A Thousand Horses. Photo: Zack Knudsen
Since breaking out onto the scene in June 2015 with their history-making debut single “Smoke,” A Thousand Horses have traveled countless miles on the road and seen a lot of growth as both creators and individuals.
The four-piece band, made up on Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Zach Brown and Graham DeLoach, celebrated their first taste of success as the now Platinum-certified “Smoke” climbed to the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2015 and marked the decade’s first group debut song to reach the peak. The guys followed it up with “(This Ain’t No) Drunk Dial,” which cracked into the top 40. Both tracks appeared on their debut album, Southernality, which made its way up to No. 3 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart.
In the years since, the guys have independently peppered out an EP and a handful of singles while building their own fanbase and making their way all around the country with artists such as Jason Aldean and Lynyrd Skynyrd as well as their own fair share of headlining appearances.
Now, over seven years later, the band has returned with their sophomore album, Broken Heartland, released through their own Highway Sound Records. Ushering in a new era of A Thousand Horses, the record marks a period of growth for the bandmates personally and professionally.
A Thousand Horses. Photo: Evan Kaufmann
Each of Broken Heartland’s 10 tracks feature at least one member of the band as a writer alongside some notable Nashville writers, such as Jonathon Singleton, Niko Moon, Corey Crowder, Jon Nite, Lee Thomas Miller and more. From the all-too-relatable title track, the radio-ready heartbreaker “Another Mile,” a not-quite-moved-on anthem in “When I Hear Your Name” and the rock ‘n’ roll-tinged “Carry Me,” the new album captures a snapshot the band’s musical journey.
With the album already available to the masses, the band is gearing up for their Southern Wilds Festival this weekend (Sept. 24) in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Now in its fifth year after undergoing a few name changes, the 2022 edition of the event will feature two stages with performances from Anderson East, Kidd G, Tiera Kennedy and more.
MusicRow recently caught up with A Thousand Horses to talk about Broken Heartland, their new musical era, the upcoming Southern Wilds Festival and more.
MusicRow: Broken Heartland was released in late August on your Highway Sound Records label. What was the importance of putting this project out on your own?
Hobby: Our process of starting that label for ourselves was more of a desire to control our own destiny and to be able to release the music that we’re creating when we wanted to and how we wanted to. We’ve had some problems in the past with getting music released and doing what we want to do. Instead of joining that problem, we wanted to start the solution which was to do it ourselves.
Satcher: We wanted to create Highway Sound because it is so creatively energizing for us to be fully in the driver’s seat at all times. We want to be able to create freely, release our music directly to our fans, and never stop writing and recording.
This album has been branded as “a new era” for you. What does that mean to the four of you?
Hobby: We’re in a different place personally and professionally, and we’ve gained a lot of experience and knowledge over the years. For us, it’s applying all of that knowledge and energy into this new project and what’s to come next. In that process between the first record and now, we know more about why we’re doing this, what we’re doing, what the meaning behind things is and what it means to us.
The energy in this new era is because we’re all in different, positive places. We’re doing it for the right reasons, for ourselves, and because it’s what we love. The world needs music and expression.
Satcher: It’s a combination of reconnecting with the true heart and soul behind the music and within ourselves, and also all the time we’ve spent together as a band. We’ve really been looking back, learning from our experience and appreciating the things we’ve done and where we’ve come from. We’ve all started families, too, and that changes your focus.
We’re more focused than we’ve ever been on our family as a band, the sound of A Thousand Horses, what we love and what makes us happy as artists and people. Right now, one of the most important things is that we are focused, driven and totally stoked about everything that we’re doing and the music we’re creating.
At least one of you had a hand in writing every song on Broken Heartland. How did these songs come together?
Hobby: This record was a collection of songs that we had written over the years that we recorded and wanted to release… That’s the ‘new era’ of A Thousand Horses: the faucet for releasing music is on and we’re never going to turn it off. We felt like we had too long of a period in between that first record and this one to ever let that happen again. We’re learning from that and trying to control the future of our band as much as we possibly can, while continuing to write records and make it cohesive.
You’re hosting your Southern Wilds Festival this weekend in Lawrenceville, Georgia. What are you looking forward to from that event?
Hobby: This year being the first year back [since COVID], it’s cool to launch it with a different perspective and bring in more, different acts. It’s just a fun family event for the weekend. It’s really just about coming together and listening to some great music, having some great food and drinks, and having that experience. This is the biggest lineup we’ve done and it seems to have grown every year, so we’re gonna keep it going.
