Gabby Barrett. Photo: Gus Black
Fully half of today’s tunes in DISClaimer feature vocals by country females.
Surely, this is some kind of mistake, since the industry so consistently refuses to give women their due. Even wilder, the Disc of the Day award goes to a female artist. That would be Gabby Barrett, who creates things so groove-soaked and hooky that even country radio has to accept her. Play on, lady.
The DISCovery Award goes to Fancy Hagood. This is an artist whose publicity describes him as a “queer pop/country hybrid enigma.” I only know that he’s a terrific singer and a gifted songwriter. His duet partner, Devon Gilfillian, isn’t a country artist. But he’s a DISCovery, too.
CAITLYN SMITH / “The Card You Gamble”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producers: Adam Anders/Peer Astrom; Label: Arista/Monument
–This is the theme of Monarch, the new Fox country-music drama series (that was just delayed to premiere in the fall). Singer Smith is noted for writing tunes recorded by Garth, Dolly, Miley, Jason Aldean and others. Here, she demonstrates a sassy, tart soprano style with an echoey, twangy “Spaghetti Western” rumbling track to back her up, complete with whistling. Highly engaging. Play it.
CLAY WALKER / “Catching Up with an Ol’ Memory”
Writers: Clay Walker/George Birge/Jaron Boyer/Lalo Guzman; Producers: Michael Knox/Jaron Boyer; Label: Show Dog
–Nicely done. The production has a tasteful throb and swirling echoes. A steel guitar sighs sympathetically as Walker gives a wistful reading of the honky-tonk heartache lament. Super melodic.
TENILLE TOWNES / “When’s It Gonna Happen”
Writers: Steph Jones/Stephen Wrabel/Tenille Townes; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Sony
–The tin-pan percussion is ear catching, as is the tune. As usual, Townes is a terrifically individualistic vocalist. While the beats shuffle around her, she expresses her yearning for a relationship. I remain a big fan.
FANCY HAGOOD & DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Let Me Be”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Lucas Arens; Producer: Lucas Arens; Label: Concord
–Here’s some splendid soul singing, with both men bringing longing and ache to this gospel-flavored song. It has a soaring, anthem-like quality as it delivers a message of brotherhood. Lovely listening. Fancy’s other country tunes include “Forest,” “Southern Curiosity,” “The Same Thing” and “Good Man,” and they are just as cool. Devon is a Nashville R&B artist, noted for his re-recording of Marvin Gaye’s classic album What’s Going On, plus his own collection, Black Hole Rainbow.
GABBY BARRETT / “Pick Me Up”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite; Producers: Ross Copperman/Zach Kale; Label: Warner
–Dubbed “the face of Gen-Z country,” Gabby is the mistress of such ear worms as “I Hope” and “The Good Ones.” She goes three-for-three with this fabulously catchy pop-country ditty. Put this one on “repeat.”
MADDIE & TAE / “Strangers”
Writers: Maddie Font/Taylor Kerr/Adam Hambrick/Jimmy Robbins/Tofer Brown; Producers: Jimmy Robbins/Derek Wells; Label: Mercury
–Sweet sounding. It’s bolstered by an oomphy production, but it still seems kinda dull.
TRACY LAWRENCE / “Angelina”
Writers: Joe Collins/Rick Huckaby; Producers: Tracy Lawrence/Julian King; Label: TL
–Generic hillbilly rock.
KANE BROWN / “Whiskey Sour”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jaxson Free/Josh Hoge; Producers: Ilya Toshinskiy/Kane Brown; Label: Sony
–Tender and touching. He’s broken hearted over her, so he drinks alone while a fiddle, and an acoustic guitar pluck gently along. This change-of-pace ballad demonstrates his expansiveness as a talent. I’m in.
JOE NICHOLS / “Good Day for Living”
Writers: Dave Cohen/Bobby Hambrick/Neil Mason; Producers: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill
–The title tune of Joe’s new CD is a rouser with loads of forward momentum and a can’t-miss chorus. As always, he sings his face off.
