DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jordan Davis Gives ‘The Sound Of A Superstar In Training’

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Do you feel it? There’s enormous warmth in today’s DISClaimer releases.

Leading the way for the women are newcomer Rachel Wammack, veteran Kelly Lang and feisty Elle King. The men march arm-in-arm with equal emotion, paced by Mitchell Tenpenny, Brantley Gilbert, Brandon Ratcliff, Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart and our Disc of the Day winner, Jordan Davis.

What all these folks have in common is the genuine warmth that only great country music can bring to the table.

WARREN ZEIDERS & SUECO / “Ride It Hard”
Writers: Colin Brittain/Sueco/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Colin Brittain; Label: Warner
–This wild, frothing country rocker polishes Warren’s punk/outlaw image to a sheen. The NASCAR-spoofing video is worth some grins.

ELLE KING / “Jersey Giant”
Writer: Tyler Childers; Producers: Elle King/Charlie Worsham; Label: RCA
–Her twang is fully unfurled on this jaunty bopper. She’s turned down her brassy schtick in favor of a straightforward, hillbilly-acoustic approach, and the result is a refreshing delight.

MATT STELL / “One of Us”
Writers: Gavin Slate/James Barker/Jim McCormick/Travis Wood; Producers: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: Records
–Here we go again. The pick-up truck, the beer, the dirt road, the small town “keepin’ it country” thang.

MORGAN WADE / “The Night”
Writer: Morgan Wade; Producer: Sadler Vaden; Label: Sony
–This cuts close to the bone, touching on her mental-health and substance issues. The quasi-spoken verses are starkly accompanied by solo percussion, and the choruses are fleshed out with electric guitars while she wails about resisting the temptation to drink. A little scary and a lot effective.

MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES / “Country Star”
Writer: Marty Stuart; Producers: Marty Stuart/Mick Conley/Harry Stinson/Kenny Vaughan/Chris Scruggs; Label: Spinefarm
–This is a boatload of fun, packed with guitar twang and merry rhythm. The band rocks righteously as Marty drawls of hitting the road as a hillbilly minstrel. Get on board. Marty will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame next Tuesday and will celebrate his 30th anniversary as an Opry member on Nov. 26.

MARGO PRICE / “Lydia”
Writer: Margo Price; Producers: Jonathan Wilson/Margo Price; Label: Loma Vista
–Delivered in an echo-laden alto, this is a character study of a woman in crisis. Strings shimmer in the background as she sings of gritty street reality, forlorn pregnancy, loneliness, self-doubt, substance abuse and more. It doesn’t have a traditional song structure; more like a stream-of-conscience meandering. Decidedly downbeat and radio resistant.

BRANDON RATCLIFF / “Someone Who Believes In You”
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/Pete Good/Josh Jenkins/AJ Babcock; Producers: Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Label: Monument
–The power of love, set to an R&B groove, a sunny attitude and a lively beat. As usual, his tenor singing is splendid.

RACHEL WAMMACK / “Girl’s Gotta Know”
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Jim McCormick; Producer: Andy Skib; Label: RCA
–Enchanting. She sings like a country angel, and the wistful lyric about seeking The One is completely heartfelt. A simply lovely performance.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “We Got History”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Andy Albert/Devin Dawson/Jordan Schmidt; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia
–Tenpenny is on a roll. With twin chart toppers under his belt (”Truth About You” and “At the End of a Bar”), he’s swinging for the fences again with this terrific rumbler. The extraordinary warmth in his singing infuses this ode to lost love. Play it again.

KELLY LANG / “Life Sentence”
Writers: Kelly Lang/Bruce Burch; Producer: none listed; Label: KL
–Lang possesses one of those lustrous alto singing voices that wraps you in intimacy. She has never been more involving than she is on this extraordinary, throbbing, heartfelt song. Instead of seeing cancer as a death sentence, this breast cancer survivor treats it as a “Life Sentence” to live and love and embrace the world with gusto. Essential listening, and the video featuring her fellow breast-cancer ladies is quite moving.

BRANTLEY GILBERT, BLAKE SHELTON & VINCE GILL / “Heaven By Then”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill/Michael Hardy/Jake Mitchell/Randy Montana/Hunter Phelps/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill; Label: Valory
–A smash, if I’ve ever heard one. Brantley on his own has vocal charisma to spare. The “extras” on this track make it utterly unforgettable. Blake trades verses and Vince overlays both men’s performances with awesome tenor harmony singing. “Heaven,” indeed.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Part of It”
Writers: Jordan Davis/Jacob Davis/Jordan Walker/Matt McKinney; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA
–The “Buy Dirt” CMA Award winner returns with a dynamite, sweet/sad bit of philosophical wisdom. This is the sound of a superstar in training.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs Proves CMA Entertainer Of The Year Status On New Single

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This is country music’s week to shine, so no wonder there is a cornucopia of tasty tracks in this week’s DISClaimer column.

Mickey Guyton, Chase Matthew and Luke Bryan bring the opening devotionals. Brothers Osborne, War & Treaty and Chase Rice rock the house.

But it’s the most “country” of the country releases that rule the day. They belong to the divine Miranda Lambert, the sublime Dailey & Vincent, the hearty Eddie Montgomery and the King of the Hill, Luke Combs. The Entertainer of the Year also has the Disc of the Day

Give a DISCovery Award to Warner newcomer Chase Matthew.

LUKE BRYAN / “Prayin’ in a Deer Stand”
Writers: Luke Bryan/Nicolle Galyon/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Jody Stevens/Jeff Stevens; Label: Capitol
–Good listening. The echo on his vocal is big help, and the vibrating, atmospheric electric guitars in the production are dynamite. I doubt that there is a huge percentage of listeners who spend their Sundays hunting deer, but whatever….

JESSIE JAMES DECKER / “Grow Young With You”
Writers: Emily Weisband/Alysa Vanderheym/Jordyn Shellhart; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Big Yellow Dog/Warner/Atlantic
–This multi-hyphenate seems to hit on all available platforms, from books to fashion to TV to music. As before, she proves to be a fine singer on this choppy, clappy bopper about a sunny love. I always like the little falsetto hiccoughs in her delivery.

