DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ringo Starr’s Country Debut Is A ‘Simply Lovely Record’

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Ringo Starr.

Let’s get Latin today.

It has been too long since the country stardom of Johnny Rodriguez, Freddy Fender, Emilio, Rick Trevino and the like. Stepping into this void are veteran Stephanie Urbina Jones and newcomer Moriah, both of whom have excellent new singles.

The biggest current star of the format is on hand today with new music from Morgan Wallen. But even superstars must take a back seat when there’s a Beatle in the house. Ringo Starr wins the Disc of the Day prize.

Taking home a DISCovery Award is Neil Perry with his debut solo release.

RYAN LARKINS / “Buzzin”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Jordan Minton/Ryan Larkins; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Red Street Records
– “Nothin’ gets me buzzin’ like you do,” sings Larkins. MusicRow’s Breakthrough Songwriter 2024 awardee is a dandy record maker, too. He sings in a rich, low baritone and conveys warmth and personality with every note. He’s nominated for a CMA Award this year as the co-writer of Cody Johnson’s “The Painter.”

JUSTIN MOORE & DIERKS BENTLEY / “Time’s Ticking”
Writers: Jeremy Stover/Justin Moore/Randy Montana/Will Bundy; Producers: Jeremy Stover, Scott Borchetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Seize the moment and savor it. Don’t put things off—stop and smell the roses, tell folks you love ‘em, “make a memory not just money.” All set to a toe-tapping beat. Well worth your spins.

MÕRIAH / “Hasta Mañana”
Writers: Mõriah/Paul Duncan/Paul Mabury; Producer: Paul Mabury; Label: F2 Entertainment Group
– It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and it’s high time we had a Latina country star. This breathy, sensuous vocalist puts in her bid with this tuneful bopper. She’ll be releasing a Spanish-language version next week in conjunction with the Day of the Dead holiday.

CLARENCE TILTON & MARTY STUART / “Fred’s Colt”
Writer: Christopher Weber; Producer: none listed; Label: 7814467 Records
– The singing of the Clarence Tilton band’s Chris Weber probably won’t win any awards, but there is a raggedy, rumpled charm in this uptempo outing, enlivened by some red-hot electric guitar picking. Americana programmers take note.

RUNAWAY JUNE / “New Kind Of Emotion”
Writers: Jennifer Wayne/Natalie Stovall/Paul Sikes/Stevie Woodward; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– You just can’t beat this act’s delicious, three-part harmony singing. On this pop track, the trio weaves a lovely audio tapestry of budding romance. “This is what a love song feels like,” they sigh together. It certainly is.

MORGAN WALLEN / “Love Somebody”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Charlie Handsome/Elof Loelv/Jacob Kasher Hindlin/John Byron/Martina Sorbera/Morgan Wallen/Nicholas Gale/Shaun Frank/Steve Francis Richard Mastroianni/Yaakov Gruzman; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– This is a breezy, upbeat change of pace for this champ hit maker. He’s looking for love while the Latin-tinged track burbles merrily along. The guitar solo is terrific.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Scarlet Lonesome”
Writers: Ben Roberts/Nathan Sexton/Sam Williams; Producers: Ben Roberts, Nathan Sexton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– The torrid power ballad is about being drawn into an obsessive love. The video illustrates that this is a gay romance.

RINGO STARR / “Time On My Hands”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Paul Kennerley/T Bone Burnett; Producers: Bruce Sugar, Daniel Tashian, T Bone Burnett; Label: UMG Nashville
– At 84, Ringo still sings splendidly. Sharing the spotlight on this mid tempo meditation is a brilliant, crystal-clear production featuring breathtaking steel guitar work by Paul Franklin. A simply lovely record.

STEPHANIE URBINA JONES / “La Reina De Los Angeles Cielto Lindo”
Writers: Mark Marchetti/Stephanie Urbina Jones; Producers: Preston ‘Shoes’ Sullivan/Stephanie Urbina Jones; Label: Global Eyes Entertainment/Casa Del Rio Records
– Jones and her Honky Tonk Mariachi Band are the sound of joy on this delightfully rhythmic prancer. It practically commands you to get up and go into a happiness dance. I have always loved this good-vibes performer, and never more so than now. The song ends with a coda of “Cielito Lindo,” which I always assumed was a folk song. How pleasant to find out that it has a composer.

WARREN HAYNES, LUKAS NELSON & JAMEY JOHNSON / “Day Of Reckoning”
Writers: Lukas Nelson/Warren Haynes; Producer: Warren Haynes; Label: Fantasy Records
– The track conjures a swampy, bluesy mood while the three voices swap soulful, apocalyptic lines about coming together in brotherhood. Kinda left field, but totally groovy, in an optimistic, Civil Rights anthemic sorta way. Haynes is the frontman for the Americana band Gov’t Mule. This is drawn from his solo album Million Voices Whisper, which drops on Nov. 1.

HARPER GRACE / “Jolene”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producers: Cooper Bascom, Tedd T.; Label: Curb Records
– The smoky-voiced American Idol alumnus tackles the often-sung Parton classic with vivacious verve. She really rocks it. So much so that she sounds like she’s ready to punch Jolene’s lights out.

NEIL PERRY / “If You Can’t Don’t”
Writers: Neil Perry/Jet Harvey/Jackson Nance; Producers: Nathan Chapman, Neil Perry; Label: NP
– He was always overshadowed as a vocalist in The Band Perry. With his debut solo outing, Neil Perry claims the spotlight he deserves. The take-me-as-I-am song is about loving an imperfect man. The electronic production is loaded with dramatic tension and dynamics that mirror the shifting tones of the vocal. Excellent work.

BRANTLEY GILBERT & ASHLEY COOKE / “Over When We’re Sober”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill/Jason Bradley DeFord/Justin Wilson; Producers: Brock Berryhill, Brantley Gilbert, Scott Borchetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– They broke up, but they keep hooking up after they’ve been belting whiskey in the club at night. The song is cool and they both sing great, but the record sounds busy and over produced. Gilbert & Cooke will perform this on tomorrow’s telecast of The Kelly Clarkson Show.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jelly Roll’s Vocal Is Full Of ‘Gripping Passion & Believability’

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Jelly Roll. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

In these troubling times, the country stars are offering comforting messages this week.

To varying degrees, Tim McGraw, Jelly Roll, Dolly, Reba, Tanya and Bailey Zimmerman are all singing of hope and empowerment. Among them, Jelly Roll has the outstanding effort and wins the Disc of the Day prize.

I was thunderstruck by the vocal quality of Taulia Lave, who is a complete unknown to me. He easily wins the DISCovery Award du jour.

