DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dierks Bentley, Riley Green & John Anderson Team For Disc Of The Day

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Dierks Bentley, Riley Green & John Anderson

The hallmarks of this edition of DISClaimer are ballads and collaborations.

Tugging at the heartstrings are the sublime Tim McGraw, Austin Snell, Hudson Westbrook and Bailey Zimmerman. McGraw wins the battle of the ballads.

The collabs are a merrier lot. Colbie Caillat’s matches up with Maddie & Tae; the Zac Brown Band burns one down with Snoop Dogg; Chris Jones & The Night Drivers are pluperfect country with Jim Lauderdale. Dierks Bentley, Riley Green and John Anderson romp off with the Disc of the Day prize.

The DISCovery Award goes to Alexandra Kay.

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

AUSTIN SNELL / “Family Tree”
Writers: Austin Snell/Conor Matthews/Nicolette Hayford/Riley Thomas; Producer: Andrew Baylis; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– The echoey ballad contemplates generational trauma with a clear understanding and forthright honesty. Both the vocal performance and the production are gorgeous. Play this.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “Chevy Silverado”
Writers: Bailey Zimmerman/Gavin Lucas/Heath WarrenIlsey Juber/Tucker Beathard; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
– He’s lost her, but he still has his truck. Heartache with soaring electric guitars.

ALEXANDRA KAY / “Straight For The Heart”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Karley Scott Collins/Sasha Sloan; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Label: BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records
– If you’re gonna break her heart, make her hate you first. The sound is big and oomphy, but she’s a strong enough singer to power through. Highly promising

COLBIE CAILLAT WITH MADDIE & TAE / “Live Without”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Eric Arjes/Jimmy Robbins/Liz Rose; Producers: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– “Goodbye ain’t the bullet that I thought it was,” they sing in wafting harmony. The jaunty bopper is about thriving and soaring after a breakup. The happy rhythm, the sparking production and the intertwined voices are all completely enchanting. A terrific pop-country outing.

CHRIS JONES, THE NIGHT DRIVERS & JIM LAUDERDALE / “How Small of Me”
Writers: Andrew McCutcheon/Chris Jones; Producer: Chris Jones; Label: Mountain Home Music Company
– A dandy disc. Audio elegance. With honky-tonk vocals, an acoustic bluegrass arrangement and a two-step tempo, what’s not to love? Jones is celebrating his 30th anniversary with his band. Lauderdale was announced this week as an upcoming Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee.

MAGGIE ROSE & GRACE POTTER / “Poison in My Well”
Writers: Davis Naish/Margaret Durante/Melissa Fuller; Producers: Ben Tanner, Davis Naish; Label: One Riot Records
– Bluesy and groove soaked, this slow-burn anthem addresses someone who can’t be happy for someone else’s good fortune. Both singers are accomplished pop practitioners.

MON ROVIA / “Heavy Foot”
Writers: Andrew Lowe/Cooper Holzman/Eric Cromartie/Grant Averill; Producer: Cooper Holzman; Label: Nettwerk Music Group
– This artist blends his Liberian heritage with Appalachian folk story telling. His new single has a lilting, strummy-guitar track that bops along happily. But the lyric protests the heavy foot of a government trying to “keep us all down.” Not to worry, the song assures us that love and solidarity will persevere. Mon Rovia staged his Opry debut on July 29.

TIM McGRAW / “King Rodeo”
Writers: Tim McGraw/Tom Douglas; Producer: Byron Gallimore, Denny Hemingson, Tim McGraw; Label: Big Machine Records
– This will stop your heart. It’s a ballad of aging and loss, delivered with ache and stunning emotional power. McGraw introduced at his rodeo concert last month, and in this live track, you can feel/hear the massive crowd’s tearful acceptance. A country music master singing unvarnished truth.

