Sister Sadie
The country-music scene is thoughtful and contemplative today, with a solid lineup of slower fare.
Bucking the ballad trend in this edition of DISClaimer is the all-female band Sister Sadie. Its new music sounds like a blend of bluegrass and ‘90s country, and the fusion works like gangbusters. Check out our rollicking Disc of the Day winner, “Do What You Want.”
Taking home this week’s DISCovery Award is Zach John King.
THE STEELDRIVERS / “Booze and Cigarettes”
Writers: Tammy Rogers King/Verlon Thompson; Producer: The Steeldrivers; Label: Sun Records
– The SteelDrivers dropped their new Outrun album last week, and this single from it is a bluesy bluegrass treat. The lonely guy in the bar isn’t a regular…. yet. He’s just drinking and smoking by himself, because that’s what he deserves. The brisk tempo and hearty vocals sound just fine. The band is celebrating its 20th anniversary and dedicates the new set to late, lamented group mainstay, Mike Henderson.
JOSH TURNER / “Unsung Hero”
Writers: Josh Turner; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Turner wrote this about his grandfather, one of the “greatest generation” men who nobly fought in World War II. The rolling tempo, the swirling minor-key instrumental track and the singer’s resonant baritone give it oomph and drama.
HUDSON WESTBROOK & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “House Again”
Writers: Dan Alley/Hudson Westbrook/Neil Medley; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youmans; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a slow waltz with the singers swapping verses about the dissolution of a relationship and the empty house that used to be a home. The close-harmony vocal passages are twin-like. Perfectly executed.
RODNEY CROWELL & ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Taking Flight”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Rodney Crowell; Producer: Tyler Bryant; Label: New West Records
– A wanderer’s saga, complete with missteps, heartbreak and abandonment. The detail in the lyric is super engaging. Crowell and McBryde both sound resigned and world weary as the tale slowly unfolds. Rodney Crowell plays next Wednesday (June 4) at Cheekwood in its Under the Stars concert series. Showtime is 7 p.m. Be there.
JOHN MORGAN / “Kid Myself”
Writers: John Morgan/Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Brent Anderson; Label: Broken Bow Records
– He fell into a relationship when he was too young to know the ropes. Now he regrets how it all went down, because he misses her. Sincere sounding. Recommended.
LAINEY WILSON / “Somewhere Over Laredo”
Writers: Andy Albert/Dallas Wilson/Edgar Yipsel Harburg/Harold Arlen/Lainey Wilson/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– The song is okay, but her expressive, beautifully shaded and perfectly phrased vocal performance of it is topflight. The production frames the performance with exquisite, understated elegance.
ZACH JOHN KING / “Lose You”
Writers: Alex Hope/Sasha Alex Sloan/Zach John King; Producer: Ryan Wilson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Strummy, energetic and jaunty. Devotion, sung with verve and addictive hooks. I’m in.
DUSTIN LYNCH / “Easy To Love”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Dustin Lynch/Hunter Phelps/Jon Hall/Zach Crowell; Producer: none listed; Label: BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records
– An easy-going track accompanies a ditty about how tough it is for him to be in a relationship.
SISTER SADIE / “Do What You Want”
Writers: Dani Flowers/Erin Enderlin/Sharon Richardson; Producer: Deanie Richardson; Label: Mountain Home Music Company
– The much honored and applauded all-female bluegrass sextet returns with a totally cool, waltz-time outing of feisty, independent-female sass. A delightful listen, from the tart lyric to the swaying fiddling, from the glorious harmonies to the rowdy-gang finale. The schoolhouse video is a blast. The tune is drawn from the band’s All Will Be Well album, which drops on June 27. Can’t wait.
SHERYL CROW / “I Know”
Writer: Sheryl Crow; Producer: Sheryl Crow; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– This is Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition, the new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee offers this poignant, soothing song that addresses her struggles with depression. The gentle, acoustic-based production surrounds her flawless soprano vocal with a lovely, wafting breeze of sound. We are so blessed to have this nine-time Grammy winner in our community.
