Hardy Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut; Releases New EP

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Hardy performs at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Tanner Gallagher

Hardy made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday night (April 29). Lainey Wilson provided a video introduction before the singer-songwriter took the stage. During the debut, Ella Langley joined Hardy on stage for a performance of him and Wilson’s hit “Wait In The Truck.”

Additionally, Hardy released his new EP Country! today (May 2) via Big Loud Records. The five-track project includes the previously released “Favorite Country Song” and “Buck On The Wall.”

Hardy co-wrote four out of the five tracks on the project, with additional writing credits from Ashley Gorley, Carson Wallace, Drew Parker, Jameson Rodgers, Zach Abend and more, with Joey Moi on production.

Hardy will also kick off his “Jim Bob World Tour” this month in Chula Vista, California. The tour will take him across the country and abroad with stops in Las Vegas, Kansas City, Atlanta, London, Glasgow, Dublin and more. Hardy also has several festival bills this summer, including Sand In My Boots Festival, Country Thunder Wisconsin, Boots & Hearts and more.

Country! Track List:
1. “Buck On The Wall” (Jameson Rodgers, Jeb Gipson, Matt Dragstrem, Michael Hardy)
2. “Car That Drove You Away” (Drew Parker, Geoff Warburton, Matt Roy, Zach Abend)
3. “Girl With A Gun” (Carson Wallace, Greylan James, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy)
4. “Luckiest Man Alive” (Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy)
5. “Favorite Country Song” (Ashley Gorley, Beau Bailey, Michael Hardy, Zach Abend)

Cody Jinks Slates New Album ‘In My Blood’ For July

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Cody Jinks has announced he’ll release his new album, In My Blood, on July 25 via Late August Records. He debuted the first track from the new project, “Found,” today (May 2).

Penned by Ward Davis, Brett Sheroky and Andrew Peebles, “Found” is a song that encourages listeners to embrace their journey of self-discovery no matter the obstacles they face, and sets the tone for a record rooted in authenticity, hard-earned wisdom, and the redemptive power of self-awareness.

Produced by Joshua Thompson and Charles Godfrey, In My Blood blends the raw storytelling of traditional honky-tonk with the intensity of Southern rock. Marked by Jinks’ signature sound and packed with emotionally charged lyrics  exploring themes of redemption, resilience, and the working-class struggle, the record is an exploration into a new chapter of the country singer’s life. The title track features a special collaboration with longtime friend Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, marking the first time the two artists have come together on a recording.

“I think that In My Blood, the song itself could be taken as the next chapter of Change the Game,” says Jinks. “We know what we did. We know where we’ve been. We know what we’ve done. In My Blood is why we keep doing it.”

Jinks will kick off his “Hippies and Cowboys Tour” on May 29 in Columbia, Missouri.

In My Blood Track List:
1. “Better Than the Bottle” (Cody Jinks / Tom McELvain)
2. “Lost Highway” (Cody Jinks)
3. “The Others” (Cody Jinks / Tennessee Jet / Ray Wylie Hubbard)
4. “In My Blood” (ft. Blackberry Smoke) (Cody Jinks / Charlie Starr)
5. “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (Cody Jinks)
6. “See the Man” (Cody Jinks)
7. “When You Can’t Remember” (Cody Jinks)
8. “Lonely Man” (Cody Jinks)
9. “Monster” (Cody Jinks / Ward Davis)
10. “Found” (Ward Davis / Brett Sheroky / Andrew Peebles)
11. “When Time Didn’t Fly” (Cody Jinks)

Riley Green Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Worst Way’

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Riley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan

Riley Green tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his solo-penned track “Worst Way.”

The song, which is already certified Platinum, is off of Green’s recent, third studio album Don’t Mind If I Do.

Following his sold-out shows in Canada, Green has added eight dates to his “Damn Country Music Tour.” The U.S. leg of the tour kicked off last night (May 1) in Athens, Georgia with upcoming dates featuring special guests such as Jamey Johnson, Drake White and Hannah McFarland.

“Worst Way” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 14 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

CMA Honors Songwriting Excellence At 2025 Triple Play Awards [Recap]

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Tiffany Kerns, Jordan Minton, Chase McGill, Jim Beavers, Charlie Handsome, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips, Sarah Trahern, David Conrad, Josh Thompson and Jessie Jo Dillon; (L-R, bottom row): John Byron, Rocky Block, Randy Montana, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps at the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: Acacia Evans/CMA

The Country Music Association gathered some of the genre’s most prolific songwriters earlier this week to celebrate the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The annual ceremony honors writers who have achieved the rare feat of penning three No. 1 songs within a 12-month span, highlighting the talent and tenacity behind country music’s biggest hits.