ZAC BROWN BAND & SNOOP DOGG / “Let It Run”
Writers: Andy Frasco/Chris Gelbuda/John WidoMakr/Snoop Dogg/Zac Brown; Producer: Zac Brown; Label: Master of None
– A celebration of smoking weed with the band’s usual flawless harmony work. Dogg’s rap drops in mid-song, but this is Zac’s record all the way. Programmers take note: There is a whole lot of cussing in this lyric.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jordan Davis’ ‘Emotionally Compelling Vocals’ Strike Again

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Country music gets back to its roots in today’s edition of DISClaimer.

Guitars, not synthesizers, are the lead instruments. Ballads with powerful lyrics take over from the rock and pop productions that have dominated the genre for too long. Leading the way are Riley Green, Walker Hayes, Old Dominion, Aubry Rodriguez, Carter Faith and our Disc of the Day winner, Jordan Davis. All of them deserve massive airplay and streams. 

The DISCovery Award goes to JoJo Mason.

JOJO MASON / “Gold”
Writers: Bonnie Baker/Cameron Bedell/Hunter Hayes; Producer: Ryan Stead; Label: 604 Records
– This rising Canadian star blends country and soul beautifully on this warm, radiant, luscious ballad. He likens his sunshine lover to gold while a wafting choir whispers and sighs along. A zephyr of sound.

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

LAUREN WATKINS / “Marlboro Man”
Writers: Jeremy Spillman/Lauren Watkins/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Big Loud Records
– Watkins waxes nostalgic about an idealized, vanished macho cowboy on this languid track. Deep twang guitars and sighing steel accompany her as she muses about sharing horsebacks and smokes with him.

MORGAN WALLEN, LIL WAYNE & RICK ROSS / “Miami”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Charlie Handsome/Chase McGill/Dean Dillon/Dwayne Carter/Ernest Keith Smith/Hank Cochran/Michael Hardy/Morgan Wallen/Royce Porter/William Leonard Roberts II; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– There are faint echoes of Keith Whitley’s “Miami My Amy” in between Wallen’s plaintive singing and the stoned-out rapping. The track is a looped, electronic confection that will find more acceptance on pop playlists than on country ones. At least I hope so.

CARTER FAITH / “Bar Star”
Writers: Aaron Raitere/Carter Faith/Tofer Brown/Tyler Halverson; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: MCA
– “Bless his liver and his honky-tonk heart, ‘cause my baby’s a bar star.” Instead of going for a stay-at-home straight arrow, she goes for the roadhouse boozer on this delightful two stepper. Ms. Faith delivers the tune like a modern-day Loretta and Russ Pahl’s steel guitar sizzles and stings to answer her every hillbilly phrase. This, my friends, is by-gawd country music.

WALKER HAYES / “17 Year Old Problems”
Writer: Walker Hayes; Producer: Billy Dawson; Label: RCA Records
– Fake IDs, curfews, flunking a class, losing football games, spring break issues, breakups, summer jobs and teen angst. These issues are long gone as he faces the deaths of loved ones, paying bills, going to rehab and the broken dreams of adulthood. Now he wishes all he had to worry about were those teenage problems. This is a tremendously effective single, produced sparingly, sung with heart and written with insight. Brilliant work.

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
– Irritating and utterly tuneless. Both of them blathering about how hard they are to love. There’s no harmony singing, but how could there be when there’s no melody?

RILEY GREEN / “Bartender in Destin”
Writers: Nick Walsh/Sam Banks; Producer: Erik Dylan; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– I wish more country stars would release music like this—Green shines brighter than ever by singing with just an acoustic guitar accompaniment. The lyric deftly paints a laid-back romantic scene. Highly recommended listening.

AUBRY RODRIGUEZ / “Leaving Texas”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: AR
– She sings softly to convey the longing for a lost loved one and missing home. Simple bass and acoustic guitar gently support the lovely ballad. Aubry is the daughter of the late, great Johnny Rodriguez, whose Celebration of Life is scheduled for Aug. 11 at the Troubadour Theater in Music Valley at 5:30 pm.

OLD DOMINION / “Miss You Man”
Writers: Matt Jenkins/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Trevor Rosen; Producers:Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Three Up Three Down/Columbia Nashville
– As always, brilliantly written. This is a powerfully touching ode to grief. It’s been six years, but he still misses his best pal. Echoing guitars swirl around the lead vocal in this exquisite production.