TAULIA LAVE / “Modern Day Cowboy”
Writers: Errol Collier/Taulia Lave; Producer: Austin Stanley; Label: Country Boy Records
– The production perks up your ears from the first deep-bass notes. Then the man begins to sing and OMG. Gorgeous voice. Gorgeous tempo track. This is packed with audio dynamics—steel, percussion, twang guitar, propulsion, echo. Lave, known as “Big T” is a Samoan with a voice of satin. He hails from Hawaii, a state whose natives have always included many great vocalists. Take it from me, this man is one of them.

REBA McENTIRE / “Happy’s Place”
Writers: Carole King/Doug Sisemore/Reba McEntire; Producer: Doug Sisemore; Label: Rockin’ R Records
– This rhythmic bopper is the theme song from the Hall of Famer’s new NBC sitcom, which premieres tomorrow (Oct. 18). She invests it with plenty of energy. The instrumental break is a bland disappointment. The writer credits are newsworthy.

WARREN ZEIDERS / “You For A Reason”
Writers: Alex Maxwell/Rivers Rutherford/Warren Zeiders; Producers: Ross Copperman, Warren Zeiders; Label: Warner Records
– The love didn’t last, but he has no regrets. CMT award winner Zeiders is such a strong vocalist, and sings this ballad with loads of heart.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “First Rodeo”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Hillary Lindsey/Jessie Jo Dillon/Karen Fairchild/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini; Label: Black River Entertainment
– This is a soft-focus, pastel watercolor of sound. Ballerini dials it down to a whispery, conversational delivery while the dreamy ballad swirls in gentle washes around her. Lovely listening.

TIM McGRAW / “People Like Us”
Writers: Scooter Carusoe/Tom Douglas; Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Label: Big Machine Records
– Very uplifting. McGraw sings a lyric that offers unity, hope and heart. We’re all in this together, and if we want to build a better tomorrow we have to do it in brotherhood. This guy has always been a champion song magnet.

KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Out Of My Mind”
Writers: Brian Elmquist/Kashus Culpepper; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud/Mercury Records
– This has a cool, unusual sound with multiple tempo and chord changes. I don’t hear it as “country,” however.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “Holding On”
Writers: Austin Shawn/Blake Whiten; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Elektra Entertainment
– The vocal sounds very “processed” in this plodding ballad. The production is a dense sounding onslaught of electronics. Pass.

JELLY ROLL / “I Am Not Okay”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Casey Brown/Jason Deford/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: BBR Music Group
– This is arguably his finest vocal performance to date, full of gripping passion and believability. For troubled souls everywhere: “When it’s all said and done/I am not okay/But it’s all gonna be alright.” This turbulent-but-uplifting track deserves to be a No. 1 record.

DON LOUIS / “Drunk And Alone”
Writer: Don Louis; Producer: Kipp Williams; Label: Money Myers Entertainment/EMPIRE
– They broke up. It sounds like they are both drowning their blues in booze. He at least has the satisfaction of knowing she calls him when she’s loaded and needy. The track bops along merrily, and he sings with fine finesse. I’ve been liking this guy all along, and the hunk is named one of Music City’s Most Beautiful People in the current issue of Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

DOLLY PARTON, MADDIE & TAE, JESSIE JAMES DECKER & CALLIE TWISSELMAN / “Gonna Be You”
Writer: Diane Warren; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: DiNamic/CTK Records
– The massed female voices combine to offer a song of sisterhood. It’s about buddies who will always have your back. Friendship has seldom sounded so downright wise and wonderful. The upbeat anthem is from the soundtrack of the hit comedy movie 80 For Brady, which I also recommend.

HUESTON / “Bottle In My Hand”
Writers: Brandon Sammons/Cory Hueston/Matt Ferranti; Producer: Bsamz; Label: Silver Wings Records
– He has a very ear-catching voice, kinda strangled, soulful and aching. The production is pop, but the lyric of closing a dive bar down and losing it all to alcohol is country all the way.

TANYA TUCKER / “Do We Want To Win”
Writers: Chuck Cannon/Reggie Hamm; Producers: Chuck Cannon, Mark Joseph; Label: TT
– It’s kinda political and also about a relationship. The tempo drags, there’s a whole lotta spoken word passages, and the chorus seems to be the only hook in the song.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Eric Church Benefit Track Is A ‘Moving, Spiritual, Uplifting Recording’

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Eric Church. Photo: Robby Klein

The Disc of the Day competition is intense today.

There are at least six contenders—Tyler Hubbard, Zach Top, Steve Earle, Kane Brown, the Madeline Merlo & Dustin Lynch collab and the winner, Eric Church. He’s already the most awarded artist in this column’s history, but with this new soul sound and the generosity of his spirit, he’s undeniable.

Give a DISCovery Award to Annie Bosko for her sterling work alongside the mighty Joe Nichols.

DASHA / “Bye Bye Bye”
Writers: Anna Dasha Novotny/Bardo William Novotny/Cole Hutzler/Kenneth Travis Heidelman; Producers: Bardo, Travis Heidelman; Label: Warner Records
– Country’s new dance princess has equalled the Platinum-selling “Austin” with this latest ear worm. It’s a kiss-off tune with a ridiculously catchy hook plus a feisty video that features her dragging the ex, feet-first, behind her John Deere tractor. Love her bopping charms.

ERIC CHURCH / “Darkest Hour”
Writer: Eric Church; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– The Chief has stepped up to the plate to extend a helping hand to the devastated victims of Hurricane Helene in his home state. He is donating his songwriting royalties from this moving, spiritual, uplifting recording of falsetto blue-eyed soul to provide aid today and forever to his fellow North Carolinians. The social responsibility is as admirable as the beautiful song is. Applause, applause.

MADELINE MERLO & DUSTIN LYNCH / “Broken Heart Thing”
Writers: James McNair/Lalo Guzman/Madeline Merlo/Michael Tyler/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– The two-time CCMA winner and 2024 CMT Next Woman of Country honoree unfurls a radiant, powerful delivery of this ultra melodic heartache tune. She’s simply sensational. Lynch offers vocal support and his own verse, but this is her show all the way. Absolutely play this. Merlo will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on the 16th.

STEVE EARLE / “Sister Angelina”
Writer: David Olney; Producer: Gwil Owen; Label: New West Records
– Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney is a tribute album that drops next week. Earle’s track from it is the advance listen. The Latin rhythms play beautifully against the dark-night-of-the-soul lyric. If you don’t know who Olney was, you need remedial Nashville-music education, because he is one of the greatest songwriters the city has ever produced. Just ask Lucinda Williams, the McCrary Sisters, Mary Gauthier, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Janis Ian and the rest of the stellar cast of this 17-track double album salute. “David Olney was the best of us,” says Earle. Amen, brother.

