Vince Gill & Carly Pearce
Fall is in the air, and so is a gust of new country sounds.
Vince Gill and Carly Pearce lead the way with ballads that share this week’s Disc of the Day award. Cali Tucker is our DISCovery Award winner.
But be sure and also check out this week’s offerings from Randy Houser, Ne-Yo, Priscilla Block and Emily Ann Roberts. They also have something to say that you’ll want to hear.
CARLY PEARCE / “Dream Come True”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Weisband/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– She has it all, except for love. Pearce delivers the aching lyric with throaty, emotional force. This is country music royalty at work.
EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Come Home To You”
Writers: Jim McCormick/Makayla Parry/Michael Wayne Wilkes; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Heartache on the hoof. Sad country music is always in fashion, and this is a pluperfect example of just how aching it can be. This woman is gem.
RANDY HOUSER / “Back In The Bottle”
Writer: Randy Houser; Producers: Blake Chancey, Randy Houser; Label: Magnolia Music Group
– This mighty voice stopped the show at this week’s BMI Awards. Houser’s ferocious vocal attack lights a fire under this propulsive drinking song as his new single. Play and become a believer—he’s one of country’s true treasures.
NE-YO / “Simple Things”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Motown
– If you are wondering what this Grammy-winning, Platinum-selling R&B star was doing at the CMA Awards, here’s your answer. Ne-Yo (Shaffer Chimere Smith) applies his lustrous, fluttery tenor voice to a super catchy romance tune with a terrific acoustic track. He totally crushes it. Country? You bet.
LUKE COMBS & BIGXTHAPLUG / “Pray Hard”
Writers: Bandplay/Dave Cohen/Jon Robert Hall/Krishon Gaines/Luke Combs/Mark Nilan Jr/Nick Monson/Tony Coles/Xavier Landum; Producers: Bandplay, Dave Cohen, Mark Nilan Jr, Nick Monson, Tony Coles; Label: UnitedMasters
– It’s about faith and perseverance. Like most country-rap collaborations, it’s quite repetitive.
PAUL KENNERLEY / “Born to Run”
Writer: Paul Kennerley; Producer: Paul Kennerley; Label: PK
– Songwriting legend Kennerley has released a 30-track compilation of his demos. This tune was a hit for Emmylou in 1982, and it’s fascinating to hear the acoustic, strummy, raw, rootsy version that she would have learned it from. On this album, you’ll listen to “Hillbilly Rock,” “Have Mercy,” “Cry Myself to Sleep,” “Heaven Only Knows,” “Give a Little Love” and other hit tunes with fresh ears. This whole project is a keeper.
NICKELBACK & SHENANDOAH / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob Di Piero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– This rocks. The two bands merge nicely, thanks largely to Nickelback’s genuine commitment to a country sound. As unlikely as it seems, this collab works splendidly.
TUCKER WETMORE / “Brunette”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Josh Miller; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: MCA
– His “3,2,1” single continues to climb, and now he’s issuing a cowboy-themed video to promote this new bopper. He’s through with Southern blonde heartbreakers and is out to find a brunette from north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Castle in the Sky”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Gigi Rich/Hallie Hertrick/Paul Wrock; Producer: Hallie Hertrick; Label: Neon Holler
– Shaky fiddling and snappy handclaps underscore this uptempo reflection on the afterlife. They’ve done better.
GAVIN ADCOCK / “Perfect Man”
Writers: Colton Venner/Gavin Adcock/Jack Hummel/Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Drowsy musing in search of a hook.
PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Things You Didn’t See”
Writers: Brandon Paddock/Martin Johnson/Priscilla Block; Producer: Dave Cohen, David Garcia; Label: MCA
– “Everybody’s got a hurting heart they’re hiding underneath.” I have come to expect nothing but emotional Truth from this talented artist, and she has never let me down. This tuneful, insightful, autobiographical single is one more reason to love her.
