell; Label: TA
– She offers this sing-song-y ditty in a high soprano while a jaunty band strums along. Adell performs on July 15 at BMI’s rooftop concert series.

LUKAS NELSON / “American Romance”
Writer: Lukas Nelson; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: Sony
– The title tune of Nelson’s album is a plaintive ode to his troubled homeland and soul. Very poetic and very beautiful. Don’t stop here. The rest of his collection’s tracks are equally sublime. This fellow is a major songsmith.

MON ROVIA / “Running Boy”
Writers: Andrew Lowe/Cooper Holzman/Eric Cromartie/Jonathon Lindo/Scott McCannell/Tyler Martelli; Producer: Cooper Holzman, Tyler Martelli, Scott McCannell & Junia-T; Label: MR
– This Liberia-born Tennessee troubadour is touring internationally and has become a favorite at the Newport Folk Festival. His new single is a rippling acoustic outing that finds him caught between his wanderlust and his quest for peace. Gently persuasive.

COLBIE CAILLAT & MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Realize”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Jason Reeves/Mikal Blue; Producer: Jimmy Robbins & Eric Arjes; Label: Blue Jean Baby
– Caillat reimagines her Platinum 2008 pop hit as a country duet with gritty “blue-eyed soul” stylist Tenpenny. The result is audio heaven. Their vocals are magic, and so is the echoey steel backing.

ERIC LEE & RISSI PALMER / “For Who You Are”
Writer: Eric Lee; Producer: Eric Lee; Label: EL
– Palmer has long established herself as a solo country artist, but it turns out that she is just as ear-opening and revelatory as a duet partner. Hearty country troubadour Eric Lee pens a hooky tune and sings in a resonant baritone that she compliments beautifully throughout the track. Lee has previously charted in MusicRow and is the writer behind successful ad campaigns. This is an advance track for an album by him due later this year.

CASEY CHESTNUTT / “Uninvited Guest”
Writers: Jeff Stevens/Marv Green; Producer: Josh Leo; Label: Clearwater/ONErpm
– Casey is the son of that pluperfect honky-tonk stylist Mark Chestnutt. His debut single reveals a classic-country vocal stylist on a barroom weeper that sounds exactly like a last-call jukebox lament. Highly recommended.

COLT GRAVES / “We Both Lie”
Writers: Colt Graves/Jeff Calvert/Deacon Crisman/Mitchel Douglas/Jake Parshall/David Tarter; Producer: Jake Parshall; Label: MCA Nashville
– The relationship is kaput, but they’re trapped together emotionally in the bed “We Both Lie” in. The sound is hip-hop influenced country-pop with a minimum melody. Kentuckian Graves is the grandson of Bluegrass Music Hall of Famer Josh Graves.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: New Morgan Wallen Single Is ‘Brilliantly Produced’

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Hot enough for you?

As we plunge into summer, the country stars are heating up playlists with worthy sounds. Megan Moroney, Asleep at the Wheel and Deborah Allen are at the forefront, along with Disc of the Day prize winner, Morgan Wallen, who also happens to be the format’s sales king.

Big Loud’s Ink wins the DISCovery Award. This Nashvillian comes to the country format having achieved much pop success as a co-writer of songs recorded by Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Childish Gambino, J-Lo, Lil Nas X and more.

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL / “Texas In My Soul”
Writers: Ernest Tubb/Zeb Turner; Producers: Ray Benson, Sam Seifert; Label: Bismeaux Records
– Celebrating its 55th anniversary, the evergreen western swing unit is releasing Riding High In Texas as its 32nd album, a tribute to its Lone Star State roots. The advance single is a picker’s delight, tickling the ears with twin fiddles, steel, jazzbo piano plunking, diddling electric guitar and group singing. Boogie back to Texas, because this band will always rule. In the words of Bob Wills, A-Ha!

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Rattlesnake Preacher”
Writer: Randall Clay; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This snarling southern rocker roars with bluesy energy. Is this the first country song saluting fundamentalist snake handlers?

MEGAN MORONEY / “6 Months Later”
Writers: Ben Williams/David “Messy” Mescon/Megan Moroney/Rob Hatch; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records
– He dumps her then wants her back. Tough luck, buddy. I love a good kiss-off song, and this one stings with a snappy, bopping track and Moroney’s trademark, personality-packed vocal performance.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Killin’ Me”
Writers: Monty Criswell/Parker McCollum/Randy Rogers; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA Nashville
– A moody, dramatic arrangement frames an alluring lyric. She entices him, even though he knows the infatuation is wrong for him. The sound is cool, and his vocal vibe is drowsy.

CARL RAY / “Get On Board”
Writer: Carl Ray Williams; Producer: Greg Cole; Label: Sucarnoochee Records
– His heartfelt tenor propels this minor-key, groove-soaked, gospel outing. Ray has always masterfully blended country and bluegrass, but never more powerfully than on this single. The strummy, seductive track comes courtesy of an all-star ensemble featuring Darrin Vincent, BJ Cherryholmes, Seth Mulder and Josh Swift. Lend this your ears.

CAM / “Turns Out That I Am God”
Writers: Anders Mouridsen/Camaron Ochs (Cam)/Jeff Bhasker/Nick Lobel/Simon Maartensson/Tyler Johnson; Producers: Ethan Gruska, Jeff Bhasker, Michael Uzowuru, Tyler Johnson; Label: RCA Records
– Gorgeous sounding, with starkly echoey guitar and stacked vocal harmonies. It seems to be some kind of religious journey where she finds deep spirituality within her unconscious mind. It’s probably too brainy for country radio, but this woman could sing an instruction manual and I’d listen.

BRIAN KELLEY / “Saltwater Ranch”
Writers: Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder/Jake Rose; Producer: Corey Crowder, Jake Rose; Label: BK
– Kelley embraces his Florida roots in this swaying, beach-y track. His lightweight vocal is enhanced and disguised by male group singing on most of it.