GABBY BARRETT / “The Easy Part”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Abend, Zach Kale; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Tears turn to triumph in this breakup anthem. Piano and percussion drive the oomphy pop-country production.

THE BAND LOULA / “Sweet Southern Summer”
Writers: Gary Nichols/Greg Bieck/Logan Simmons/Malachi Mills; Producer: Greg Bieck; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Haunting and transfixing. The moody, minor-key track evokes a sultry, heat-soaked season in Dixie (which sounds pretty familiar these days). Logan Simmons sings the bluesy lead while Malachi Mills matches her with close harmony work. John Osborne of Brothers Osborne provides the yearning, dobro-centered production.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rodney Crowell Gives Hall Of Fame Worthy Performance

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Rodney Crowell. Photo: Neilson Hubbard

Is everybody on vacation?

This week’s DISClaimer stack of sounds sure seems like it. Superstars are in short supply and the songwriting pickin’s are slim. 

Mind you, there are still some highlights, namely Scotty McCreery, Sheryl Crow, Chris Janson, Tanner Adell, Billy Currington and our Disc of the Day winner, Rodney Crowell.

Shaylen stages her debut in the column and takes home a DISCovery Award.

BILLY CURRINGTON / “King of the World”
Writer: Troy Jones; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Mercury Nashville
– An upbeat, bluesy celebration of summer, loaded with dobro and slide guitar licks. He’s got a boxed lunch, some weed, Merle’s tunes, a devoted dog, a fishing pole and a boat. Feelin’ fine.

MAE ESTES / “Mountain of a Man”
Writers: Jon Decious/Lauren McLamb/Liz Rose/Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Big Machine Records
– A peppy, double-time beat drives this snappy ditty praising a 6’10” former boyfriend. A dobro solo, an echoing gang of backup singers and her pert soprano delivery are among the audio highlights.

GAVIN ADCOCK / “Last One to Know”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Gavin Adcock/Jack Rauton/Luke Laird; Producer: Jay Rodgers; Label: Thrivin Here Records/Warner Music Nashville
– This ACM New Male nominee takes a break from his rowdy, redneck-rebel image with a mournful lament. He’s still not much of a singer.

LUKE COMBS / “Back in the Saddle”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs; Producers: Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– A roaring declaration of …. exactly what? He’s hollering powerfully about launching some kind of comeback. It’s a potent sounding track, if somewhat lyrically vague.

CALI TUCKER / “Last Name”
Writers: Cali Tucker/Derek Robertson/G’harah “PK” Deg/Tricia Battani; Producer: G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze; Label: Mother Tucker Music
– This former contestant on The Voice is the daughter of LaCosta Tucker and the niece of Tanya. Her new single addresses having a famous name, but needing to stand on her own. Cali’s nicely phrased vocal rides atop a burbling, multi-layered, heavily edited, electronic pop production.

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
– A tuneful recollection of teenage summer on a Carolina beach with his girlfriend. The bonfire night was perfect, especially when she asked him to sing “Hold My Hand.” At the mention of the title, the Blowfish chime in with glorious harmony singing. An irresistible single.

SHAYLEN / “Loneliest Man”
Writers: Andrew Baylis/Conor Matthews/Riley Thomas/Shaylen; Producers: Julian Raymond, Shaylen; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– He dumped her, but she’s okay with it, knowing he’s headed on a journey that will make him, “the loneliest man in the world.” Confidently sung and well produced. Languid and lovely, yet not especially compelling as a song.

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

TANNER ADELL / “Giddy Up Gorgeous”
Writer: Tanner Adell; Producers: Cambo, leelee, LOUALLDAY; Label: TA
– The titled tune of Adell’s current tour is the lead track on her new Don’t Pet EP. It’s a lilting statement that she won’t be a victim and aims to steer her own destiny. A tasteful, spare production has just the right touch for her personable vocal delivery.

