Today, we visit with old friends in DISClaimer.
Jeannie Seely, Tracy Byrd, Billy Ray Cyrus and Trace Adkins all dropped by with new sounds. Brett Eldredge and Chris Young are entering new phases of their careers.
Vying for the Disc of the Day prize are Eldredge, Old Dominion and our winner, the bi-lingual Cody Johnson & Carín León duet.
Taking home a DISCovery Award is Caroline Jones.
ALEX MILLER & TRACY BYRD / “The Byrd”
Writers: Alex Miller/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– A boatload of fun. Dropping Byrd’s hit titles into the lyric of this rockabilly romp was a good place to start. A zippy production and pluperfect honky tonk vocals from both men are dandy additions. Loved it.
BRETT ELDREDGE / “Lonestar Lovers”
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Heather Morgan/Jon Green/Jordan Lehning; Producer: Jon Green; Label: Warm and Cozy Records
– Awesome. His voice has never sounded more lustrous, romantic and heartfelt. With synth strings soaring above him, Eldredge takes total mastery of this superb love ballad. I’ve always been a fan, and this just makes me even fonder of him. An artist at the peak of his powers.
ASHLEY COOKE / “The F Word”
Writers: Emily Weisband/Lori McKenna/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Loud Records
– Nominated as New Female Artist of the Year by the ACM, Cooke warbles this cute ditty like a songbird. The lilting ballad shifts between airy soprano sighing, whispered intimacy, honeyed romance and open-throated devotion. Highly listenable.
OLD DOMINION / “Me Most Nights”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Audio brilliance, as usual. The interplay between the guitars, the voices and the beats is just delicious. This ensemble just might be the most talented band in country music.
BOOMTOWN SAINTS / “This Side of the Dirt”
Writers: Adrienne Follese/Ben Chism/Chris Ramos/Keith Follese; Producers: Gary Kraen, Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– Stirring and uplifting. In this power ballad, they sing of living life to the fullest and cherishing adventure as we make our way through our time on earth. Ramos and Chism have carved out a special niche as one of our stellar indie duos. Keep singing, fellas—you’re coming in loud and clear.
CHRIS YOUNG / “Til the Last One Dies”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Jordan Walker/Seth Mosley; Producers: Andy Sheridan, Chris Young; Label: Black River Entertainment
– He’s really, really good at this romance-music stuff. His baritone is so warm and inviting, it’s impossible to resist.
JEANNIE SEELY & MADELINE EDWARDS / “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)”
Writers: Jeannie Seely/Judith Arbuckle/Pat Sheeran/Randy Newman; Producers: Madeline Edwards, Rob McNelley; Label: Sony Music Publishing
– This is one sultry dose of ‘60s southern soul. This was Seely’s first success as a songwriter when Irma Thomas introduced it in 1964. The tune has since been recorded by Seal, Ruby Amanfu, Boyz II Men, The Ballroom Thieves and several others. Edwards and Seely bring it back in a languid, steamy duet arrangement. It’s part of a Women’s History Month initiative by Sony Publishing that re-imagines Seely’s songs for a new generation.
CODY JOHNSON & CARÍN LEÓN / “She Hurts Like Tequila”
Writers: Cody Johnson/Johan Sotelo/Orlando Aispuro Meneses/Oscar Armando Diaz de Leon Huez/Trent Willmon; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Cojo embraces his Lone Star State’s Hispanic heritage with this sublimely country waltz that blends Mexicali guitar, accordion and steel guitar. Latin superstar Carín León alternates with Spanish verses. A bi-lingual triumph. In a word, gracias.
CAROLINE JONES / “No Tellin’”
Writers: Caroline Jones/Clara Park/Lauren McLamb; Producers: Caroline Jones, Julian Raymond, Ric Wake; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Jones steps out from her membership in the Zac Brown Band with this snappy, bluegrassy stomper that rocks from start to finish. She’s vowing to spill the beans on her no-good ex so that he can’t hurt the next gal who falls for him. Tempo pleasure.
TRACE ADKINS / “That Someday”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Trace Adkins; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Verge Records Nashville
– You can hear this dark revenge ballad during the closing credits of the new action film Day of Reckoning in which Adkins appears. Dramatic and doomy.
KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Southern Man”
Writers: Bear Rinehart/Kashus Culpepper; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records
– The slippery slide guitar work of Marcus King sizzles throughout this single. Culpepper’s Alabama-proud vocal struts his stuff while King answers every chorus instrumentally. Southern rock lives, but I liked Culpepper better when he was honky-tonkin.’
BILLY RAY CYRUS / “Ask”
Writers: Ben Burgess/Billy Ray Cyrus/Brandon Manley/Yung Lan; Producers: Brandon Manley, Eric Hurt, Yung Lan; Label: Roam Man Productions
– Eerie sounding. Cyrus speaks the lines in a dusty, deep baritone while guitars doodle in an echo chamber and a soprano wordlessly ooh’s off in the distance. Weird and strange.