LUKE COMBS / “Going, Going Gone”
Writers: James McNair/Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House/Columbia
–This is a lovely change of pace. Combs exchanges his brawling, bruising vocal style for a gentler, more contemplative delivery. He’s wistful yet resigned over a lost love. As usual, the song is a model of country craftsmanship. He so deserves every award we give him.

BRITTNEY SPENCER / “A Hundred Years Old”
Writers: Ashley Ray/Brittney Spencer/Sean McConnell; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
–Does this artist set the record for the longest set-up ever for a real radio release? She’s on television, in social media, on others’ records, in print and all over the map without ever actually stepping up to bat. Now she has a new live EP recorded acoustically at Blackbird Studio. This charming, wafting, yearning performance is yet another tease. The lady has the talent. Somebody light a fire under this career kindling.

EDDIE MONTGOMERY / “Thank a Beer Drinker”
Writers: Wynn Varble/David Lee/Don Poythress; Producers: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Label: Average Joe’s
–Like that road you drive on? How about the food you eat, the electricity in your house, running water and the car you own? Give thanks to the blue-collar folks who keep our factories and our infrastructure running. I love the message of this. Eddie delivers it perfectly. Oh by the way, he adds, if you like this song, thank another beer drinker.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Geraldene”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Jack Ingram/Jon Randall; Producers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Label: RCA
–With her performance of this at the CMA Awards, Lambert again demonstrated that she is the finest, pure-country female singer in our current music biz. She calls out a temptress with just the right touches of envy and smoldering threats. The spare, snappy track keeps things crackling. It’s a model of restraint, throwing the spotlight on her superb, twangin’ delivery. “Geraldine” is just one of the many gems on her 15-track Palomino collection. Available on double vinyl, by the way.

CHASE MATTHEW / “She Loves Jesus”
Writers: Chase Matthews/Will Pattat; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner
–Nashville native Matthew stages his Warner Music debut with this pristine ballad about a pure, devout, beautiful woman. His mellow baritone is loaded with warmth. The steel guitar and piano accompaniment is poetry.

MICKEY GUYTON / “I Still Pray”
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Tyler Hubbard/Ryan Daly/Steph Jones; Producer: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/Ryan Daly; Label: Capitol
–One associates praying with silence. But Guyton’s emotional soprano is a shout of blazing affirmation as she explains the depth of her devotion. An extraordinary, stately vocal performance by one of our most gifted artists.

DAILEY & VINCENT WITH RHONDA VINCENT / “Those Memories of You”
Writers: Alan O’Bryant; Producer: Paul Worley; Label: DV
–The harmonies in this performance will send shivers through your whole body. Opry greats Dailey & Vincent have turned from bluegrass to country on their new CD, but this bluesy, electrified revival of the Dolly/Linda/Emmylou 1987 smash proves their vocal backgrounds are solidly in place. Jamie Dailey’s lead vocal is a masterpiece, and the thrilling support of the Vincent siblings sends the whole thing into the stratosphere. Breathtaking is the word.

BROTHERS OSBORNE WITH THE WAR & TREATY / “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)”
Writers: Keith Richards/Mick Jagger; Producer: Robert Deaton/Danny Rader; Label: BMG
–The forthcoming Stoned Cold Country is an all-star Nashville tribute to the songs of the Rolling Stones. These two sterling duos join forces for its first advance track, which they introduced on the CMA Awards. T.J. kicked it off in a deep, rumbling baritone. Tanya lit the track ablaze. Michael shot off fireworks, then the whole ensemble burned the house down. The official studio track underwhelms by comparison.

CHASE RICE / “Way Down Yonder”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase Rice/Corey Crowder/Hunter Phelps/John Byron; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR
–A menacing, loud outlaw anthem with big percussion and an abundance of attitude. It wears out its welcome fairly quickly.

CARTER FAITH / “Already Crazy”
Writers: Carter Faith/Tofer Brown/Lauren Hungate; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: CF
–The lyric is very nicely crafted and her vocal is spot on. I kept waiting for the ballad’s track to take off, but it stuck with its piano-and-strings wash throughout.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jameson Rodgers Gives Another ‘Pure-Country’ Performance

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Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Matthew Berinato

This is not a thrilling week for country consumers, since the new sounds are all fairly ordinary.

The bright spots in today’s DISClaimer are Boy Named Banjo, Runaway June, Niko Moon and our Disc of the Day winner, Jameson Rodgers.

The DISCovery Award goes to a promising southern singer-songwriter named Ella Langley. I look forward to hearing much more from her.

RUNAWAY JUNE / “Broken Hearts (Do Broken Things)”
Writers: Mandi Sagal/Sarah Lake/Steve Fee; Producers: Mitch Furr/Justin Weaver; Label: RJ
–The lady is out on the town, doing questionable things with strangers, dancing on tables, knocking back shots, letting her emotions get the best of her and being kinda nutty. It’s okay. She’s acting out a busted heart. The jangly production is a boatload of romping fun, and the “gang” vocals and harmonies of the trio keep the whole thing frothing. Super listening.

NIKO MOON / “I Can’t Wait to Love You”
Writers: Niko Moon/Anna Moon/Joshua Murty; Producers: Niko Moon/Joshua Murty; Label: RCA
–Very sweet. Mr. and Mrs. Moon croon with joy, wonder and anticipation as they get ready to be parents. Anna provides the soft harmony behind Niko’s charmingly rumpled lead vocal while guitars strum gently.

CATIE OFFERMAN / “‘Til I See You Again”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Ryan Beaver/Jessi Alexander; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA
–Everything I’ve heard so far from this lady has been praiseworthy. This pop-country confection puts the “fun” in dysfunctional, since the effervescent track contrasts sharply with a lyric about falling for the same bum repeatedly.

TEMECULA ROAD / “Wrong Ones Do”
Writers: Dawson Anderson/Emma Salute/Kelly Archer/Brandon Hood; Producers: Brandon Hood/Dann Huff; Label: Warner/Buena Vista
–She’s ignoring Mama’s caution and falling for the tattooed “bad boy.” As you wade deeper into the rampaging country rocker, you find out that Mama was married three times, so she can’t be too judgmental. This one’s a jolt of energy.

RAELYNN / “Raisin’ Me a Country Girl”
Writers: RaeLynn/Rhett Akins/Will Bundy; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: RL
–Twangin,’ electrified country. The lyric is inspired by the singer bringing up a feisty little mini-her (”sweet” but “hard as nails”).