CHRIS JANSON / “Wild Horses”
Writers: Chris Janson/Kelly Roland/Pat Bunch; Producers: Chris Janson, Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Music Nashville
– If she’s looking for a wild guy, he’s her man. The country-rock track thumps along with zest and Janson gives it his all. Highly listenable.

THE JACK WHARFF BAND / “Moonshine Man”
Writer: Jack Wharff; Producer: Charlie Worsham; Label: Big Machine Records
– His almost-shrieking tenor vocal fronts sawing fiddles, fleet mandolin picking, electric guitar bursts and furious Southern-rock drumming. Intriguing and worth some spins.

SHERYL CROW & THE REAL LOWDOWN / “The New Normal”
Writers: Audley Freed/Fred Eltringham/Jen Gunderman/Peter Stroud/Robert Kearns/Sheryl Crow; Producer: Sheryl Crow and The Real Lowdown; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Collaborating with her longtime band, the new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee returns to her pop-rock roots with this snappy bopper. The outspoken lyric critiques AI/robot culture, “the leader of the free world,” fake news and more. A/C programmers take note.

JOSH ROSS / “Later Tonight”
Writers: Alexander Izquierdo/Ashley Gorley/John Byron/Ryan Vojtesak; Producer: Matt Geroux; Label: Core Entertainment
– His “Single Again” was a big ol’ hit. The follow-up is a finger-bopping ode to moving on after a breakup. Except when he gets back home, she’s still on his mind. The melody has all the complexity of a nursery rhyme. This one’s all about the percussive production.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton Team For Disc Of The Day

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Country’s female artists take the spotlight today in DISClaimer.

Eight of our finest are in today’s playlist—Miranda, MŌRIAH, Dasha, Sacha, Brooke Lee, Carter Faith, Priscilla Block and Sara Evans. From their ranks come the prize winners. The Disc of the Day unquestionably belongs to Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, but lend an ear to Ms. Carter Faith, who was also a mighty strong contender.

Brooke Lee takes the DISCovery Award. She’s good enough for Lukas Nelson, so she’s good enough for me.

Among our male discs, those by Russell Dickerson and the late Mike Henderson are the ones to definitely hear.

MIKE HENDERSON / “Weepin’ & Moanin’”
Writer: Mike Henderson; Producer: Kevin McKendree; Label: Qualified Records
– Mike Henderson held court every Monday night at The Bluebird Cafe for nearly 40 years until his sudden death in 2023. A veteran of The SteelDrivers (2005-2011) and The Bluebloods, he wrote hit songs with Chris Stapleton and crafted five solo albums showcasing his blistering slide guitar work and roadhouse sense of humor. The beloved entertainer is being saluted with Last Nite at the Bluebird, a posthumous compilation of some his best live tracks from those “Blue Monday” gigs. It kicks off with this self-composed grinder that includes his wry welcoming remarks. The set also includes such faves as “Pay Bo Diddley,” “Matchbox” and “Too Much Alcohol.” Friends and fans gathered to celebrate the CD and his memory this past Monday at the club.

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

BRYAN RUBY / “Diggin’ (’Til the Corn Comes Up)”
Writer: John Trentes; Producers: Bryan Ruby, Smith Curry; Label: Rubies In The Rough Music
– This rocking hunk of sound roars the saga of a hard-working man trying to keep his head above water. It is drawn from Ruby’s Growing Season EP. The collection’s release party occurred at The Green Light Bar on Tuesday evening (July 15).

OLD DOMINION / “Making Good Time”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Ross Ellis/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Columbia Nashville
– A country rocker for the young at heart. The teenagers in these lyrics are hot to trot and also plotting to escape their “slow down town.”

BROOKE LEE & LUKAS NELSON / “Dandelion”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Brinley Addington/Brooke Lee; Producer: Derek Wells; Label: Spirit Nashville Recordings/2 Mix Music
– This has a cool, swampy groove and a lyric of resilience. A dandelion will push up through the smallest crack in the pavement and persevere. That flower is what she compares herself to. Nelson contributes guitar, a harmony vocal and solo spots.