Are there any final thoughts, hopes, or goals in regard to this new chapter for you as a band?
Hobby: I’m living my dream playing music and doing this. My hope is to continue to be able to do that and continue to have a life in that world.
Satcher: What we are looking forward to the most is the fact that now we have our second record out that we love. The reaction from our fan base has been amazing and it’s so great to see. We’re just excited for the future and to continue to create music and grow our catalog as a band. We want to always keep A Thousand Horses running.
DeLoach: It’s a privilege to get to do what we do. We’re grateful for it and we hope to continue that.
Sam Williams Releases New Track From Upcoming Deluxe Album
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Williams is releasing “Blame ’Em Both,” another track from the forthcoming deluxe version of his debut album, Glasshouse Children, out on Oct. 14 via Mercury Nashville.
“I remember this song’s chorus starting as a poem I’d written. ‘Blame ’Em Both’ expounds on the origination of sin,” says Williams on the single. “Where does it come from and where does it go? The live band really enhances the tone of the song.”
The expanded edition of the record, entitled Glasshouse Children: Tilted Crown, features six brand new tracks, including the title track, as well as “Bulleit Blues pt. 2,” “Blame ’Em Both,” “Ragdoll,” “Wild Girl Remix,” and “Missing the Malice.”
“I felt some of the songs that didn’t make Glasshouse Children deserved their shine, while also wanting to provide new music before a second LP,” Williams adds. “Tilted Crown tells a little more story and lets the listener in just that much more.”
Glasshouse Children: Tilted Crown Track List:
Happy All The Time
Can’t Fool Your Own Blood
Bulleit Blues
10-4
Wild Girl
Kids
Shuteye
Hopeless Romanticism
The Word: Alone
Tilted Crown **
Bulleit Blues pt. 2 **
Blame ’Em Both **
Ragdoll **
Wild Girl Remix **
Missing the Malice **
** = new tracks added for the deluxe album
Cannery Hall Set To Re-Open In 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughCannery Hall. Photo: Courtesy of Dog And A Duck PR
Nashville’s beloved Cannery Hall is re-opening in 2023 with three stages and an event space.
Prior to opening, Cannery Hall will complete significant renovations, including new state-of-
the-art lighting and sound systems, improved sightlines, better venue flow, new bathrooms, ample parking, enhanced back-of-house facilities, and new food and beverage options.
The top floor of Cannery Hall will be home to Amaranth, a special events space for up to 380 people, which is now accepting booking inquiries beginning in summer 2023.When Cannery Hall opens next year, it will be the largest independent music venue in Nashville.
Cannery Hall. Photo: Courtesy of Dog And A Duck PR
The renovated venue also aims to be the most artist-friendly venue in Nashville with easy tour bus parking, and a new backstage with world-class green room facilities. The major investments to modernize and upgrade Cannery Hall were done thoughtfully to preserve the character of the 140-year-old building and highlight Nashville’s musical history.
Cannery Hall’s building was originally built as a flour mill for Liberty Self-Rising Flour in 1883. In
the 1930s, the building was home to the Fletcher Coffee Company, and in the 1950s, Dale Foods Company began processing their products there until the mid-1970s. In 1981, The Cannery began its life as a music venue when the Dale family converted the building into an 18,000 square foot country style restaurant with a stage. By day, the club served as a stage for artists like Reba McEntire, George Strait, Patty Loveless and Tammy Wynette. At night, it was the place to catch rock and alternative touring acts.
In the 1990s, The Cannery started a new chapter when Eddie Warner bought the building which passed on to his sons, eventually opening Mercy Lounge, Cannery Ballroom and The High Watt. In its more than 40 years as a music venue, the historic stages have helped support careers of some of the biggest names in music across many genres. This latest chapter of live music on Cannery Row is led by Nashville native Zach Liff and his DZL Management, which bought an interest in the property.
A Thousand Horses: ‘The Faucet For Releasing Music Is On & We’re Never Going To Turn It Off’ [Interview]
/by Lydia FarthingA Thousand Horses. Photo: Zack Knudsen
Since breaking out onto the scene in June 2015 with their history-making debut single “Smoke,” A Thousand Horses have traveled countless miles on the road and seen a lot of growth as both creators and individuals.
