Trace Adkins. Photo: Kristin Barlowe
Multi-Platinum country recording artist Trace Adkins has returned to the spotlight to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his debut LP, Dreamin’ Out Loud. To commemorate the impressive milestone, his new project, The Way I Wanna Go, is available everywhere today (Aug. 27) through Verge Records.
Marking his 13th studio album, this new project includes 25 tracks, including the already released “Empty Chair,” “Heartbreak Song,” and “Where The Country Girls At” with Luke Bryan and Pitbull. However, out of over two dozen new songs, Adkins is joined by quite the cast of collaborators, such as Blake Shelton, Melissa Etheridge, Keb’ Mo’ and Stevie Wonder on harmonica, and Snoop Dogg.
Produced by Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, The Way I Wanna Go shows Adkins as he looks back on his career which began in 1996.
As a Grand Ole Opry member for nearly two decades, the Louisiana native quickly cracked the Top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart after his debut with “Every Light In the House Is On,” following with the No. 1 smash, “This Ain’t (No Thinkin’ Thing).” In his 25-year career in country music, Adkins has sold over 11 million albums, charted more than 20 singles, earned numerous awards and Grammy nominations, and garnered over two billion streams.
Adkins recently sat down with MusicRow to discuss his quarter-of-a-decade career, the new album, and the next 25 years.
MusicRow: How have the last 16 months been for you?
I’ve been in the studio the whole time, which is why we ended up with 25 songs on this record. We had plenty of time so we just kept cutting stuff. My voice was rested and I felt great, so we just kept moving.
What are some of your favorite moments with fans from the past 25 years?
Trace Adkins graces the cover of MusicRow Magazine in November of 1997.
Anytime you can perform a song and the audience is moved to their feet is an unbelievable experience. I wish everybody on earth could experience that feeling at some point in their lives. It’s just indescribable, and I cherish every time that’s happened.
Out of all of your songs, which ones are you favorite?
I’ve had several No. 1 records which is always great, but my favorite songs throughout my career have tended to be album cuts that, for whatever reason, didn’t seem to be deemed commercial enough to be singles. Those meant the most to me. When I perform some of those songs and people react to them the way they moved me, it’s very gratifying.
People have asked me, “How would I get to know Trace Adkins?” I say, “Listen to the album cuts.” That’s who every artist really is. Most of the time the singles are the commercial ones, but the ones that are very personal usually end up being the album cuts.
Looking back, are there any big moment in your 25-year career that you wish you could go back and re-experience?
I would say when “Every Light In The House Is On ” came out and did what it did. That was the song that gave me confidence that maybe I could do this as a career. I look back on that song and it means so much to me, even to this day.
What was the process of putting together this 25th anniversary album?
There were things that I had been wanting to do for years–collaborations and songs that I’d written that I hadn’t put on an album. I wanted to include those on this project, and those were the kinds of things that COVID afforded me the opportunity to do.
It’s horrible for me to say, but this was one of the best years of my life. I know how horrible it’s been for everybody else but for me, personally, it was awesome.
What was it like to work with such a broad spectrum of artists on this project? How did you dream up this lineup?
This is such a significant list of people that I never would have allowed myself to dream that big. I never would have thought that I could reach out to people of this status and actually have them respond and work with me on something. There is an iconic list of people that performed on this record. I’m so fortunate that these people agreed to do this. I’m just honored to have them on there.
Do you have a track on the album that you’re most excited for fans to hear?
I don’t usually like to name a favorite because every song on there is something that I poured my heart and soul into in the studio. I exercised my creative muscles to the best of my ability, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. However, “The Way I Wanna Go” is one of my favorites along with “Honey Child.” “I Should Let You Go” is gut-wrenching every time I perform it.
Do you think it’s a record that really captures the last 25 years well for you?
I think it does. If I never make another record, this would be the one I’d like to end with.
What are you most excited about as you move on to your next 25 years?
I’m looking forward to being 80 years old and walking out on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. I’m going to go out there, dance to “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” and embarrass my grandchildren.
Zac Brown Band Plots ‘The Comeback’ For October 15
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band is gearing up for the release of their new Warner Music Nashville/Home Grown Music album, The Comeback, available Oct. 15. Sharing a preview of what fans can expect from the upcoming project, the band has released “Slow Burn” today (Aug. 27).