JESSIE JAMES DECKER & BILLY CURRINGTON / “I Still Love You”
Writers: Matt Dragstrem/Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins; Producer: Matt Dragstrem; Label: Warner/Atlantic
–They harmonize beautifully together. The deliberate, monotonous tempo plods a mite too much.

JAMESON RODGERS / “I’m on a Dirt Road”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Hunter Phelps/Jake Mitchell/Jameson Rodgers; Producers: Jake Mitchell/Chris Farren; Label: Sony
–Jameson has a new collection titled Highways and Dirt Roads. This dynamic track from it traces a country boy’s heartache, triggered by a Strait song on the radio. As always, this artist is a pure-country solid citizen. Turn him up.

MICHELLE WRIGHT / “Small Town”
Writers: Danielle Bourjeaurd/Michelle Wright/Rick Ferrell; Producer: Bob Funk; Label: Audium/BFD
–This Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame member has returned with a new collection titled Milestone. This bopping single from it is a melodic autobiography of her musical journey. She still sounds frisky and fine.

ELLA LANGLEY / “Country Boy’s Dream Girl”
Writers: Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Aaron Raitere/Smith Anquist; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Columbia
–You’ll fall in love with her Alabama accent. The chiming, echoey production and the song’s down-home lyric don’t hurt a bit. This one’s a winner.

BOY NAMED BANJO / “Heart Attack”
Writers: William Reames/Barton Davies/Ryan Tyndell/Jeff Hyde; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Mercury
–The sheer musicality of these native Nashvillians just floors me. The playing is so accomplished, the singing is hearty and the songwriting is hooky as heck. They sound ultra contemporary, with a bluegrassy vibe beneath a fiery country-rock track. This deserves lotsa spins.

TYLER THOMPSON / “Won’t Take Long”
Writers: Tyler Thompson/Will Hoge/Gordon Sampson; Producer: Steve Jordan; Label: Sony
–Workmanlike country, with a steady beat, an extremely simple melody and a decent, double-tracked vocal. The production is better than the song deserves. He’s a former top movie producer turned country artist.

RANDY HOUSER / “Country Round Here Tonight”
Writers: Randy Houser/Brice Long/Jeff Hyde; Producers: Randy Houser/Blake Chancey; Label: Magnolia Music Group
–I’m passing on this one. The song’s lyric of honky-tonk life almost rings with truth. The ambiance is described, the bar is depicted, the sounds are right. There is one major problem, and that’s the description of the patrons. The men are all working on the farm all day. The women are all lying in the sun, working on their tans. What century is he living in that women aren’t working as hard as men do?

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tanya Tucker’s Vocals Soar On ‘Ready As I’ll Never Be’

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Country music is in the midst of one of its periodic artist shakeups.

There’s a new generation of record makers vying for stardom, and they’re a very diverse lot. Just take a listen to Sam Williams, Pillbox Patti, Brandon Ratcliff, Ian Munsick, Elle King and Lily Rose.

But let’s not forget to dance with the ones who brung us. I refer to the enduringly great Tanya Tucker, who towers above all these would-be stars with “Ready As I’ll Never Be” as the Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery award goes to Michael Warren. He’s a Birmingham native who’s written pop tunes for the likes of Toni Braxton, Jennifer Lopez and Akon. But his southern roots shine through on “What’s Country to You.”

LILY ROSE / “Whatcha Know About That”
Writers: Dave Pittenger/Jonathan Hutcherson/Sydney Cubit/Miranda Glory; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Back Blocks/Mercury/Republic
–A chiming, echoey production backs her husky come-on to a potential lover. It has a certain “rush” that’s very inviting.

IAN MUNSICK / “Horses & Weed”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Josh Thompson; Producers: Ian Munsick/Jared Conrad; Label: Warner
–The Colorado cowboy praises products of his home state. Tennesseans might have their pick-up trucks and beer, but he’s floating languidly on a ballad with wafting smoke in his hair and a palomino for propulsion.

ELLE KING / “Try Jesus”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Casey Smith/Elle King/Geoffrey Warburton; Producers: Elle King/Ross Copperman; Label: Sony
–This manages to be hilarious, devout, wacky, uplifting, kookie and delightfully strange all at the same time. The song is out there. Her performance is charming. The video is a hoot.

SHABOOZEY / “Gas!”
Writers: Sam Martinez/Shaboozey; Producer: Sam Martinez/Junwaa/Ben Mironer/Shaboozey; Label: Empire
–The Virginia rapper thinks this is some new kinda country music. I don’t.

TANYA TUCKER / “Ready As I’ll Never Be”
Writers: Tanya Tucker/Brandi Carlile; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Label: Fantasy
–This is the end title tune of the new Tanya Tucker documentary. It’s also a dynamite ballad that dips into the legendary entertainer’s deepest alto before soaring into a stirring, melodic chorus. An awesome performance by one of our most charismatic greats.

BRANDON RATCLIFF / “Grow Apart”
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/Lori McKenna/Pete Good; Producers: Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Label: Monument
–This guy is batting a thousand with me: I believe I’ve loved everything he’s released so far. He comes by his extraordinary singing voice doubtless via his inheritance, since his mom is the great Suzanne Cox of The Cox Family. Here, he applies it to a meditation on youth and aging that echoes with truth. Brandon’s debut album is due in January, and I can’t wait.

PILLBOX PATTI / “Eat Pray Drugs”
Writers: Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Park Chilsolm; Producer: Park Chisolm; Label: Monument
–The sound of a steamy southern summer. She drawls in an atmospheric dream in this super-creative production. “There’s only three things to do around here,” the small-town gal whispers. They’re listed in the sez-it-all title.

TYLER HUBBARD / “I’m the Only One”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Chris Locke/Rhett Akins; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI
–Positively joyous. Being in love has seldom sounded so downright fun. Hubbard is currently going from strength to strength en route to a debut album in January.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Better Strangers”
Writers: Liz Rose/Karley Scott Collins; Producer: Brock Berryhill; Label: Sony
–The relationship went bust, and she’s totally depressed about it. Promising, if somewhat overproduced.