MAREN MORRIS / “Circles Around This Town”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Julia Michaels/Maren Morris/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Sony
–Her vocal should be mixed hotter and the production toned down, but her personality still shines through on this chunky-beats, getaway ode. The deep-twang guitar solo and the enormously catchy song are both irresistible.
COLIN LILLIE & CATHERINE BRITT / “The Road”
Writers: Catherine Britt/Colin Lillie; Producer: Catherine Britt; Label: Beverly Hillbilly
–Aussie newcomer Lillie enlisted the aid of veteran Britt to create his debut album. She also joins him as his duet partner on this ballad of wanderlust and fidelity. They are both fine singers, and the understated production is just right. It has a languid simplicity that is quite relaxing.
ELI YOUNG BAND / “Love Talking”
Writers: Mike Eli/Eric Arjes/Jeffrey East; Producers: Eric Arjes/Jimmy Robbins/Scott Borchetta/J.R. Schumann; Label: Valory
–Rolling along down a country road with your buds. The echo gives the sound some extra juice, and the band is as proficient as ever.
Quartz Hill Records & Brown Sellers Brown Management Announce Promotions, New Hires
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Suzanne Durham, Denise Miller; (L-R, bottom row): Maurisa Pasick, April Rider, Will Robinson
Quartz Hill Records and Brown Sellers Brown Management have announced a round of promotions and new staff hires.
Quartz Hill Records VP of Promotion April Rider has been promoted to Sr. VP of Promotion & Marketing for Brown Sellers Brown Management and Quartz Hill Records.
In her new role, Rider will oversee promotion and marketing efforts for both companies. Rider was one of Quartz Hill Records’ first executive hires and has led promotion and marketing efforts since the label’s launch in October of 2020. She previously served as the GM/Operations for Brown’s Stoney Creek Records, and also spent 11 years at Curb Records, rising to Sr. VP of Promotion. Rider also spent six years as a Managing Partner at RPM Entertainment. Rider can be reached at april@brownsellersbrown.com.
Quartz Hill Records Director of Regional Promotion Will Robinson has been promoted to VP of Promotion & Marketing for the label, reporting directly to Rider.
Prior to joining Quartz Hill in November of 2020, Robinson served at 19th & Grand and IRS Records. Robinson’s background also includes stints as the Program Director for WCAT and WCPP in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Creative Director for WNEW in New York, the Assistant Program Director and Creative Director for WRBQ and WQYK in Tampa, and Music Director/ Midday Personality for WFRE in Frederick, Maryland. Robinson can be reached at will@quartzhillrecords.com.
New hires to the company include Maurisa Pasick, who has been named Director of Promotion for Quartz Hill Records, reporting directly to Robinson.
Pasick transitions from her most recent role as East Coast Director of Promotion & Marketing for Brown Sellers Brown Management, where she worked with Quartz Hill artists Joe Nichols, Ben Gallaher and Nate Barnes at radio. Prior to joining Brown Sellers Brown Management in July 2021, Pasick served as the National Director of Promotion for Riser House Records. She also previously spent more than a decade as the Northeast Director of Promotion for New Revolution Entertainment, spearheading regional promotion and marketing. Pasick can be reached at maurisa@quartzhillrecords.com.
Suzanne Durham has been named Director of Promotion for Quartz Hill, reporting directly to Robinson.
Durham joins the label with more than 25 years of experience in country radio promotion, most recently as Manager/Midwest Regional Promotion for 19th & Grand Records. Her previous career stints include time at both Show Dog and DreamWorks Records. Additionally, Durham served as the Country Marketing Manager for Universal Music Distribution for eight years. Durham can be reached at suzanne@quartzhillrecords.com.
Denise Miller has been named Promotion Coordinator for Brown Sellers Brown Management and Quartz Hill Records.
Miller began her career as an Advertising Consultant/ Promotion Manager with Decca Records before spending more than 20 years as a client manager. Her former stops include Change Healthcare, Engage Patient, ICA Informatics USHealth Group, Agent Alliance, American Express, the Affinion Group and, most recently, Rainmaker Art Studio. Miller can be reached at denise@brownsellersbrown.com.