JON BELLION & LUKE COMBS / “Why”
Writers: Aaron Dessner/Amy Allen/Blake Slatkin/Jonathan Bellion; Producers: Aaron Dessner, Blake Slatkin, Jon Bellion, Pete Nappi; Label: JB
– Pop singer and top producer Bellion enlisted country powerhouse Combs to join him on this powerful meditation about the fears and joys of fatherhood. The mighty Luke does not let him down, and the two dads communicate evocatively on the ballad. Thoroughly compelling listening.
GAVIN ADCOCK / “Never Call Again”
Writers: Colton Venner/Gavin Adcock/Jack Rauton/Joybeth Taylor; Producer: Jay Rodgers; Label: Thrivin Here Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Plaintive and aching. Singing at the top of his range, he burns with heartache.
REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “Strong”
Writers: Elisha Hoffman/Jennifer Fiedler/Rebecca Lynn Howard/Trey Smith; Producer: Elisha Hoffman; Label: Pump House Records
– ‘Keep on keepin’ on,’ sings Howard on this empowering, inspiring ballad. And does she sing. This lady remains one of our most potent country vocalists, and she shows in her comeback music that she has lost none of her fire. I was a fan when she emerged on the scene as a teenager in 1999, and I’m still a fan today. The new album, I’m Not Who You Think I Am, dropped earlier this month.
Lukas Nelson & Kaitlin Butts Light Up The Night At BMI’s Rooftop On The Row
/by Lorie HollabaughLukas Nelson headlines BMI’s Rooftop On The Row series. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI
BMI’s Rooftop On The Row series got an infusion of Lone Star swagger on Wednesday night (May 28) as Lukas Nelson and Kaitlin Butts took the stage and filled the Nashville skies with some heavenly fiddle and steel-soaked country.
Kaitlin Butts performs at BMI’s Rooftop On The Row. Photo: Aubrey
Wise for BMI
The seventh season of the annual summer series kicked off with a set from DJ Smoke before BMI’s Mason Hunter welcomed Butts to the stage. The Oklahoma native’s sass was on full display as she paid homage to her western roots with tracks like “White River,” “Roadrunner,” and “Other Girls (Ain’t Havin’ Any Fun)” and showcased her wit with her viral hit “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me).”
Nelson then saddled up and treated the crowd to a helping of songs from his upcoming Sony Music Nashville solo debut American Romance, due out June 20. Kicking things off with the redemptive “Ain’t Done,” he also shared “Outsmarted” “Pretty Much” and more from the new album, before welcoming Butts to join him on stage to duet on a smoking version of the righteous and reggae-tinged “Find Yourself” from Nelson’s Promise Of The Real days. He also ventured back into Real territory on the funky blues of “Carolina” before later closing out the magical evening with an acoustic version of the new album’s title track.
The seventh season of BMI’s Rooftop On The Row series continues on July 15 with Tucker Wetmore and Tanner Adell.
BMI’s Rooftop On The Row draws full crowd for Lukas Nelson and Kaitlin Butts. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI
Photo (L-R): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, BMI’s Claire Dodelin, BMI’s Jackson Kiger, Kaitlin Butts (BMI), Lukas Nelson (BMI), BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI’s Nina Carter, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, BMI’s Kelsey O’Neill, and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI
Turn It Up! Texas Showcase June 4 Announces Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Turn It Up! Texas showcase event has unveiled its lineup set to hit the stage on June 4 at Category 10 in downtown Nashville, with Jenna Paulette, Smithfield and more set to perform.
The show will run from 11 a.m- 3:30 p.m., bringing together a mix of talent that showcases the heart, grit and unmistakable sound of the Lone Star State. Along with the live music, attendees can enjoy line dancing, an array of food and drinks from Category 10, and a chance to connect with fellow country fans as Nashville kicks off one of its biggest weeks of the year.
