DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kacey Musgraves & Blake Shelton Share Disc Of The Day

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Kacey Musgraves & Blake Shelton.

Country music is nothing if not diverse.

The take-away from this year’s CMA Awards show was how different our artists are from one another. Not to mention the fact that we have the best singers.

This week’s DISClaimer echoes that sonic diversity. We have folkies, rockers, hip-hoppers, honky-tonkers and crooners in today’s sampling of current country sounds. The King and Queen of this colorful parade are Kacey Musgraves and Blake Shelton, who share this week’s Disc of the Day honor.

KIP MOORE / “Learning As I Go”
Writers: Dan Couch/Kip Moore/Luke Preston/Oscar Charles; Producers: Kip Moore, Oscar Charles; Label: Virgin
– Thanks to the more than 100,000 tickets he sold in Australia, South Africa and other overseas destinations last year, Moore is this year’s CMA International Award winner. He rocks out splendidly on this Boss-like, blue-collar romp. Furious beats back his hoarse, urgent delivery of his finest lyric to date. Rock on, bro.

ADRIEN NUNEZ / “Apology Song”
Writers: Adrien Nunez/Jacob Bryant/John Davidson; Producer: John Davidson; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– Nunez is former college basketball star who set his athletic career aside in favor of music. His sound is a catchy, crunchy pop pastiche of sing-along woah-ohs and bouncy boyish folk simplicity. Double tracked vocals, toe-tapping beats, echoey production. In the Shaboozey neighborhood of country music.

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “The Architect”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Kacey Musgraves/Shane McAnally; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– Nominated for a Grammy as Best Country Song, this was a standout on Wednesday’s CMA Awards telecast. Musgraves delivers it in a folk-angel soprano as she muses about our Higher Power. Melodic, thoughtful, lilting, deep and utterly captivating. Also: Gorgeously produced, as is her entire Deeper Well collection. She hits Bridgestone Arena on Dec. 6 & 7 with Nickel Creek and Lord Huron in support.

DASHA / “Heartbreaker From Tennessee”
Writers: Anna Dasha Novotny/Jules Paymer/Oren Yoel; Producers: Bardo, Oren Yoel; Label: Warner Records
– Country’s new dance queen is back with a hooky rumbler that lays down a relentless mid-tempo groove while she reflects on her youthful tumble for a Volunteer State dude. “Austin” was a monster jam and this one demonstrates that zillion-seller was no fluke.

BLAKE SHELTON / “Texas”
Writers: Johnny Clawson/Josh Dorr/Kyle Sturrock/Lalo Guzman; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– He’s such a superb country singer. With a song this cool, he’s unstoppable. Shelton’s debut on his new label turns some interesting rhythmic corners and sports super clever lyrics. Plus, you get a “Greek chorus” talking to him. “If she ain’t with me in Tennessee…she’s probably in Texas,” because that’s where ex’s go. This deserves to be a massive hit.

TANNER ADELL / “Religion”
Writers: Akil King/Anthony White/Parker Wellington/Stephen McGregor/Tanner Adell; Producer: Stephen McGregor; Label: ColorxStudios
– “Buckle Bunny” Adell does a change of pace and unveils her talent for ballad singing here. The gentle, soothing tune posits that it is faith that keeps us all going forward. Nicely done.

RODNEY ATKINS / “True South”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Rodney Atkins; Label: Curb Records
– This one’s a fist-pumping redneck anthem with shout-outs to guns, whiskey, backwoods living, religion, hunting, tractors, U.S.A., girls in cut-off jeans, barbecue……Did I miss anything?

GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS / “Empty Trainload Of Sky”
Writers: David Rawlings/Gillian Welch; Producer: David Rawlings; Label: Acony Records
– This drowsy, haunting, minor-key, pristine outing is nominated for a Grammy as Americana Song of the Year. Its parent album, Woodland, snared a Folk nomination as well. These two performers make acoustic music soar and shine. Guitars ripple, brushed drums keep time and an organ sighs.

KANE BROWN & KATELYN BROWN / “Body Talk”
Writers: Amanda Renee Ibanez/Jonathan Capeci/Kane Brown/Nicholas Sainato/Nick Long; Producers: Jonathan Capeci, Nicholas Sainato; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Intimate, sexy and breathy. A ballad with a burbling undertow of percolating rhythm. Sensuous listening. Add this.

ZACH TOP / “I Never Lie”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Tim Nichols/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Everything is peachy-keen in his world. He’s never been better. Things are going his way. Don’t you believe any of this. It’s all a false front for the One Who Got Away. As usual, he is a beacon of true country music. His guitar licks are answered by loads of steel, and his vocal is honky-tonk perfection. Bless him.