KANE BROWN / “Backseat Driver”
Writers: Jacob Davis/Jordan Walker; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Zone 4
– He listens to his adorable daughter babbling about the passing scene from the backseat of his car. He wishes he had her wonder, her curiosity and her innocence. Warmth and love in every note. If you can’t get behind this, you’re made of stone.

ZACH TOP / “Beer For Breakfast”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Kevin Denney/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– The surprise CMA nominee this year is this indie-label traditionalist. He’s getting my vote, because there has not been a by-God COUNTRY singer this fine in ages. On top of that, his current single is a hillbilly hoot. Sign me up for this fan club. Oh, and give Lainey Wilson a rose for taking him out on tour with her. Make this man a star.

BRETT YOUNG / “Say Less”
Writers: Ben Caver/Brett Young/Justin Ebach; Producers: Dann Huff, Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
– He’s always a romantic guy. This time, the swoon-y lyric is backed by some kick-butt percussion and ringing guitar work. Swirling energy—grab her hand and dance into the bedroom.

KIP MOORE / “Live Here To Work”
Writer: Kip Moore; Producers: Jaren Johnston, Kip Moore; Label: Virgin Music
– Moore tries on some rocking “outlaw” duds, and they fit just fine. Backbeats and guitar snarling abound. This is fire. Waylon would be pleased.

TYLER HUBBARD / “Heroes”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– Single moms, farmers, teachers, first responders, coaches and everyday citizens who make the world go ‘round. These are the real-life heroes, sings Hubbard. Written with insight and sung with conviction.

JOE NICHOLS & ANNIE BOSKO / “Better Than You”
Writers: Derek George/John Pierce; Producers: Derek George, Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Terrific listening. The charismatic Nichols takes charge from the opening notes while the production throbs subtly behind him. Then Bosko gets her turn, and she holds her own. Then she locks in a harmony vocal as they take the power ballad home. Goosebump-thrilling sounding.

THE COWARD BROTHERS / “Always”
Writers: Henry Coward/Howard Coward; Producers: Henry Coward, Howard Coward; Label: New West Records
– Ethereal and echoey, with whispery backing vocals and ghostly guitar. It’s more of a sonic slab than an actual country song. The imaginary “Coward” duo is comprised of Elvis Costello and T-Bone Burnett, and this is drawn from their 20-song soundtrack of their audio “biography.” Just so you know, Elvis is “Howard Coward” and T-Bone is “Henry Coward.”

CONOR CLEMMONS / “Growin’ To Do”
Writers: Conor Clemmons/Griffen Palmer/Will Hoge; Producer: Derek Drye; Label: 1929 Records
– Don’t be so much in a hurry to grow up. You only get to be young once. Clemmons sings with confidence, and the song is wonderfully written. The track is poorly mixed, with the electric guitars competing with his vocal to the point where you have to strain to catch the lyrics.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Three Tunes Share The Disc Of The Day

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Pictured (L-R): Jamey Johnson, Mickey Guyton, Nate Smith and Avril Lavigne.

Collaborations are the order of the day in this week’s DISClaimer country music roundup.

We have Brooks & Dunn with Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood, Nate Smith with Avril Lavigne and Gangstagrass with Reef The Lost Cauze (whoever that is). Mix in great new sounds by The War and Treaty, Elle King, Sierra Ferrell and Kat Luna and there’s an awful lot to like.

So much so that we have three Disc of the Day winners. The Male prize goes to the eternally great Jamey Johnson. The Female awardee is Mickey Guyton. The group honor belongs to Smith and Lavigne.

Give a DISCovery Award to the bluesy Alabama band The Red Clay Strays.

NATE SMITH & AVRIL LAVIGNE / “Can You Die From A Broken Heart”
Writers: Kevin Fisher/Michael Matosic/Tom Walker; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Nashville
– His soulful baritone groan and her aching/piercing soprano blend beautifully on this broken-hearted power ballad. Smith is on a roll, with three consecutive country chart-toppers under his belt. Lavigne is a zillion-selling pop star. The single is a sonic masterpiece. This can’t miss.

BROOKS & DUNN & LAINEY WILSON / “Play Something Country”
Writers: Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– One of the greatest of all the Brooks & Dunn songs, gets a kick-ass revival with Lainey sassing her way into the bar, wailing “I shaved my legs/I paid my money.” The new diva holds her own opposite platinum-plated country vocal legend Ronnie. The 2005 number has always rocked, and it does so again. It’s drawn from a forthcoming (Nov. 15) album of collaborations. In addition to Wilson, the album will feature contributions from Morgan Wallen, Marcus King Band, Megan Moroney, Warren Zeiders, Jelly Roll, Riley Green, The Cadillac Three, Halestorm, Mitchell Tenpenny, The Earls of Leicester, Jake Worthington, Hailey Whitters, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Hardy, Ernest, A Thousand Horses and Corey Kent. Can’t wait.

THE RED CLAY STRAYS / “Drowning”
Writer: Drew Nix; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: RCA Records
– The 2024 winners of the Americana Emerging Artist award showcase their blues chops on this downbeat ballad that’s dripping with soul. Their debut RCA album Made By These Moments also features the heartbreaking “Wanna Be Loved” and tormented “Devil in My Ear.” These guys rock.

CODY JOHNSON & CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “I’m Gonna Love You”
Writers: Chris Stevens/Kelly Archer/Travis Denning; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Cody carries the melody while Carrie harmonizes perfectly on this lovely romantic outing. The piano ballad is a beautifully crafted piece of songwriting, and these two singers make the most of it. An instant wedding classic.

GARY NICHOLSON / “What A Little Love Can Do”
Writers: Gary Nicholson/Stephen Bruton; Producers: Gary Nicholson, John Heithaus, Kevin McKendree; Label: Qualified Records
– This Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member has a fine new album called Common Sense. He’s an ace guitarist and a comfy singer, and both skills are flying high on this sprightly country rocker. Charming as can be.

JAMEY JOHNSON / “Someday When I’m Old”
Writers: Aimee Mayo/Chris Lindsey/Troy Verges; Producer: The Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Big Gassed Records
– Hallelujah! One of our greatest living country singers is back with a vengeance on this moody contemplation of mortality. It’s a brilliant song, and he totally owns it with his heartfelt performance.

SIERRA FERRELL / “Lighthouse”
Writers: Lindsay Lou/Sierra Ferrell; Producer: Gary Paczosa; Label: Rounder Records
– In any kind of just universe, this woman would already be a country superstar. As it is, she’s this year’s Artist of the Year at the Americana Music Awards. She is a charismatic showman (is showoman a word?) who is an irresistible stage presence. But this stripped-down, guitar-vocal outing showcases that she is also a mighty, mighty country singer. Have I mentioned that I am major fan?