REYNA ROBERTS / “Pretty Little Devils”
Writers: Reyna Roberts/Kendall Brower/David Mescon; Producer: David Mescon; Label: Empire
–Minor-key, moody and edgy. Hip-hop fused with country-rock, which is her usual jam.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Tilted Crown”
Writers: Luke Dick/Sam Williams/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Mercury
–In a voice cracked with heartache, Williams muses about the legacy of his legendary lineage. The evocative ballad is produced with exquisite precision, and his performance glows with honesty.

MICHAEL WARREN / “What’s Country to You”
Writers: Dylan Schneider/Zac Kale/Jake Rose; Producer: none listed; Label: Workplay
–Jaunty and charming. He bops through the countryfied lyric with verve and smiles while the guitars ring and chime. Add this.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Justin Moore & Priscilla Block Deliver ‘Outstanding’ Harmonies

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Justin Moore & Priscilla Block. Photo: Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.

It’s a day for some real country singing in this edition of DISClaimer.

We’re truly in the presence of some vocal greatness in the offerings by David Nail, Tiera Kennedy, Morgan Evans, Sunny Sweeney and the duet by Becky Isaacs Bowman and Dolly Parton.

There’s no arguing with a guy who has 11 No. 1 singles under his belt. Justin Moore does not disappoint in his outstanding duet with Priscilla Block. The new team nails down this week’s Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery Award goes to War Hippies. They also sing great, and have a story to tell as well.

JON LANGSTON / “Give You My All”
Writers: Jon Langston/Brad Wagner/Jordan Gray; Producers: Jacob Rice/Jody Stevens; Label: EMI/32 Bridge Entertainment
–Very cool. It’s has a bluesy ballad groove that floats on a sea of romance. The fundamental simplicity of the tune and message of devotion are the secrets of its effectiveness.

JUSTIN MOORE & PRISCILLA BLOCK / “You, Me and Whiskey”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Brock Berryhill/Cole Taylor; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Scott Borchetta; Label: Big Machine
–Their vocal harmony work is outstanding. They swap verses with equal measures of personality, then turn the thing up a few notches with their entwined verses on the choruses. In the lyric, they’ve been working too hard, so they need a night together to relax with some beverages. Amen to that. Block brings her “Block Party” show to the Nashville Palace on Nov. 3.

WAR HIPPIES / “Make It Out Alive”
Writers: Scott Brown; Producers: Donnie Reis/Scott Brown; Label: WarHippies
–Donnie Reis and Scott Brown are former U.S. combat soldiers whose War Hippies album deals with veterans’ issues. The suicide rate among vets is heartbreaking, which the living-strong lyric of this ballad pushes against. Both men sing with great heart, and the synth-and-strings accompaniment is perfect.

THOMAS RHETT & KATY PERRY / “Where We Started”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Jon Bellion/Thomas Rhett/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
–Dreamy. Romantic. Awash in melody, with both voices at the top of their game. Pop queen Perry began her career in Music City as a teen CCM artist.

615 COLLECTIVE / “Coastin’”
Writers: Sarah Darling/Michael Logen/NicoleWitt; Producer: none listed; Label: 615
–Comprised of top tunesmiths Sarah Darling, Michael Logen, Shelly Fairchild and Nicole Witt, this combo strikes it rich with this breezy, groovy, relaxing beach-y tune. Darling takes the lead with her wafting soprano above a smooth-as-glass track.

BECKY ISAACS BOWMAN & DOLLY PARTON / “Early Morning Breeze”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: none listed; Label: Isaacs
–Becky is a cornerstone of the Opry group The Isaacs, but she has always been somewhat overshadowed by the superbly gifted vocals of her sister Sonya Isaacs. Now she is getting her own solo album. This advance track pairs her with the legendary Dolly, and the result is Heaven in Appalachia. Their lilting voices match like mountaineer twins.

MORGAN EVANS / “Over For You”
Writers: Morgan Evans/Madison Love/Geoff Warburton/Tim Sommers; Producer: Tim Sommers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–A penultimate heartbreak ballad. He aches with wondering how long she didn’t love him while he kept on deluding himself. I like the ghostly voices softly asking “How long? How Long?” in between his musings.

FLO RIDA & WALKER HAYES / “High Heels”
Writers: Bryan Isaac/Danny Majic/Dre Davidson/Fraser Churchill/Meron Mengist/Sean Davidson/Walker Hayes; Producer: The Monarch/Danny Majic; Label: Monument
–Flo Rida babbles about whatever. Walker Hayes references “Fancy Like,” Applebees, the Grammys and whatnot. I suppose it’s harmless.

TIERA KENNEDY / “Alabama Nights”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Emily Falvey/Jared Scott/Tiera Kennedy/Emily Flakey; Producers: Dann Huff/Cameron Bedel; Label: Valory
–“Found It In You” remains the lovely single. This fresh track from her upcoming album shows a livelier side. In fact, it is a stone boppin’ delight. The picturesque, rapid-fire lyrics are a blast as are the skipping, merry track and her pert, sunny soprano vocal. Definitely check this ditty out…..pronto.

DAVID NAIL / “Wherever You Are Tonight”
Writers: David Nail/Robyn Collins/Grant Vogel; Producer: none listed; Label: DN
–He always draws me in with every note he sings. This master communicator aches with authenticity on this beautifully melodic track. Shut your eyes and get lost in his performance.

SUNNY SWEENEY / “Married Alone”
Writers: Hannah Blaylock/Josh Morningstar/Autumn McEntire; Producers: Paul Cauthen/Beau Bedford; Label: Aunt Daddy/Thirty Tigers
–The always-great Sunny has just released a new album. Its title track ballad features Vince Gill on vocal harmony and a steel-soaked, deeply twangin’ track that is Country, with a capital “C.” I adore this woman.

RANDY ROGERS BAND / “Fast Car”
Writers: Randy Montana/Wendell Mobley/Lee Miller; Producer: Radney Foster; Label: RR
–Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, this band is always a welcome playlist addition. On this mid-tempo meditation, a guy wonders about the gal he meets in a bar, speculating about her present, past and future. The cleanly mixed track keeps things admirably close to the earth.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ashley McBryde Serves Up Feisty ‘Sisterhood Anthem’

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We’re all about gender parity today at DISClaimer.

Note that half of the tracks reviewed in this edition of the column feature female voices. Which is the way things ought to be, since that’s half of the listening audience.

Note also that the two best written songs here come from female artists. I refer to Ingrid Andress’ lovely “Blue” and to Ashley McBryde’s inspiring “Bonfire at Tina’s.” On the other hand, Travis Denning’s fine composition gives the gals a run for their money, and Restless Road is a total rush.