MARCUS HUMMON & SARA EVANS / “I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed”
Writers: Emily Dickinson/Marcus Hummon; Producer: Marcus Hummon; Label: 3686 RECORDS
– Songs for Emily is an album comprised of songs marrying Emily Dickinson’s poetry to Marcus Hummon’s melodies. On this track, the poet was joyously enraptured by a summer day. Evans sings lead on the bopping number. Hummon takes over during the bridge and sings along elsewhere. Sunny sounding.

MŌRIAH / “Superwoman”
Writers: Ivory Lane/Mōriah Smallbone/Paul Mabury; Producer: Paul Mabury; Label: F2 Entertainment Group
– This ballad mourns the loss of youthful bravery. She misses the hopes and dreams and aspirations that made her feel like a super hero when she was a kid. She wants to fly again, but she’s earthbound now. MŌRIAH’s delivery is spell binding, going from a dusky, whispery alto to a yearning, airy soprano. Recommended.

DASHA / “Oh, Anna!”
Writers: Anna Dasha Novotny/Chris LaCorte/Emily Weisband/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: Warner Records
– This gentle bopper asks her little-girl self to come back and bring her innocent courage, optimism and confidence. Sprightly yet thoughtful. This gal is batting a thousand.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Happen to Me”
Writers: Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Jessie Jo Dillon/Robert Hazard/Russell Dickerson; Producers: Chris LaCorte, Josh Kerr, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– Dickerson leads a dance party in a wild whirl of merriment. Along the way, he assures us that “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” It will come as no surprise to learn that the track also has a dance remix.

SACHA & RESTLESS ROAD / “Shooting Star”
Writers: Cole Miracle/Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Sacha Visagie/Sam Martinez/Zach Beeken; Producers: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Sony Music Canada
– Sacha is a Canadian country chart topper, previously noted for “Hey Mom I Made It.” Teamed with the Restless Road trio, she sounds even better than before. The rolling, swaying country rocker sports electric-guitar licks galore as well as some fine vocalizing by both acts.

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecelia)”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Hailey Whitters/Jesse Frasure/Jessie Jo Dillon/Paul Simon; Producers: David Garcia, Jesse Frasure; Label: UMGN InDent Records
– This is a fascinating mash up of Simon & Garfunkel’s 1970 hit with her lyrics about a “Jolene” who’s up to no good. Pretty dang irresistibly catchy.

CHARLIE DANIELS & THE BEAU WEEVILS / “How We Roll”
Writer: Charlie Daniels; Producer: Casey Wood, James Stroud; Label: Blue Hat Records
– This Southern rocker with redneck pride was originally issued as by The Beau Weevils. Seven years later, the band’s ouput is being reissued, re-branded with the late Daniels’ name and re-tooled for digital consumption.

CARTER FAITH / “Sex, Drugs and Country Music”
Writers: Carter Faith/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– An absolute delight. The lilting melody and her airy vocal sweetly reflect on the fact that “love is stupid” and that the best way to get through a heartbreak is with “Sex, Drugs and Country Music.” Winsome and wonderfully charming from start to finish.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Riley Green & Ella Langley Return With Some ‘Sublime Listening’

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Riley Green and Ella Langley

Newcomers and old friends vie for our listening attention in today’s DISClaimer.

In the latter category are Brett Young, Dustin Lynch, Chris Young, Cam, Joy Oladokun and Disc of the Day winners Riley Green & Ella Langley.

Among the youngsters, Will Jones stands out as the DISCovery Award artist of the week.

HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Damn Good Taste in Whiskey”
Writers: Hudson Westbrook/Randy Montana; Producer: none listed; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– He’s a loser in love in this honky-tonk lament. He has bad taste in women, but knows his liquor. Westbrook is donating 100% of his merch sales this weekend to Texas Hill Country flood relief. This sounds like an idea worth spreading to other acts.