MADDIE & TAE / “Drunk Girls in Bathrooms”
Writers: Jamie Moore/Maddie Font/Ryan Beaver/Taylor Kerr; Producer: Josh Kerr; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Now here’s a topic you don’t find addressed in songs every day. In this one, the Women’s Room is a merry place where ladies share confidences, makeup and love. They pick you up when you’re down and hold your hair when you puke. Best of all, this is all sung with a saucy, ultra-fun, joyful, upbeat production. A single with a built-in smile.
Ernest Teams With Big Loud To Fire Up DeVille Records
/by Lorie HollabaughErnest. Photo: Delaney Royer
Ernest has launched his own label, DeVille Records, in conjunction with Big Loud Records.
The new joint venture is focused on artist development, personal song craft, creative swagger and a collaborative spirit, and is designed to build careers for the long haul—just like Ernest’s prized Cadillac DeVille. Chandler Walters, Rhys Rutherford and Cody Lohden are the first signings to the new label’s roster.
“We’re going to build this thing wide and on concrete,” says Ernest. “Artist development. Write the songs and do it the old-school way. Make the videos, see the vision, help the vision come to life.”
“We have been in business with Ernest for almost a decade. What started with Ern as a young prolific songwriter-artist in Big Loud’s publishing hallways, has evolved into so much more over the years,” Big Loud CEO/Partner Seth England shares. “Our partnerships in Ern’s Cadillac Music have gone so well, and his desire to create DeVille Records alongside of it made sense. Ernest himself grew in an independent and cultural environment much like the one he desires to create. He and I have talked about this day for years, and all of the unique ways we could help break the next wave of prolific artists. Kudos to Rhys, Cody and Chandler for buying into this vision and supporting this unique rollout style with our upcoming DeVille project.”
Chandler Walters, a native of Marietta, Georgia, is a seasoned steel-guitar player touring with Post Malone and Ernest, and a multi-Platinum, all-genre No. 1 songwriter with Post Malone’s five-times Platinum “I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen)”.
Cody Lohden is a singer-songwriter and former firefighter/paramedic who was drawn to the simplicity of country craftsmen like Keith Whitley and Don Williams and the greasy grit of rockers like Bob Seger, and has spent the last few years on a unique story of self-styled success.
The son of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rivers Rutherford, Nashville native Rhys Rutherford has a commanding baritone vocal, and the emerging songwriter’s first batch of tunes were just beginning to land when Ernest encouraged him to pursue a career as an artist.
The first project to be released on DeVille, Cadillac Sessions, is a mixtape-style compilation featuring two new originals and one cover from Ernest, Walters, Rutherford and Lohden, plus additional superstar guests. Honky tonk, Western swing, ’90s country, and more collide with vivid imagery and modern hooks on the new project, which will be released May 9.
Kacey Musgraves’ ‘Deeper Well’ Receives RIAA Gold Certification
/by Madison HahnenKacey Musgraves‘ latest studio album Deeper Well has been certified Gold by the RIAA, just over a year after its release.
Upon release, the project became Musgraves’ biggest sales debut week, claiming the N0. 2 spot on the US Albums Chart. The album was also her fifth consecutive project to debut at No. 1 on the Country Albums chart. It also saw success oversees, amassing five UK Specialist N0. 1 awards and was No. 3 on the official albums chart. Deeper Well was also represented with nominations at the CMA and Grammy awards, with track “The Architect” winning Best Country Song at the 2025 Grammy awards.
To celebrate one year of the album, Musgraves, in collaboration with Blood Records, has released a limited edition liquid vinyl variant of the deluxe record, Deeper Into The Well, available here.
Morgan Wallen’s ‘I’m The Problem’ Remains At No. 1 On MusicRow Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen keeps the No. 1 position this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track “I’m The Problem.”
The song is the title track for Wallen’s upcoming fourth studio album I’m The Problem, and was written by Wallen, Grady Block, Jamie McLaughlin, Ernest K. Smith and Charlie Handsome.
Wallen is set to kick off his “I’m The Problem Tour” on May 18 at the Sand In My Boots Festival in Gulf Shores Alabama. Throughout the summer the artist has stops in cities such as Houston, Texas; Madison, Wisconsin; Miami Gardens, Florida; Glendale, Arizona; Seattle, Washington; Santa Clara, California and more.
“I’m The Problem” currently sits at No. 5 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.
Alison Krauss & Union Station, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Among Lineup For 2025 Earl Scruggs Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe fourth annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival has revealed the lineup for this year’s event at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina, on Aug. 29-31.
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas will serve as headliners, joined by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Watchhouse, The Wood Brothers, The War And Treaty, The Earls of Leicester, Sierra Hull and more.