Finally, note that the Disc of the Day award belongs to a mighty country woman, Ashley McBryde.

DARIUS RUCKER & CHAPEL HART / “Ol’ Church Hymn”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Ben Hayslip/Josh Miller/Greylan James; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol
–Warm, loving and kind sounding. He sings of the soothing power of love while the Chapel Hart trio harmonizes softly in the background. I’d have mixed them up louder in the mix and given them a verse of their own.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Buy a Girl a Drink”
Writers: Travis Denning/Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni/Chase McGill; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury
–Very, very sweet. Sung with boyish charm, yet laced with aged wisdom, it’s an encapsulation of life and love that’s impossible to resist. The churning production is a big plus, too.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Hate My Heart”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/Hillary Lindsey/David Garcia/Michael Hardy; Producers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia; Label: Capitol
–It’s a rollicking banger that contrasts her desire to party with a heartbreak that’s holding her back. The stacked female harmonies are cool, but the guitar-dominated track could have been more creative.

HARDY / “Jack”
Writers: Michael Hardy/David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: Joey Moi/Michael Hardy/David Garcia/Derek Wells; Label: Big Loud Rock
–Don’t misled by the soft, quiet intro. This turns into a slammin’ rock track with ferociously pounding rhythm. “Jack,” as you might expect, is a certain Tennessee whiskey who may or may not become your pal.

MADELINE EDWARDS / “Too Much of a Good Thing”
Writers: Madeline Edwards/Ian Christian/Trannie Anderson; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner
–I have long loved the smokey quality in her voice. A string of excellent indie releases has led to this major-label debut. Her gospel-y piano provides understated power and pulse to the enveloping ballad. I’m in. Make her a star.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Things That Matter”
Writers: Lynne Hutton/Jameson Rodgers/Elwyn Ahnquist Smith/Will Bundy; Producers: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: Sony
–Forget about politics, the economy and material possessions and concentrate on the simple pleasures of life, advises Mr. Rodgers on this gently swaying outing. It’s a breezy and totally country sound that’s as refreshing as a soft spring rain.

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Bonfire at Tina’s”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Brandy Clark/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner
–This woman is tower of talent. On this slow-burn blazer she’s feisty and fierce. It’s a sisterhood anthem with lots and lots of heart. The gals get together to drink, smoke and bitch around a bonfire, and the result builds to an inspiring crescendo.

ADAM DOLEAC / “Whiskey Barstool Wonderland”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Lindsay Rimes/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Arista
–The power ballad yearns for lost love while deep percussion pounds and electric guitars soar. I think what I like best about it is how his singing ranges from feathery whisper to shouted tenor anguish. Definitely hooky. It’s the title track to his debut album, an 18-track serving.

INGRID ANDRESS / “Blue”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis/Derrick Southerland/Shane McAnally; Producers: Sam Ellis/Ingrid Andress; Label: Warner/Atlantic
–Languid and dreamy, this is a mini-masterpiece of a romantic ballad. The lines are exquisite as she describes a shade that she is seeing for the first time, the blue of his eyes. You’ll find it on her new sophomore album, Good Person.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Sundown Somewhere”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Cole Swindell/Cole Taylor/Jacob Rice; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA
–A wafting country rocker loaded to the gills with the trio’s stunning harmony voices. These guys are so radio ready it’s ridiculous. In a word, irresistible.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Busy”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Seth Mosley/Jessica Cayne; Producers: Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor/Michael O’Connor/Seth Mosley; Label: Warner
–There’s not a lot of singing going on here. More like shouting with hints of melody. However, it does have plenty of attitude.

TYLER BOOTH / “Feeling Whitney”
Writers: Andrew Wotman/Austin Post; Producers: Tyler Booth/John Johnson; Label: Sony/Villa 40
–Covering a Post Malone tune as a country single might sound nutty. Melodically, it actually works pretty well, and Tyler’s baritone voice is fine, as usual. The lyrics are still oblique.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Little Big Town Give Yet Another ‘Exquisite Performance’

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Fall is in the air in Music City, and with the new season comes a flood of new country sounds.

Leading the charge today is Little Big Town with what is surely their umpteenth Disc of the Day winner, “Three Whiskeys and the Truth.”

Galloping right along are Breland, Randy Houser. Ashley McBryde and the new collab by Joy Oladokun and Chris Stapleton. Happy listening while the leaves tumble down.

DAILEY & VINCENT / “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee”
Writer: Karen Staley; Producer: Paul Worley; Label: BMG
–The bluegrass superstars jog into the country idiom with their just released Let’s Sing Some Country collection. Its lead single has already been voted a state song by the legislature. It’s a lilting ballad with lotsa sentiment about the Volunteer State. And no matter what genre you call them, these guys are sensational vocalists.

SHANIA TWAIN / “Waking Up Dreaming”
Writers: David Stewart/Jessica Agombar/Shania Twain; Producer: David Stewart; Label: Republic
–Shania’s comeback single is pop, pop, pop all the way. It’s also an ultra cute and catchy dance bopper. And I dig her singing nowadays in a lower, huskier register.

DALTON DOVER / “Damn Good Life”
Writers: Dalton Dover/Alex Maxwell/Jaxson Free; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Droptine
–This time around, the promising country youngster adopts some hip-hoppy rhythm touches. The bouncy song’s lyric is a classic country message: Money can’t buy happiness. It’s pleasant, but he has done better.

NATE SMITH / “I Found You”
Writers: Chris Gelbuda/Kyle Schlienger/Nate Smith; Producers: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Sony
–He sings with so much passion. This torrid power ballad is yet another showcase for his vocal gift. Get on board.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Three Whiskeys and the Truth”
Writers: Karen Fairchild/Kimberly Schlapman/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producer: Little Big Town; Label: Capitol
–Are there any finer harmony vocalists in contemporary country music than these four? This is an exquisite performance, with their brilliant voices bathed by echo, heartbeat percussion and twanging guitar. I got lost in it. You will too.