SHABOOZEY / “Good News”
Writers: Chibueze Collins Obinna/Jake Torrey/Michael Pollack/Nevin Sastry/Sam Roman/Sean Cook; Producers: Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– He maintains his strummy, hand-clappy, sing-along vibe, but this time around he has something serious on his mind. The man is going through rough times, bearing the blues, being lonely, feeling the weight of the world and struggling in life. What he needs and what this song hopes for is some good news. Honesty and country authenticity married to bounding beats. Celebrate him: Thanks to “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey is up for six Grammys this year.

MARCUS HUMMON & MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER / “I Dwell In Possibility”
Writer: Marcus Hummon; Producer: Marcus Hummon; Label: 3686 Records
– Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hummon’s new EP is titled Songs for Emily because it is a collection of compositions he wrote based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). On this languid meditation, his singing is joined by the jewel-like tones of Chapin. The crystal-clear acoustic production is outstanding. Very arty, yet very cool.

RINGO STARR & ALISON KRAUSS / “Thankful”
Writers: Bruce Sugar/Richard Starkey; Producers: Bruce Sugar, Ringo Starr, T Bone Burnett; Label: Roccabella
– Saturated with steel, this is a loping ride to redemption. Alison’s harmony vocal is very, very softly mixed.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lonestar ‘Try’ & Succeed On P!nk Cover

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Lonestar. Photo: Michael Gomez

The country artists are rocking out in this edition of DISClaimer.

Offering uptempo fare are Luke Grimes, Mike Parker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jenna Paulette and Neon Union. Even so, the most affecting performances are on the ballads by Carter Faith and Jamey Johnson.

And the best produced tunes are the midtempo outings by Disc of the Day winners Lonestar and DISCovery Award winner Grace Bowers.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “That’s The Way Mama Made It”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/David Lee Murphy; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lightning Rod Records
– Set to a Bo Diddley beat, this lively bopper features the group’s new member Ben James on lead vocal. Crisply produced and delivered with panache.

MIKE PARKER / “Doesn’t Kill Ya”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Michael Parker; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Mailbox Money Records
– He’s drowning his heartbreak in whiskey while a sprightly dance rhythm keeps the mood rollicking and upbeat. Parker is joined by a pair of comely dancers in the video. The Black country stylist competed on American Idol in 2022.

LUKE GRIMES / “Black Powder”
Writers: Brian Allen/Chris Powell/Dave Cobb/Luke Grimes; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– The reboot of TV’s Yellowstone launched this week and Grimes continues to be a key character. Meanwhile, he continues his quest for country stardom. He performed this on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday (Nov. 12), the day after kicking off his new tour. It’s a sexy country rocker that he gives plenty of vocal punch. Grimes is booked to play the Ryman tonight and will debut on the Grand Ole Opry tomorrow evening (Nov. 15).

JENNA PAULETTE / “Run The Damn Ball”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Hunter Phelps/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– Paulette continues her winning ways with this feisty romp using football lingo as a metaphor for down-to-earth living. This lady is a solid country singer with personality and twang to spare. In my book, that makes her worthy of stardom.

GRACE BOWERS / “Going To California”
Writers: Jimmy Page/Robert Plant; Producer: John Osborne; Label: GB
– Bowers is an 18-year-old guitar wunderkind who is produced by Brothers Osborne’s equally gifted guitar slinger John Osborne. The song is her reworking of a Led Zeppelin number from 1971 that appeared on the group’s fourth album. A twinkling, celestial shower of stringed instruments swirl around her folkie soprano vocal in this magical soundscape. Do you ears a favor and treat them to this. The production’s female cast includes Sierra Hull, SistaStrings and Lucie Silvas, all of whom you should also get to know.

JAMEY JOHNSON / “Someday When I’m Old”
Writers: Aimee Mayo/Chris Lindsey/Troy Verges; Producer: The Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Big Gassed Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Last week, Grand Ole Opry great Johnson dropped Midnight Gasoline as his new collection. It’s his first new album in 14 years, and the wait has been worth it. This week, he issued its first video. It is an eye-opening use of AI technology to illustrate him interacting with himself as he looked 20 years ago. As previously reviewed, the song is his moody, moving meditation about what he might say to his younger self. The ballad moves at a languid pace as the lyric poignantly explores aging and memory and mortality.