David Conrad receives the 2024 CMA Songwriter Advocate Award at the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: MultyCam/CMA

16 songwriters were recognized this year, with Ashley Gorley and Charlie Handsome each earning the award twice for their exceptional output. The full list of honorees includes Rocky Block, John Byron, Zach Crowell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Gorley, Handsome, Jelly Roll, Ben Johnson, Chase McGill, Jordan Minton, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen.

CMA Board member and acclaimed songwriter Jim Beavers served as host, bringing his signature wit and warmth to the night’s proceedings. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern welcomed guests with heartfelt remarks, stating, “Songwriters are truly the heartbeat of this industry… It’s a joy to be celebrating you tonight in this beautiful room.”

Before the awards were handed out, CMA paid tribute to the late Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville, who passed away earlier this year. A beloved advocate for songwriters, Vaughn’s legacy was honored through a moving video and a powerful writer’s round. Nicolle Galyon performed “Boy,” Thomas Rhett offered a heartfelt rendition of “Beer With Jesus” and Chris Stapleton closed the tribute with “Mountains Of My Mind.” Rhett Akins shared personal memories of Vaughn’s influence, underscoring the depth of his impact on the creative community.

In a major highlight of the night, legendary music publisher David Conrad was presented with the 2024 CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, honoring his decades-long impact on the songwriting world. A heartfelt video montage played before the presentation, featuring messages from artists, songwriters, and industry colleagues who’ve been shaped by Conrad’s mentorship and vision. Appearances included Gillian Welch, Mary Del Scobey, Thom Schuyler, Annie Roboff, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Marty Stuart, Jody Williams and Vince Gill.

Surprise performances from John Anderson (“Seminole Wind”) and Emmylou Harris (“Red Dirt Girl”) added to the moment, with both Hall of Fame artists acknowledging the role Conrad played in shaping their careers. Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Conrad reflected on his early days in Nashville and the mentors who guided him, before closing with an emotional, “I feel that I’m right where I was supposed to be.”

In another first for the event, CMA recognized 72 songwriters who earned their very first No. 1 hit since the last Triple Play celebration. Many of these rising talents were in attendance, marking a major career milestone and signaling the next wave of country music hitmakers.

With emotional tributes, unforgettable performances, and long-overdue recognition for those behind the scenes, the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards offered a poignant and powerful reminder of the songwriters who give country music its soul.

Belmont University Expands Dolly U

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Dolly U fellows Margo Dobbs, Mackenzie Thompson, Elise Olson, Ellie Thompson and Cece Twohey. Not pictured: Rachel Phinney, Jude Whalen, Hudson Blake and Riley McConnell. Photo: Sam Simpkinsr

Belmont University is growing its Dolly U initiative with new course offerings, a fresh cohort of student fellows, and the debut of exclusive merchandise, deepening its groundbreaking partnership with Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises.

Building on the momentum of its inaugural spring 2025 semester, the Fall 2025 Dolly U curriculum will include four immersive courses that explore various aspects of Dolly Parton’s life, artistry, and the upcoming Broadway-bound Dolly: An Original Musical, which premieres this summer at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

New classes include:

– Documentary Project, led by Annie Price, where journalism students will script “Dolly: The Making of a Musical” using behind-the-scenes footage from CTK Enterprises.

– Dolly: Documentary Editing, taught by Jennifer Bergen, a motion pictures course focusing on editing the same film in collaboration with writers.

– Dolly Parton: Songteller, co-taught by Jodi Marr and Victoria Banks, exploring the songwriting craft and cultural legacy of Parton’s most impactful works.

– Market Research, taught by Dr. Brandon Holle, which includes a hands-on research project tied to the development and marketing of the musical.

In addition to the fall courses, Belmont announced nine undergraduate students as the latest Dolly U Fellows. From June 2 to Aug. 8, the fellows will be embedded in various departments of the Dolly: An Original Musical production team, gaining real-world experience in roles spanning stage management, sound, costumes, video production, music direction and more. Each will work 28–40 hours per week, contributing to the musical’s development at the Fisher Center.

