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.

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.

Lukas Nelson. Photo: Shervin Lainez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Megan Moroney, Nate Smith and Zac Brown.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: John Russo

We have a lot of fresh-sounding tracks in this week’s DISClaimer roundup.

There’s the clear, folk acoustic style of Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, the “outlaw” rowdiness of Gavin Adcock and the retro, soul-rock stew of Jeremie Albino. Adcock, Albino and Kayley Green are all making their debuts in the column, and talented newcomers are always welcome here. The DISCovery Award goes to Gavin Adcock.

Established hit-makers Thomas Rhett, Walker Hayes and McBride & The Ride are here as well. So is Kelsea Ballerini, who wins the Disc of the Day prize with her insightful “Sorry Mom.”

KAYLEY GREEN / “Shadow of a Cowboy”
Writers: Kayley Green/Jon Nite/Ross Copperman/Ben Williams; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The drum machine and processed production are a little off-putting. But she sings her face off with an attractive purr and soulful range on a hurtin’ relationship lyric. Plus the melody is yummy. All in all, a marvelous debut.

WALKER HAYES / “Ball Player”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Ben Hayslip/Rhett Akins/Ross Copperman; Producers: Ben Johnson, Danny Majic; Label: Monument Records/RCA Records
– It’s a fatherhood song, addressed to a baseball-playing son with words of wisdom. He wants the boy to know that he’s loved whether he strikes out or hits a home run. Released just in time for the Little League World Series.

FANCY HAGOOD / “Good Grief”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Jeremy Lutito; Producer: Jeremy Jutito; Label: Fancy Haygood Enterprises
– A cool, breezy track underlies a gentle reflection on the nature of grief. In a tender, tenor vocal performance, he tries to find acceptance and even joy as he thinks about the loved one he has lost. Very affecting.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “Sorry Mom”
Writers: Jessie Jo Dillon/Alysa Vanderheym/Hillary Lindsey/Karen Fairchild/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Black River Entertainment/Big Machine Music
– Yeah, she’s been drinking and smoking and having sex. But beyond all the mistakes, escapades and disagreements, she’s become a woman her mother can be proud of. Beautifully done, from the exquisite production to her lilting, conversational vocal. This mid-tempo gem is drawn from her upcoming, female-centric album Patterns. I, for one, cannot wait to hear the rest of it.

JEREMIE ALBINO / “I Don’t Mind Waiting”
Writers: Jeremie Albino/Dan Auerbach/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye Sound
– The band lays down a Southern, neo-soul groove while his throaty, charismatic voice pleads for love. A retro romp, complete with horns and organ, that’s a pure audio pleasure. Also check out his rumbling road tune “Rolling Down the 405.” Both tunes will be found on his album, Our Time in the Sun, due Nov. 1.

THOMAS RHETT / “After All the Bars Are Closed”
Writers: Jacob Kasher Hindlin/John Byron/Thomas Rhett/Jaxson Free/Julian Bunetta; Producers: Dann Huff, Julian Bunetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Here’s another preview of Rhett’s forthcoming album. Finger snaps, plucked guitar notes and relaxed, romantic singing are the hallmarks of this mellow ode to budding love.

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Hell Out of a Hometown”
Writers: Priscilla Block/David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey/Summer Overstreet; Producers: David Garcia, Dave Cohen; Label: UMG Nashville/InDentRecords
– Her small town is suddenly claustrophobic and confining. She can’t drive around alone, seek anonymity in a bar or find solace at a church in a place everybody knows your name. He’s ruined the community she used to love. As usual, this woman’s singing and songwriter are first rate. This rolling thumper just confirms her greatness.

KENT BLAZY / “This One’s for You”
Writer: Kent Blazy; Producer: Kent Blazy; Label: Kent Blazy
– Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Blazy is on a mission to release a new album each year. His new one is titled My Life So Far, and it is his best-produced to date. You can “drop the needle” anywhere on it and be entertained. On this passionate country rocker, he salutes a buddy and bandmate from his Kentucky youth. Blazy has vocal and guitar chops to spare.

McBRIDE & THE RIDE / “No More Cryin’”
Writers: Josh Leo/Terry McBride; Producer: none listed; Label: Geffen
– This ‘90s hit-making band is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a live EP of some of its best-loved tunes. Original members Terry McBride, Ray Herndon and Billy Thomas kick up some serious dust on this lively rocker, which originally appeared on the soundtrack of the cult-favorite rodeo movie 8 Seconds.

GAVIN ADCOCK / “Run Your Mouth”
Writers: Gavin Adcock/Jack Rauton; Producer: Jay Rogers; Label: Thrivin Here Records LLC/Warner Music Nashville
– This bluesy, drawling stomper is loaded with sass, aggression and attitude. He sounds like a real country-music disrupter. Watch out for the surprise silent “breathing” passage in mid hell-raiser snarl. Adcock’s debut album, Actin’ Up Again, is 16 tracks of fire. Country music needs this guy to kick it in its pop pants.

NEON UNION / “Luck Don’t Live Around Here”
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Kelley Lovelace/Neil Thrasher; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Label: Red Street Records, LLC
– Good things don’t come from good luck. They come from hard work, faith, love and “blood, sweat and tears.” That’s what the duo says on their stirring new anthem. It’s probably the team’s most commercial single to date.

GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS / “Hashtag”
Writers: David Rawlings/Gillian Welch; Producer: David Rawlings; Label: Acony Records
– This folk duo hasn’t released any new music since winning a Grammy for its 2020 collection of covers All the Good Times. And it has been seven years since Welch and Rawlings have issued an album of original tunes. The wait will be over when their Woodland album drops this fall. In the meantime, here’s a preview, a gentle meditation on the passage of time, accented with sighing strings.