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

INK / “Hoedown”
Writers: Atia Boggs/Dave Hamlin/Juan Pablo Mendez/Patrick Krief; Producers: Ink, Jay P Does It, Patrick Krief; Label: Big Loud Records
– It’s a twanging dance tune with the bops and dips built right in. Step along as she sings the toe-tap instructions. Ink was previously noted as one of the songwriters on Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.” This highly engaging outing shows that she is more than ready to stand on her own as an artist.

KAYLEY GREEN / “You’d Still Be Drunk”
Writers: Jason Gantt/Josh Osborne/Kayley Green; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– He still looks good, and she’s still attracted. But now she’s wise to him, realizing he’s never gonna be the one. The track is a body shaker, and there are hooks a-plenty here. This gal’s got something goin’ on.

DEBORAH ALLEN / “Hurt Me Bad (In a Real Good Way)”
Writers: Deborah Allen/Rafe Van Hoy; Producer: none listed; Label: StarVista
– Patty Loveless turned this tune into a No. 1 country hit in 1991. Singer-songwriter Allen’s version has a light, thoughtful sweetness. The guitar-based production has a lilting, jaunty tone that goes down as easily as her vocal. A lovely outing.

RAELYNN / “Heaven Is a Honky Tonk”
Writers: Caroline Watkins/Lauren Hungate/RaeLynn; Producers: Aaron Gillespie, RaeLynn; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– A rocking anthem to Saturday barroom nights. I like it, but I’d like it better if her vocal wasn’t so processed and compressed.

ROBERT RANDOLPH & JUDITH HILL / “When Will the Love Rain Down”
Writers: Judith Hill/Robert Randolph; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: Sun Label Group
– Highly dramatic and fascinating. Sacred-steel guitar master Randolph sets the spooky mood. Powerhouse singer Hill raises the gospel roof. There’s not much of a melody, but there is plenty of complex audio going on here. The video showcases what an instrumental virtuoso the man is.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Zach Top Kicks Off Summer

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Zach Top. Photo: Citizen Kane Wayne

The country stars make the summer season official this week.

In this edition of DISClaimer, you’ll find a number of sounds crafted to accompany fun in the sun. To varying degrees, Kane Brown, Brett Eldredge & Pedro Capo, Ketch Secor, Kameron Marlowe and Disc of the Day winner Zach Top are all conjuring warm weather.

Of the non-summer offerings in this week’s column, the strongest one belongs to the waltz-time duet by the brilliantly talented Kashus Culpepper and Sierra Ferrell, both of whom deserve far more renown than they have been given to date.

This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Mae Estes. She sounds like a singer-songwriter to reckon with.

AVERY ANNA / “Cheerios”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Avery Anna/Ben Williams/David Fanning; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Avery Anna has two new videos. “Cheerios” is a deceptively jaunty song about a struggle with alcohol addiction. “Grave” is a harrowing ballad about domestic violence. I caught her set on the Opry TV show last weekend and was reminded how talented this lady is. If you need proof of her country bona fides, check out her superb heartache two-step “It’s Just Rainin’” from late last year.

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

MAE ESTES / “Mr. Fix It”
Writers: Alex Kline/Jaida Dreyer/Mae Estes/Marti Dodson; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Big Machine Records
– Sweetly sexy, in praise of her guy who can fix anything, including her heart. Upbeat and endearing.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Heaven Sent”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Lauren Alaina/Michael Hardy; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Motherhood heals her after the passing of a loved one. She imagines that her father sent her a baby down from heaven in order to get her past her grief. The mid tempo production builds from quiet strength to pounding drama.

KASHUS CULPEPPER & SIERRA FERRELL / “Broken Wing”
Writers: Brian Elmquist/Kashus Culpepper; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud Records
– This acoustic waltz strums along on the simple strengths of gut-string guitar and their two compelling voices. His gravel delivery and her hillbilly soprano work surprisingly well together. This, my friends, is Pure Country.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Jesus Wouldn’t Do”
Writers: Jacob Davis/Jordan Davis/Joshua Cole Jenkins/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– He’s “Giving grace to folks like me, doin’ things that Jesus wouldn’t do.” A sinner reflects on his path and seeks absolution in this lovely, yearning sentiment. I remain a major fan of this troubadour.

KETCH SECOR / “Dickerson Road”
Writers: Jody Stevens/Ketch Secor; Producer: Jody Stevens; Label: KS
– Secor departs from the old-time string band sound of Old Crow Medicine Show to take a solo, hip-hoppy stroll down East Nashville’s most blue-collar street. His half-spoken lyric details the scenes along the way.

BRETT ELDREDGE & PEDRO CAPO / “St. Tropez”
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Mark Trussell/Pedro Capó/Yoel Enriquez; Producer: Mark Trussell; Label: Warm and Cozy Records
– An audio trip to the Riviera, spiced just right with Latino rhythms. Capo’s tenor voice weaves in and out of Eldredge’s solid delivery, alternately echoing lines and providing  lilting, high harmonies. This is a summertime sound if I’ve ever heard one. Essential listening.

DON LOUIS / “For The Broken”
Writers: Don Louis/Jon Kraft/Serg Sanchez; Producer: Serg Sanchez; Label: Money Myers Entertainment/EMPIRE
– I don’t like the way his fine baritone voice is mixed to sound muffled and buried. The production is too rock oriented. However, the song is cool, an uplifting message for folks facing tribulations.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Seventeen”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Bruce Springsteen/Joybeth Taylor/Kameron Marlowe/Tucker Beathard; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– This summer country rocker praises the joys of being young and innocent. Electric guitars scream and drums pound while he shouts the news. Echoes of Seger and Springsteen.

VINNY TOVAR / “Call It A Night”
Writers: Christopher Mora/Miguel Angel Aguilar/Vicente Andres Tovar; Producers: Christopher Mora, Humberto Novoa, Julian Escamilla, Vinny Tovar; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Easy going and gently persuasive with steel-guitar licks. His languid vocal sounds resigned and kinda defeated as he suggests they stop fighting and quit for the day. His album is titled From San Antone, With Love. Tovar was previously noted as Aubry Rodriguez’s duet partner on her “Pass Me By” salute to her late father, Johnny.