ANDREW FARRISS / “Something Stronger”
Writers: Andrew Farriss/Lawrence Minson; Producer: Andrew Farriss; Label: AF
– Remember INXS and its passionate 1987 rock hit “Need You Tonight”? The Aussie band’s Andrew Farriss is now recording in a country/Americana mode. His single’s track is a pluperfect country rocker and the song is also catchy and country. But he remains a pop singer rather than a country vocal stylist.

LONESTAR / “Try”
Writers: Ben West/Busbee; Producer: Dean Sams; Label: Lonestar
– This is a cover of P!nk’s 2012 pop hit “Try.” First of all, I adore P!nk. Second of all, new lead vocalist Drew Womack has always affected me deeply (recall his work in Sons of the Desert). Third of all, this reinterpretation works spectacularly well. Absolutely play “Try” on repeat. The track is drawn from a forthcoming EP of Lonestar’s country versions of iconic songs by female pop artists such as Adele, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, Cyndi Lauper and Eurhythmics. Essential listening.

NEON UNION / “Alright Where She Left Me”
Writers: Andrew Millsaps/Brandon Hood/Leo Brooks; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Red Street Records
– She’s left him, but a night in the barroom will make everything okay. Raucous and celebratory.

SAMMY KERSHAW / “I’d Rather Go Blind”
Writers: Billy Foster/Jordan Ellington; Producer: Rick Price; Label: Goldenlane Records
– You are treading on shaky ground when attempting to cover a torrid Etta James soul classic. Kershaw gives it his best country shot, but comes up short. James, by the way, is also the song’s uncredited co-writer.

CARTER FAITH / “The Aftermath”
Writers: Carter Faith/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– Aching and bittersweet, this is a splendid heartache ballad. Faith’s plaintive soprano wanders the emotional landscape of a breakup so exquisitely that you hang on every line of the performance. I was enchanted.

REBECCA FRAZIER / “High Country Road Trip”
Writers: Rebecca Frazier/Rorey Carroll; Producer: Bill Wolf; Label: Compass Records Group
– She first gained notice for her deft acoustic guitar playing and her participation in the award-winning band Hit and Run. But her new Boarding Windows in Paradise album equally showcases Frazier as a songwriter and singer. This breezy bluegrass romp sounds just like its open-air, “road trip” title. A stellar cast backs her, including Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Stuart Duncan and Barry Bales. Frazier plays the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jelly Roll Gives ‘Stunning Vocal Performance’

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Jelly Roll. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

With the fresh fall season comes a fresh crop of country newcomers to the DISClaimer column.

Making their debuts today are John Morgan, Pitney Meyer, Chappell Roan, Colt Graves, Shelley Rena and this week’s DISCovery Award winner Maoli.

Among the column regulars, Chris Janson has the song and Karley Scott Collins has the vocal performance. But the Disc of the Day belongs to Jelly Roll. This makes two wins in a two for the big guy.

VINCENT MASON / “Speak Of The Devil”
Writers: Aaron Armstrong/Sutton Smith/Vincent Mason; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: MCA Nashville/Music Soup/Interscope Records
– The hussy in the red dress turns out to be a one-night stand instead of true love, which breaks the country boy’s heart. The jaunty, bouncy track backs a bopping vocal performance that’s earnest and charming.

SAM HUNT / “Liberty”
Writers: Chris LaCorte/Josh Osborne/Sam Hunt/Shane McAnally/Zach Crowell; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Chris LaCorte, Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell; Label: MCA Nashville
– Tuneless babbling set to a dull, plodding, somnambulant beat.

KAYLEY GREEN / “Catching Up”
Writers: Emma-Lee/Karen Kosowski/Kayley Green; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The heartbreaker gets his comeuppance when she walks out. It’s his turn to be miserable, now. Sung with conviction over a supportive mid tempo track.

PITNEY MEYER / “Trail Of Tears”
Writers: John Meyer/Mo Pitney; Producers: Daniel Kohavi, Eric Quinlan, John Meyer, Mo Pitney; Label: Curb Records
– Mo Pitney and John Meyer got together at jam sessions during bluegrass conventions. This song came about when both artists discovered they were simultaneously having the same thoughts although miles apart. It is a bluegrass toe-tapper propelled by banjo licks and fiddle flourishes. The lyric is about ‘the thanksgiving table of redemption’ and the quest for reconciliation between “the pioneers” and the indigenous people they wronged.