The four-piece band, made up on Michael Hobby, Bill Satcher, Zach Brown and Graham DeLoach, celebrated their first taste of success as the now Platinum-certified “Smoke” climbed to the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2015 and marked the decade’s first group debut song to reach the peak. The guys followed it up with “(This Ain’t No) Drunk Dial,” which cracked into the top 40. Both tracks appeared on their debut album, Southernality, which made its way up to No. 3 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart.
In the years since, the guys have independently peppered out an EP and a handful of singles while building their own fanbase and making their way all around the country with artists such as Jason Aldean and Lynyrd Skynyrd as well as their own fair share of headlining appearances.
Now, over seven years later, the band has returned with their sophomore album, Broken Heartland, released through their own Highway Sound Records. Ushering in a new era of A Thousand Horses, the record marks a period of growth for the bandmates personally and professionally.
A Thousand Horses. Photo: Evan Kaufmann
Each of Broken Heartland’s 10 tracks feature at least one member of the band as a writer alongside some notable Nashville writers, such as Jonathon Singleton, Niko Moon, Corey Crowder, Jon Nite, Lee Thomas Miller and more. From the all-too-relatable title track, the radio-ready heartbreaker “Another Mile,” a not-quite-moved-on anthem in “When I Hear Your Name” and the rock ‘n’ roll-tinged “Carry Me,” the new album captures a snapshot the band’s musical journey.
With the album already available to the masses, the band is gearing up for their Southern Wilds Festival this weekend (Sept. 24) in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Now in its fifth year after undergoing a few name changes, the 2022 edition of the event will feature two stages with performances from Anderson East, Kidd G, Tiera Kennedy and more.
MusicRow recently caught up with A Thousand Horses to talk about Broken Heartland, their new musical era, the upcoming Southern Wilds Festival and more.
MusicRow: Broken Heartland was released in late August on your Highway Sound Records label. What was the importance of putting this project out on your own?
Hobby: Our process of starting that label for ourselves was more of a desire to control our own destiny and to be able to release the music that we’re creating when we wanted to and how we wanted to. We’ve had some problems in the past with getting music released and doing what we want to do. Instead of joining that problem, we wanted to start the solution which was to do it ourselves.
Satcher: We wanted to create Highway Sound because it is so creatively energizing for us to be fully in the driver’s seat at all times. We want to be able to create freely, release our music directly to our fans, and never stop writing and recording.
This album has been branded as “a new era” for you. What does that mean to the four of you?
Hobby: We’re in a different place personally and professionally, and we’ve gained a lot of experience and knowledge over the years. For us, it’s applying all of that knowledge and energy into this new project and what’s to come next. In that process between the first record and now, we know more about why we’re doing this, what we’re doing, what the meaning behind things is and what it means to us.
The energy in this new era is because we’re all in different, positive places. We’re doing it for the right reasons, for ourselves, and because it’s what we love. The world needs music and expression.
Satcher: It’s a combination of reconnecting with the true heart and soul behind the music and within ourselves, and also all the time we’ve spent together as a band. We’ve really been looking back, learning from our experience and appreciating the things we’ve done and where we’ve come from. We’ve all started families, too, and that changes your focus.
We’re more focused than we’ve ever been on our family as a band, the sound of A Thousand Horses, what we love and what makes us happy as artists and people. Right now, one of the most important things is that we are focused, driven and totally stoked about everything that we’re doing and the music we’re creating.
At least one of you had a hand in writing every song on Broken Heartland. How did these songs come together?
Hobby: This record was a collection of songs that we had written over the years that we recorded and wanted to release… That’s the ‘new era’ of A Thousand Horses: the faucet for releasing music is on and we’re never going to turn it off. We felt like we had too long of a period in between that first record and this one to ever let that happen again. We’re learning from that and trying to control the future of our band as much as we possibly can, while continuing to write records and make it cohesive.
Hobby: This year being the first year back [since COVID], it’s cool to launch it with a different perspective and bring in more, different acts. It’s just a fun family event for the weekend. It’s really just about coming together and listening to some great music, having some great food and drinks, and having that experience. This is the biggest lineup we’ve done and it seems to have grown every year, so we’re gonna keep it going.
Are there any final thoughts, hopes, or goals in regard to this new chapter for you as a band?
Hobby: I’m living my dream playing music and doing this. My hope is to continue to be able to do that and continue to have a life in that world.