MICKEY GUYTON / “House On Fire”
Writers: Jenna Andrews/Mickey Guyton/Stephen Kirk; Producers: Nolan Verner, Stephen Kirk; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Passionate, melodic, fierce, loving and deliciously listenable. This is the title tune of Guyton’s sophomore album, and it’s the performance of a lifetime. A career highlight that takes it up to a whole new level.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Can I Get An Amen”
Writers: Jonathan Singleton/Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producers: Andrew Capra, Jonathan Singleton, Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: UMG Nashville
– They brought the house down with this during the NBC telecast of the People’s Choice Country Awards last week. No wonder: The King & Queen of gospel country blaze brightly on this barn-storming ode to love, faith and fidelity. Are they the best singers in Nashville or what?

KAT LUNA / “That Girl”
Writers: Erika Ender/Kat Luna/KK Johnson/Rhett Akins; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Luna is issuing this in both English and Spanglish versions. In any language, it’s a super song of survival and empowerment, and she sings the fire out of it.

GANGSTAGRASS / “Mother”
Writers: Brian Farrow/Daniel Ford Whitener/Lawrence Durant/Oscar Owens/Randal Green/Sharif Talib Lacey; Producer: Rench; Label: Rench Audio
– This bi-racial band is currently No. 1 on the bluegrass chart with its fusion of ‘grass and hip-hop elements. The album is titled The Blackest Thing on the Menu, and its fifth single “Mother” is a socially, racially and environmentally conscious spoken lyric with plunked banjo notes and looped percussion. It follows “The Only Way Out Is Through” (featuring Jerry Douglas), “Good at Being Bad,” “Up High Do Or Die” (interpolating Bill Monroe’s “Jerusalem Ridge”) and “Obligatory Braggadocio” as showcases from the collection.

ELLE KING / “High Road”
Writers: Elle King/Paul Dominick DeVincenzo; Producers: Dave Cohen, Elle King; Label: RCA Records
– This performance sets her in stone as a country artist. And I do mean “stone.” There’s an unmistakable Willie vibe here, because when she sings of a “High Road,” the emphasis is on “high.” Country, country, country and cool.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ernest & Lainey Wilson Are ‘Duet Perfection’

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Ernest & Lainey Wilson.

As we ease into the fall season, the country stars have warm sounds to accompany us.

The highlights here are Kelsea Ballerini, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley and Brian Kelley. The Disc of the Day is unquestionably the dandy duet by Ernest and Lainey Wilson, both of whom sing like hillbilly angels.

Give a DISCovery Award to Georgia-born newcomer Vincent Mason.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Heaven’s Sake”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Joe Fox/Seth Ennis; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Lotsa rock guitar. Lotsa drumming. Lotsa volume. Headache inducing. It’s the lead track of his new album, which drops tomorrow.

SHABOOZEY / “Highway”
Writers: Collins Obinna Chibueze/McKay Stevens/Sean Cook; Producers: McKay Stevens, Sean Cook; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– Love the strummy acoustic guitar and his plaintive vocal. The aimless heartache “road” song could use a few hooks.

REYNA ROBERTS / “A Hundred”
Writers: Danny Myrick/Reigna Roberts; Producer: Danny Myrick; Label: ReynaRed Records/EMPIRE
– A melody would have been nice.

WILLIE NELSON / “Last Leaf”
Writers: Kathleen Brennan/Tom Waits; Producer: Micah Nelson; Label: Legacy Recordings
– Achingly beautiful. In a tremulous, vibrato-shaken delivery, Willie contemplates mortality as he realizes that he is the last man standing from his generation. This is the title tune of his 153rd (!) album, due Nov. 1.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “Two Things”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Hillary Lindsey/Jessie Jo Dillon/Karen Fairchild/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini; Label: Black River Entertainment
– Amid a swirling, wooshing sonic landscape, Ballerini muses that conflicting, opposing emotions can both be true at the same time in a complicated relationship. It’s a preview of her Patterns collection, an all-female project due next month.

BRAD PAISLEY / “Truck Still Works”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Hunter Phelps/Rodney Clawson/Will Bundy; Producers: Brad Paisley, Luke Wooten; Label: EMI Records Nashville
– Remember “Mud on the Tires?” Paisley suggests that we take that ol’ vehicle out for a spin again to rekindle romance and memories. Warmly nostalgic and rhythm happy. Watch for the star to premiere this merry tune on tonight’s People’s Choice Country Awards telecast.

BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Guitar Lady”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/David Brown/Maurice Wade; Producers: Carrie K, Gabe Simon; Label: Elektra Entertainment
– This languid, laid-back track sings of troubadour gals who make you want to sing along and ease your troubled mind. Mellow and groovy. Imaginatively produced.

VINCENT MASON / “Train Of Thought”
Writers: Chase McDaniel/Jared Keim/Ryan Beaver/Vincent Mason; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: MCA Nashville/Music Soup/Interscope Records
– Mason has amassed considerable online success with his ballads “Hell Is a Dance Floor” and “Heart Like This.” This lovelorn outing demonstrates that the youngster  knows his way around a tempo tune, too. Nicely done.

SAMMY KERSHAW / “Slip Away”
Writers: Marcus Daniel/Wilbur Terrell/William Armstrong; Producers: Billy Lawson, Sammy Kershaw; Label: Goldenlane Records
– Country vet Kershaw took a trip down to Muscle Shoals for his latest album. On it, he revisits soul and rock oldies, such as this 1968 Clarence Carter classic. It’s an enduringly cool cheating song.

BRIAN KELLEY / “Hold On Cowboy”
Writer: Brian Kelley; Producers: Caleb Gilbreath, Katlin Owen; Label: Big Machine Records
– No matter what you are going through emotionally, hold your head up and persevere. He lends a sympathetic ear to your troubles and points the way to a brighter tomorrow. This uplifting tempo tune is tied to this being National Suicide Prevention Month, and it carries that message admirably.

ERNEST & LAINEY WILSON / “Would If I Could”
Writers: Dean Dillon/Skip Ewing; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– Wow. The song is country eloquent, and their duet performance is perfection. The supremely well crafted ballad closes the book on a relationship that’s better off in the past. The exquisite vocals are beautifully shaded and evocative to convey its emotional complexity. I love this record. A solo version from Ernest impacts radio on Oct. 7.

THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND / “What Might Have Been”
Writer: Mike Stern; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: Nolivian
– Dobro master Jerry Douglas will be inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame this evening in North Carolina. The Set was released last week as his first solo album in seven years, although he continues to record and tour with Alison Krauss. You’ll find this deliciously dreamy, echoey meditation on the The Set. It blends his mournful picking with wordless vocalizing by Aoife O’Donovan and drawn-out fiddle notes by Christian Sedelmyer to cast a midnight spell.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brantley Gilbert Delivers ‘Hypnotic Single Of Swirling Atmosphere’

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Brantley Gilbert. Photo: Alexa Campbell

It’s diversity day in this week’s competition for the DISCovery Award.