The schedule includes:
11 – 11:25 a.m. – Smithfield
11:45 – 12:10 p.m. – Jenna Paulette
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. – Garrett Bradford
1:20 – 1:50 p.m. – Wynn Williams
2:10 – 2:40 p.m. – Lane Smith
3 – 3:30 p.m. – Jack Blocker
Rob Williford Slates New Album And Accompanying Short Film For June
/by Lauryn SinkRob Williford. Photo: Dustin Haney
Rob Williford is slated to release his upcoming album, Johnny & Jenny, on June 27. An accompanying short film will release at the same time.
The 14-song record, produced by Andy Park, and the short film, shot by Dustin Haney, weave together themes of themes of addiction, betrayal, and redemption.
“This album is real life. It’s about me. But I want it to be accessible for people going through whatever shades or colors of emotion,” shares Williford. “I personally embrace that a lot more than needing the face and brand recognition of Rob Williford. Who cares who created it. I’m not trying to push streams – I just want it to make you feel something.”
Williford is a Grammy-nominated songwriter with cuts by Luke Combs and Tim McGraw, and this record marks his evolution into a solo artist. Four songs from the record are available now, including the newly released “Jenny,” dropped today (May 30).
Johnny & Jenny Track List:
1. “Johnny” (Rob Williford, David Mescon, Spencer Coats)
2. “Married Music” (Rob Williford, Nick Walsh, McCoy Moore, Spencer Coats)
3. “Find Someone Who Loves You” (Rob Williford, Steve Bogard)
4. “Dead Man Road” (Rob Williford, Jami Grooms)
5. “Shoals Creek” (Rob Williford, Korey Hunt)
6. “Never Do Again” (Rob Williford, McCoy Moore)
7. “Lucky One” (Rob Williford, Noah Gundersen, Misha Gundersen, David Mescon, Spencer Coats)
8. “Beautiful Breakdown” (Rob Williford, Spencer Coats, Noah Shell)
9. “Ain’t No Mountain” (Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson)
10. “Eden” (Rob Williford, David Mescon, Gino Barletta, Elli Moore)
11. “Heart Unbreaking” (Rob Williford, Nick Walsh, McCoy Moore, Spencer Coats)
12. “Helicopters” (Rob Williford)
13. “Fly” (Rob Williford, Spencer Coats, Brad Kuhn)
14. “Jenny” (Rob Williford, Noah Gundersen, James McNair)
Taylor Swift Buys Back Her Masters, Reclaiming First Six Albums
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Swift performs onstage during night one of “The Eras Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Taylor Swift has bought back her master recording catalog from Shamrock Capital, giving her ownership of her six original albums.
“All the times I was this close, reaching out for it, only for it to fall through,” Swift shared in a letter on her website. “I almost stopped thinking it could ever happen after 20 years of having the carrot dangled and then yanked away. But that’s all in the past now. I’ve been bursting into tears of joy at random intervals ever since I found out that this is really happening. I really get to say these words: All of the music I’ve ever made… now belongs to me. All of my music videos. All the concert films. The album art and photography. The unreleased songs. The memories. The magic. The madness. Every single era. My entire life’s work.”
Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings first purchased Swift’s catalog in 2019 from Big Machine Label Group. After the purchase, Swift began to re-record the albums in an effort to regain control over the songs commercially, with Fearless (Taylor’s Version) releasing in April 2021, Red (Taylor’s Version) in November 2021, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) in July 2023 and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in October 2023.
According to Luminate data, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and Red (Taylor’s Version) out streamed their originals, with Fearless earning three times more album units as the original, and Red with 10 times the original.
Over Swift’s entire catalog, she has racked up 116.77 million album units in the United States, according to Luminate, stretching back to her self-titled debut album in 2006. She has sold 54 million albums in the U.S. and has generated 70.746 billion streams.
Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban Among Gulf Coast Jam 2026 Headliners
/by Lorie HollabaughPost Malone, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and Riley Green will headline the 2026 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam, which will take place May 28-31, 2026 in Panama City Beach.
The 2026 headliners and full lineup were announced last night (May 29) during the opening night of this year’s festival prior to headliners Jordan Davis and Sam Hunt taking the stage, a first in the Country On The Coast festival’s history. Other artists set to perform include Marcus King, Jackson Dean, Brent Cobb, Wyatt Flores, Walker Montgomery, Ashland Craft and many more.