LACOSTA TUCKER / “Woman Behind the Wheel”
Writers: Cathy Majeski/Stephony E. Smith/Sunny Russ; Producer: Roger Ball; Label: LT
– Women make the world go ‘round, says LaCosta in this midtempo ditty. Twangy retro guitars back the stacked vocal harmonies. Tanya’s sister is best known for a string of charters back in the ‘70s, including “Get on My Love Train.”
CALI TUCKER / “Last Name”
Writers: Cali Tucker/Derek Robertson/G’harah “PK” Deg/Tricia Battani; Producer: G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze; Label: Mother Tucker Music
– LaCosta’s daughter and Tanya’s niece also has a new single. It’s a languidly paced pop-leaning tune of reclaiming her independence. Like her better-known family members, she’s a strong and assured vocalist.
VINCE GILL / “Secondhand Smoke”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA Nashville
– This legend is in the midst of a monthly series of autobiographical EPs that chronicle his journey from Oklahoma. The series is titled 50 Years From Home. The title tune of the second EP recalls his late father with enormous heart and deep love. There is no finer living country-music artist. Nor one more beloved.
Wyatt Flores Slates ‘Drive All Night Tour’ For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughWyatt Flores. Photo: Natalie Rhea
Wyatt Flores will embark on his “Drive All Night Tour” next spring.
The new tour includes newly confirmed stops at Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s, St. Paul’s Palace Theatre, Grand Rapids’ GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Charleston’s The Refinery and Phoenix’s The Van Buren, among others. The Droptines, Lil Pepe Burro, Kashus Culpepper and Noah Rinker will join as support.
Tickets for the new dates are on sale starting today (Nov. 21) here.
Flores has once again partnered with PLUS1 for the tour, with $1 per ticket goes to supporting Music Health Alliance and their work providing access to healthcare and mental health support for music industry professionals nationwide. Flores also recently received PLUS1’s Rising Star Award, given to an emerging artist who has made outstanding contributions to social impact in 2025.
The upcoming dates add to a breakout year for Flores, who has garnered over 325 million career streams to date, and released his first live album, Live At Cain’s Ballroom, this past spring.
“Drive All Night Tour” Dates:
March 26—Fort Worth, TX—Billy Bob’s Texas
March 29—Little Rock, AR—The Hall*
March 31—Sioux Falls, SD—The District†
April 1—St. Paul, MN—Palace Theatre‡
April 3—Grand Rapids, MI—GLC Live at 20 Monroe‡
April 4—Columbus, OH—KEMBA Live! – Indoor Music Hall‡
April 14—Greensboro, NC—Piedmont Hall‡
April 15—Charleston, SC—The Refinery‡
April 16—Statesboro, GA—The Blue Room‡
April 22—El Paso, TX—Lowbrow Palace+
April 23—Phoenix, AZ—The Van Buren+
*with special guest The Droptines
†with special guest Lil Pepe Burro
‡with special guest Kashus Culpepper
+with special guest Noah Rinker
Anne Wilson Extends ‘The Stars Tour’ Into Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughAnne Wilson. Photo: Sophia Mantinazad
Anne Wilson is extending her “The Stars Tour” into 2026, with 21 additional dates across the U.S. and Canada.
The new leg will kick off March 12 in Huntsville and include stops in Atlanta, Charlotte, Richmond, Tampa, Boston, St. Louis, Baltimore and more. General on-sale for the shows begins today (Nov. 21).
“’The Stars Tour’ is continuing this spring! My heart is overflowing thinking about all the moments we’ve shared so far — the worship, the stories and everything God has already done on this journey,” shares Wilson. “And the best part?! We’re just getting started! I’ve loved getting to share these new songs with y’all, and I can’t wait to bring them to even more cities. Bring your family and friends and let’s gather together to remember that the same God who made the stars made YOU and knows you by name.”