JOY OLADOKUN & CHRIS STAPLETON / “Sweet Symphony”
Writers: Joy Oladdkun/Ian Fitchuk/Shae Jacobs; Producers: Joy Oladokun/Mike Elizondo/Ian Fitchuk; Label: Amigo/Verve Forecast/Republic
–Joy’s folkie, conversational singing style blends beautifully with Chris’s blue-eyed soul emoting on this deliciously romantic ballad. And the warm, enveloping production supports both vocalists at every turn. Essential listening.

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Straight Tequila Night”
Writers: Debbie Hupp/Kent Robbins; Producers: Dan Auerbach/David Ferguson; Label: Easy Eye/Concord
–Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute to John Anderson is an album that should be on everybody’s playlist. Eric Church, Brothers Osborne, John Prine, Jamey Johnson, Sturgill Simpson, Luke Combs and more all take a swing at Anderson’s fabulous song catalog. Ashley McBryde is perfect for this iconic song, and her performance strongly suggests that it would be an excellent addition to the female-country repertoire.

BRELAND / “For What It’s Worth”
Writers: Daniel Breland/Greylan James/Jacob Durrett/Rocky Block; Producers: Sam Sumser/Sean Small/Jacob Durrett; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic/Warner
–Enchanting. His tender-hearted tenor cracks and breaks sweetly as he looks over a failed relationship with regret and enduring love. Absolutely radio ready.

RANDY HOUSER / “Rub a Little Dirt on It”
Writers: Randy Houser/Jeff Hyde/Ryann Tyndell; Producers: Randy Houser/Blake Chancey; Label: Magnolia Music Group
–Steel guitar and dobro swirl and twirl while this master stylist unspools life lessons learned from daddy, football, fishing, beer and the natural environment. Country music as it was meant to be.

JULIE ROBERTS & JAMEY JOHNSON / “Music City’s Killing Me”
Writer: Ray LaMontagne; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: ONErpm
–Roberts is bluesy and drawling on this mid-tempo moaner while sighing strings drag slowly by. Johnson is resigned and weary on his verses. Singing together, they blend warmly in a dual ache.

TYLER HUBBARD / “Inside and Out”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: EMI
–It’s a pretty simple message: You’re so beautiful. The end.

ALEXANDER LUDWIG / “Faded on Me”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Jon Nite/Josh Osborne; Producers: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy; Label: BBR/BMG
–Recommended. Rocking and stomping, it’s an ode to being a good ol’ boy. Canadian Ludwig is also a TV and movie actor of note.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Zac Brown Band & Ingrid Andress Produce Vocal Dynamite On New Track

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Zac Brown Band. Photo: Danny Clinch

For-real country music returns with a vengeance in this week’s DISClaimer column.

It doesn’t come any better than Gene Watson & Willie Nelson. Youngsters Brandon Ratcliff, Jon Pardi, Sunny Sweeney and Kelsea Ballerini are flying the country banner high as well.

So is Larry Fleet, who takes home the DISCovery Award.

The audio-nirvana collaboration between the Zac Brown Band and Ingrid Andress is this week’s Disc of the Day.

AVERY ANNA / “Narcissist”
Writers: Ben Williams/David Fanning/Andy Sheridan/Avery Anna Rhoton; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner
–Wafting and appealing. The well-produced ballad features layers of soprano vocal, echoey ambiance and pointed lyrics toward a self-centered guy. Lovely listening, if not exactly hit bound.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “If You Go Down”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Julian Bunetta/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Julian Bunetta/Shane McAnally; Label: Black River
–“Heartfirst” remains the single, but this new video is so jaunty, flirty and enticing it must be consumed at once. The track bops delightfully with tasty mandolin licks, fiddle embellishments and snappy brushed drumming while her vocal verve rides on top. Ballerini is spreading her wings like never before and making the best music of her career to date. Her new Subject to Change collection drops tomorrow (Sept. 23).

KANE BROWN & KATELYN BROWN / “Thank God”
Writers: Josh Hoge/Jaxson Free/Kyle Fishman/Christian Davis/Jared Mullins; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA
–Mr. and Mrs. Brown get all lovey dovey on a dull ballad.

LARRY FLEET / “Where I Find God”
Writers: Connie Rae Harrington/Larry Fleet; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–Beautifully done. His conversational vocal is perfectly phrased on this moving ode to homespun spirituality. Exquisitely country. There is also a live duet version of the song with Morgan Wallen.

KYLIE MORGAN / “Bridesmaids”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/Sam DeRosa/KK Johnson; Producers: Ben Johnson/KK Johnson; Label: EMI
–Life imitates art in this outing, since co-writer DeRosa is one of the bridesmaids in Morgan’s upcoming nuptials. The thin-sounding, upbeat ditty with her lilting singing has evidently exploded on TikTok.

ZAC BROWN BAND & INGRID ANDRESS / “Any Day Now”
Writers: Zac Brown/Clay Cook/Josh Dunne/Ray Fulcher/Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton; Producers: Zac Brown/Ben Simonetti; Label: Warner
–The Georgia band’s The Comeback (Deluxe) album drops a week from Friday. It is packed with celebrity collaborations, including guests Cody Johnson, Blake Shelton, James Taylor, Marcus King, Jamey Johnson and, on this heartbroken track, Andress. The group’s trademark harmonies kick it off, then her piercing soprano underlines the chorus message of regret. Next, they begin singing together, and the result is gorgeously melodic dynamite. The band’s Ryman concert is tonight (Sept. 22).

SUNNY SWEENEY / “Poet’s Prayer”
Writers: Monty Holmes/Buddy Owens/Sunny Sweeney; Producer: none listed; Label: SS
–Sunny sang this on the Opry last weekend, and it blew everyone away. It’s an acoustic ballad that wishes safe travels for gypsy troubadours everywhere. Her current live album includes the moving anthem. She is so pluperfectly country that everything she sings grips me. But this song is something special. It is also apparently somewhat magical: The only two shows when she didn’t sing it, she was in car accidents.

JON PARDI / “Mr. Saturday Night”
Writers: Benjy Davis/Reid Isbell/Joe Ragosta; Producers: Bart Butler/Ryan Gore/Jon Pardi; Label: Capitol
–The title tune of Pardi’s new album maintains the winning formula of his chart-topping “Last Night Lonely.” Which is to say, it is unapologetic honky-tonkin’ hillbilly. The power ballad moans with roadhouse heartache as he drawls the yarn of a good-time guy who hides his blues. So country. So very, very good.