“Our four headliners are some of the most high-profile, in-demand artists we’ve ever had in our lineup,” says Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “I mean, Keith Urban was presented the Triple Crown Award, Chris Stapleton won Male Artist of the Year, Riley Green won Single of The Year, and Post Malone is one of the biggest artists in music, period. We’re beyond excited about 2026!”
“To have our full lineup in place and announced this early is testament to our Jammers giving us amazing feedback and to the incredible work our team puts in year after year to make this one of the top festivals in the country at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” adds Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam COO Mark Sheldon. “We love showing off our home, Panama City Beach!”
All passes for 2026, including General Admission, Military, College and First Responder, Caymus Vineyards VIP Pit, and more are available now at GulfCoastJam.com.
Riley Green Holds No. 1 For Fifth Week On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePictured: Riley Green; Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Riley Green holds onto the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for a fifth consecutive week with his solo-written hit, “Worst Way.”
The song appears on Green’s recent, third studio album Don’t Mind If I Do, and is already certified Platinum.
Green will be busy next week at the 2025 CMA Fest (June 5-8). The artist has scheduled performances at Spotify House, Nissan Stadium and a meet and greet at the “Busch Country” experience in Ascend Park.
“Worst Way” currently sits at No. 3 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
The Archives Nashville To Host 2nd Annual Artist Closet Sale At CMA Fest
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Archives Nashville, the digital archiving and storage company specializing in musicians’ wardrobes, will host its second annual Artist Closet Sale during this year’s CMA Fest June 5-8.
The sale provides fans an opportunity to shop their favorite artists’ closets and will be held at Fan Fair X, from 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. daily. Fans will have the chance to purchase wardrobe items from stars including Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Ernest, Riley Green, Tyler Hubbard, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins, Jelly Roll, Alana Springsteen and Bailey Zimmerman.
A portion of the sales’s proceeds will support the CMA Foundation’s mission to provide students with access to high-quality music education and equip educators with the resources needed to sustain thriving programs. This year’s activation occupies double the space of last year’s Closet Sale, which raised over $30,000 for the CMA Foundation.
“We are excited to bring this unique shopping experience back to CMA Fest and support the CMA Foundation’s incredible work,” shares The Archives Founder and longtime celebrity stylist Tiffany Gifford. “Fans will again have the chance to own a piece of their favorite artists’ wardrobe while contributing to a cause that nurtures the next generation of musicians and educators.”
With the vast wardrobe that musicians acquire over the years, Gifford realized there were no viable wardrobe archiving solutions, so she created The Archives to help clients not only store their wardrobe safely and securely, but to offer a digital solution to keep all things organized, searchable and accessible to her clients and their teams. The Archives functions by taking inventory and digital photos of the desired wardrobe to be archived, giving teams the option to store pieces in their facilities or integrate their system into current storage locations. RFID tracking technology programmed into each piece allows for tracking movement of each garment with the online inventory showing all pieces and their location while allowing movement as needed.
Bobbii Jacobs Launches Wildflower Entertainment Group
/by Lauryn SinkBobbii Jacobs.
Bobbii Jacobs has launched Wildflower Entertainment Group, offering a full suite of services including music supervision, artist development, artist management, licensing, brand partnerships/strategy and corporate talent booking.
“Today’s artists need more than a stage -they need a team that sees the bigger picture. Wildflower is that team: part strategist, part storyteller, part architect of the fan journey,” says Jacobs. “Wildflower is rewriting the rules for how artists grow. We build bold, modern strategies that connect culture, creativity, and community, with access to insiders that feels anything but ordinary.”
Wildflower has also launched Backstage Access Presents, focusing on VIP experiences, live event production and consultation. Its inaugural event is set to take place this summer.
Jacobs storied career includes stops at Hitmakers Magazine, HITS Magazine, Forefront Networks and more. She is the Founder of Leverage MPC, BSG Entertainment and Live In The Vineyard Goes Country.