JELLY ROLL / “Liar”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Jason DeFord/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: BBR Music Group
– This man is going from strength to strength. This pulse-quickening country-rocker is brilliantly produced with pounding rhythm, stuttering guitar and inspirational choir. But the star attraction here is a stunning vocal performance, full of fire, fury and passion. He has had six No. 1 records in succession, and I see no reason whatsoever that this shouldn’t be number seven.

COLT GRAVES / “Burning House”
Writers: Colt Graves/Dan Pellarin/Jake Parshall/Nathan Keeterle; Producer: Jake Parshall; Label: Mosley Music LLC
– This is rather scary and unsettling. It seems to be about heading for death because of the grip of alcohol. Electric guitars stir a boiling pot of sound while he hollers urgently.

SHELLEY RENA & DOLLY PARTON / “Not Bad”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producers: Dolly Parton, Richie Owens; Label: Owepar Music
– This rousing country rocker spotlights Parton’s alto-voiced cousin with the superstar adding her customary charismatic vocal harmony. The screaming-electronic production is somewhat cluttered sounding, but there’s admirable energy here. The track is drawn from the new collection Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA.

MAOLI & BRETT YOUNG / “Broke Heart Break”
Writers: Brett Young/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Dann Huff, David Lyndon Huff, Jesse Frasure; Label: Maoli Music
– Delightful listening. Maoli is a Hawaiian country singer who has acquired a following on the West Coast and the Pacific Rim by covering Young’s songs. Young reached out to him, traveled to Maui and presto a collaboration was born. Maoli’s heartfelt singing rides atop a bubbling, cheerful track that tickles the ears. Press “repeat” on this one.

CHAPPELL ROAN / “The Giver (She Gets The Job Done)”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: Island Records
– Current pop-music “it girl” Roan introduced this previously unreleased number on Saturday Night Live last weekend. Surprise: It’s a county tune, punctuated by scampering fiddle notes and a gal-power chorus. Double surprise: It’s a rollicking, catchy, lesbian anthem.

CHRIS JANSON / “Cheap”
Writers: Brian White/Chris Janson/Keesy Timmer/Mitch Oglesby/Will Nance; Producers: Chris Janson, Michael Wayne Wilkes, Mitch Oglesby; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– ‘When you’re down to your last heart beat/Time makes money look cheap.’ A breezy, shuffling track backs a wonderfully written lyric about making more of your life than just amassing cash. Janson’s delivery is spot on. This absolutely deserves to be a hit.

JOHN MORGAN & JASON ALDEAN / “Friends Like That”
Writers: Brent Anderson/John Morgan/Lydia Vaughan/Will Bundy; Producers: Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Upbeat and jaunty. She’s left him, but he doesn’t care because he has his buddies around him, whiskey to drink and a warm fireplace. This is Morgan’s record all the way. Aldean adds a little shadowy vocal coloring.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Religion And Politics”
Writers: Alex Kline/Joybeth Taylor/Karley Scott Collins; Producers: Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Cool song, in the same vein as Sammy Kershaw’s 1997 hit “Politics Religion and Her.” Super, super cool vocalist, with an ear-grabbing, rich, husky alto and a catch in her throat that makes you hang on every line. I remain a huge fan of this lady.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Blanco Brown ‘Exudes Strength & Tenderness’

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Blanco Brown. Photo: Isaiah Harper

Boo! Happy Halloween, y’all.

DISClaimer doesn’t have anything particularly scary this week, just a new slew of records for your country playlist consideration. As usual.

Blanco Brown’s romantic effort wins the Disc of the Day award. It is one of a number of odes to love on hand today. In addition to Brown, others dishing out the roses include Tony Evans Jr., Wardell and the duet of Tiera Kennedy & Jordin Sparks.

Our DisCovery Award winner is also a romance purveyor. Tucka, KingofSwing, whoever he is, will have you pushing “repeat” so his groove can last all night.

TIERA KENNEDY & JORDIN SPARKS / “Damn If He Don’t Love Me”
Writers: Tiera Kennedy/Cameron Bedell/Shane Stevens; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: TK
– Fresh from her appearance on Beyonce’s “Blackbird” cover, Kennedy unleashes her debut album, Rooted, featuring this duet with million-selling American Idol superstar Jordin Sparks. Her light soprano contrasts nicely with the throatier oomph of Sparks on the airy, lilting ode to True Romance. Sweet sounding.

BLANCO BROWN / “Back 2 Basics”
Writers: Blanco Brown, Jordan Reynolds, Andy Albert; Producer: Blanco Brown; Label: Wheelhouse
– The title tune of Brown’s new EP is a lovely track that yearns to rekindle romance with a longtime lover. The gently brushed percussion and audio watercolor tones frame an earnest, soulful vocal that exudes strength and tenderness. This guy can sing.