The new tour comes on the heels of Wilson’s third studio album, Stars, released Oct. 17, which has already made an impact across multiple Billboard charts, debuting at No. 4 on Top Christian Albums, No. 12 on Top Current Album Sales, No. 14 on Top Album Sales and No. 39 on Top Country Albums. Highlights from the album include her soaring single, “God Story,” currently in the Top 10 at Christian radio and climbing.
“The Stars Tour” 2026 dates:
March 12, 2026 in Huntsville, Ala. at VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
March 13, 2026 in Fayetteville, N.C. at Crown Theatre
March 14, 2026 in Richmond, Va. at Altria Theater
March 20, 2026 in Orlando, Fla. at Dr. Phillips Center
March 21, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. at Moran Theater
March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Fla. at Straz Center
March 26, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga. at Fox Theatre
March 27, 2026 in Charlotte, N.C. at Ovens Auditorium
March 28, 2026 in Columbia, S.C. at The Township Auditorium
April 9, 2026 in Bloomington, Ind. at Indiana University Auditorium
April 10, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa. at Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
April 11, 2026 in Rosemont, Ill. at Rosemont Theatre
April 23, 2026 in Knoxville, Tenn. at Knoxville Civic Auditorium
April 25, 2026 in St. Louis, Mo. at Stifel Theatre
April 30, 2026 in Hershey, Pa. at Hershey Theatre
May 1, 2026 in Erie, Pa. at Warner Theatre
May 2, 2026 in Boston, Mass. at Boch Center Shubert Theatre
May 7, 2026 in Syracuse, N.Y. at Landmark Theatre
May 8, 2026 in Albany, N.Y. at Palace Theatre
May 9, 2026 in Baltimore, Md. at Lyric Baltimore
May 11, 2026 in Whitby, Ont. at Canada Event Centre
“The Stars Tour” 2025 remaining dates:
Nov. 21, 2025 in Akron, Ohio at Akron Civic Theatre *
Nov. 22, 2025 in Charleston, W.Va. at Maier Foundation Performance Hall *
Nov. 23, 2025 in Greensboro, N.C. at Steven Tanger Center *
*with special guest Jordan Rowe
Ernest Tubb Record Shop Returns After Renovation, Expansion
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Andrea Behrends/Ernest Tubb Record Shop
Nashville’s legendary Ernest Tubb Record Shop made its historic return to Lower Broadway last week with a grand opening celebration on Nov. 13.
A treasured country landmark where icons including Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley once performed, the shop has been restored to preserve its original charm and also expanded with new additions, including a four-story bar, rooftop honky-tonk and an exclusive lounge, The Forty Seven.
Photo: Andrea Behrends/Ernest Tubb Record Shop
The original Ernest Tubb Record Shop was established in 1947, and was not only a bustling spot for vinyl, 8-tracks and songbooks but also came alive at night with impromptu performances during Tubb’s famed Midnight Jamboree. After playing the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman, artists would head over for late-night sets broadcast live on WSM radio across the Midwest and Southeast.
Preserving the spot’s rich history was key, and in late 2023, the Kenney Brothers, co-founders of Tusk Brothers and creators of Never Never and Reunion Bar & Hotel, teamed up with musician Ilya Toshinskiy for the project. Working closely with Ernest Tubb’s grandson Dale Tubb, they worked tirelessly for two years to honor the shop’s legacy while giving it a fresh, modern revival. Carefully curated memorabilia from Dale Tubb and original architectural details from the building are paired with new and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.
The main level will feature a Broadway-style honky tonk featuring an atmosphere that honors the past, complete with Ernest Tubb memorabilia from the private Ernest Tubb Collection. With two full stages featuring live bands every night, the spirit of Tubb’s Midnite Jamboree will live on loud and proud.
Photo: Andrea Behrends/Ernest Tubb Record Shop
On the second floor guests will step into a carefully restored version of the original Ernest Tubb Record Shop, complete with rows of vinyl displayed on wooden shelves. The space will also host live acoustic performances in an intimate setting that echoes the shop’s legendary roots. The third floor private event venue is tailored for intimate industry showcases, album release parties, and label events.