DUSTIN LYNCH / “Easy To Love (MOONLGHT Remix)”
Writers: Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson/Dustin Lynch/Jon Hall/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow Records
– It’s a country vocal. The track takes you on a rapid-beats disco trip. Electronic loops and chattering percussion stir the stew. His sampled vocal repeats the hooks. The artist does late-night “club sets” for dancers at his shows, hence this release.

WILL JONES / “Lonesome Dove”
Writers: Will Jones/Davis Corley/Lee Starr/Dan Wilson; Producers: Cliff Audretch & Rob McNelley; Label: Lady Luck Songs/Blue Harbor Music
– Eloquent and extraordinary. A listening experience that stopped me in my tracks. The ballad is beautifully written, and his vocal performance is Country Heaven. Plucked guitar strings and sighing steel frame a lyric about man feeling sorry for a lonely lady sitting in the corner. Stop what you are doing and lend this your ears.

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

JOY OLADOKUN / “I’d Miss the Birds”
Writer: Olubukola Oladokun; Producer: Joy Oladokun; Label: Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records
– Her current album, Observations From a Crowded Room, contains this contemplative folk-country ode that sounds like she’s thinking about leaving town and finding peace in the countryside. “The Proud Boys and their women” have tainted the Nashville scene for Joy. Originally issued late last year, the track now has an updated post.

CAM / “Everblue”
Writers: Cameron Ochs/Gregory Aldae Hein/Tyler Johnson; Producer: Tyler Johnson; Label: RCA
– “I never knew evergreen could turn to everblue,” she intones in this acoustic soprano ballad. She describes the heavy-hearted performance as “peak sad girl.” Yes, but very pretty sounding.

BIGG VINNY / “WalMart Drip”
Writers: Vencent Hickerson/Ken Harrell/Jenny Goforth Hickerson; Producer: Marc Fortney (BUTTER); Label: Nashville Universe
– Remember this guy from The Trailer Choir? For starters, he’s not so “Bigg” anymore, having shed hundreds of pounds on NBC’s The Biggest Loser. This solo, hip-hoppy outing is a boatload of goofy fun in praise of being clothed by Walmart during a shopping spree. The video is a hoot. Find Vinny for the next three days (10th, 11th, 12th) as he entertains at Shiners in the old Woolworth store.

CHRIS YOUNG / “I Didn’t Come Here to Leave”
Writers: Chris Young/Kyle Fishman/Dallas Davidson; Producers: Chris Young & Andy Sheridan; Label: Black River Entertainment
– The title tune of Young’s forthcoming (October) album is a breezy bopper. He vows that he’s not quitting when the bar says it’s 2 a.m. closing time. He’s gonna drink and sing and party on. This guy is always a dependable hit maker.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Sorryville”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Jimi Bell/Joe Fox/Seth Ennis; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– He’s in Sorryville because his gal has gone. The verses on this midtempo barroom weeper are cool, but the mood is ruined by the overproduced choruses.

BRETT YOUNG / “You Still Got It”
Writers: Brett Young/Justin Wilson/Dave Pittenger; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Nashville Harbor
– She has his old clothes and other stuff. All he wants back is his heart. Well written and produced with propulsive panache. Wooshing electronics frame his expressive vocal. Arguably his finest performance yet.

LANCE COWAN / “Against the Grain”
Writers: Lance Cowan/Sam Gay; Producers: Jason Stelluto & Scott Paschall; Label: Lantzapalooza Muzik/Orchard
– The captain builds his own boat and dreams of life on the water. Cowan’s skill as a storyteller is on full display on his current collection. This title tune ripples with folkie pleasure. The troubadour did a fine job during his WMOT appearance a few days ago to promote this worthy song set.

KETCH SECOR / “Catch Me If You Can”
Writers: Jody Stevens/Ketch Secor; Producer: none listed; Label: Ketch Secor
– Secor’s debut solo album drops tomorrow. Titled Story the Crow Told Me, it finds the Old Crow Medicine Show leader and “Wagon Wheel” creator in a different audio zone than the string-band mode we are used to hearing by him. For instance, this emphasis track is a full contemporary-country production. Electric guitars and harmonica back him on the rambling-man ode. Refreshingly different.

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.