TONY EVANS JR. / “Yours”
Writers: Fred Wilhelm/Tony Evans Jr.; Producer: Ron Fair; Label: Aneva Music Group
– His warm baritone is seductive and intimate on this languid bedroom invitation. This youngster has the vocal charisma of a classic country crooner.

TANNER ADELL & CLEAN BANDIT / “Cry Baby”
Writers: Anne-Marie Nicholson/Camille Purcell/Jack Patterson/Steve Mac/Tanner Adell; Producers: Clean Bandit, David Guetta, Timofey Reznikov & Will Weatherly; Label: Columbia
– Clean Bandit is a U.K. electronic pop/dance act. Adell’s saucy vocal brings the trio into the country space, while the tune maintains its ear-worm catchiness. Rhythm happy, and then some.

SACHA / “Hey Mom I Made It”
Writers: Sacha/Shawn Chambliss/Jake Saghi; Producer: James Robbins & Eric Arjes; Label: Sony
– This newcomer’s breakthrough single is a top 10 hit on the Canadian country charts and is streaming up the U.K. charts as well. To underscore its success, Sacha is issuing a piano-vocal version that brings out its mother-daughter emotional vulnerability. In the wake of being a CMT Next Women of Country grad, she’s signed by Sony in Canada and is now touring with Tenille Townes.

SHABOOZEY / “Highway”
Writers: Collins Chibueze/Mckay Robert Stevens/Sean Cook; Producers: Sean Cook & Mckay Stevens; Label: Empire
– This one’s a strummy-guitar road song with Shaboozey enacting a wandering, lovelorn, pleading soul who’s sorry he did her wrong. The “greek chorus” of guys echoing his broken-hearted sentiments is especially cool.

KEVIN SMILEY / “Heart to Break”
Writers: Dallas Wilson/Andrew Baylis/Conor Mathews/Kevin Smiley; Producer: Andrew Baylis; Label: Rebel Music/gamma
– The tone is breezy and upbeat, while the lyric is indicts a heartless paramour. Smiley’s smooth, earnest singing rides atop a wonderfully groove-soaked track. This newcomer is batting a thousand so far.

JOY OLADOKUN / “Drugs”
Writer: Joy Oladokun; Producer: Joy Oladokun; Label: Amigo/Verve/Republic
– The drugs aren’t working anymore, so she needs a new way to survive. The folkie-country troubadour is evolving as a stylist on this advance track from her third album. There’s some cool thump in the production and a very ear-friendly female chorus of supporters chanting and harmonizing in the background. Can’t wait to hear the rest of her new project. I remain a fan.

WARDEL / “Forever & Always”
Writers: Idrise Ward-El/Matthew Grant; Producer: Idrise Ward-El & Grady Saxman; Label: Epochal/Virgin
– He made the switch from pop/R&B to country a couple of years ago because he valued country’s storytelling. Wardel attacks this power-ballad ode to everlasting love with passion and warmth. The song is extra poignant because his fiancee is terminally ill with a rare brain cancer. The vow of love thus has no boundaries and can hold no promise of tomorrow.

CHARLES “WIGG” WALKER / “Things Are Comin’ Our Way”
Writers: Charles Treadway/Charles Wigg Walker/Eric Pittarelli; Producer: Charles Treadway & Gary Gold; Label: CWW
– In January, this old-school Nashville soul singer will be issuing his first album in more than a decade. Its advance track is a positive, upbeat, joyous groover with soaring strings and a funk rhythm arrangement. Walker is now 84 and still performs weekly Saturday night gigs with an all-star band at Acme Feed & Seed downtown. Show him some love by heading there this weekend.

TUCKA / “Take It Slow”
Writer: Norris Boutte; Producer: none listed; Label: Hit Nation
– “Makin’ love by candlelight” is just a tiny bit of the vibe generated in this lushly produced bedroom ballad. He’s billed as “KingofSwing,” but he’s a slow, sexy devil in this performance. The strings and guitars groove nonstop, including a long intro and a long fade.

RVSHD / “Couldn’t Be Me”
Writers: Ben Simmonetti/Clintarius Johnson/Rob Pennington; Producer: Brandon Manley; Label: Penthouse South
– Pronounced “Ra-Shad,” this artist’s debut album dropped last month. His new single from it is a choppy, hip-hoppy ditty wherein he’s kinda pissed off that he’s outta her life. His appealing country vocal bounces over a loopy rhythm track with elan.

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.