An open-air rooftop bar will feature views of Lower Broadway where guests can soak in the Nashville skyline, and the basement features the Forty Seven, an exclusive lounge with velvet seating, wood-paneled walls and vintage accents. The lounge offers a stylish space for guests while paying homage to 1947 – the year the Ernest Tubb Record Shop was founded.
“We’re beyond honored to bring back Ernest Tubb’s legacy to Broadway,” says Jamie Kenney, co-founder of Tusk Brothers. “This space was more than a record store: it was a gathering place, a stage, and a symbol of what makes country music special. We’ve worked closely with Dale Tubb to make sure every inch of the space honors that tradition while creating something new and exciting for today’s Nashville.”
The Band Perry’s ‘If I Die Young’ Reaches Diamond Status
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): RIAA’s Mitch Glazier, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry, NHRE’s Jimmy Harnen and RIAA’s Erin Burr. Photo: Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
The Band Perry’s breakout hit “If I Die Young” has achieved RIAA Diamond status, and TBP was honored with a special plaque commemorating the achievement on Wednesday night (Nov. 19) on stage following their performance at the Big Machine CMA after party at the Bell Tower in Nashville.
Big Machine Label Group executives Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen joined RIAA’s Mitch Glazier and Erin Burr on stage to surprise Kimberly Perry with the official presentation of the prestigious Diamond Award, which marks 10 million in sales.
“From the very beginning, ‘If I Die Young’ was destined to make a mark: topping radio charts, earning countless accolades and enchanting fans with Kimberly Perry’s poignant lyrics and rich vocals,” says Glazier. “RIAA is now proud to celebrate a new milestone for The Band Perry—their first Diamond single—and congratulations to the Big Machine Label Group team on helping bring this one to 10 million new audiences.”
“Hearing ‘If I Die Young’ for the first time was one of those moments in my career that truly stopped me in my tracks,” shares Borchetta. “When Kimberly and the boys came into our conference room and dropped the song on us, immediately it was ‘we have to have them.’ To see the song reach #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2010, become CMA’s Song of the Year in 2011, turning evergreen, and now attain RIAA Diamond certification is a tribute to the enduring impact of the song and Kimberly’s razor-sharp creativity. Huge congratulations are in order for this historic milestone! We look forward to sharing the next chapter of incredible music from The Band Perry soon.”
“I wrote ‘If I Die Young’ from a place of innocence, curiosity, and faith in the poetry of everyday life. Its journey to Diamond is a gift I’ll never take for granted,” Kimberly adds. “To everyone who has sung it at weddings, funerals, festivals, or alone in their car—you’ve made this song larger than me. Thank you for growing with us. The next era starts now.”
Penned by Kimberly and originally released on the Grammy winners’ self-titled debut album in 2010, the CMA Song and Single of the Year-winning smash was re-issued earlier this year via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment in honor of its 15th anniversary. The feat makes Kimberly the only female artist to solo-write a Diamond-certified country song.
“If I Die Young” was named one of the “200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time” last year by Rolling Stone, and its memorable, CMT Award-winning video has been viewed over 265 million times on YouTube alone.
CMA Hosts Official After Party
/by Lauryn SinkCody Johnson. Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMA
The Country Music Association hosted the official after party for its CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 19), welcoming more than 1,400 CMA members, artists and industry professionals.
Emceed by Whiskey Jam founder Ward Guenther, the evening began with guests stepping onto the Official CMA Awards Red Carpet for photo moments. Inside, attendees enjoyed sets from DJ KO and Rosie & The Revival, featuring members of Kenny Chesney’s touring band.
The CMA Trophy Engraving Lounge presented by Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whiskey offered an up-close look as newly crowned winners received their personalized trophies. Cody Johnson, The Red Clay Strays, John Park and Wales Toney were among the winners who stopped by to pick up their engraved trophies, celebrating their wins alongside fellow industry members. The Artist Lounge presented by Dreamliner Luxury Coaches provided space for artists and their teams.