This summer’s fellows include:

– Ellie Thompson (music, musical theatre emphasis, ’26): general/company management
– Margo Dobbs (fashion design, ’26): costumes
– Rachel Phinney (theatre production design, ’26): costumes
– Elise Olson (theatre & drama, ’25): costumes
– Jude Whalen (music business with production emphasis, ’27): stage management
– Cece Twohey (audio engineering technology, ’26): sound
– Hudson Blake (musical theatre, music theory, ’25): music
– Riley McConnell (theatre performance, ’27): directing
– Mackenzie Thompson (motion picture production, ’27): video

“The expansion of Dolly U marks the next chapter in our innovative partnership with Dolly Parton and CTK Enterprises,” said Sarah Cates, Belmont’s VP for Imagination, Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships. “By expanding both our curriculum and the fellowship program, we’re creating unparalleled opportunities for students to develop professional skills alongside one of music’s most iconic figures.”

Timed with National College Decision Day, Dolly U merchandise has also been unveiled for the first time, available exclusively through Dolly Parton’s official online store this month. Several student ideas from the spring classes helped shape the first batch of merch.

Launched in January 2025, the Dolly U partnership provides hands-on, cross-disciplinary experiences while honoring Parton’s enduring cultural legacy. With new academic pathways and industry-facing opportunities, Belmont continues to redefine applied learning at the intersection of entertainment, creativity and community impact.

Lainey Wilson To Make Feature Film Debut

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Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson is set to make her feature film acting debut in Reminders of Him, the upcoming adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel.

Wilson joins a cast that reportedly includes Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford and Nicholas Duvernay. Directed by Vanessa Caswill, the film is slated for release on Feb. 13, 2026, via Universal Pictures.

The Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning artist is no stranger to the screen, having previously appeared as Abby, a musician, in the hit series Yellowstone. She also recently teamed up with Universal on last year’s blockbuster Twisters, contributing the original song “Out of Oklahoma” to its soundtrack.

Wilson’s acting news follows a string of major milestones for the Louisiana native. Her latest track, “Bell Bottoms Up,” dropped April 5 in celebration of National Bell Bottoms Day. Recorded at London’s historic Abbey Road Studios, the high-energy anthem nods to her signature style and shares its name with her Nashville bar. The fan favorite is currently featured on her “Whirlwind World Tour.”

Wilson is nominated for seven honors at the upcoming 60th Annual ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Whirlwind.

16th Annual ‘Darius & Friends’ Set For June 2

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Darius Rucker will return to the Ryman Auditorium for his 16th annual “Darius and Friends” on June 2, benefitting St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.

The tradition has raised $4.3 million to date, and has brought out guests such as Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Dan + Shay, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Jelly Roll, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Megan Moroney, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and Tommy Thayer of KISS, and many more.

Rucker first toured St. Judes for the first time two decades ago. Since then, he has been committed to his philanthropic work.

Pre-sale tickets are available now, with general sale beginning tomorrow (May 2) at 10 a.m. CST here.

The Castellows Announce New ‘Homecoming’ EP & Tour

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The Castellows shared with fans while on stage at their debut Stagecoach appearance this past weekend that they’ll release their new Homecoming EP on May 30 via Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records.

The trio recently released “Sheltered” from the upcoming project, an autobiographical tune that explores the unique life experiences they had being homeschooled and growing up on a farm. Earlier this year, the Georgia-born singers released their take on Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” and their collaboration with Flatland Cavalry, “Place They Call Home,” which also appear on the new EP.

YouTube video

“Homecoming encompasses the way we’ve been feeling for the last year,” say The Castellows. “A lot of these songs are very personal to us and share our convictions about the world. We take our listeners on a bit of a journey through these songs, and our hope is that they’ll get to know us better after listening. One way to sum up the EP is through our favorite lyric on the whole project. It’s from the chorus of ‘Freeway’: ‘You don’t know what you’re feeling until you hear it in a song.’”

The band also revealed they’ll be hitting the road this fall for their headlining “The Homecoming Tour,” kicking off in Austin on Sept. 13.

Homecoming Track List:
1. “Old Way” (Ellie Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Casey Beathard, and Jimi Bell)
2. “Sheltered” (Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom and Daniel Tashian)
3. “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” (Gretchen Peters)
4. “Place They Call Home” (Feat. Flatland Cavalry) (Ellie Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Cleto Cordero)
5. “Freeway” (Ellie Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, and Matt Jenkins)
6. “Broke” (Ellie Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Erik Dylan)
7. “Homecoming” (Ellie Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Colby Acuff)