Additionally, Quartz Hill Records’ National Director of Promotion & Marketing, Matt Galvin, moves to an elevated role within the organization. More details on Galvin’s new position will be announced in the coming weeks.
Dolly Parton Releases Details About New Novel’s Accompanying Album
/by LB CantrellCountry music icon Dolly Parton will release her latest album, Run, Rose, Run, on March 4 via Butterfly Records in partnership with Ingrooves/UMG.
The album will serve as the companion project to Parton’s upcoming original novel of the same name, co-authored by James Patterson and releasing on March 7.
Parton was inspired to write, record and produce the companion album to the story whilst writing the novel. Co-produced by Richard Dennison and Tom Rutledge, the Run, Rose, Run album mirrors the story of a young woman who leaves home for Nashville to pursue her musical dreams and the dark secret from her past that threatens it all.
To give fans a taste of the country, Americana, and bluegrass sounds on the album, Parton has released the first track from Run, Rose, Run, a song called “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans.”
“So many people come to Nashville with their sack of songs,” says Parton. “Whether they’re running from anything or not, they’re running towards a future. That’s what ‘Big Dreams and Faded Jeans’ is all about. I am so pleased to finally share the first song from this exciting new album with all of you!”
To make things even sweeter, Parton has once again teamed-up with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for a second run of her wildly popular, “Dolly’s Strawberry Pretzel Pie” ice cream to promote the release of the album. An allocated portion of the proceeds from the flavor’s sales will go to Parton’s beloved literacy program, The Imagination Library.
Jeni’s will also offer customers an exclusive, special edition of the digital album which will feature an exclusive bonus track, “Rose Of My Heart,” for a limited time only at jenis.com.
Run Rose Run Track Listing:
Side A:
1. Run
2. Big Dreams and Faded Jeans
3. Demons (with Ben Haggard)
4. Driven
5. Snakes In The Grass
6. Blue Bonnet Breeze
Side B:
1. Woman Up and Take It Like A Man
2. Firecracker
3. Secrets
4. Lost and Found (with Joe Nichols)
5. Dark Night, Bright Future
6. Love or Lust (with Richard Dennison)
Hailey Whitters Revisits Her Roots On Upcoming ‘Raised’ Record
/by Lydia FarthingHailey Whitters. Photo: Harper Smith
Rising country artist Hailey Whitters will release her third album, Raised, on March 18 via Pigasus Records/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud Records. With the announcement, she has also unveiled the project’s first single, “Everything She Ain’t,” as well as its accompanying Harper Smith-directed music video.
The upcoming album finds Whitters reconnecting with her Iowa roots as she reflects on family, first kisses, and life amid sprawling cornfields. The 17 song album was co-produced by Whitters alongside producer Jake Gear, who produced Whitters’ The Dream and the subsequent deluxe album Living The Dream. The project also finds Whitters reconnecting with co-writers Brandy Clark, Nicolle Galyon, Hillary Lindsey, and Lori McKenna, among others.
“It’s been 14 years since I’ve lived in Iowa, but more and more I’ve been going back there mentally, and being pulled to the people and the places that raised me. The Dream was about my time and experience in Nashville and Raised is about taking the road back home to the Heartland,” Whitters explains. “If The Dream was my wings, then Raised is my roots. This feels like the record I was always supposed to make, but it took The Dream to put me on the radar of this town and this team. Now that I have it, I’m excited for my fans to connect more personally with who I am.”
She continues, “Raised is a celebration of the heartland, but I think it’s a common story no matter where you’re from. My experience growing up in the middle of the country is very relatable to a lot of people. We’ve all lived in a similar way—the only thing that’s different is the scenery.”
On Feb. 4, Whitters will kick off her debut headlining “Heartland Tour” at Wooly’s in Des Moines, Iowa. Late last year, she received her first Grammy nomination for Song of the Year for “A Beautiful Noise,” which was written by Ruby Amanfu, Brandi Carlile, Clark, Alicia Keys, Lindsey, McKenna, Linda Perry and Whitters, and performed by Keys and Carlile.