Jacobs can be reached at Bobbii@wildflowerentgrp.com.
Hudson Westbrook Is ‘Texas Forever’ On Debut Album Due In July
/by Madison HahnenHudson Westbrook will release his debut album Texas Forever on July 25 via Warner Music Nashville/River House Artists.
The 17 track project will serve as a tribute to growing up in Texas, while showcasing Westbrook’s homegrown charisma. Themes found throughout the project include hard work, personal turmoil, family values and young love.
Westbrook serves as a co-writer on all 17 tracks, with other songwriting credits including Neil Medley, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton, Andrew DeRoberts, Beau Bailey and more. The album also features a collaboration with Mackenzie Carpenter with “Lie To Me.”
“I’m so proud of this record,” says Westbrook. “I love Texas, it’s shaped so much about who I am. We wrote 50-60 songs for this project and narrowed it down to 17 that I think really represent where I am in my life right now and what I love making as an artist: songs that sound like where I grew up, but read like something that just about anyone could relate to.
“I’ve been waiting for what feels like forever to tell y’all about this,” he continues. “I can’t wait for you to hear it and to play it for you on the road this summer.”
The title track, “Texas Forever,” was released today (May 30). Co-penned by Westbrook, Medley and DeRoberts, the ballad reminds listeners that some things will never change, and that’s what makes life beautiful.
Texas Forever Track List:
1. “Darlin’” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton, Neil Medley, Beau Bailey)
2. “Texas Forever” (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Andrew DeRoberts)
3. “Painted You Pretty” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Beau Bailey)
4. “Funny Seeing You Here” (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver)
5. “Fool” (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver)
6. “Momma Raised a Winner” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton)
7. “House Again” (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Dan Alley)
8. “Lie To Me” (feat. Mackenzie Carpenter) (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
9. “Burning Love” (Hudson Westbrook, Neil Medley, Summer Overstreet)
10. “Damn Good Taste In Whiskey” (Hudson Westbrook, Randy Montana)
11. “Only Girl” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton, Neil Medley, Beau Bailey)
12. “First Time” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton)
13. “Weatherman” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton, Neil Medley, Beau Bailey)
14. “Sober” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Neil Medley, Beau Bailey)
15. “Dressed Down” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton)
16. “Mine Tomorrow” (Hudson Westbrook, Dan Alley, Ryan Beaver)
17. “Hill I’ll Die On” (Hudson Westbrook, Lukas Scott, Reid Haughton, Beau Bailey)
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Sister Sadie Brings ‘Tart Lyric & Swaying Fiddling’
/by Robert K OermannSister Sadie
The country-music scene is thoughtful and contemplative today, with a solid lineup of slower fare.
Bucking the ballad trend in this edition of DISClaimer is the all-female band Sister Sadie. Its new music sounds like a blend of bluegrass and ‘90s country, and the fusion works like gangbusters. Check out our rollicking Disc of the Day winner, “Do What You Want.”
Taking home this week’s DISCovery Award is Zach John King.
THE STEELDRIVERS / “Booze and Cigarettes”
Writers: Tammy Rogers King/Verlon Thompson; Producer: The Steeldrivers; Label: Sun Records
– The SteelDrivers dropped their new Outrun album last week, and this single from it is a bluesy bluegrass treat. The lonely guy in the bar isn’t a regular…. yet. He’s just drinking and smoking by himself, because that’s what he deserves. The brisk tempo and hearty vocals sound just fine. The band is celebrating its 20th anniversary and dedicates the new set to late, lamented group mainstay, Mike Henderson.
JOSH TURNER / “Unsung Hero”
Writers: Josh Turner; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Label: MCA Nashville
– Turner wrote this about his grandfather, one of the “greatest generation” men who nobly fought in World War II. The rolling tempo, the swirling minor-key instrumental track and the singer’s resonant baritone give it oomph and drama.