KANE BROWN / “2 Pair”
Writers: Andrew Haas/Gabe Foust/Ian Franzino/Jacob Hackworth/Jaxson Free/Kane Brown; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– He’s crazy in love with his boots. The stomping, chanting, gang-bang, drum-line chorus sounds like a party in progress. Silly fun.

ASHLEY MONROE & BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Bitter Swisher Sweet”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Emily Landis/Logan Wall; Producers: Ashley Monroe, Gena Johnson; Label: Mountainrose Sparrow
– Stoner country. This has a drowsy vibe and a smoky atmosphere as the two divas relax together in the echoey mix. Fire one up, take a deep hit, close your eyes and nod along.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Old Dominion ‘Live & Breathe Hooks’

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Old Dominion. Photo: Dove Shore

It’s the battle of the country groups today in DISClaimer.

Vying for preeminence are the Zac Brown Band, The War and Treaty, Old Dominion and the combination of Home Free with Chapel Hart. It’s anybody’s race. In a toss-up decision, Old Dominion wins the Disc of the Day award.

It’s also a group that takes home the week’s DISCovery Award—the duo of  Thelma & James. 

There’s plenty to enjoy in this review playlist. Dive in and create your own sounds of summer.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Dive Bar Beauty Queen”
Writer: Ashland Craft; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– Craft celebrated the release of her album last week at—where else?—The American Legion Hall on Gallatin Pike. Its title tune is a snappy, rowdy country rocker packed with steel and twang guitar. This gal has guts and glory in her voice.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “I Ain’t Worried About It”
Writers: Channing Wilson, Chris Gelbuda, John Driskell Hopkins, Zac Brown; Producer: Zac Brown; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Home Grown Music
– What a groove, a splash-country, mellow, multi-rhythmic wave of audio delight. Vocal harmonies? Check. Merry attitude? Check. Relaxing vibe? Check. Summertime anthem? Double check.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “To the Moon”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Jessica Cayne/Matthew Morrisey; Producers: David Mescon; Label: River House Artists
– The twin-brother duo celebrates the release of its Rhinestone Revolution album tomorrow evening at The Blue Room in Jack White’s complex. The collection contains this slow-jam ballad begging for one last shot at ecstasy. The female voice at the top of the harmony stack in the mix belongs to Brittney Spencer. A delicious change of pace for the party guys. 

BEN FULLER & CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “If It Was Up To Me”
Writers: Ben Fuller/Ben Glover/Jeff Sojka; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Essential Records
– Christian/country singer-songwriter Fuller surprised the Opry audience on Tuesday evening when Underwood appeared to duet with him on this breezy, rushing, inspirational outing. The rhythm track chugs and strums in ear tickling fashion while the two singers swap leads and harmony vocals. Loved the line about “blisters on my soul.” An excellent production. You’ll find it on Fuller’s album Walk Through Fire, which drops tomorrow.

AMYTHYST KIAH / “Empire of Love”
Writers: Amythyst Kiah/Sean McConnell; Producer: Butch Walker; Label: Rounder Records
– Kiah espouses her love of Appalachia and spirituality on this pop-rocker. The genre-resistant East Tennessean has it on her eclectic current collection, Still + Bright, recorded in Music City. Her alto voice sounds stronger than ever, and she demonstrated it on Wednesday at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) when she sang “Bad Case of the Blues” at the event celebrating the 79th birthday of Black female country pioneer Linda Martell.

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

ANA CRISTINA CASH / “Cheap Margaritas”
Writers: Erika Ender/Frank Ray/Jess Cayne/Willie Breeding; Producers: John Carter Cash, Willie Breeding; Label: Avondale Records
– Kinda flirty, kinda sensuous and easy going. This goes down as smoothly at its titular mixed drink on a steamy summer night. Cash is of Cuban descent, so there is a Spanglish version available as well.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Feels Like Home”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producers: none listed; Label: World Entertainment
– Utterly captivating. The rollicking folkie track with its rippling banjo and slapped snare quickens your pulse. Their voices are thrilling and urgent as they unspool the love lyric. A dazzling single, putting their awesome vocals in an exciting new production setting. Put this magical sound on your playlist at once. The duo performs at CMA Fest tomorrow at Riverfront. Standing ovations predicted.

SCOOT TEASLEY / “Whiskey Burns”
Writers: Jon Stark/Scoot Teasley/Valerie Broussard; Producer: Nicholas Sainato; Label: Amigo Records
– Booze will destroy your relationship and numb the pain when it does. Teasley continues to impress with his youthful, powerfully sung, update on country traditions.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “Comin ‘In Cold”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Elektra Entertainment
– Packed with energy. Zimmerman sounds eager and ready as he sees a heartbreaker headed his way. Highly personable. Highly listenable. Highly recommended.

HOME FREE & CHAPEL HART / “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Writers: Beyoncé Knowles/Brian Bates/Elizabeth Lowell Boland/Megan Bülow/Nathan Ferraro/Raphael Saadiq; Producer: Darren Rust; Label: Home Free Records
– The five-man a cappella group Home Free joins forces with the Chapel Hart female trio to craft an irresistible cover of the Beyonce smash. Harmony vocal nirvana, plus snappy beats and whistling. This one’s a total blast.

SCOTTY McCREERY & HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH / “Bottle Rockets”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Brent Anderson/Darius Rucker/Dean Felber/Derek George/Frank Rogers/Jeremy Bussey/Jim Sonefeid/Mark Bryan/Monty Criswell/Scotty McCreery; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– Remembering a summer beach romance. He can still see and hear her in his mind, especially when he hears “their song.” It’s the Blowfish chanting their mega hit “Hold My Hand.”