DOLLY PARTON & KELLY CLARKSON / “9 To 5”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producers: Shane McAnally/Sasha Sloan/King Henry; Label: SmackSongs/
Atlantic
–Dolly’s Oscar-nominated, Grammy-winning 1980 classic gets a complete makeover in this choppy, echoey, hip-hop influenced pop production. Kelly takes the pensive, melancholy lead with Dolly offering harmonies and vocal interjections. The track is drawn from the soundtrack of the documentary Still Working 9 To 5, which explores the impact of the film as well as the ongoing issues faced by women in the workforce.

MADDIE & TAE / “Spring Cleaning”
Writers: Maddie Font/Taylor Kerr/Josh Kerr/Tayla Parx; Producers: Derek Wells/Josh Kerr; Label: Mercury
–Delightfully feisty. Of course, it’s about kicking the bum and all of his shit out. The duo’s saucy vocals are backed by a punchy rhythmic track and roaring guitars. Fun on the hoof. You’ll find it on the eight-tune Through the Madness Vol. 2, which drops tomorrow (Sept. 23).

BRANDON RATCLIFF / “Tale of Two Towns”
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/Pete Good/Josh Jenkins; Producers: Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Label: Monument
–This has a folkie, bluegrassy texture that ripples with authenticity. His sincere tenor rides atop a crystalline, acoustic track that enchants with every note. He expresses gratitude for his small-town upbringing while rejoicing in escaping it. I simply love this performance.

GENE WATSON & WILLIE NELSON / “Wonderful Future”
Writer: Willie Nelson; Producer: Dirk Johnson; Label: GW
–Two of country’s greatest vocalists create chillbumps in their first duet. Willie kicks it off. Then Gene’s peerless twang takes a turn, while the soaked-in-steel, piano tinkling production waltzes you through the profoundly sad, profoundly country lyric. As they swap verses, the hillbilly heavens open wide. You’ll find it on Gene’s just-released album Outside the Box, which also features a duet with his Opry peer Rhonda Vincent.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The War & Treaty Share ‘The Sound Of Pure Love’

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It’s Americana music week in Nashville, and the genre’s stars are shining brightly.

None are brighter than The War & Treaty, who easily nail down this week’s Disc of the Day award.

Not that there wasn’t plenty of competition. Check out the sounds of Daniel Tashian, Larkin Poe, the Dirt Band and Jake Blount, for starters. Rootsy tunes are where it’s at.

JIM LAUDERDALE / “That Kind of Life (That Kind of Day)”
Writers: Jim Lauderdale; Producers: Jim Lauderdale/Jay Weaver; Label: Sky Crunch
–The kick-off track of Lauderdale’s new Game Changer album (his 35th), is a rollicking, lively, Telecaster-driven, Bakersfield-nodding toe tapper that has a built-in smile. Drawling, uplifting and totally country.

MARGO PRICE / “Been to the Mountain”
Writers: Margo Price/Jeremy Ivey; Producer: Jonathan Wilson; Label: Loma Vista
–This is Price’s moment. Her memoir Maybe We’ll Make It will be published Oct. 4. She has a new Sonos Radio podcast titled Runaway Horses. She’s been elected to the board of Farm Aid. Her new album is previewed by this stirring single/video. She wails in an echo chamber, backed by a grinding rock riff, about persevering through tough times. Haunting.

DANIEL TASHIAN / “Night After Night”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Paul Kennerley; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Big Yellow Dog
–Rockabilly nirvana. Acclaimed producer Tashian returns to record making of his own with this slab of retro energy. The project’s title tune channels Buddy Holly, The Everlys and Carl Perkins in an absolutely irresistible stew of stinging guitars, relentless rhythm and in-the-pocket vocal comfort. Better than a cup of morning coffee and more bracing than a ride in a convertible. Essential listening. Tashian’s AmericanaFest showcase is Saturday at noon at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and he headlines at The Basement next Wednesday night.

AMANDA SHIRES / “Hawk for the Dove”
Writers: Amanda Shires/Lawrence Rothman; Producer: Lawrence Rothman; Label: ATO
–The new Take It Like a Man collection by Shires leads off with this dramatic track. Her distinctive, penetrating voice leads the listener into a dark, electronic soundscape of keening guitars and thudding percussion. A wary romance of uncertain fate.

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND / “Girl From the North Country”
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producers: Ray Kennedy/Jeff Hanna; Label: MRI
–The revived and reconfigured Dirt Band rises to new heights on its Dirt Does Dylan album. This classic gets a loving, gorgeous, crystalline remake with rippling guitars, sighing fiddle, mandolin droplets and heart-in-throat vocals. Arguably a founding act of the Americana genre, the legendary group will showcase its Dylan tunes as well as old favorites at The Ryman on Saturday night.

JOY OLADOKUN / “Purple Haze”
Writers: Joy Oladokun/Dr. Luke; Producer: Dr. Luke; Label: Amigo/Verve Forecast/Republic
–The simple beauty of folk music shines on this current single by this gifted performer. Her liquid alto and perfectly strummed acoustic guitar convey a hopeful message of survival and eventual emotional prosperity. Even though the end of the world might be nigh.

THE WAR & TREATY / “That’s How Love Is Made”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter/Dave Barnes; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury
–This Nashville couple is as good as it gets. There are no finer singers, nor more emotional interpreters in our world. Their soul-ripping voices can make the angels in Heaven weep for joy. This smoldering, electrifying outing stopped the show at the AMA Awards on Wednesday. Its single/video is a stunning, ecstatic, breath-taking experience. This is the sound of Pure Love that shatters and defies every musical category.

JAKE BLOUNT & DEMEANOR / “The Downward Road”
Writers: Brian Slattery/Jake Blount/Traditional; Producers: Jake Blount/Brian Slattery; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
–This fascinating artist’s album The New Faith drops a week from today. Blount is a banjo player, musicologist, journalist and scholar who fuses percussion loops with old-time fiddle and Demeanor’s rapping on this preview track. Audio layered and folky hooky, it somehow manages to be old-time country and contemporary bopping at the same time. Really cool.