Additional activities included a permanent tattoo station curated by EqualizeHer, a speakeasy and portrait studio presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and a concrete mixer transformed into the World’s Largest Cocktail Shaker serving Monkey Shoulder drinks. Guests also enjoyed a dedicated Mingle Mocktails Bar offering festive non-alcoholic cocktails, a Dutch Bros Coffee cornhole challenge and drink station with cold brew and energy drinks, classic arcade games courtesy of Dave & Buster’s, gifts from Teleties, and a full golf simulator paired with a 360-degree photo experience from GolfNow.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards is streaming now on Hulu.
The Red Clay Strays. Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMA
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMA
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMA
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMA
The Mavericks To Honor Raul Malo With ‘Dance The Night Away’ Tribute Shows At The Ryman
/by Lorie HollabaughRaul Malo. Photo: Michael Weintrob
The Mavericks frontman Raul Malo will be honored during two special “Dance The Night Away” shows at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Dec. 5-6.
A celebration of the band’s decades-long history and contribution to American and Latin music, “Dance The Night Away” will feature a lineup of the band’s friends and fellow artists backed by the Mavericks performing songs from the band’s 35-year catalog. Over two dozen artists will pay tribute to Malo during the shows, including Chuck Mead, Hector Tellez Jr., Jaime Hanna, James Otto, Jamey Johnson, JD McPherson, Jeff Hanna, Jesse Dayton, Jim Lauderdale, Jimmie Vaughan, Joshua Ray Walker, Maggie Rose, Mandy Barnett, Marty Stuart, Nikki Lane, Patty Griffin, Ray Benson, Steve Earle, Wade Hayes, Waylon Payne, Wendy Moten, and more. While Malo is not able to perform, he will be present and honored throughout both nights.
“I’m really looking forward to these two nights at the Ryman,” says Malo. “The overwhelming support and love from my musician friends, fans, friends and family will prove these shows to be something special.”
The Mavericks continued to tour this last year in support of their 2024 album Moon & Stars after Malo announced he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Following an update in September that he had developed LMD (leptomeningeal disease), the band cancelled their tour dates for the remainder of the year.
This special two-night-only celebration will honor the group’s legacy and celebrate the lasting impact of their fearless leader. A portion of proceeds will benefit Stand Up To Cancer. Tickets originally purchased for The Mavericks’ headlining Ryman Auditorium shows will be honored, and more information can be found here.
HARDY Notches Third Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeHardy. Photo: Ryan Smith
HARDY keeps his place at the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his track, “Favorite Country Song.”
The song is the lead single from his recent, fourth studio album Country! Country! and was written by Hardy, Zach Abend, Beau Bailey, Casey Brown, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Nate Smith.
HARDY will embark on his “Country! Country! Tour!” beginning in February in Ontario and running through August. Cameron Whitcomb, Tucker Wetmore, Mitchell Tenpenny, Muscadine Bloodline, Jake Worthington and McCoy Moore will join for select dates on the new tour, which will include stops in Green Bay, Omaha, Charleston, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Virginia Beach and more.
“Favorite Country Song” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
EMPIRE Nashville & American Dogwood Host CMA After Party
/by Madison HahnenEMPIRE Nashville Team. Photo: Becca Mitchell
EMPIRE Nashville and Shaboozey‘s American Dogwood hosted their CMA After Party on Wednesday night (Nov. 19).
Attendees included Ne-Yo, BigXthaPlug, Russell Dickerson, Randy Houser, Tay Keith, Melanie Fiona, Kevin Powers, Jake Banfield, Don Louis, Sophia Scott, CeCe, Josh Tatofi, Dawson Anderson, Johnny Manziel, Shaboozey’s managers Jared Cotter (Range Media Partners) and Abas Pauti (American Dogwood), and Ghazi (EMPIRE Founder/CEO).