THELMA & JAMES / “Happy Ever After You”
Writers: Jake Etheridge/MacKenzie Porter; Producers: Lonas/Jake Etheridge/MacKenzie Porter; Label: Big Loud Records
– Married singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge bill themselves as “Thelma & James” on their Big Loud releases. Whatever you call them, these guys are like harmonizing songbirds on their tunes “First Love,” “Chainsmokin’ Memories” and this lovelorn lament. Fresh, folkie and fine, fine, fine.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Sister Sadie Brings ‘Tart Lyric & Swaying Fiddling’

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Sister Sadie

The country-music scene is thoughtful and contemplative today, with a solid lineup of slower fare. 

Bucking the ballad trend in this edition of DISClaimer is the all-female band Sister Sadie. Its new music sounds like a blend of bluegrass and ‘90s country, and the fusion works like gangbusters. Check out our rollicking Disc of the Day winner, “Do What You Want.”

Taking home this week’s DISCovery Award is Zach John King.

THE STEELDRIVERS / “Booze and Cigarettes”
Writers: Tammy Rogers King/Verlon Thompson; Producer: The Steeldrivers; Label: Sun Records
– The SteelDrivers dropped their new Outrun album last week, and this single from it is a bluesy bluegrass treat. The lonely guy in the bar isn’t a regular…. yet. He’s just drinking and smoking by himself, because that’s what he deserves. The brisk tempo and hearty vocals sound just fine. The band is celebrating its 20th anniversary and dedicates the new set to late, lamented group mainstay, Mike Henderson.

JOSH TURNER / “Unsung Hero”
Writers: Josh Turner; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Turner wrote this about his grandfather, one of the “greatest generation” men who nobly fought in World War II. The rolling tempo, the swirling minor-key instrumental track and the singer’s resonant baritone give it oomph and drama.

HUDSON WESTBROOK & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “House Again”
Writers: Dan Alley/Hudson Westbrook/Neil Medley; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youmans; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a slow waltz with the singers swapping verses about the dissolution of a relationship and the empty house that used to be a home. The close-harmony vocal passages are twin-like. Perfectly executed.

RODNEY CROWELL & ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Taking Flight”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Rodney Crowell; Producer: Tyler Bryant; Label: New West Records
– A wanderer’s saga, complete with missteps, heartbreak and abandonment. The detail in the lyric is super engaging. Crowell and McBryde both sound resigned and world weary as the tale slowly unfolds. Rodney Crowell plays next Wednesday (June 4) at Cheekwood in its Under the Stars concert series. Showtime is 7 p.m. Be there.

JOHN MORGAN / “Kid Myself”
Writers: John Morgan/Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Brent Anderson; Label: Broken Bow Records
– He fell into a relationship when he was too young to know the ropes. Now he regrets how it all went down, because he misses her. Sincere sounding. Recommended.

LAINEY WILSON / “Somewhere Over Laredo”
Writers: Andy Albert/Dallas Wilson/Edgar Yipsel Harburg/Harold Arlen/Lainey Wilson/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– The song is okay, but her expressive, beautifully shaded and perfectly phrased vocal performance of it is topflight. The production frames the performance with exquisite, understated elegance.

ZACH JOHN KING / “Lose You”
Writers: Alex Hope/Sasha Alex Sloan/Zach John King; Producer: Ryan Wilson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Strummy, energetic and jaunty. Devotion, sung with verve and addictive hooks. I’m in.

DUSTIN LYNCH / “Easy To Love”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Dustin Lynch/Hunter Phelps/Jon Hall/Zach Crowell; Producer: none listed; Label: BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records
– An easy-going track accompanies a ditty about how tough it is for him to be in a relationship.

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

SHERYL CROW / “I Know”
Writer: Sheryl Crow; Producer: Sheryl Crow; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– This is Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition, the new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee offers this poignant, soothing song that addresses her struggles with depression. The gentle, acoustic-based production surrounds her flawless soprano vocal with a lovely, wafting breeze of sound. We are so blessed to have this nine-time Grammy winner in our community.

JON BELLION & LUKE COMBS / “Why”
Writers: Aaron Dessner/Amy Allen/Blake Slatkin/Jonathan Bellion; Producers: Aaron Dessner, Blake Slatkin, Jon Bellion, Pete Nappi; Label: JB
– Pop singer and top producer Bellion enlisted country powerhouse Combs to join him on this powerful meditation about the fears and joys of fatherhood. The mighty Luke does not let him down, and the two dads communicate evocatively on the ballad. Thoroughly compelling listening.

GAVIN ADCOCK / “Never Call Again”
Writers: Colton Venner/Gavin Adcock/Jack Rauton/Joybeth Taylor; Producer: Jay Rodgers; Label: Thrivin Here Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Plaintive and aching. Singing at the top of his range, he burns with heartache.

REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “Strong”
Writers: Elisha Hoffman/Jennifer Fiedler/Rebecca Lynn Howard/Trey Smith; Producer: Elisha Hoffman; Label: Pump House Records
– ‘Keep on keepin’ on,’ sings Howard on this empowering, inspiring ballad. And does she sing. This lady remains one of our most potent country vocalists, and she shows in her comeback music that she has lost none of her fire. I was a fan when she emerged on the scene as a teenager in 1999, and I’m still a fan today. The new album, I’m Not Who You Think I Am, dropped earlier this month.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal Celebrate Friendship & Community

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Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal. Photo: David McClister

Country music gets folkie this week in DISClaimer.

Crowe Boys, Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson, Dylan Gossett and Hailey Whitters lead an acoustic-music parade that also includes our Disc of the Day winners Keb’ Mo’ & Taj Mahal (with an assist from Ruby Amanfu).

For those of you wishing for mainstream country sounds, look no further than the new releases by Midland, Dierks Bentley and Sacha.

Kaitlin Butts stages her debut in the column via her duet with Tyler Braden. She shares a DISCovery Award with fellow newcomer Alexandra Kay.