“The Homecoming Tour” Dates:
SEP 13 — Austin, TX — Antone’s
OCT 2 — Raleigh, NC — Lincoln Theatre
OCT 3 — Charlotte, NC — Amos’ Southend
OCT 10 — Athens, GA — Georgia Theatre
OCT 17 — Lincoln, NE — Bourbon Theatre
OCT 18 — Kansas City, MO — PBR Big Sky Bar
OCT 24 — Asheville, NC — Grey Eagle
OCT 30 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl
NOV 7 — College Station, TX — Stage 12 @ Brookshire Brothers
NOV 8 — The Woodlands, TX — Dosey Doe
NOV 13 — Allentown, PA — Arrow @ Archer Music Hall
NOV 14 — New York, NY — Mercury Lounge
NOV 20 — Minneapolis, MN — Fine Line
NOV 21 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave II
NOV 22 — Chicago, IL — Joe’s on Weed

IBMA Bluegrass Live! Unveils Lineup

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The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has unveiled the lineup for this year’s IBMA Bluegrass Live! in partnership with Chattanooga Tourism Co. and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. The festival, set for Sept. 19-20, will be headlined by Sierra Ferrell, The Wood Brothers, Sierra Hull, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Alison Brown, Sister Sadie and Jim Lauderdale & The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, among others.

Additional talent includes Missy Raines & Allegheny, Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Woody Platt & The Bluegrass Gentlemen, East Nash Grass, Mountain Grass Unit, Authentic Unlimited, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Trey Hensley, Unspoken Tradition, Wyatt Ellis, Mason Via, DownRiver Collective, The Often Herd and Kids on Bluegrass, with more to be announced at a later date.

After 12 years in Raleigh, North Carolina, IBMA World of Bluegrass marks a new chapter with the move to Chattanooga announced last year. Key venues will include the Chattanooga Convention Center, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium and multiple locations throughout downtown, with live performances scheduled across Miller Park, Miller Plaza and Patten Square.

“We’re thrilled to welcome IBMA Bluegrass Live! back to Tennessee—another great moment for our state’s rich musical heritage. The move to Chattanooga is a fit that ‘sounds perfect,’” says Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “This event is more than just a celebration of bluegrass. It’s a chance to bring people together, boost the local economy and share Tennessee’s incredible music story with the world.”

IBMA Bluegrass Live! in partnership with Chattanooga Tourism Co. and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is part of the five-day IBMA World of Bluegrass event. The week also includes the IBMA Business Conference, IBMA Bluegrass Ramble, and the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, taking place Sept. 16-20.

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment and we’re thrilled that IBMA World of Bluegrass is finally coming home to Chattanooga—a city deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of bluegrass music,” shares Barry White, President and CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co. “This lineup is extraordinary, showcasing some of the brightest talent in bluegrass today and we can’t wait to welcome music fans from around the world to experience our community. Chattanooga is ready to make this first year unforgettable, filled with incredible music, Southern hospitality and a warm welcome for bluegrass enthusiasts everywhere.”

“As the IBMA turns 40 this year, there’s no better way to celebrate our anniversary than by kicking off the biggest week in bluegrass in Chattanooga,” says Ken White, Executive Director of the IBMA. “Our attendees will soon discover what we’ve already experienced—it is truly the Scenic City, and the people are friendly, welcoming and love bluegrass. It will be like a bluegrass homecoming.”

Tickets and hotel reservations will open to IBMA members on May 7 and to the general public on May 14. More information is available here.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kelsea Ballerini Lets Go Of Emotional Baggage

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Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Nyk Allen, Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

As the spring season warms up, country artists are upping the tempo.

Offering excellent upbeat efforts this week are Josh Ross, Jake Worthington & Marty Stuart, Colbie Caillat & Russell Dickerson, HuneyFire and our Disc of the Day awardee, Kelsea Ballerini.

The DISCovery Award du jour is Christian Hayes.

CHRISTIAN HAYES / “Through It All”
Writers: Christian Hayes/Jonah Kagen; Producer: Jonah Kagen; Label: Capitol Records
– Strikingly different and way cool. There’s an ear-catching twang-jangle guitar clanging beneath his folkie tenor vocal. The ballad is embellished by falsetto yodel leaps on the choruses as he struggles to find equilibrium following a failed relationship.

COLBIE CAILLAT & RUSSELL DICKERSON / “If You Love Me Let Me Go”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Jamie Scott/John Ryan/Julian Bunetta; Producers: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– Deliciously melodic. They twin-harmonize splendidly, the percussion track thumps softly, guitars twinkle in the mix and the production is flawless. I am in love with this sound. Play it again.