The romantic white guy is Ryan Larkins. The striking Black-country entry comes from Kevin Smiley. And in her debut solo outing, Shawna Thompson takes the prize with an assist by her superstar “revival” harmony singers Gill and Skaggs.

The Disc of the Day award belongs to Brantley Gilbert and his tattoos.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Silverado Blue”
Writers: Brett Sheroky/Dan Wilson/Tucker Wetmore; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: UMG Nashville/Back Blocks Music
– He misses her so much that his truck is turning from red to blue. Loaded with twang. Youthful sounding.

SAM HUNT / “Country House”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Michael Lotten/Ross Copperman/Sam Hunt; Producer: Michael Lotten; Label: MCA Nashville
– Laid back and a little funky, this extols the virtues of country living. It’s a romantic fantasy, and it settles easily on the brain.

KEVIN SMILEY / “Paralyzed”
Writers: Franky Fade/Kevin Smiley; Producers: Fatboyrdee, Mynority; Label: Rebel Music/gamma.
– This is more than a little bleak, a portrait of a self-destructive youngster caught in the throes of substance abuse. With a spare production, drowsy-dead vocal and scary lyrics, it is strikingly compelling and chilling. Millions can relate to this.

MADDIE & TAE / “Sad Girl Summer”
Writers: Josh Kerr/Maddie Font/Matt McGinn/Taylor Kerr; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Shake off that loser dude who made you cry. Get out there in a honky tonk and kick up your heels. Feisty, frisky, female fun.

RYAN LARKINS / “Home State”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Ryan Larkins/Seth Mosley; Producer: Seth Mosley; Label: Red Street Records
– Larkins is a MusicRow songwriting award winner this year. This warm baritone vocal performance and romantic “road” lyric prove that his single “Bones” is no fluke. This fellow has the goods. By all means, play him.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “What Kinda Man”
Writers: Jeremy Spillman/Natalie Hemby/Parker McCollum; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA Nashville
– With four consecutive No. 1 singles, McCollum has emerged as a leader of the new generation of country artists. This rollicking toe tapper continues his winning streak. Furiously rocking, shrieking guitars and thudding percussion propel this wild ride with McCollum’s wailing vocal out front.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Morning Person”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Dallas Wilson/Faren Rachels/Trannie Anderson; Producers: Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– Very cool. As a singer, she has a wonderfully soulful catch in her throat. The song is about falling in love so hard that you switch from being a night owl to being a morning person, waking up next to your dreamy romance. Leo33 is the label that launched CMA new-artist nominee Zach Top. It sure sounds like it is going two for two with this talented gal. I’m in.

BRANTLEY GILBERT / “Tattoos”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Cole Taylor/Jake Mitchell/Randy Montana; Producers: Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Jake Mitchell, Scott Borchetta; Label: The Valory Music Co. 
– “My body is a temple, but my temple is a canvas,” He proudly displays his body art, because his tattoos tell the story of who he is. A hypnotic single of swirling atmosphere. Highly recommended. Just so you know: he drops an “F” bomb in the lyric.

BYRON HILL / “Mountain Folks Are Always High”
Writers: Byron Hill/Glen Carlton Duncan; Producer: Byron Hill; Label: BHP Recordings
– Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Byron Hill is noted for hits he’s written for George Strait (”Fool Hearted Memory”), Tracy Byrd (”Lifestyle of the Not So Rich and Famous”), George Jones (”High Tech Redneck”), Alabama (”Born Country”), Johnny Lee (”Pickin’ Up Strangers”), Sammy Kershaw (”Politics, Religion and Her”), Gary Allan (”Nothing on but the Radio”), Neal McCoy (”If I Was a Drinkin’ Man”) and other mainstream country stars. But he’s always had a bluegrass heart, and that’s what you’ll hear on his new CD That Old Mountain. Its single is a skipping, merry, light-hearted ditty about being high on life. Gentle, acoustic, sunny and warm. Very endearing.

SCOTTY McCREERY / “Fall Of Summer”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Derek George/Frank Rogers/Monty Criswell/Scotty McCreery; Producers: Aaron Eshuis, Derek Wells, Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– A summer romance fades into the sunset in this evocative, nostalgic, wistful, yearning number. Breezy heartache.

SHAWNA THOMPSON / “Bama Clay”
Writers: Keifer Thompson/Leslie Satcher/Shawna Thompson; Producers: Chad Carlson, Keifer Thompson; Label: Sun Label Group
– Stepping out from her role in Thompson Square, Shawna is putting out a straight-ahead honky-tonk album called Lean on Neon. Its righteous focus track finds her harmonizing with Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs while dobro, fiddle, mandolin and percussion lay down a solid bedrock of swampy sound. The celebratory gospel lyric points to a better world on high. Super soulful. The excellent production is courtesy of hubby Keifer. Essential listening.

GRAHAM BARHAM / “M.I.A”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Gabe Foust/Graham Barham; Producers: Gabe Foust, Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Cleverly written. The rapid-fire lyric puts us in a bar drinking alone and feeling broken-hearted because she went M.I.A.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Country Stylists Give ‘Utterly Enchanting’ Version Of Adele Hit

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Lukas Nelson. Photo: Shervin Lainez

Three generations of stylists compete in this country edition of DISClaimer.

Sweet nostalgia washed over me at hearing great new sounds from heritage artists Bill Anderson, Ray Benson and Dwight Yoakam. Modern veterans Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan are still swinging for the fences.

And then there are the youngsters—Julie Williams, Justin Moore, Carl Ray, Post Malone and their contemporaries. They have new sounds you need to hear, too. Riding atop this group are Lukas Nelson, Sierra Ferrell and The Travelin’ McCourys, whose outstanding collaboration brings us our Disc of the Day.

LUKE BRYAN / “Country Song Came On”
Writers: Ryan Beaver/Dan Alley/Neil Medley; Producer: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol
– The single remains “Love You, Miss You, Mean It,” but Bryan has been issuing further preview tracks from his upcoming (Sept. 27) album. This one is about how hearing country music makes him want to drink. Really? I guess if you say so.

BRELAND / “Icing”
Writers: Breland/Jared Griffin/Rufio Hooks/Autumn Buysse; Producers: Sam Sumser, Sean Small & Noby Sidez; Label: Atlantic
– Wildly entertaining. The rapid-fire lyric, interjected screams, finger snaps, relentless tempo and non-stop energy are the recipe for a frothing audio stew.