HAILEY WHITTERS & CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN / “I Don’t Want You”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Hailey Whitters/Jon Nite; Producer: Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records
– They are both fine country singers, but neither one sings harmony. As usual, she is a heart-piercing stylist, and this is her show all the way. The dobro-dominated track is simply lovely. Whitters will celebrate the release of her new Corn Queen album at Grimey’s on June 6.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Standing in the Sun”
Writer: Kyle Sturrock; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Stirring, radiant and deeply involving. The well-written song draws on vivid weather imagery to portray love and devotion, and Bentley sings it with a full heart.

TAMI NELSON, ASHLEY McBRYDE & SHELLY FAIRCHILD / “Borrow My Boots”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Shelly Fairchild/Tami Neilson; Producer: Steven Schram; Label: Outside Music
– This rousing, female-empowerment number is a trio-harmony blast. Guitar prodigy Grace Bowers contributes a blistering solo that amps up the already ample energy.

CLAY WALKER / “Cowboys in Heaven”
Writers: Clay Walker/Jaron Boyer/John Stephens/Matt Gorman; Producers: Jaron Boyer, Tony Brown; Label: Maven Records
– A simple sentiment, simply performed.

TYLER BRADEN & KAITLIN BUTTS / “Might Be Dangerous”
Writers: Heath Warren/Kyle Sturrock/Micah Carpenter/Zach Kale; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– There aren’t many singers who can stand toe to toe with the superb Braden. Butts is up to the challenge, with open-throated harmonizing and expressive solo turns. This duet performance is loaded with fire and passion. By all means, play this.

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

GRAHAM BARHAM / “WTH Just Happened?”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Gabe Foust/Graham Barham/Sam Bergeson; Producers: Gabe Foust, Sam Bergeson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The broken-hearted ballad verses abruptly contrast with the loud, rollicking, goofball choruses. Weird but charming.

RHIANNON GIDDENS & JUSTIN ROBINSON / “Going to Raleigh”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Joseph “joebass” DeJarnette, Rhiannon Giddens; Label: Nonesuch
– Giddens returns to her string-band roots with the new collection, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow, a reunion with Robinson, her former Carolina Chocolate Drops partner. The album features him fiddling and her banjo frailing on a number of old-time tunes, including this mesmerizing 1939 instrumental oldie. Rootsy and righteous.

CROWE BOYS / “Brother Song”
Writer: Ocie Crowe; Producer: Andrew Campanelli; Label: MCA
– Brothers Ocie and Wes Crowe croon gently on this poetic, acoustic, vulnerable meditation. It’s an advance track from their album Made to Wander, which drops next month. Promising.

MIDLAND / “Glass Half Empty”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jeff Hyde/Jess Carson/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is a rhythm-happy, barroom honky tonker that’s Country with a capital “C.” Big fun in every groove.

SACHA / “Nice Girl”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski/Sacha Visagie/Victoria Banks; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Sony Music Canada
– ‘If you wanna pave a road, gotta get down in the dirt/If you wanna make your mark, gotta hit ‘em where it hurts.’ Also: Kiss that “nice girl” image goodbye. This lively bopper scores points on all fronts — saucy vocal, cool production, dandy lyrics. Sacha is a solid country star in Canada, and I see no reason why she shouldn’t be one in the U.S. as well.

ALEXANDRA KAY / “The Last”
Writers: Alexandra Kay/Andrew DeRoberts/Jon Green; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– Lovely, lovely work. Her soprano tickles the ears, and the songwriting is topnotch. He might not be her first lover, but she sure as heck wants him to be her last. The sweetly rolling production wafts the whole thing along. A delightful listening experience.

DYLAN GOSSETT / “American Trail”
Writers: Colton Forrest Hardy/Dylan Gossett; Producer: Dylan Gossett; Label: Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records
– Kinda artsy. Acoustic-based, troubadour music with a folkie tinge.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Megan Moroney Salutes ‘The King Of No-Shoes Nation’

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Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney. Photo: CeCe Dawson

Real country sounds dominate this edition of DISClaimer.

Bucking the trends of pop-country and hip-hop in the genre, a number of folks are laying down some back-to-basics sounds this week. They include McCoy Moore, Jamey Johnson with Lily Maola, a Reba/Miranda/Lainey trio, Matt Schuster, Jim Lauderdale, Jake Worthington and DISCovery Award winner Evan Bartels. Even Bruce Springsteen is on board, serving up a splendid retro rockabilly track.

The Disc of the Day is a salute to the king of the no-shoes nation—“You Had to Be There,” starring Megan Moroney with Kenny Chesney.

WENDY MOTEN / “You Are Worthy”
Writers: Faith Caplinger/Wendy Moten; Producer: Dale Penner; Label: Synapse Publishing & Entertainment
– Moten’s delivery of this stately, inspirational blues anthem is riveting. Her goosebump-y performance is utterly thrilling. It’s drawn from a documentary in production titled Women Behind the Lyrics – Country Edition, which follows four female indie singer-songwriters as they craft music and tour together. In the meantime, she’s hitting the road for a summer tour in Vince Gill’s band starting this month.

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

EVAN BARTELS / “To Make You Cry”
Writers: Bobby Tomberlin/Curt Gibbs/Evan Bartels; Producers: Dave “Squirrel” Covell, Evan Bartels, Rico Csabai; Label: Lost Highway Records
– The title tune of this artist’s debut major-label CD is a stark, hushed, gripping ballad performed in a trembling, dark baritone that commands attention. He recorded it in his cabin with just acoustic-guitar accompaniment. That and a few echoey production touches are all that’s needed to make you sit up and take notice. A major new voice.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN / “Repo Man”
Writer: Bruce Springsteen; Producers: Bruce Springsteen, Ron Aniello; Label: Columbia/Legacy
– The Boss recorded a full country album in 1995 that has remained unissued until now. Titled Somewhere North of Nashville, it will drop next month. This advance track is a rockabilly rave-up with energy busting out of every groove. Augmented by steel and keyboards, the band cooks up a storm as he barks out this barn burner. A boatload of fun.