Satcher: What we are looking forward to the most is the fact that now we have our second record out that we love. The reaction from our fan base has been amazing and it’s so great to see. We’re just excited for the future and to continue to create music and grow our catalog as a band. We want to always keep A Thousand Horses running.
DeLoach: It’s a privilege to get to do what we do. We’re grateful for it and we hope to continue that.
Morgan Wallen Nabs Three-Week MusicRow No. 1
/by Alex ParryFor the third consecutive week atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, Morgan Wallen’s “You Proof” regains +68 spins edging out Thomas Rhett’s “Half Of Me” by only 3 spins. Wallen co-wrote “You Proof” with Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith, and Ryan Vojtesak.
The single remains No. 1 on the country streaming songs chart for an eighth consecutive week. Wallen also keeps his spot at the peak of the country albums chart. Dangerous: The Double Album adds 50K in total consumption this week
Wallen is set to headline iHeartRadio Music Festival this weekend and Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in 2023.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Shania Twain Signs With Republic Nashville, Debuts New Single
/by Lorie HollabaughShania Twain. Photo: Louie Banks
Shania Twain has signed with Republic Nashville, a division of Republic Records, and has debuted her first new single since 2017, “Waking Up Dreaming,” on the label today.
“Waking Up Dreaming” marks the country superstar’s first release in five years since Now, which bowed at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and No. 1 on the Top Country Albums Chart upon arrival. It also arrives on the heels of her new career-spanning documentary Not Just A Girl, currently streaming on Netflix. Along with the film, Twain also released a companion compilation album with the same name.
Twain is currently performing at her second residency in Vegas, “Let’s Go!” at the Zappos Theater in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, which kicked off with a sold-out run and continues through 2022.
With five albums released and more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, Twain remains the top-selling female country pop artist of all time. She was the first artist in history to release three consecutive Diamond-certified albums.
The Lone Bellow Announces ‘Love Songs For Losers’ Project
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Lone Bellow. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson
The Lone Bellow‘s new album, Love Songs For Losers, will be released on Nov. 4. The group recently shared their new single “Honey,” a reflection on enduring love packed with honesty and wisdom.
“‘Honey’ came from thinking about how my wife doesn’t like being called ‘honey’ or ‘baby’—she thinks it’s lazy, it always rubs her the wrong way,” states lead vocalist Zach Williams. “It turned into a song about sometimes wanting to go back to when we were first in love, when everything was crazy and exciting and we were right on the verge of ruining each other’s lives at any second.”
In a departure from their past work with producers like Aaron Dessner of The National and Grammy-winner Dave Cobb, the trio struck out on their own for the first time. After sketching the album’s 11 songs in a nearby church, the band holed up at Roy Orbison’s former house on Old Hickory Lake along with longtime bassist Jason Pipkin and drummer Julian Dorio. Co-produced by guitarist Brian Elmquist and Jacob Sooter, Love Songs for Losers also finds Pipkin taking the reins as vocal producer.
“One of the reasons we went with Love Songs for Losers as the album title is that I’ve always seen myself as a loser in love—I’ve never been able to get it completely right,” says Williams. “The songs are looking at bad relationships and wonderful relationships and all the in-between, sometimes with a good deal of levity. It’s us just trying to encapsulate the whole gamut of experience that we all go through as human beings.”
Nashville A-Team Guitarist Ray Edenton Passes
/by Robert K OermannRay Edenton in a recording session at Columbia Studio B in Nashville, 1960s. Photo: Courtesy of the Hubert Long Collection, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Ray Edenton, the rhythm guitarist in Nashville’s fabled “A-Team” of classic session musicians, has died at age 95. Edenton’s family confirmed his death to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
He was a native of Mineral, Virginia, who was born Nov. 3, 1926. His grandfather was a fiddler and two older brothers were also musicians. Edenton was playing guitar by age 6.
Following army service during World War II, he worked with Joe Maphis at WRVA’s Old Dominion Barn Dance in Richmond, Virginia. In 1949, he relocated to WNOX in Knoxville.
Edenton moved to Nashville in 1952 and began playing acoustic guitar at the Grand Ole Opry. He transitioned to recording-session work the following year. Two of the earliest hits he played on were “There Stands the Glass” by Webb Pierce in 1953 and “One By One,” a 1954 duet by Kitty Wells and Red Foley.
His playing is particularly prominent on the 1956 smash “Singing the Blues” by Marty Robbins. It is one of the few discs on which he played lead guitar.