Lead singer Zac Brown co-produced the entire project alongside frequent collaborator, Ben Simonetti, while also co-writing on all of the 15 tracks. Among the writers featured on the new collection are Luke Combs, Jonathan Singleton, Ray Fulcher, Luke Dick, and more. Additionally, the album’s leadoff track, “Same Boat,” is approaching the Top 20 at country radio, having already accumulated nearly 30 million streams.
“The Comeback celebrates our collective resilience as a community,” Brown shares. “This music is about standing together and rediscovering our roots and what makes us human. We feel incredibly blessed to be back out on the road again, sharing these new songs with our fans. The only good thing about getting knocked down is The Comeback when it comes back around.”
For over a decade, the band has topped the charts, with six consecutive albums reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200 and five consecutive albums debuting at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Albums chart. The group has notched three Grammy awards, sold more than 30 million singles, nine million albums, amassed nearly ten billion catalog streams, and achieved 15 No. 1 radio singles.
The band is currently out on the road for The Comeback Tour, which kicked off earlier this month and will run through October.
The Comeback Track List:
1. Slow Burn – Zac Brown, Ben Hayslip, Ben Simonetti
2. Out In The Middle – Zac Brown, Luke Combs, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton
3. Wild Palomino – Zac Brown, Wyatt Beasley Durrette III, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton
4. Us Against The World – Zac Brown, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton
5. Same Boat – Zac Brown, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton
6. Stubborn Pride (feat. Marcus King) – Zac Brown, Marcus King, Ben Simonetti
7. Fun Having Fun – Zac Brown, Kenny Habul, Kurt Thomas, Ben Simonetti
8. The Comeback – Zac Brown, Wyatt Beasley Durrette III, Ray Fulcher, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton
9. Old Love Song – Zac Brown, Luke Combs, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton
10. Any Day Now – Zac Brown, Clay Cook, Josh Dunne, Ray Fulcher, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton
11. Paradise Lost On Me – Zac Brown, Wyatt Beasley Durrette III, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton
12. GA Clay – Zac Brown, Wyatt Beasley Durrette III, Neil Mason, Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton
13. Love & Sunsets – Zac Brown, Luke Dick, Ben Simonetti
14. Closer To Heaven (feat. Gregory Porter) – Zac Brown, John Driskell Hopkins, Ben Simonetti
15. Don’t Let Your Heart – Zac Brown, Wyatt Beasley Durrette III, Levi Lowrey, Jimmy De Martini, Ben Simonetti
Jimmie Allen Releases Theme Song For New Netflix Series, ‘Titletown High’
/by Lorie HollabaughJimmie Allen has released a new track, “Big In A Small Town” which serves as the theme song for the new Netflix series, Titletown High. The show is now streaming globally to viewers across 190 countries.
Titletown High, created by Blue Eyes Entertainment founder, Jason Sciavicco, the executive producer and creator of MTV’s Two-a-Days, features the Valdosta High Football program. The immersive series highlights the commitment of players against a backdrop of community support and school pride.
“I grew up in a small town. Whether it’s football, a dream you have… everything you do in a small town is a big thing,” Allen says of the song’s and series’ compatible natures. “Everything is the end of the world, or the start of a world. That’s what I feel like people connect to–the realness of it.”
Further expanding his creative pursuits, Allen serves as Executive Music Producer for the series, tapping into his broad music sensibilities to curate all the music viewers hear throughout the series.
“Having an executive role behind the camera has always been a dream of mine, so I’m thrilled to be the Executive Music Producer on Titletown High,” Allen says. “I loved using music to enhance the show’s already compelling nature and can’t wait for viewers to hear incredible songs from many amazing artists. Having ‘Big In A Small Town’ serve as the show’s theme song was the cherry on top!”
Touring Veteran Randy “Baja” Fletcher Passes
/by LB CantrellRandy “Baja” Fletcher at the Touring Career Workshop in 2016. Photo: Courtesy Chris Lisle
Touring industry veteran and tour production manager Randy “Baja” Fletcher passed away today (Aug. 27), MusicRow has confirmed. Fletcher recently fell at a show site and was critically injured.
Fletcher worked as a Production Manager for ZZ Top, Waylon Jennings, Randy Travis, Brooks & Dunn and most recently with Keith Urban. He was honored with the first-ever CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual CMA Touring Awards in 2017 for all of his contributions.
Fletcher started his near 50-year career in Virginia Beach, Virginia when he was 17. With Bill Deal and the Rhondels, Fletcher traveled with the band up and down the East Coast on solo dates. He also worked with shows of the era that included pop and Motown artists.