JAKE WORTHINGTON / “It Ain’t the Whiskey”
Writers: Jake Worthington/Jeff Hyde/Roger Springer/Will Banister; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– He gets pulled over for drunk driving, but insists he’s just high on her love. Along with Zach Top, Worthington is our finest emerging country singer, and this tongue-in-cheek hillbilly rocker is a brilliant showcase of his talent. Absolutely play this and free your mind. It’s about dang time country music started sounding like country music again.

REBA McENTIRE, MIRANDA LAMBERT & LAINEY WILSON / “Trailblazer”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Lainey Wilson/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Reba McEntire, Tony Brown; Label: Rockin’ R Records
– Introduced at the ACM Awards, this is an utterly historic collaboration among three generations of female country excellence. The song name checks Dolly, Loretta, Patsy and Tammy as it two-steps its way into your heart. A stunning, undeniable single.

JIM LAUDERDALE / “Artificial Intelligence”
Writer: Jim Lauderdale; Producers: Jay Weaver, Jim Lauderdale; Label: Sky Crunch Records
– Leave it to Lauderdale. He’s got his fingertips on the national pulse as he muses that AI is “testing our common sense: what’s real or deep fake.” As the honky-tonk moaner progresses, he ultimately wonders, “Did I write this song?”

LAUREN ALAINA & CHASE MATTHEW / “All My Exes”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jimmy Gutch/Lauren Alaina/Whitney Phillips; Producers: Jacob Durrett, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– She knows she’s a handful. He knows that he’s hard-headed, too. Apparently, all of their former partners will attest to this. The pop track has a choppy rhythm pattern and some looped sonic touches. Pleasant, but little more.

JOHN COWAN / “Boomerang”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Scott Vestal; Label: True Lonesome
– The voice of New Grass Revival returns to form on this complex acoustic track packed with mandolin, fiddle, bass and guitar runs, flourishes and solos. His high-tenor vocal wails with the heartbreak of repeating romantic disasters. It’s drawn from his current collection titled Fiction.

SHABOOZEY & JELLY ROLL / “Amen”
Writers: Collins Obinna Chibueze/Danny Majic/Jackson Foote/Jason DeFord/Jordan Gray/Kevin Powers/Nevin Sastry/Sean Cook/Seth Ennis; Producers: Danny Majic, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– The hand-clapping track strums along merrily. but the lyric means business. They’re headed for self destruction, but drop to their knees to beg for redemption, mercy and renewal. Breezy and ridiculously catchy. You’ll find it on the Deluxe edition of Shaboozey’s Gold-selling LP Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going.

LILY MEOLA & JAMEY JOHNSON / “Never Want This to Change”
Writers: Ben West/Lily Meola/Melissa Fuller; Producer: Ben West; Label: Nettwerk Music Group
– Hawaii native Meola has an aching, soulful, penetrating delivery. Johnson shadows her every jazz-country vocal lick perfectly on this slow-burn love ballad. Magnificently done.

McCOY MOORE / “John Deere Blue”
Writers: Johnny Clawson/McCoy Moore/Shane McAnally; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– He’ll get over her when money grows on trees, cowboy go East, stars shine brighter over New York City and when they paint a John Deere blue. Classy, classic-sounding country.

MATT SCHUSTER / “Dumb (Good Ol’ Time)”
Writers: Cleo Tighe/Jesse Fink/Joshua Murty/Peter Fenn; Producers: Joshua Murty, Peter Fenn; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– He’s headed for a good time, “trying to get dumb, dumb, dumb.” Sounds like a happy dope to me. The track percolates relentlessly with an appropriately silly vibe.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Trisha Yearwood Delivers A ‘Deliciously Bluesy Rocker’

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Trisha Yearwood

It might be rainy in Music City these days, but the country stars are bringing summer sunshine in this edition of DISClaimer.

Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs, Dale Ann Bradley, Maddie & Tae, Parker McCollum and Cole Swindell lead an upbeat parade of shiny new sounds for the season.

Setting the pace is superstar Trisha Yearwood, who nails down a Disc of the Day prize.

This week’s DISCovery Award winner is Zandi Holup.

SOMETHING OUT WEST / “Bipolar Heart”
Writers: Brendan Cooney/Drew Arthur/TJ Courtney; Producer: Julian Raymond; Label: Big Machine Records
– Probably the first country song to use the term “bipolar” as its chorus hook. Otherwise, it’s a fairly straightforward gathering of routine heartbreak couplets. The act is a duo composed of Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur. Hanks, who sings lead, is the son of Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN & LUKE COMBS / “Backup Plan”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Jon Sherwood/Tucker Beathard; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
– This one’s a righteous outlaw stomper that advises you believe in yourself and your ambitions. Both men sing with chesty authority. If life knocks you down, “Gettin’ back up is the only backup plan you need.”

KAREN WALDRUP / “Blue Cowboy Boots”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: KW
– It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from this former contender on The Voice. This outing is a frothing country rocker with a band kicking butt behind her frisky vocal. The lyric is about getting over him by having a big night on the town in her feel-good footwear.

COLE SWINDELL / “We Can Always Move On”
Writers: Kyle Fishman/Michael Tyler/Thomas Archer; Producers: Jimmy Robbins, Kyle Fishman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– A gently rhythmic track gives this a breezy vibe. Swindell’s vocal sounds kinda processed as he offers an aching invitation to have one last night together before breaking up for good. Very, very listenable.

GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS / “What We Had”
Writers: David Rawlings/Gillian Welch; Producer: David Rawlings; Label: Acony Records
– The esteemed Nashville duo appeared on Stephen Colbert’s show on Tuesday night performing music from Woodland, which won a Best Folk Album Grammy in February. This wistful track augments the team’s guitar-and-voice sonic palate with a lovely wash of echoey strings. Dreamy. Sublime.

THOMAS RHETT & TUCKER WETMORE / “Small Town Girls”
Writers: Andrew Haas/Ian Franzino/John Byron/Josh Kerr/John Ryan/Julian Bunetta/Rocky Block/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Dann Huff, Josh Kerr, Julian Bunetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Sounds like summer to me. The steady, thumpy groove is punctuated by echo-twang effects and country-rap passages. The title phrase is repeated and repeated and repeated.