1) Ad Astra Per Alas Porci (Jordan Lehning, Pedro Palomino)
2) Raised (Hailey Whitters, Nicolle Galyon, Forest Glen Whitehead)
3) Everything She Ain’t (Hailey Whitters, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell)
4) Big Family (Hailey Whitters, Cameron Bedell, Nicolle Galyon)
5) Middle Of America (feat. American Aquarium) (Hailey Whitters, Bobby Pinson)
6) Plain Jane (Hailey Whitters, Hillary Lindsey, Cary Barlowe)
7) College Town (Hailey Whitters, Nicolle Galyon, Jimmy Robbins)
8) Interlude (Hailey Whitters, Pedro Palomino)
9) Boys Back Home (Hailey Whitters, Brandy Clark, Jessie Jo Dillon)
10) Everybody Oughta (Matt Roy, Craig Wiseman)
11) Pretty Boy (Hailey Whitters, Scooter Carusoe, Tom Douglas)
12) The Neon (Hailey Whitters, Rodney Clawson, Lori McKenna)
13) The Grassman (Hailey Whitters, Aaron Raitiere)
14) Our Grass Is Legal (Hailey Whitters)
15) Beer Tastes Better (Hailey Whitters, Lori McKenna)
16) In A Field Somewhere (Hailey Whitters, Jeff Hyde, Bryan Simpson)
17) Ad Astra Per Alas Porci (Reprise) (Jordan Lehning, Pedro Palomino)
Thomas Rhett Teams Up With Katy Perry, Tyler Hubbard, More On Upcoming Project
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett has revealed details on Where We Started, his upcoming sixth studio album, available on April 1 via The Valory Music Co.
Inspired by his return to the road following the pandemic, the album features 15 tracks packed full of his infusion of traditional country and dynamic, romantic energy. Produced by Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure and Matt Dragstrem, the project enlists superstar Katy Perry for the dramatic root-pop title track, along with collaborations with Riley Green, Tyler Hubbard and Russell Dickerson.
Rhett co-wrote 14 of the 15 tracks on the album, and other co-writers on the project include Lori McKenna, Ashley Gorley, Josh Thompson, Rhett Akins, and more.
“For me, getting into the entertainer headspace and back onstage was euphoria,” Rhett shares. “When you go a year and a half without it, then feel it for the first time again, it’s the coolest thing in the world. That’s really where my brain has been and where these songs came from—they’re some of my favorite songs that I’ve ever been a part of. I’m just enjoying life so much right now, getting to be a dad, collaborating with incredible artists, playing shows with my friends, and watching people smile from the stage. It has really filled my soul.”
Fans who pre-order the album will instantly receive two new tracks, ballad “Angels” and the foot-tapping “Church Boots.”
Where We Started Track List:
1. “The Hill” | Lori McKenna, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Weisband
2. “Church Boots” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith
3. “Bass Pro Hat” | Thomas Rhett, Matt Dragstrem, Joshua Miller, Josh Thompson
4. “Anything Cold” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally
5. “Angels” | Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Jaten Dimsdale, Josh Thompson
6. “Half Of Me” (featuring Riley Green) | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy, Josh Thompson
7. “Bring The Bar” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Parker Welling
8. “Paradise” | Thomas Rhett, Matt Dragstrem, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson
9. “Death Row” (featuring Tyler Hubbard, Russell Dickerson) | Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley
10. “Mama’s Front Door” | Thomas Rhett, Matt Dragstrem, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill
11. “Slow Down Summer” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Sean Douglas, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
12. “Simple As A Song” | Thomas Rhett, Luke Laird, Josh Thompson
13. “Us Someday” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Amy Wadge
14. “Somebody Like Me” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson
15. “Where We Started (with Katy Perry) | Thomas Rhett, Jon Bellion, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
Kane Brown Returns To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryKane Brown returns to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart with his driving “One Mississippi.” This marks the second time that the single has hit the pinnacle of the MusicRow Radio Chart.