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER / “Bitter Ender”
Writer: Mary Chapin Carpenter; Producer: Josh Kaufman; Label: Lambent Light Records
– Acoustic strumming, harmonica and spare percussion set the mood for her smoky alto delivery. The compelling lyric describes a hopeful heart that always seems to end affairs on an angry, rueful note. Marvelously listenable, the track is an advance of Personal History, her 17th album, due next month.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “Baggage”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Hillary Lindsey/Jessie Jo Dillon/Karen Fairchild/Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini; Label: Black River Entertainment
– She’s feeling frisky and free, because she’s letting go of her emotional baggage. The country-rock track features a gal-pal sing-along finale, rapid guitar strums, bouncing rhythm and a searing electric guitar break. Sing and dance along.

DYLAN MARLOWE & CONNOR SMITH / “Country In the Clouds”
Writers: Brent Anderson/David Medlin/Dylan Marlowe/Jameson Rodgers/Zach Abend; Producers: Joe Fox, Zach Abend; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Breezy brushed rhythms and sparkling steel, banjo and guitar licks underscore a lyric that imagines a blissful Heaven that is full of all things country.

JAKE WORTHINGTON & MARTY STUART / “I’m the One”
Writers: Jake Worthington/Jenna LaMaster/Marty Stuart; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Marty’s twangin’ electric guitar sets the pace. Worthington’s Possum-and-Lefty influenced vocal bends notes every whichaway on this rompin’ rockbilly raveup. A complete blast from the first note to the cold close. A mini-masterpiece.

HUNEYFIRE / “Gonna Live (How I Wanna Live)”
Writers: Caitlin Evanson/Cheaza Figueroa/Denny Mishler/Michael Vittima; Producer: Cheaza Figueroa; Label: Double Decades Entertainment
– The mother-daughter duo returns with a rocker that sports a lively Bo Diddley beat, handclaps, stinging electric guitar and a furiously sawing fiddle. The have-fun lyric is perfect for summertime.

LOCASH / “Wrong Hearts”
Writers: Chris Lucas/Josh Thompson/Matt Dragstrem/Preston Brust; Producer: Jacob Rice; Label: Galaxy Label Group
– He thanks all his bad decisions because they led him to her. Sung with heart and country confidence.

WILLIE NELSON / “What Kind of Love”
Writers: Rodney Crowell/Roy Orbison/Will Jennings; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy Recordings
– Willie turned 92 years old this week and celebrated by releasing his latest album, Oh What a Beautiful World. The gorgeous title tune is out as a single. The collection kicks off with this stately, echoey track anchored by the superstar’s emotive reading of its meditation-on-devotion lyric. The entire collection consists of Rodney Crowell songs, which is truly a match made in heaven. I am definitely going to buy this record.

MOE BANDY / “You Don’t Have Very Far To Go”
Writers: Merle Haggard/Red Simpson; Producer: Jimmy Capps; Label: StarVista
– I think of this song as a country classic, so I was shocked to find that it has never been a hit single. Haggard co-wrote and sang the original version in 1964. It has since been covered by a country who’s-who, including Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely, Roy Clark, Rosanne Cash, Lucinda Williams, Johnny Paycheck, Suzy Bogguss and The Grascals. Bandy’s rendition is rather thinly produced. It’s drawn from his Songs I Missed album, which drops tomorrow (May 2).

JOSH ROSS / “Hate How You Look”
Writers: Chris McKenna/Christian Yancey/Jessica Farren/Nicholas Sainato; Producer: Matt Geroux; Label: Core Entertainment
– Ross is the current Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Entertainer of the Year and the winner of the CMA’s Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award. His latest is a marvelously well written toe tapper. It’s not just how good she looks in that red dress—he also hates how she looks “movin’ on” with somebody new. The superbly produced track soars right along with his powerful delivery. It made me feel like soaring, too.

CHRIS JANSON / “Me & A Beer”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Ashley Gorley/Chris Janson/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Andy Sheridan, Chris Janson; Label: Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Music Nashville
– He can’t do much hard work, pick up girls, go hunting or relax unless he has a beer in his hand. If you say so…..

COFFEY ANDERSON / “Happy and You Know It Drink a Beer”
Writers: Carlo Colasacco/James Slater/Kate Sykes/Styles Haury; Producer: Carlo Colasacco; Label: Lakeside Entertainment
– This repetitive folk ditty has a history as a children’s tune as well as a drinking song. Granger Smith previously brought it to country music as the latter (2020’s ”Country and Ya Know It”). It’s not a particularly challenging vocal piece. Anderson is appropriately jaunty and simple.