PHIL VASSAR / “All American Summer”
Writers: Phil Vassar/Tony Mullins; Producer: Dean Sams; Label: American Soul
– Vassar is singing in a striking, throaty lower register on this galloping rocker. Rather than his trademark piano playing, the track is dominated by electric guitar.

MADDIE & TAE / “Chasing Babies & Raising Dreams”
Writers: Anna Vaus/Josh Kerr/Maddie Font/Taylor Kerr; Producer: Josh Kerr; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This vibrant, vivacious team released Love & Light as its new album last week. Now there’s a sweet CMT music video for this enchanting ditty about family love. Swirly, shiny and sunny.

SAPPHYRE BLU / “Burn Me”
Writer: Arielle “Sapphyre Blu” White; Producer: James “Xzaviar” Ashcroft; Label: HRDRV
– Okay I get it: You have blue hair and blue flowers and your name is Sapphyre Blu. Raised in Nashville, this L.A. artist gives this slow bluesy number some vocal fire with soprano soaring and dramatic alto dips. She cites country stars as her inspirations, but this leans much more toward R&B.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Big Sky”
Writers: Charlie Magnone/Jarrod Morris/Parker McCollum; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA Nashville
– The rocking “What Kinda Man” remains the single, but this new track from his forthcoming album has a lot to recommend it. His vocal performance is first-rate on the rolling melody and the traveling track moves right along. He loves the wide open spaces but is a lonely, wandering man.

ZANDI HOLUP / “Mountain Man”
Writers: Daniel Leathersitch/Zandi Holup; Producers: Ryan Hadlock, Zandi Holup; Label: Big Loud Records
– She has an attractive rasp in her drawling delivery. In the lyric of this languid, folk-y song, she’s smitten with an outdoorsy guy who won’t stick around long. Interesting sound. I’m intrigued. Send more.

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

DALE ANN BRADLEY / “Uncle Jake”
Writer: Dale Ann Bradley; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle Records
– Bradley is a six-time winner as Female Vocalist of the Year of the IBMA. This just-released story song tells the tale of a Kentucky fellow who lives “off the grid” and has  a loving, blessed, simple life as an Appalachian wood carver. The track is an acoustic delight of rippling guitar and mandolin. Beautifully written and performed.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kelsea Ballerini Lets Go Of Emotional Baggage

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Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Nyk Allen, Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

As the spring season warms up, country artists are upping the tempo.

Offering excellent upbeat efforts this week are Josh Ross, Jake Worthington & Marty Stuart, Colbie Caillat & Russell Dickerson, HuneyFire and our Disc of the Day awardee, Kelsea Ballerini.

The DISCovery Award du jour is Christian Hayes.

CHRISTIAN HAYES / “Through It All”
Writers: Christian Hayes/Jonah Kagen; Producer: Jonah Kagen; Label: Capitol Records
– Strikingly different and way cool. There’s an ear-catching twang-jangle guitar clanging beneath his folkie tenor vocal. The ballad is embellished by falsetto yodel leaps on the choruses as he struggles to find equilibrium following a failed relationship.

COLBIE CAILLAT & RUSSELL DICKERSON / “If You Love Me Let Me Go”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Jamie Scott/John Ryan/Julian Bunetta; Producers: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– Deliciously melodic. They twin-harmonize splendidly, the percussion track thumps softly, guitars twinkle in the mix and the production is flawless. I am in love with this sound. Play it again.

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER / “Bitter Ender”
Writer: Mary Chapin Carpenter; Producer: Josh Kaufman; Label: Lambent Light Records
– Acoustic strumming, harmonica and spare percussion set the mood for her smoky alto delivery. The compelling lyric describes a hopeful heart that always seems to end affairs on an angry, rueful note. Marvelously listenable, the track is an advance of Personal History, her 17th album, due next month.

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

DYLAN MARLOWE & CONNOR SMITH / “Country In the Clouds”
Writers: Brent Anderson/David Medlin/Dylan Marlowe/Jameson Rodgers/Zach Abend; Producers: Joe Fox, Zach Abend; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Breezy brushed rhythms and sparkling steel, banjo and guitar licks underscore a lyric that imagines a blissful Heaven that is full of all things country.

JAKE WORTHINGTON & MARTY STUART / “I’m the One”
Writers: Jake Worthington/Jenna LaMaster/Marty Stuart; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Marty’s twangin’ electric guitar sets the pace. Worthington’s Possum-and-Lefty influenced vocal bends notes every whichaway on this rompin’ rockbilly raveup. A complete blast from the first note to the cold close. A mini-masterpiece.

HUNEYFIRE / “Gonna Live (How I Wanna Live)”
Writers: Caitlin Evanson/Cheaza Figueroa/Denny Mishler/Michael Vittima; Producer: Cheaza Figueroa; Label: Double Decades Entertainment
– The mother-daughter duo returns with a rocker that sports a lively Bo Diddley beat, handclaps, stinging electric guitar and a furiously sawing fiddle. The have-fun lyric is perfect for summertime.

LOCASH / “Wrong Hearts”
Writers: Chris Lucas/Josh Thompson/Matt Dragstrem/Preston Brust; Producer: Jacob Rice; Label: Galaxy Label Group
– He thanks all his bad decisions because they led him to her. Sung with heart and country confidence.

WILLIE NELSON / “What Kind of Love”
Writers: Rodney Crowell/Roy Orbison/Will Jennings; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy Recordings
– Willie turned 92 years old this week and celebrated by releasing his latest album, Oh What a Beautiful World. The gorgeous title tune is out as a single. The collection kicks off with this stately, echoey track anchored by the superstar’s emotive reading of its meditation-on-devotion lyric. The entire collection consists of Rodney Crowell songs, which is truly a match made in heaven. I am definitely going to buy this record.