In 1978 Feltcher started a 10-year run with Waylon Jennings. During this time he also toured with Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Willie Nelson, and many more. In 1988 he began working with Randy Travis on his first headlining tour, whom he would continue with for five years. In 1992 Fletcher started working with Brooks & Dunn, where he served as the duo’s production manager for 18 years.
In 2011 Fletcher took his current role as production manager for Keith Urban.
After being awarded with the CMA’s first-ever Touring Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, he was awarded Production Manager Of The Year in 2019 among other industry honors.
Fletcher served in the United States Army, and did a tour of Vietnam.
Memorial details have not yet been announced.
Ryan Hurd Announces Debut Album, ‘Pelago,’ Dropping In October
/by Lydia FarthingRyan Hurd. Photo: Nicki Fletcher
Ryan Hurd will release his debut album, Pelago, on Oct. 15 via Arista Nashville. Ahead of the release, “June, July, August,” a new song from the project, is available everywhere now.
Hurd’s debut release, produced with childhood friend and longtime creative partner Aaron Eshuis along with Jesse Frasure and Teddy Reimer, is inspired by his upbringing on the shores of Lake Michigan. “June, July, August” follows recent releases “Coast” and “Chasing After You.” Hurd’s first official duet with his wife, Maren Morris, “Chasing After You” currently sits in the top 15 at country radio and at No. 6 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Hurd got his start in Nashville as a songwriter, penning Platinum hits and No. 1s for the likes of Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Lady A, and Tim McGraw, among others. Throughout his career as an artist, he’s released a series of EPs that feature Platinum-certified singles like “To a T,” and have earned him more than 700 million streams to date.
Ryan Hurd
Pelago Track List:
1. Pass It On
2. Coast
3. Chasing After You (with Maren Morris)
4. June, July, August
5. Palm Trees in Ohio
6. If I Had Two Hearts
7. Tab With My Name On It
8. What Are You Drinking
9. Hell is an Island
10. The Knife or the Hatchet
11. I Never Said I’m Sorry
12. Every Other Memory
13. Michigan for the Winter
14. To a T
Larry Fleet Shares His ‘Stack Of Records’ This September
/by Lorie HollabaughLarry Fleet. Photo: Matt Paskert
Larry Fleet’s new full length project on Big Loud Records, Stack Of Records, is slated for release on Sept. 24. Fleet’s track “Different Shade of Red” from the new album, penned with Lindsay Rimes and Michael Whitworth, is available now.
The Joey Moi-produced collection features his single “Where I Find God,” which has already racked up more than 32 million streams, and finds the White Bluff, Tennessee native coming into his own and collaborating with Jon Pardi, Jamey Johnson and Bryan Sutton. He co-wrote each song on the 14-track project with top-shelf tunesmiths like Rhett Akins, Brett James, the Warren Brothers and Connie Harrington.
“My mom and dad had one of those big record players with the big speakers and they had a little cabinet with all the records in it. I just loved Willie Nelson and dad loved Merle Haggard, the Marshall Tucker Band, Waylon and Hank and all those guys.” Fleet shares. “My mom would listen to soul stuff,” he adds, “and then she’d have Ozzy Osbourne and Pink Floyd so I grew up listening to a lot of different artists. My influences were all compiled in this stack of records… Every song on this record is based off a stack of records.”
Fleet has embarked on his headlining tour taking him around the country through November, and will also be appearing at a handful of fair and festival dates.
2. Lifetime Guarantee (Larry Fleet, Chris Gelbuda, Brett James)
3. Where I Find God (Larry Fleet, Connie Rae Harrington)
4. Quittin’ Ain’t Workin’ (Larry Fleet, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy)
5. Different Shade of Red (Larry Fleet, Lindsay Rimes, Michael Whitworth)
6. A Life Worth Living (Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Brett James)
7. Hurt Feelings (Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
8. Church Parking Lot (Larry Fleet, Lindsay Rimes, Michael Whitworth)
9. In Love With My Problems (feat. Jon Pardi) (Larry Fleet, Jake Mitchell, Josh Thompson)
10. Three Chords and a Lie (Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Brett Tyler)
11. Never Wanna Meet Another Woman (Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
12. Heart On My Sleeve (Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Jeff Hyde)
13. One For The Road (Larry Fleet, Emily Fox Landis, Logan Wall)
14. Highway Feet (feat. Jamey Johnson & Bryan Sutton) [Bonus] – (Larry Fleet, Jamey Johnson)**
**Bonus track available on physical album and album download
Trace Adkins: ‘If I Never Make Another Record, This Would Be The One I’d Like To End With’ [Interview]
/by Lydia FarthingTrace Adkins. Photo: Kristin Barlowe
Multi-Platinum country recording artist Trace Adkins has returned to the spotlight to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his debut LP, Dreamin’ Out Loud. To commemorate the impressive milestone, his new project, The Way I Wanna Go, is available everywhere today (Aug. 27) through Verge Records.