He also played mandolin, bass, banjo and ukulele, but most of his session work is characterized by his steady, throbbing, unobtrusive rhythm-guitar playing. He played on the early hits by The Everly Brothers, matching his driving acoustic rhythms with those of Don Everly and Chet Atkins on such 1957 discs as “Bye Bye Love” and “Wake Up Little Susie.”
His studio worked picked up in the 1960s, and he remained constantly busy throughout the next two decades. It would be easier to name the country artists he did not record with than to list all of those he did. Ray Edenton appeared on records by more than 50 Country Music Hall of Fame members.
Along with the rest of the Nashville A-Team, Ray Edenton was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007.
His widow, Polly Roper Edenton, is a 2003 SOURCE Hall of Fame honoree, thanks to her rise from RCA receptionist, 1960-62, to session scheduler at Columbia Studios, 1962-68. She was executive assistant to Owen Bradley at Decca/MCA in 1968-75, tried to retire and then became the office manager for Floyd Cramer in 1978-91.
Services for Edenton have not yet been announced.
Josh Jenkins, Niko Moon, Dave Pittenger Represent Nashville At 2022 SESAC Music Awards
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Josh Jenkins, Niko Moon and Dave Pittenger
SESAC celebrated the songwriters and publishers behind this year’s most-performed songs across a variety of genres at The London in West Hollywood on Thursday (Sept. 21) at the 2022 SESAC Music Awards.
Some of Nashville’s decorated tunesmiths and talented vocalists were honored during the evening, including the 2022 MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year Josh Jenkins (“Fancy Like” recorded by Walker Hayes), artist-writer Niko Moon for his own “Good Time,” and Dave Pittenger, who served as one third of the writing team behind Gayle’s breakout hit “abcdefu.”
Rapper Jack Harlow was awarded Songwriter of the Year for the second consecutive year, as well as Song of the Year for “Industry Baby,” which tied with Glass Animals‘ “Heat Waves” for the honor. Sony Music Publishing, publisher of “Industry Baby,” was named Publisher of the Year, and Bryan-Michael Cox was awarded the SESAC Icon Award highlighting his achievements as both a songwriter and producer.
See the full list of winners here.
CAA Announces The Return Of College Student Development Summit, The Hubb
/by Liza AndersonPast participants of The Hubb program. Photo: Courtesy of CAA
CAA has announced the in-person return of The Hubb, the third edition of its networking and professional development summit designed to provide diverse internship and career-ready college students with the resources necessary for a successful music business entrance.
The summit first launched in 2018 and is named after industry legend Barbara “Mother” Hubbard, Executive Director of the American Collegiate Talent Showcase (ACTS), whose program provides scholarships to students pursuing careers in the performing arts, whether on stage or off.
“We launched The Hubb four years ago because we saw two things–there wasn’t a robust student conference that covered all aspects of music, and there was a lack of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ representation on teams in the industry,” ntoes CAA Music Agents and co-creators of The Hubb, Sabrina Butera and Meredith Jones. “As Nashville continues to be a breeding ground for a range of musical genres, we want to not only educate, but create networking opportunities for diverse college students who are eager to break into the industry.”
Hosted at CAA’s Nashville office from Sept. 24-26, over 30 college students will have the opportunity to interact with established music executives, participate in professional development workshops and gain further knowledge on how to prepare for and jumpstart their careers within the music world.
“I benefited so much from The Hubb, gaining an invaluable amount of knowledge and exposure to the music industry over the course of the summit,” recalls Yusef Yoba, The Hubb 2019 participant and current member of the Music Brand Partnerships team at CAA. “From the amazing guest speakers, experiential learning and new relationships I’ve taken with me beyond the program, The Hubb has it all. I’m so excited to now have the opportunity to be a resource for students, as previous agents and industry executives have been for me.”
The event will kick off with Soulcare Chat, an exclusive Q&A experience with Grammy award-winning artist Alicia Keys. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit leading companies and meet with major executives from CAA, Columbia Records, BMG, Motown/Quality Control Entertainment, Kobalt Music, Nixon Peabody, FBMM, Amazon Music and more.
CAA seeks to ensure that students leave the summit with a deeper understanding of multiple industry sectors, such as label operations, business management, A&R, marketing, artist management, touring and live production. Recruiters will also host workshops, giving attendees insight into the tools and skills needed in today’s job market.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Zac Brown Band & Ingrid Andress Produce Vocal Dynamite On New Track
/by Robert K OermannZac 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.