CARL RAY / “Caney Fork”
Writers: Carl Ray Williams/Wood Newton/Daniel Johnson; Producer: Mike Loudermilk; Label: Sucarnochee
– Innocent, sunny, jaunty, acoustic, charming and country, country, country. Young love sounds so sweet in this outdoorsy tune. Carl Ray is a Black bluegrass artist who stages a mighty bid for mainstream country exposure here.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Dammit Randy”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Brendan McLoughlin/Jon Randall; Producer: Miranda Lambert & Jon Randall; Label: Republic
– Postcards From Texas drops tomorrow as Miranda’s new collection, her first for Republic. This ultra-confident, twanging, feisty performance from it celebrates female independence with verve. Platinum personality on parade.

LUKAS NELSON feat. THE TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS & SIERRA FERRELL / “Someone Like You”
Writers: Dan Wilson/Adele Adkins; Producer: none listed; Label: LN
– Yes, it’s the 2011 Adele pop hit delivered by super country stylists Nelson and Ferrell, backed by the bluegrass picking of the McCourys. First of all, it is utterly enchanting. Second of all, I would love to hear these two singers together more often. Third of all, drop what you are doing and glue your ears to this when it drops tomorrow. A single that’s truly an event.

JUSTIN MOORE / “Love Your Hometown”
Writers: Justin Moore/Will Bundy/Randy Montana/Jeremy Stover; Producers: Jeremy Stover, Scott Borchetta & Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Valory
– It’s a love letter to an overseas soldier, reminding her that her hometown still thinks the world of her and that he’s patiently waiting. With its range and emotion, this is arguably Moore’s finest vocal to date.

JETT HOLDEN / “Scarecrow”
Writer: Jett Holden; Producer: Will Hoge; Label: Black Opry
– He sings with fierce commitment. The song uses the characters of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion to communicate his emotional turmoil in coming out as gay to his Jehovah’s Witness family. As I have mentioned before, his songwriting needs a professional collaborator/editor to make it less wordy and more commercial.

DWIGHT YOAKAM & POST MALONE / “I Don’t Know How to Say Goodbye”
Writer: Dwight Yoakam; Producer: Dwight Yoakam; Label: Via Records/Thirty Tigers
– Yoakam is breaking his silence of nine years to issue a new album in November. Its advance single is a twang-fest two stepper embellished with stuttering steel and bounced fiddle bows. Post Malone keeps up with the neo-traditionalist in the hilibilly vocal department. A joyous collaboration. Country excellence on the hoof.

DENITIA / “Sunset Drive”
Writers: Denitia/Brad Allen Williams; Producer: Denitia & Brad Allen Williams; Label: Denitia
– Denitia has had a fine year, staging her debut at the Opry, being in CMT’s Next Women of Country class, touring with the Black Opry Revue, headlining at Nashville Pride and issuing her debut album last week. Its title tune perfectly weds her lilting soprano to a gently breezy rhythmic track and a sweet/sad relationship lyric. Very pretty listening.

BILL ANDERSON / “The Last One I’ll Forget”
Writers: Bill Anderson/Steve Dorff; Producer: Steve Dorff; Label: MCA Nashville/UMe
– The timeless Opry veteran emotes beautifully on this softly contemplative ballad of enduring love in old age. I promise that this will tug at your heartstrings. He’s still got the goods.

JULIE WILLIAMS / “Just Friends?”
Writers: Julie Williams/Melody Walker; Producer: Jonathan Smalt; Label: JW
– I have long been a fan of this country stylist. Her songwriting has always had a poignant vibe, and her soprano singing is exemplary. This eloquently produced, twinkling, alt-folk tune is accompanied by an overtly queer-female video treatment.

RAY BENSON / “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”
Writer: Bobby Troup; Producer: Doctor Dread & Tony Garnier; Label: RB
– I know this sounds impossible, but this is an audio fusion of western swing and reggae. Believe it or not, it works. Benson’s jazzbo phrasing and the swinging sounds of Asleep at the Wheel members bump up against a funky Caribbean rhythm track. The album, Swingin’ and Swankin,’ features guest appearances by everyone from Willie Nelson and Lucky Oceans to Warren Haynes and Stanley Jordan.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Post Malone & Luke Combs Bring The ‘Sound Of Country Music Joy’

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Luke Combs and Post Malone

Ballads and boppers vie for our attention this week in DISClaimer.

On the ballad side of things, we present the great Jamey Johnson, the highly promising Hueston and the undeniable star power of Diffie/Keith/Combs. Picking up the honky-tonking tempo are Jon Pardi, Ella Langley & Riley Green, Chris Stapleton and Caylee Hammack.

The Disc of the Day comes from the “tempo” column, as Post Malone & Luke Combs show us just how splendidly country can rock and still be as country as grits.

The DISCovery Award goes to teen newcomer Carrie Brockwell.

HUESTON / “Still Alive & Kickin’”
Writers: Brandon Sammons/David Ray Stevens; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Silver Wings/UMG
– The electronic pop track stays softly in the background, which gives plenty of space for his echoey, deeply soulful vocal. Refreshingly different. Highly promising.

JOE DIFFIE, TOBY KEITH & LUKE COMBS / “Ships That Don’t Come In”
Writers: Dave Gibson/Paul Nelson; Producers: Joe Diffie, Joey Moi, Lonnie Wilson; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records
– This debuted during the Toby Keith tribute special that aired on NBC last week (Aug. 28). It is the last thing the star recorded before his death. To start with, the song is a masterwork. All three singers are country music vocal titans. Toby kicks it off, phrasing magnificently. Then Luke takes over, adding his special magic. Diffie, who was among the earliest COVID victims, brings his 1992 hit home with class and dignity. Country music heaven.

TANNER ADELL / “Silverado”
Writers: Akil “worldwidefresh” King/Anthony Germaine White/Ben Stennis/Jared Tyler Mullins/Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor/Tanner Adell; Producers: Akil “worldwidefresh” King, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Tanner Adell; Label: LVRN Records
– You’d think with six songwriters that someone would have been able to come up with a melody. A few real instruments added to the hip-hop beats would have helped, too.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “Think I’m In Love With You”
Writer: Chris Stapleton; Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Totally awesome. A groove-soaked, rump shaking, classic soul sound. Stapleton is an artist who grips you tightly with every note he sings.

ELLA LANGLEY & RILEY GREEN / “You Look Like You Love Me”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Ella Langley/Riley Green; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– Delightfully country. She’s tipsy and ready to be picked up. He’s willing and able. The whole honky-tonk is along for the ride.