Marking his 13th studio album, this new project includes 25 tracks, including the already released “Empty Chair,” “Heartbreak Song,” and “Where The Country Girls At” with Luke Bryan and Pitbull. However, out of over two dozen new songs, Adkins is joined by quite the cast of collaborators, such as Blake Shelton, Melissa Etheridge, Keb’ Mo’ and Stevie Wonder on harmonica, and Snoop Dogg.
Produced by Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, The Way I Wanna Go shows Adkins as he looks back on his career which began in 1996.
As a Grand Ole Opry member for nearly two decades, the Louisiana native quickly cracked the Top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart after his debut with “Every Light In the House Is On,” following with the No. 1 smash, “This Ain’t (No Thinkin’ Thing).” In his 25-year career in country music, Adkins has sold over 11 million albums, charted more than 20 singles, earned numerous awards and Grammy nominations, and garnered over two billion streams.
Adkins recently sat down with MusicRow to discuss his quarter-of-a-decade career, the new album, and the next 25 years.
MusicRow: How have the last 16 months been for you?
I’ve been in the studio the whole time, which is why we ended up with 25 songs on this record. We had plenty of time so we just kept cutting stuff. My voice was rested and I felt great, so we just kept moving.
What are some of your favorite moments with fans from the past 25 years?
Trace Adkins graces the cover of MusicRow Magazine in November of 1997.
Anytime you can perform a song and the audience is moved to their feet is an unbelievable experience. I wish everybody on earth could experience that feeling at some point in their lives. It’s just indescribable, and I cherish every time that’s happened.
Out of all of your songs, which ones are you favorite?
I’ve had several No. 1 records which is always great, but my favorite songs throughout my career have tended to be album cuts that, for whatever reason, didn’t seem to be deemed commercial enough to be singles. Those meant the most to me. When I perform some of those songs and people react to them the way they moved me, it’s very gratifying.
People have asked me, “How would I get to know Trace Adkins?” I say, “Listen to the album cuts.” That’s who every artist really is. Most of the time the singles are the commercial ones, but the ones that are very personal usually end up being the album cuts.
Looking back, are there any big moment in your 25-year career that you wish you could go back and re-experience?
I would say when “Every Light In The House Is On ” came out and did what it did. That was the song that gave me confidence that maybe I could do this as a career. I look back on that song and it means so much to me, even to this day.
What was the process of putting together this 25th anniversary album?
There were things that I had been wanting to do for years–collaborations and songs that I’d written that I hadn’t put on an album. I wanted to include those on this project, and those were the kinds of things that COVID afforded me the opportunity to do.
It’s horrible for me to say, but this was one of the best years of my life. I know how horrible it’s been for everybody else but for me, personally, it was awesome.
What was it like to work with such a broad spectrum of artists on this project? How did you dream up this lineup?
This is such a significant list of people that I never would have allowed myself to dream that big. I never would have thought that I could reach out to people of this status and actually have them respond and work with me on something. There is an iconic list of people that performed on this record. I’m so fortunate that these people agreed to do this. I’m just honored to have them on there.
Do you have a track on the album that you’re most excited for fans to hear?
I don’t usually like to name a favorite because every song on there is something that I poured my heart and soul into in the studio. I exercised my creative muscles to the best of my ability, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. However, “The Way I Wanna Go” is one of my favorites along with “Honey Child.” “I Should Let You Go” is gut-wrenching every time I perform it.
Do you think it’s a record that really captures the last 25 years well for you?
I think it does. If I never make another record, this would be the one I’d like to end with.
What are you most excited about as you move on to your next 25 years?
I’m looking forward to being 80 years old and walking out on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. I’m going to go out there, dance to “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” and embarrass my grandchildren.
CRB Unveils Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship Program
/by Lorie HollabaughIn honor of the late Lisa McKay, the Country Radio Broadcaster’s have unveiled its new Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship program set to debut at CRS 2022. The CRB is accepting applications now through Sept. 17.