MOE BANDY / “You Don’t Have Very Far To Go”
Writers: Merle Haggard/Red Simpson; Producer: Jimmy Capps; Label: StarVista
– I think of this song as a country classic, so I was shocked to find that it has never been a hit single. Haggard co-wrote and sang the original version in 1964. It has since been covered by a country who’s-who, including Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely, Roy Clark, Rosanne Cash, Lucinda Williams, Johnny Paycheck, Suzy Bogguss and The Grascals. Bandy’s rendition is rather thinly produced. It’s drawn from his Songs I Missed album, which drops tomorrow (May 2).

JOSH ROSS / “Hate How You Look”
Writers: Chris McKenna/Christian Yancey/Jessica Farren/Nicholas Sainato; Producer: Matt Geroux; Label: Core Entertainment
– Ross is the current Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Entertainer of the Year and the winner of the CMA’s Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award. His latest is a marvelously well written toe tapper. It’s not just how good she looks in that red dress—he also hates how she looks “movin’ on” with somebody new. The superbly produced track soars right along with his powerful delivery. It made me feel like soaring, too.

CHRIS JANSON / “Me & A Beer”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Ashley Gorley/Chris Janson/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Andy Sheridan, Chris Janson; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Music Nashville
– He can’t do much hard work, pick up girls, go hunting or relax unless he has a beer in his hand. If you say so…..

COFFEY ANDERSON / “Happy and You Know It Drink a Beer”
Writers: Carlo Colasacco/James Slater/Kate Sykes/Styles Haury; Producer: Carlo Colasacco; Label: Lakeside Entertainment
– This repetitive folk ditty has a history as a children’s tune as well as a drinking song. Granger Smith previously brought it to country music as the latter (2020’s ”Country and Ya Know It”). It’s not a particularly challenging vocal piece. Anderson is appropriately jaunty and simple.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson Is ‘Philosophical, Moody & Super Compelling’

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Cody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas

I’m not hearing a lot of playlist essentials among this week’s DISClaimer candidates.

The highlights of the listening session included Runaway June, Bryce Leatherwood, Hardy, Dierks Bentley and our excellent Disc of the Day award winner, Cody Johnson.

The DISCovery Award winner is the aptly named Pynk Beard.

HARDY / “Favorite Country Song”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Beau Bailey/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– He hears everything around him, but nothing sounds as good as the sounds of nature back home. Written with finesse and sung with fire. Hardy stages his Grand Ole Opry debut next Tuesday (April 29).

CHASE MATTHEW & LAUREN ALAINA / “Heart Half Empty”
Writers: Austin Shawn/Bailey Manns/Chase Matthew/Matt McVaney/Noah West/Shaylen; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– These two really tear it up on this power ballad. “With a glass half full, but a heart half empty,” alcohol is ravaging a relationship as he struggles to make things right. Nicely done.

PYNK BEARD / “I Lived”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jeff Gitelman; Producers: Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, Pynk Beard; Label: Red Bull Records
– He’s a hit songwriter with a punk-pink beard, hence his billing. Fortunately, his music is as memorable as his image. The gospel-bred native of Birmingham expertly blends soul and country in this stirring meditation. There’s something about Cole’s confident, powerful, gripping delivery that makes me think he’s probably a really charismatic pulpit performer.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Well Well Whiskey”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Jordan Reynolds/Seth Ennis; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– He stares down a bottle in this frothing, driving stomper. Rising from the boiling stew of sound are his growly vocal and a hair-raising Bryan Sutton guitar solo. Excitement in the grooves.

BRYCE LEATHERWOOD / “Shenandoah”
Writers: Bryce Leatherwood/Jeffrey East/Josh Kelley; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: UMG Nashville
– He brings a burnished baritone voice to this soaring, melodic country love ballad. Strings, steel, harmony vocalists and percussion bolster a brilliantly wistful performance. I’m in.

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

LANIE GARDNER / “Concrete Cowboy”
Writers: Chris Ganoudis/Katie Cecil/Lanie Gardner; Producers: Chris Ganoudis, Katie Cecil; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– She has a cool, husky, drawled delivery that is perfect for this saga of a country gal whose heart is broken by a city boy. Smooth honey mixed with burning whiskey.

LITTLE FEAT / “Too High to Cut My Hair”
Writers: Fred Tackett/Scott Sharrard; Producers: Bill Payne, Scott Sharrard, Vance Powell; Label: Hot Tomato Productions
– I have always loved this band. Reunited and reinvigorated, their Nashville recorded comeback features blues-funk rhythms and stuttering horns. Plus a video shot at Eastside Bowl. Rock and Americana programmers take note.

KELSEY WALDON / “Commanche”
Writer: Kelsey Waldon; Producers: Justin Francis, Kelsey Waldon; Label: Oh Boy Records
– The Kentucky singer-songwriter explores solitude and finds solace in her Jeep Commanche while guitars and fiddles sparkle around her.

RUNAWAY JUNE / “New Kind of Emotion”
Writers: Jennifer Wayne/Natalie Stovall/Paul Sikes/Stevie Woodward; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Gorgeously produced. Flawless triplet harmonies seduce the ears as you enter this dreamy, swoon-worthy track. What a delicious dessert dish.

AVERY ANNA / “Danny Don’t”
Writer: Avery Anna; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Anna’s upcoming album is based on letters she’s received from fans who unburdened themselves of their problems. On this stripped-down acoustic ballad, she tells the tale of a child begging her dad not to be suicidal and to press ahead instead.

SAM BARBER / “Man of the Year”
Writer: Sam Barber; Producers: Joe Becker, Ryan Hewitt; Label: Lockeland Springs/Atlantic Records
– Cool and rootsy, with a deep-twang guitar and an echo on the chorus vocals. Kinda downbeat and doom-y, but undeniably compelling. This social-media star also has a duet out now with Avery Anna titled “Indigo.”

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Whiskey Does”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/John Frank/Tom Pino; Producers: David Mescon, Tom Pino; Label: River House Artists
– A choppy groove, unison singing and a stinging electric guitar are the hallmarks of this bare-bones production. The twin-brother duo will drop its debut album, the 16-track Rhinestone Revolution, on June 6.