JAMEY JOHNSON / “Sober”
Writers: James Slater/Jamey Johnson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Gassed Records
– Johnson remains one of our most towering country vocalists, and this spare, stripped-down track lets him emote magnificently on the ballad. Harmonica, organ, piano and percussion frame his delivery of a lyric addressing the difficulty of staying sober in a culture that surrounds us with drinking celebration. The whole performance rings with honesty and truth. I love this artist so much.

CARTER FAITH / “Alright”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Carter Faith/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– She handles the tricky melody with aplomb, and the track is imaginatively produced. The challenging attempt is quite admirable, and I remain a fan, but I don’t hear this as a “hit.”

JON PARDI / “Friday Night Heartbreaker”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Daniel Ross/Jessie Jo Dillon/Josh Miller/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Pardi is warning us about this gal. But she still sounds like an upbeat, honky-tonkin’ good time. Jump in.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “Breaking Dishes”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Gordie Sampson/Mikey Reaves; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– She’s over him for good. The shuffling track is uber cool, and her singing, as always, is just terrific. This gal is busting with talent and has long deserved major stardom. Here’s hoping that this personality-packed bopper brings it to her. An A+ effort.

COREY KENT / “Black Bandana”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Corey Kent/Jordan Dozzi/Rocky Block; Producer: Chris Farren; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The title tune of Kent’s album is a slow-burn anthem of persevering against all odds. When life gets tough, don’t wave a white flag of surrender. Be a black bandana and “give ‘em hell, don’t give up hope.” Gently but unrelentingly uplifting. This soulful kid has got something special.

CARRIE BROCKWELL / “Find A Way”
Writers: Carrie Brockwell/Christian Stalnecker; Producer: Brian Fechino; Label: CB
– The 18-year-old Belmont freshman is moving into her dorm while promoting this sparkling tune about her journey to Music Row. Twinkling mandolin notes, sighing steel, tasteful drumming and chiming guitars frame a heart-in-throat vocalist of assured ability. Startlingly accomplished for a teen talent.

POST MALONE & LUKE COMBS / “Guy For That”
Writers: Austin Post/Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/Hoskins/James McNair/Louis Bell/Luke Combs; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Louis Bell; Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
– The sound of country music joy. These two romp through this country rocker like a couple of colts let loose in a pasture. Turn it up and dance along.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Star-Studded Lineup Share Disc Of The Day

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Megan Moroney, Nate Smith and Zac Brown.

Summer is not singing its swan song in this Labor Day Weekend edition of DISClaimer.

Instead, the season is offering a soundtrack of remarkable vitality and quality. So much so, that picking winning sounds is really difficult. As a result, the Disc of the Day prized is divided in three. Our Female champ is the divine Megan Moroney. Capturing the Male prize is the steamrolling Nate Smith. For our Group/Duo winners, chalk another win up for the sunny Zac Brown Band.

It isn’t usually difficult to crown a DISCovery Award winner. But that choice, too, is a toughie. So I’m splitting it between The Band Loula and Mon Rovia. Happy listening.

CHARLIE PEACOCK / “Turtle In A Chinese Food Box”
Writer: Charlie Peacock; Producers: Charlie Peacock, Sam Ashworth; Label: Universal/Re-Think
– Charlie Peacock is and always has been a pop singer. But the lead track of his new LP sounds like skipping through a field of wildflowers, with Charlie McCoy’s harmonica, Dan Dugmore’s steel guitar and the rest of the light-hearted track giving it an undeniable country-music vibe. The lyric celebrates his innocent, youthful feelings at age 15, when he had the first date with his wife Andi. The rest of the album, titled Every Kind of Uh-Oh, showcases the brilliant producer/songwriter/keyboardist’s chops as a pop-jazz wizard. Peacock has produced more than 50 CCM albums and was behind the board for the Grammy-winning country-Americana records of The Civil Wars. BMI hosted a deluxe record-release party for the artist on Wednesday at RCA Studio A.  His memoir, Roots & Rhythm: A Life in Music, will be published in February.

NATE SMITH / “Fix What You Didn’t Break”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Lindsay Rimes/Nate Smith/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– His vocal and the track are very processed for country music, but this record is gorgeous however you label its sound. The uplifting, hopeful lyric is about the redemptive power of love, and Smith delivers it with heart.

BOOMTOWN SAINTS & SAM GROW / “Heart Breaks You”
Writers: Connie Harrington/Houston Phillips/Josh Dunne; Producers: Colt Ford, Gary Kraen, Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment/Average Joes Entertainment
– The handsome heartbreaker better watch out: Someday the heart that’s broken will belong to him. Soaring, melodic and oh-so listenable.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Am I Okay?”
Writers: Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Laird/Megan Moroney; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– Ridiculously charming. She’s falling head over heels for a dreamboat who treats her right. So of course she thinks she’s going nuts. A bopper with a zillion smiles.

THE BAND LOULA / “Don’t Call Me”
Writers: Dave Barnes/Logan Simmons/Malachi Mills; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a smoldering, slow-burn, stately outing delivered by a pair of blue-eyed soul singers who really turn up the heat. Also check out their performance of “If I Never Stayed the Night.” Hailing from north Georgia, the male-female duo’s members are Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons. I hear stardom.

DYLAN SCOTT / “You’d Think I Was A Cowboy”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Jaxson Free/Michael Whitworth/Will Weatherly; Producers: Dylan Scott, Jaxson Free, Will Weatherly; Label: Curb Records
– Sorry. The lyric’s “western” metaphors all sound forced and phony.

MOORE & MOORE & JANIE FRICKE / “Dispatch The Angels”
Writer: Debbie Moore; Producer: Moore & Moore; Label: DOV Records
– The twin Moore sisters have been on the country scene for a good 20 years or so, and they have never sounded better than they do on their new Angels CD. The title is drawn from this touching ballad, a lovely swirl of trio harmony, thanks to the addition of the flawless Fricke to the sound. The song is penned by Debbie Moore, who co-wrote the Mark Wills hit “Wish You Were Here.” This fine country collection also features collaborations with Johnny Lee, David Frizzell, Marty Haggard and James Caruthers. How sweet the sound.

LAINEY WILSON / “4X4XU”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Jon Decious/Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records/BMG
– Romance in a pick-up truck sounds like a total delight when this woman sings it. Love the sizzling organ notes in this slow-burn banger.

TY MYERS / “Let ‘Em Talk”
Writers: Anderson East/Trent Dabbs/Ty Myers; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Columbia
– This 17-year-old Texas phenomenon takes it nice and easy on a languid ode to young love.

MICKEY GUYTON / “My Side Of The Country”
Writers: Corey Crowder/Mickey Guyton/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Corey Crowder, Karen Kosowski, Tyler Hubbard; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Guyton takes on a rhythm-happy number with this sunny celebration of country living. Vivacious, fun and winsome. It will be the kick-off track of her sophomore album, House on Fire, which drops on Sept. 27. She opened last week’s Democratic Convention in Chicago with her unifying anthem “All American.”