McKay, who programmed WQDR/Raleigh for 16 years, was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2018. McKay was integral in helping the CRB launch the well-established annual Rusty Walker Scholarship program, formed to mentor up-and-coming programmers.
The new scholarship program will award three aspiring female radio programmers the opportunity to attend their first-ever CRS, which includes access to the educational, networking, and mentoring opportunities that the annual conference provides. Each package will include complimentary registration, hotel, and airfare for CRS 2022, held Feb. 23-25. Scholars will be recognized at CRS 2022 during the CRS Honors, which is the kick-off to the three-day event.
“The Lisa McKay Scholarship opens a very specific door for young, female broadcasters,” says Country’s Radio Coach Owner/CEO and CRB Scholarship Chairman John Shomby. “The more we can create these avenues of opportunity, the more dynamic our industry will be. How fitting this is named after one of the premiere mentors in our business who championed so many aspiring female broadcasters throughout her career.”
Eligible applicants must be either a female College Senior broadcast communications student involved in radio programming or a female with one to three years maximum experience in the radio business as a Program Director, Assistant Program Director, or Music Director. This individual must also be a first-time CRS attendee.
Those interested must fill out an online application and explain, in 500 words or less, why she should be considered.
Luke Combs Jets To The Top Of The MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryLuke Combs earns his fourteenth MusicRow Challenge Coin for his single, “Cold As You.” These coins include his now twelve career No. 1s, a songwriter credit for “I Hope Your Happy Now” by Carly Pearce and Lee Brice, and his feature on Jameson Rodger’s hit “Cold Beer Calling My Name” which went No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart three weeks ago.
Combs co-wrote the single with Shane Minor, Randy Montana, and Jonathan Singleton.
Last week, Combs was honored as Artist of the Year at the 33rd annual MusicRow Awards.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Prolific Drummer Kenny Malone Passes
/by Lydia FarthingKenny Malone. Photo: Courtesy Dave Pomeroy
Lauded drummer and studio musician Kenny Malone died today (Aug. 26) after being hospitalized earlier this week due to COVID-19. He was 83.
Born Aug. 4, 1938 and raised in Denver, Colorado, Malone served in the Navy band in Washington, D.C., eventually becoming head of the percussion department at the Armed Forces School of Music. He made the move to Tennessee in 1970 and quickly found success as a session musician.
Malone was known for his unique hand drumming technique that allowed for a special combination of sounds for his recordings. Spanning folk, country, and other genres with early sessions for John Prine (Sweet Revenge), Dolly Parton (Jolene), Waylon Jennings (Dreaming My Dreams), Ronnie Milsap (Night Things), Wanda Jackson (I’ll Still Love You), and Amy Grant (Amy Grant), among others.
Throughout his nearly 40 year career, Malone has been asked to record for an array of artists, including Carl Perkins, Ray Charles, George Jones, Janie Fricke, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Dobie Gray, Donna Fargo, David Allen Coe, Merle Haggard, The Whites, Crystal Gayle, Charlie Pride, Moe Bandy, Floyd Cramer, Dr. Hook, Barbara Mandrell, Johnny Paycheck, Kenny Rogers, Michael Johnson, Dottie West, Lynn Anderson, John Hartford, New Grass Revival, Béla Fleck, Barefoot Jerry, B.J. Thomas, Bobby Bare, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, John Anderson, and Lacy J. Dalton.
Malone is thought to be one of most recorded drummers in Nashville history, although the complete list of his credits is unknown.
“He expanded the vocabulary of Nashville drumming, and was always an innovator who invented his own unique style of hand drumming, often combining sticks and brushes with hand percussion to create a unique sound and feel that left lots of space for other instruments and the vocals. He was well known for asking for a lyric sheet instead of a chord chart, and always put the song first in a way that was very special,” Dave Pomeroy, president of the AFM Local 257, says of the 51-year AFM 257 member.
Malone will be remembered by the Nashville music community for his influence on music and his joke-telling.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keith Urban, Hannah Dasher, Laci Kaye Booth
/by Robert K OermannHannah Dasher, Keith Urban, Lacy Kaye Booth
This is a star-packed edition of DisClaimer that features a dazzling number of country A-listers.
Leading the pack is Keith Urban, who wins the Disc of the Day award with fantastic competition from Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney, Chris Janson, Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson. All are worth your spins.