LARKIN POE / “Georgia Off My Mind”
Writers: Rebecca Lovell/Tyler Bryant; Producers: Larkin Poe/Tyler Bryant; Label: Tricki-Woo
–This guitar-wielding Nashville sister duo, Rebecca and Megan Lovell, have a new album called Blood Harmony coming in November. In the meantime, we have this dynamite advance single. It totally rocks, in a bluesy, twangy kinda way. The lyric name-checks Georgia institutions like Coca-Cola, Ray Charles and peaches as items in the rearview mirror as they head to Music City to pursue dreams. The ridiculously catchy track bubbles and boils. Yowza!

TOMMY McLAIN / “The Greatest Show on Hurt”
Writers: Tommy McClain/Nick Lowe; Producer: C.C. Adcock; Label: Yep Roc
–This swamp-pop pioneer had hits in the ‘60s. He’s 82 years old now and releasing his first album in 40 years. This slowly paced ditty has a woozy, lackadaisical charm as he relates his circus-themed heartbreak. His Americana showcase is at Riverside Revival tonight at 9 p.m.

VALERIE JUNE / “Look at Miss Ohio”
Writer: Gillian Welch/David Rawlings; Producer: A June Tunes Music Production; Label: Fantasy
–June’s new Under Cover is a collection of covers of tunes by Dylan, Joe South, John Lennon, Nick Drake and others. Her rendition of this Gillian Welch song features a drawled double-tracked vocal, moaning guitar and echoey atmosphere. Languid and dreamy.

TODD SNIDER / “Big Finish”
Writer: Todd Snider; Producer: Todd Snider/Eric McConnell; Label: TS
–I’ve always been a big fan of this clever guy. The troubadour opens his shows with this wryly humorous, self-aware, solo folky-blues tune. You’ll find it on his live album, due next Friday. The album-release show is at the Ryman on Saturday, Sept. 24. You won’t find a better one-man band. Prepare to be wildly entertained.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tenille Townes Shows Her Musical Brilliance With ‘The Last Time’

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Today’s playlist is what country music would sound like in an ideal universe.

That is to say, male-female equality instead of the preposterous imbalance that exists today.

And do I need to add that the tracks by women are almost uniformly more interesting than those by men? The exceptions are Jake Owen, Willie Jones and Mitchell Tenpenny, all of whom are at the top of their game today.

But the listening session was ruled by the fairer sex with outstanding offerings by Madeline Edwards, Danielle Bradberry, Catie Offerman and our Disc of the Day winner, Tenille Townes.

GEORGIA WEBSTER / “I Hate Phone Calls”
Writers: Josh Kerr/Georgia Webster; Producers: Josh Kerr/Georgia Webster; Label: River House/Sony
–Processed teen-pop vocal with banjo plucking and electronic accompaniment. If she makes it in country music, she’ll be outta here to pop pastures in no time.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Good and Gone”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Zach Abend/Seth Ennis/Geoff Warburton; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Sony
–There’s not much of a melody here, but there’s something haunting about the performance. The hushed, almost whispered verses contrast with the loudly sung choruses while a nervous, stuttering rhythm track keeps double time. Intriguingly different.

TENILLE TOWNES / “The Last Time”
Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Gordie Sampson/Tenille Townes; Producers: Gordie Sampson/Pete Good; Label: Sony
–I’m very fond of this Canadian stylist. As great as her previous singles have been, this one goes all the way to brilliant. From the moment she swung into that first chorus, she had me by the throat. By the time she finished, I was completely choked up. She’s wonderfully philosophical and emotionally gripping as she unspools the message of cherishing every moment with every loved one. Perfection in each note.

DUSTIN LYNCH / “Wood on the Fire”
Writers: Dustin Lynch/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow
–The onrushing, guitar-crashing production effectively evokes a raging fire while he sings of a relationship that burns out of control.

MADELINE EDWARDS / “The Wolves”
Writers: Madeline Edwards/Emily Doty/Gavin Slate; Producers: Ryan Tyndell/Oscar Charles; Label: ME
–This barn-burner performance is fierce and fearless. Smoky-voiced Edwards recently introduced the stormy, bluesy number on the Grand Ole Opry. Since her debut EP release this summer, the hotshot singer-songwriter has been on a roll. She is an Apple Music Country Riser, a Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch and a member of this year’s CMT Next Women of Country class. Plus, she just signed a pub deal with Sony.

JAKE OWEN / “Up There Down Here”
Writers: Travis Wood/Summer Ashtyn Overstreet/Zachary Robert Dyer; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
–Wildly clever. The lyric contrasting his bad-boy persona with her angelic goodness is packed with terrific imagery and wordplay. The twangin’ vocal performance is splendid, too. Absolutely play the heck outta this.

DANIELLE BRADBERY / “A Special Place”
Writers: Maren Morris/Shane McAnally/Jimmy Robbins/Sasha Sloan; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Derek Wells; Label: BMLG
–Feisty, frisky and fun. She’s reserved a special place for her ex, a zero-star hotel in hell. Her saucy delivery has just the right touch of snark for this witty ditty.

SHANE OWENS / “You Go Good”
Writers: Buddy Owens/Doug Johnson/Galen Griffin; Producer: none listed; Label: Amerimonte
–Charmingly southern, winningly country, innocently romantic.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Pink Champagne”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Carrie Underwood/Ashley Gorley/David Garcia; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol
–His love gives her a bigger buzz than booze does. Bubbling, fizzy stuff that’s heavy on the thudding rhythm track.

SCOTTY McCREERY / “It Matters to Her”
Writers: Rhett Akins/Lee Thomas Miller/Scotty McCreery; Producers: Frank Rogers/Derek Wells/Aaron Eshuis/Scott Johnson; Label: Triple Tigers
–I know it is meant to sound considerate and loving, but there’s something slightly patronizing about it. As always, Scotty delivers as a country vocalist, and the production is forceful.

CATIE OFFERMAN / “Get a Dog”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Joe Clemmons/Aaron Eshuis; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
–Ultra cute. If you’re looking for unconditional love, try a canine companion instead of her. Offerman is a multi-instrumentalist who honed her craft at everything from pizza parlors to polka gigs, including a bazillion Texas honky tonks. She staged her dream-come-true Opry debut last weekend.

WILLIE JONES / “Get Low Get High”
Writers: Willie Jones/Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day; Producers: Brandon Day/Willie Jones; Label: Sony
–A definite feel-good outing. It has a sunny, sing-along quality that goes down smooth and easy. I especially liked the part where he asked the background guys to sing “Get low” and the ladies to sing “Get high.” Very enjoyable.