MON ROVIA / “Crooked On The Road”
Writers: Andrew Lowe/Cooper Holzman/Sam Hudgens; Producer: Cooper Holzman; Label: Nettwerk Music Group
– This newcomer bills his style as “Afro-Appalachian folk” music. Which makes sense since he was born in Liberia, lives in Tennessee and has an enchanting acoustic sound. This meditation on pain and hope is simply beautiful in its twinkling tapestry of guitars, echoed background singing and gently thumped percussion. It’s easy to hear why he has racked up half a billion TikTok views, garnered an international following, earned a booking at Bonnaroo and is slated for Austin City Limits this fall.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “Two Blue Chairs And You”
Writers: Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton/Rob Snyder/Zac Brown; Producers: Ben Simonetti, Zac Brown; Label: Home Grown Music/Warner Music Nashville
– This bopper will make you instantly yearn for a Caribbean vacation. Loved the wordless, harmonized, a cappella vocal interlude. An absolutely perfect single.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jackson Dean Shows Off ‘Terrific Singing & Dynamite Lyric’

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Jackson Dean. Photo: Sean Hagwell

DISClaimer has some real audio goodies for you today.

So many, in fact, that it’s hard to know where to shine the spotlight the brightest. Four records raced neck and neck for the Disc of the Day award. Three of them are collaborations—Post Malone & Tim McGraw, Kameron Marlowe & Marcus King and David Nail & Aubrie Sellers. Any of them are worthy of the crown. But for ultimate creativity and sheer drive, I’m going with the solo outing by Jackson Dean, “Heavens to Betsy.”

Black country artists continue to thrive. Today’s column features new music by Ashlie Amber, Sacha and newcomer Tae Lewis. He would have nailed a DISCovery Award were it not for the sensational solo debut of Brad Tursi, who takes home the prize.

BRAD TURSI / “Parallel Love”
Writer: Brad Tursi; Producers: Brad Tursi, Dan Isbell; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is a delightful twang fest, full of funky thump and hillbilly harmony. The title tune of Tursi’s debut solo album is a toe-tapping, innocent-sounding ode to love in the countryside that will have you smiling from ear to ear. Absolutely play this. The Old Dominion member stages his first solo Opry appearance tomorrow evening (Aug. 23).

JOSH TURNER / “Two Steppin’ On The Moon”
Writers: Chase McGill/John Pierce/Matt Dragstrem; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Rolling and pleasurable, it’s another of his swirly, romantic, lost-in-love odes. Turner debuted it on the TODAY show on Monday and launched its music video on CMT last Friday.

SACHA / “High Life”
Writers: Chris Loocke/Emma-Lee/Jaden Michaels/Sacha Visagie; Producer: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Sony Music Canada
– She is somewhat better known in her native Canada, but this artist’s profile is trending upward in the U.S., thanks to “Hey Mom I Made It.” Now comes this merry, feel-good ditty about being high on life. “I ain’t drinkin’ I ain’t smokin’/Now the only thing I’m tokin’ is them big puffy clouds in the sky,” she sings while the track burbles contentedly along. The candy-colored music video reveals her to be an able skateboard surfer.

KAMERON MARLOWE & MARCUS KING / “High Hopes”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Josh Osborne/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– King’s torrid guitar work kicks off this slow-blues jam. Marlowe’s blue-eyed soul vocal wails the hurtin’ lyric to get you in a downbeat honky-tonk mood. Then King’s spine-tingling tenor comes in and the two begin to harmonize splendidly. As they swap swamp sounds, King lets fly with more deep-fried licks. A sensational record.

TAE LEWIS / “When I Grew Up”
Writers: Jacob Frish/Paul Krieg/Tae Lewis; Producer: none listed; Label: Origins Records
– The chorus takes awhile to get to the punch line. But this guy has vocal talent to spare, so he sells this lyric of redemption with panache. He tosses the bottle away and holds his head high. Origins Records is a new label devoted to Black country talent, and this guy and an artist named David Junior are their flagship signees. Bon voyage!

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Intoxicated”
Writers: Bart Butler/Benjy Davis/Mark Holman/Randy Montana/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: Warner Records
– Zeiders’ debut Warner album, Relapse, will drop tomorrow. Its latest preview and new single maintains the youngster’s rock-country fusion style with a smoldering-hot stomper about being drunk on love.

DAVID NAIL & AUBRIE SELLERS / “Why”
Writer: David Nail; Producers: David Nail, Reed Pittman; Label: DN
– This man was born to sing. This expressive performance questions why he makes a relationship so rocky and troubled. The track ripples and sighs around his superb vocal with soprano contributions by Sellers. The song was originally intended as a track for a 2013 Universal album that was never released. This is its poetic new version.

JAMES HOUSE / “What Do You Say”
Writer: James House; Producer: James House; Label: JH
– The loping “western” vibe churns along while House’s rasping tenor beckons her for a bluesy night on the town. Kinda hypnotic and retro cool.

ASHLIE AMBER / “What You Deserve”
Writers: Christian Stalnecker/Taylor Acorn; Producers: Ashlie Amber Harris, Victor “Vdub” Wilson; Label: AA
– The melody isn’t much, but her double-tracked vocal gives it a little heft. The pace is plodding and the production lacks imagination, but the whole thing is listenable in a lulling sort of way.

POST MALONE & TIM MCGRAW / “Wrong Ones”
Writers: Austin Post/Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/James McNair/Louis Bell/Luke Combs; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Louis Bell; Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
– Post Malone’s just-released, 27-track country album is packed with celebrities, and the massive successes of “I Had Some Help” (with Morgan Wallen) and “Pour Me a Drink” (with Blake Shelton) are illustrations of how fine his collaborations can be. His F1-Trillion collection also features him alongside Luke Combs (“Guy for That”), Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Hank Jr., Jelly Roll, Billy Strings, Ernest, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson (“Nosedive”), Hardy and Sierra Ferrell. The album kicks off with this raucous barroom duet with Tim McGraw. The snarly, bluesy vibe suits both voices just fine. Malone (Austin Richard Post) is on fire: He also has the chart-topping “Fortnight” pop duet with Taylor Swift from her The Tortured Poets Department album.

JACKSON DEAN / “Heavens To Betsy”
Writers: Benjy Davis/Driver Williams/Jackson Dean; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Big Machine Records
– This soulful guy has a new lyric video for this wonderful story song about a man who speaks to a loved one from beyond the grave. As if his terrific singing and the dynamite lyric aren’t enough, the spectacular production has froth and foam and tempo, tempo, tempo. Electrifying in every way.