“One Mississippi” was co-written by Brown, Jesse Frasure, Levon Gray, and Ernest K. Smith. The track is the first major cut for Gray, who is signed to Brown’s joint venture with Sony Music Publishing, Verse 2 Music.
2022 is already off to a running start for Brown. He is back on the road on his “Blessed & Free Tour” with Chase Rice, Jordan Davis and Restless Road. He and his wife Katelyn also recently welcomed their second child, daughter Kodi Jane Brown.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Gene Watson Hits The Road For 60th Anniversary Tour
/by Steven BoeroGene Watson
Gene Watson is celebrating the 60th anniversary of his first single “If It’s That Easy” by hitting the road for his “60th Anniversary Tour.”
The Texas native’s six-decade long career has seen much success, including charting 75 titles that span 23 top 10 hits, six No. 1 country singles and five No. 1 gospel records.
“My first single, ‘If It’s That Easy,’ released in 1962 on Sun Valley Records,” says Watson. “I wasn’t ever signed to a company called Sun Valley Records, Sun Valley was just the name of the street the drummer lived on.
Watson continues, “I’d never heard myself on the radio before, so I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard it the first time on a local Houston radio station. I had only heard my voice in playback on speakers, never on an AM radio station so it was fun to hear that. Of course, I’m never quite satisfied with most of my recordings. I always hear something I think I could do better and I felt that I could have done better – but it was my very first and so for that reason, it will always be special to me.”
His national tour kicked off on Jan. 1 in Florida. He will play three shows at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House during the run, including one on March 5 and two on March 25. Watson was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in 2020.
Watson is also currently working on a new studio project, which will be released 2022.
Click here for a full list of tour dates and to purchase tickets.
SOURCE Nashville Announces 2022 Board Of Directors & Officers
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, top row): SOURCE Communications Co-Chair, Claire Taylor (Average Joes Ent.); SOURCE Communications Co-Chair, Tiffany Bearden (Evolution PR); SOURCE Community Outreach Chair, Camilla Kleindienst (Banner Music); SOURCE Membership Co-Chair, Mary Lauren Teague (Dotted i Entertainment, LLC); SOURCE Social Committee Co-Chair, Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI); SOURCE Social Committee Co-Chair, Alicia Lanier Jones (River House Artists); (L-R, bottom row): SOURCE Vice President, Brooke Antonakos (Rockbrook Ent.); SOURCE President, Mallory Mason (King Business & Financial Mgmt.); SOURCE Past President & Membership Co-Chair, Kari Barnhart (Regions Bank); via Zoom: SOURCE Program Co-Chair, Kasey Cleckler (Cape & Anchor); SOURCE Secretary/Awards Chair, Erica Rosa (FBMM); SOURCE Treasurer, Catherine Moore (Farris, Self & Moore); SOURCE Program Co-Chair, Ciara Shortridge (Curb); SOURCE Auxiliary Member, Lyndie Wenner (SRO PR); SOURCE Auxiliary Member, Laurie Hughes, (Hughes Law).
SOURCE Nashville has announced its 2022 Board of Directors and Officers.
Mallory Mason (King Business & Financial Mgmt.) will serve as President; Brooke Antonakos (Rockbrook Ent.) as Vice President; Catherine Moore (Farris, Self & Moore) as Treasurer; and Erica Rosa (FBMM) as Secretary/Awards Chair.
Additionally, Claire Taylor (Average Joes Ent.) and Tiffany Bearden (Evolution PR) will serve as Communications Co-Chairs, while Mary Lauren Teague (Dotted i Entertainment, LLC) and Kari Barnhart (Regions Bank) will serve as Membership Co-Chairs. Taking on the role of Social Committee Co-Chairs are Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI) and Alicia Lanier Jones (River House Artists).
Among other appointments are Camilla Kleindienst (Banner Music) as Community Outreach Chair; Kasey Cleckler (Cape & Anchor) and Ciara Shortridge (Curb) as Program Co-Chairs; and Lyndie Wenner (SRO PR) and Laurie Hughes (Hughes Law) as Auxiliary Members.
Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is Nashville’s longest-running organization for females in the music industry. The nonprofit is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through education, networking, and community service initiatives.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Female Country Artists Start 2022 Strong
/by Robert K OermannGabby Barrett. Photo: Gus Black
Fully half of today’s tunes in DISClaimer feature vocals by country females.
Surely, this is some kind of mistake, since the industry so consistently refuses to give women their due. Even wilder, the Disc of the Day award goes to a female artist. That would be Gabby Barrett, who creates things so groove-soaked and hooky that even country radio has to accept her. Play on, lady.
The DISCovery Award goes to Fancy Hagood. This is an artist whose publicity describes him as a “queer pop/country hybrid enigma.” I only know that he’s a terrific singer and a gifted songwriter. His duet partner, Devon Gilfillian, isn’t a country artist. But he’s a DISCovery, too.
CAITLYN SMITH / “The Card You Gamble”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producers: Adam Anders/Peer Astrom; Label: Arista/Monument
–This is the theme of Monarch, the new Fox country-music drama series (that was just delayed to premiere in the fall). Singer Smith is noted for writing tunes recorded by Garth, Dolly, Miley, Jason Aldean and others. Here, she demonstrates a sassy, tart soprano style with an echoey, twangy “Spaghetti Western” rumbling track to back her up, complete with whistling. Highly engaging. Play it.
CLAY WALKER / “Catching Up with an Ol’ Memory”
Writers: Clay Walker/George Birge/Jaron Boyer/Lalo Guzman; Producers: Michael Knox/Jaron Boyer; Label: Show Dog
–Nicely done. The production has a tasteful throb and swirling echoes. A steel guitar sighs sympathetically as Walker gives a wistful reading of the honky-tonk heartache lament. Super melodic.
TENILLE TOWNES / “When’s It Gonna Happen”
Writers: Steph Jones/Stephen Wrabel/Tenille Townes; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Sony
–The tin-pan percussion is ear catching, as is the tune. As usual, Townes is a terrifically individualistic vocalist. While the beats shuffle around her, she expresses her yearning for a relationship. I remain a big fan.
FANCY HAGOOD & DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Let Me Be”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Lucas Arens; Producer: Lucas Arens; Label: Concord
–Here’s some splendid soul singing, with both men bringing longing and ache to this gospel-flavored song. It has a soaring, anthem-like quality as it delivers a message of brotherhood. Lovely listening. Fancy’s other country tunes include “Forest,” “Southern Curiosity,” “The Same Thing” and “Good Man,” and they are just as cool. Devon is a Nashville R&B artist, noted for his re-recording of Marvin Gaye’s classic album What’s Going On, plus his own collection, Black Hole Rainbow.
GABBY BARRETT / “Pick Me Up”
Writers: Ross Copperman/Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite; Producers: Ross Copperman/Zach Kale; Label: Warner
–Dubbed “the face of Gen-Z country,” Gabby is the mistress of such ear worms as “I Hope” and “The Good Ones.” She goes three-for-three with this fabulously catchy pop-country ditty. Put this one on “repeat.”
MADDIE & TAE / “Strangers”
Writers: Maddie Font/Taylor Kerr/Adam Hambrick/Jimmy Robbins/Tofer Brown; Producers: Jimmy Robbins/Derek Wells; Label: Mercury
–Sweet sounding. It’s bolstered by an oomphy production, but it still seems kinda dull.
TRACY LAWRENCE / “Angelina”
Writers: Joe Collins/Rick Huckaby; Producers: Tracy Lawrence/Julian King; Label: TL
–Generic hillbilly rock.
KANE BROWN / “Whiskey Sour”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jaxson Free/Josh Hoge; Producers: Ilya Toshinskiy/Kane Brown; Label: Sony
–Tender and touching. He’s broken hearted over her, so he drinks alone while a fiddle, and an acoustic guitar pluck gently along. This change-of-pace ballad demonstrates his expansiveness as a talent. I’m in.