Abas Pauti & Jared Cotter. Photo: Becca Mitchell
BigXthaPlug, Ne-Yo, & Shaboozey. Photo: Becca Mitchell
CeCe. Photo: Becca Mitchell
Dawson Anderson & Don Louis. Photo: Becca Mitchell
Eric Hurt & Josh Tatofi. Photo: Becca Mitchell
Ghazi & Sophia Scott. Photo: Becca Mitchell
Photo: Becca Mitchell
Tay Keith. Photo: Becca Mitchell
WME Hosts CMA Awards After Party
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Mark Shapiro (WME Group President & Managing Partner), Zach Top and Jay Williams (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office). Photo: Eli Greiss for WME
WME hosted its annual CMA Awards After Party at Fifth + Broadway’s Sixty Vines and One More Cocktail Club in Nashville last night (Nov. 19), with Morgan Stanley Global Sports + Entertainment as the presenting sponsor of the event.
The agency celebrated clients taking home trophies for Entertainer, Album, Female, Duo, Group and New Artist of the Year. WME’s Lainey Wilson took home awards for Album, Female and Entertainer of the Year, on top of her hosting duties.
Icons Brooks & Dunn won Duo of the Year, marking their 20th CMA Award and extending their record as the most-awarded artist in CMA history. Zach Top and The Red Clay Strays earned their first CMA Awards, winning New Artist and Vocal Group of the Year, respectively.
Guests celebrated the evening with handcrafted cocktails and enjoyed wood-fired pizzas, elaborate charcuterie grazing tables, seafood and a vast selection of small plates.
Pictured (L-R): Kanan Vitolo (WME Agent), Drew Nix (The Red Clay Strays), Brandon Coleman (The Red Clay Strays), Cody Payne (All For One Management), Alex Collignon (WME Agent), Jay Williams (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office), Zach Rishel (The Red Clay Strays) and Sevans Henderson (The Red Clay Strays). Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for WME
Pictured (L-R): Christian Muirhead (WME Co-Chairman), Coran Capshaw (Founder, Red Light Management), Joey Lee (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office) and Becky Gardenhire (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office). Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for WME
Pictured (L-R): Braeden Rountree (WME Agent), Carrie Murphy (WME Agent), Tucker Wetmore and Jay Williams (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office). Photo: Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images for WME
Pictured (L-R): Lara Christie (WME Agent), Chris Hrovat (WME Agent), Kaitlin Butts, Mae Estes, Mark Noel (Triple 8 MGMT) and Becky Gardenhire (Co-Head, WME Nashville Office). Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for WME
Pictured (L-R): Emily Crews (Big Loud), Rakiyah Marshall (Founder/CEO Back Blocks Music), Ashley Cooke and Carrie Murphy (WME). Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for WME
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Vince Gill & Carly Pearce Share Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannVince Gill & Carly Pearce
Fall is in the air, and so is a gust of new country sounds.
Vince Gill and Carly Pearce lead the way with ballads that share this week’s Disc of the Day award. Cali Tucker is our DISCovery Award winner.
But be sure and also check out this week’s offerings from Randy Houser, Ne-Yo, Priscilla Block and Emily Ann Roberts. They also have something to say that you’ll want to hear.
CARLY PEARCE / “Dream Come True”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Weisband/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine Records
– She has it all, except for love. Pearce delivers the aching lyric with throaty, emotional force. This is country music royalty at work.
EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Come Home To You”
Writers: Jim McCormick/Makayla Parry/Michael Wayne Wilkes; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Heartache on the hoof. Sad country music is always in fashion, and this is a pluperfect example of just how aching it can be. This woman is gem.
RANDY HOUSER / “Back In The Bottle”
Writer: Randy Houser; Producers: Blake Chancey, Randy Houser; Label: Magnolia Music Group
– This mighty voice stopped the show at this week’s BMI Awards. Houser’s ferocious vocal attack lights a fire under this propulsive drinking song as his new single. Play and become a believer—he’s one of country’s true treasures.