We also have two splendid duets today. They come from spouses Rose Falcon & Rodney Atkins and from old buddies Jeannie Seely and Willie Nelson. The female vocal performance du jour is unquestionably by Hannah Dasher.
The DisCovery Award goes to BMLG newcomer Laci Kaye Booth.
HANNAH DASHER / “You’re Gonna Love Me”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Thomas Archer/Andy Albert/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Nashville
— She says it best, “I’m a bad Mamajamma,” on this feisty, hooky, rhythm-happy slab of sound. She drawls in all the right places, the thumpy backbeat is killer and the lyric is a stone delight. A fiery hillbilly romp that deserves a place in the sun.
KANE BROWN / “One Mississippi”
Writers: Kane Brown/Jesse Frasure/Levon Gray/Ernest K. Smith; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Nashville
— His vocal is warm and intimate on the verses, then shouted and urgent on the soaring choruses of this rocking anthem of tipsy passion. Breezy and engaging.
TRAVIS DENNING / “Dirt Road Down”
Writers: Will Weatherly/Cole Taylor/Taylor Phillips/Travis Denning; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
— Somewhat tuneless, over produced, thematically backroads generic.
KENNY CHESNEY / “Beautiful World”
Writers: David Lee Murphy/Tom Douglas/Tony Lane; Producer: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair/Warner Nashville
— Relaxed and laid back, this settles into his sunny-outlook vibe with all the ease of a swaying hammock. It has a simple, catchy melody that I can imagine his stadium crowd singing along to.
CODY JOHNSON / “Let’s Build a Fire”
Writers: Chris Janson/Mitch Oglesby; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo/Warner Nashville
— Furiously rocking, but his solid, Texas-accented country singing remains the big draw. A wild ride with plenty of heart.
KEITH URBAN / “Wild Hearts”
Writers: Keith Urban/Eric Paslay/Brad Tursi/Jennifer Wayne; Producer: Keith Urban/Mitch Furr; Label: Capitol Nashville
— His best in ages. It has a steady groove that is undeniable and an uplifting lyric about chasing your dreams, no matter what. Wonderful listening. This is exactly why he is a superstar.
JEANNIE SEELY & WILLIE NELSON / “Not a Dry Eye in the House”
Writers: Dallas Wayne; Producer: Don Cusic; Label: Curb Records
— What’s not to love? Steel soaked, with beautifully accented keyboard notes and an eloquent, fiddle-accompanied Willie guitar solo. Slow and sad, this classic-sounding weeper features both veterans singing splendidly.
ROSE FALCON & RODNEY ATKINS / “Being Here, Being There”
Writers: Rose Falcon/Rodney Atkins/Phil Barton/Seth Mosley; Producer: Seth Mosley/Rodney Atkins; Label: Curb Records
— His gritty country voice contrasts nicely with her lilting pop soprano on this charming outing. The crunchy, bopping track is delightfully ear catching and the reassuring, romantic lyric is heart warming. I totally dig this. It’s about time this doubly talented married couple became a recording duet. I would welcome an entire album with songs this dandy.
LACI KAYE BOOTH / “Shuffle”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Laci Kaye Booth/Sam Ellis; Producer: Dann Huff/Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
— Attractive and clever. She has a slightly hushed, sensual vocal style that is wed to a steady thumping track. She name-checks country oldies since her heart’s playlist is on “shuffle” because she’s so smitten.
CHRIS JANSON / “Bye Mom”
Writers: Chris Janson/Brandon Kinney; Producer: Zach Crowell/Chris Janson; Label: Warner
— Achingly lovely. We all know that one day we will lose our moms, but that doesn’t make it any less painful when we do. Always a masterful communicator, Janson taps into this universal truth with this lump-in-throat song. A lilting, gentle production lifts the whole thing upward. I remain an immense fan.
MORGAN WALLEN / “Sand In My Boots”
Writers: Ashely Gorley/Joshua Shaun Osborne/Michael Wilson Hardy; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Republic
— He’s such a terrific singer. This heartbroken ballad is a mini country masterpiece, packed with evocative images and intense emotion. Performed solo on piano with fierce conviction, this works on every level.
RANDY TRAVIS / “Ain’t No Use”
Writers: Randy Travis/John Lindley; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner
— The 35th anniversary of the landmark Storms of Life LP is being celebrated with a deluxe reissue featuring tracks originally recorded for the collection, but never released before this. This peppy toe tapper is one of them, and it’s a face-slap reminder of what a great country vocalist this Hall of Famer is.