HUDSON WESTBROOK & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “House Again”
Writers: Dan Alley/Hudson Westbrook/Neil Medley; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youmans; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a slow waltz with the singers swapping verses about the dissolution of a relationship and the empty house that used to be a home. The close-harmony vocal passages are twin-like. Perfectly executed.
RODNEY CROWELL & ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Taking Flight”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Rodney Crowell; Producer: Tyler Bryant; Label: New West Records
– A wanderer’s saga, complete with missteps, heartbreak and abandonment. The detail in the lyric is super engaging. Crowell and McBryde both sound resigned and world weary as the tale slowly unfolds. Rodney Crowell plays next Wednesday (June 4) at Cheekwood in its Under the Stars concert series. Showtime is 7 p.m. Be there.
JOHN MORGAN / “Kid Myself”
Writers: John Morgan/Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Brent Anderson; Label: Broken Bow Records
– He fell into a relationship when he was too young to know the ropes. Now he regrets how it all went down, because he misses her. Sincere sounding. Recommended.
LAINEY WILSON / “Somewhere Over Laredo”
Writers: Andy Albert/Dallas Wilson/Edgar Yipsel Harburg/Harold Arlen/Lainey Wilson/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– The song is okay, but her expressive, beautifully shaded and perfectly phrased vocal performance of it is topflight. The production frames the performance with exquisite, understated elegance.
ZACH JOHN KING / “Lose You”
Writers: Alex Hope/Sasha Alex Sloan/Zach John King; Producer: Ryan Wilson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Strummy, energetic and jaunty. Devotion, sung with verve and addictive hooks. I’m in.
DUSTIN LYNCH / “Easy To Love”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Dustin Lynch/Hunter Phelps/Jon Hall/Zach Crowell; Producer: none listed; Label: BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records
– An easy-going track accompanies a ditty about how tough it is for him to be in a relationship.
SISTER SADIE / “Do What You Want”
Writers: Dani Flowers/Erin Enderlin/Sharon Richardson; Producer: Deanie Richardson; Label: Mountain Home Music Company
– The much honored and applauded all-female bluegrass sextet returns with a totally cool, waltz-time outing of feisty, independent-female sass. A delightful listen, from the tart lyric to the swaying fiddling, from the glorious harmonies to the rowdy-gang finale. The schoolhouse video is a blast. The tune is drawn from the band’s All Will Be Well album, which drops on June 27. Can’t wait.
SHERYL CROW / “I Know”
Writer: Sheryl Crow; Producer: Sheryl Crow; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– This is Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition, the new Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee offers this poignant, soothing song that addresses her struggles with depression. The gentle, acoustic-based production surrounds her flawless soprano vocal with a lovely, wafting breeze of sound. We are so blessed to have this nine-time Grammy winner in our community.
JON BELLION & LUKE COMBS / “Why”
Writers: Aaron Dessner/Amy Allen/Blake Slatkin/Jonathan Bellion; Producers: Aaron Dessner, Blake Slatkin, Jon Bellion, Pete Nappi; Label: JB
– Pop singer and top producer Bellion enlisted country powerhouse Combs to join him on this powerful meditation about the fears and joys of fatherhood. The mighty Luke does not let him down, and the two dads communicate evocatively on the ballad. Thoroughly compelling listening.
GAVIN ADCOCK / “Never Call Again”
Writers: Colton Venner/Gavin Adcock/Jack Rauton/Joybeth Taylor; Producer: Jay Rodgers; Label: Thrivin Here Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Plaintive and aching. Singing at the top of his range, he burns with heartache.
REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “Strong”
Writers: Elisha Hoffman/Jennifer Fiedler/Rebecca Lynn Howard/Trey Smith; Producer: Elisha Hoffman; Label: Pump House Records
– ‘Keep on keepin’ on,’ sings Howard on this empowering, inspiring ballad. And does she sing. This lady remains one of our most potent country vocalists, and she shows in her comeback music that she has lost none of her fire. I was a fan when she emerged on the scene as a teenager in 1999, and I’m still a fan today. The new album, I’m Not Who You Think I Am, dropped earlier this month.