NE-YO / “Simple Things”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Motown
– If you are wondering what this Grammy-winning, Platinum-selling R&B star was doing at the CMA Awards, here’s your answer. Ne-Yo (Shaffer Chimere Smith) applies his lustrous, fluttery tenor voice to a super catchy romance tune with a terrific acoustic track. He totally crushes it. Country? You bet.
LUKE COMBS & BIGXTHAPLUG / “Pray Hard”
Writers: Bandplay/Dave Cohen/Jon Robert Hall/Krishon Gaines/Luke Combs/Mark Nilan Jr/Nick Monson/Tony Coles/Xavier Landum; Producers: Bandplay, Dave Cohen, Mark Nilan Jr, Nick Monson, Tony Coles; Label: UnitedMasters
– It’s about faith and perseverance. Like most country-rap collaborations, it’s quite repetitive.
PAUL KENNERLEY / “Born to Run”
Writer: Paul Kennerley; Producer: Paul Kennerley; Label: PK
– Songwriting legend Kennerley has released a 30-track compilation of his demos. This tune was a hit for Emmylou in 1982, and it’s fascinating to hear the acoustic, strummy, raw, rootsy version that she would have learned it from. On this album, you’ll listen to “Hillbilly Rock,” “Have Mercy,” “Cry Myself to Sleep,” “Heaven Only Knows,” “Give a Little Love” and other hit tunes with fresh ears. This whole project is a keeper.
NICKELBACK & SHENANDOAH / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob Di Piero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– This rocks. The two bands merge nicely, thanks largely to Nickelback’s genuine commitment to a country sound. As unlikely as it seems, this collab works splendidly.
TUCKER WETMORE / “Brunette”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase McGill/Chris LaCorte/Josh Miller; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: MCA
– His “3,2,1” single continues to climb, and now he’s issuing a cowboy-themed video to promote this new bopper. He’s through with Southern blonde heartbreakers and is out to find a brunette from north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Castle in the Sky”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Gigi Rich/Hallie Hertrick/Paul Wrock; Producer: Hallie Hertrick; Label: Neon Holler
– Shaky fiddling and snappy handclaps underscore this uptempo reflection on the afterlife. They’ve done better.
GAVIN ADCOCK / “Perfect Man”
Writers: Colton Venner/Gavin Adcock/Jack Hummel/Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Drowsy musing in search of a hook.
PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Things You Didn’t See”
Writers: Brandon Paddock/Martin Johnson/Priscilla Block; Producer: Dave Cohen, David Garcia; Label: MCA
– “Everybody’s got a hurting heart they’re hiding underneath.” I have come to expect nothing but emotional Truth from this talented artist, and she has never let me down. This tuneful, insightful, autobiographical single is one more reason to love her.
LACOSTA TUCKER / “Woman Behind the Wheel”
Writers: Cathy Majeski/Stephony E. Smith/Sunny Russ; Producer: Roger Ball; Label: LT
– Women make the world go ‘round, says LaCosta in this midtempo ditty. Twangy retro guitars back the stacked vocal harmonies. Tanya’s sister is best known for a string of charters back in the ‘70s, including “Get on My Love Train.”
CALI TUCKER / “Last Name”
Writers: Cali Tucker/Derek Robertson/G’harah “PK” Deg/Tricia Battani; Producer: G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze; Label: Mother Tucker Music
– LaCosta’s daughter and Tanya’s niece also has a new single. It’s a languidly paced pop-leaning tune of reclaiming her independence. Like her better-known family members, she’s a strong and assured vocalist.
VINCE GILL / “Secondhand Smoke”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA Nashville
– This legend is in the midst of a monthly series of autobiographical EPs that chronicle his journey from Oklahoma. The series is titled 50 Years From Home. The title tune of the second EP recalls his late father with enormous heart and deep love. There is no finer living country-music artist. Nor one more beloved.