JOE NICHOLS / “Good Day for Living”
Writers: Dave Cohen/Bobby Hambrick/Neil Mason; Producers: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill
–The title tune of Joe’s new CD is a rouser with loads of forward momentum and a can’t-miss chorus. As always, he sings his face off.
MAREN MORRIS / “Circles Around This Town”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Julia Michaels/Maren Morris/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Sony
–Her vocal should be mixed hotter and the production toned down, but her personality still shines through on this chunky-beats, getaway ode. The deep-twang guitar solo and the enormously catchy song are both irresistible.
COLIN LILLIE & CATHERINE BRITT / “The Road”
Writers: Catherine Britt/Colin Lillie; Producer: Catherine Britt; Label: Beverly Hillbilly
–Aussie newcomer Lillie enlisted the aid of veteran Britt to create his debut album. She also joins him as his duet partner on this ballad of wanderlust and fidelity. They are both fine singers, and the understated production is just right. It has a languid simplicity that is quite relaxing.
ELI YOUNG BAND / “Love Talking”
Writers: Mike Eli/Eric Arjes/Jeffrey East; Producers: Eric Arjes/Jimmy Robbins/Scott Borchetta/J.R. Schumann; Label: Valory
–Rolling along down a country road with your buds. The echo gives the sound some extra juice, and the band is as proficient as ever.
Tune In: Chris Stapleton To Be Profiled On Upcoming ’60 Minutes’ Episode
/by Lydia FarthingChris Stapleton & Sharyn Alfonsi on 60 Minutes.
Award-winning entertainer Chris Stapleton will be profiled on an upcoming episode of CBS’ 60 Minutes, airing this Sunday (Jan. 16) at 7 p.m. CT.
60 Minutes correspondent, Sharyn Alfonsi, recently traveled to Nashville to visit Stapleton ahead of his two-night stay at Bridgestone Arena in early December. Before the shows, the Kentucky-born vocalist showed the team around town and inside his rehearsal space, which was filled with various artifacts and his impressive collection of awards.
Alfonsi also interviewed Stapleton and his wife and bandmate Morgane to discuss their life together, making country music, and more.
His “All-American Road Show” will pick up this spring on April 20 in Toledo, Ohio, before embarking on the tour’s Canadian leg. For a full list of upcoming dates for 2022, click here.
Stapleton also earned three nominations at this year’s Grammy Awards for Best Country Album (Starting Over), Best Country Song (“Cold”), and Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”).
Maren Morris Announces New Album ‘Humble Quest,’ Dropping In March
/by Lorie HollabaughMaren Morris
Maren Morris has unveiled details of her upcoming album, Humble Quest, dropping March 25 on Sony Music Nashville’s Columbia Nashville imprint.
The album features the leadoff single, “Circles Around This Town,” which was released last week. The hot new track is currently the most-added single at country radio and broke Amazon Music’s record for most streams for a country song debut by a female artist.
Produced by frequent collaborator Greg Kurstin and written alongside husband Ryan Hurd, Julia Michaels, Jimmy Robbins, Natalie Hemby, Laura Veltz and Jon Green, Humble Quest finds Morris on a journey to embrace the imperfections in her life through her rises and falls, overshares, lullabies, wine-soaked conversations, and a hard goodbye.
Morris began writing the project at the beginning of the pandemic as a series of major life changes unfolded–new motherhood, an upended career, the death of beloved friend and collaborator Michael Busbee, and more–which was further compounded by lockdown.
Humble Quest follows her record-shattering 2019 album, Girl, which spawned the quadruple Platinum-certified, Grammy-nominated “The Bones;” and the Platinum-certified No. 1 title track. She is nominated for two Grammy awards this year: Best Country Song for “Better Than We Found It” and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Chasing After You,” the No. 1, Platinum-certified collaboration with her husband Ryan Hurd.
Humble Quest Track List:
1. Circles Around This Town
2. The Furthest Thing
3. I Can’t Love You Anymore
4. Humble Quest
5. Background Music
6. Nervous
7. Tall Guys
8. Detour
9. Hummingbird
10. Good Friends
11. What Would This World Do