Taking place every year over Labor Day Weekend since 2022, the three-day event celebrates Scruggs, a North Carolina banjo legend, whose groundbreaking three-finger picking technique established the standard for bluegrass and deeply influenced the sound of American roots music, impacting generations of country, folk and even rock musicians.
For the first time this year, attendees can can stay on-site with lodging options at Tryon International Equestrian Center. The brand-new Overmountain Lodge is now open for reservations, just steps from the festival grounds. Additionally, guests can book cabins, or use tent and RV camping.
Advance-price tickets are currently on sale, with both three-day and one-day general admission tickets and upgrade packages available. More details are available here.
WCM & Warrior Poet Music Sign Global Publishing Deal With Chandler Brown
/by LB CantrellWarner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, Chandler Brown and Warrior Poet Music’s Devin Dawson. Photo: Gina Di Maio
Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Warrior Poet Music have partnered to sign rising singer-songwriter Chandler Brown to a global publishing deal.
Integrating country and alternative styles, he is known for his unique sound that he calls “yallternative.” Brown released his debut single “Raise My Voice” today (April 4), produced by hit WCM songwriter Devin Dawson and Jacob Durrett.
“It’s rare to come across such a unique and talented artist as Chandler Brown,” shares Spencer Nohe, Vice President, A&R, WCM Nashville. “I’m so grateful to Devin for bringing him to us to partner with and for being an instrumental part of his songwriting and artist development. I’m incredibly inspired by every song he writes and cannot wait to release the music he’s been making.”
Dawson, Founder, Warrior Poet Music, shares, “Chandler is a force to be reckoned with. It’s been such a pleasure to get to know him and help develop his talent over the last few years. His depth of influences and creativity, paired with his work ethic and clarity of vision, is a deadly combination. On top of all that, the kid can SING! He is a steadfast husband, father, and friend and has become like a brother to me. I feel so lucky to be a small part of his realm. I’m ecstatic to start releasing his music and get to introduce the world to his. Thank you to Spencer Nohe and Ben Vaughn at Warner Chappell for believing in Chandler and me. I couldn’t think of a better flagship writer/artist signing for me and Warrior Poet Music.”
“Signing a publishing deal with Devin and WCM is something I could have only dreamed about a few years ago,” Brown adds. “Devin and I first crossed paths at a pivotal point in my life, and it was clear from the very first song we wrote together that we’re cut from the same cloth because of our musical backgrounds. He’s helped me tell my story in a way I never knew was possible, and I’m excited to keep chipping away at it with a dream team behind me.”
Since his 2015 arrival in Music City, Brown has relentlessly honed his craft as a songwriter and artist. Since 2022, he has played over 600 shows in Nashville’s historic honky tonk district on Lower Broadway.
Industry Ink: Live Nation Women, BMI, Haley Moriva, More
/by Lorie HollabaughLive Nation Women Support She Is The Music, Billboard Women In Music Events
Pictured (L-R): Ali Harnell – President of Live Nation Women, Fabi Kulick – Head of Latin Tour Marketing for Live Nation Concerts, Deirdre McCready – EVP of Sales & Special Events at Live Nation Special Events, Julie Matway, COO of County Nation at Live Nation Concerts
Live Nation Women recently sponsored the inaugural She Is The Music Women Sharing the Spotlight event, which recognized trailblazers in the industry along with Alicia Keys honoring Gracie Abrams and her women-led team. LNW also celebrated strong Live Nation representation at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music Awards honoring influential women in music, spanning artists and industry leaders.
BMI Affiliates Mix It Up At ‘Next Big Wave’ Event
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Kaylee Rose, Alli Leighann, Laura Pearson, Carter Windham, Abby Christo, BMI’s Jackson Kiger connect at BMI’s Next Big Wave Mixer in Nashville. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI
BMI welcomed more than 80 affiliates to its Nashville office on Tuesday (Aprril 1) for its “Next Big Wave” mixer, which provided an exclusive networking opportunity for songwriters seeking a first-time publishing deal. The event was hosted by BMI’s Leslie Roberts, and featured speaker Warner Chappell writer Heath Warren, who co-wrote Bailey Zimmerman’s No. 1 “Rock And A Hard Place.”
BMI’s Nashville Creative team was on site to offer guidance and connect with emerging songwriters, who enjoyed food and beverages during the evening. Past notable participants include Hardy, Jon Langston, Michael Ray, Mikey Reaves, Rocky Block and many more.
Haley Moriva Launches True North Publicity
Haley Moriva. Photo: Derrek Kupish
Haley Moriva has launched a new full-service public relations firm, True North Publicity. Moriva has nearly a decade of experience leading strategic media and branding campaigns working in media relations, event publicity, artist development, and strategic brand storytelling, and most recently served as Publicity Manager and Management Assistant at Adkins Entertainment. Prior to her tenure at Adkins Entertainment, Moriva served as Vice President of Creative and Live Events at Red River Records, where she led branding and marketing efforts that landed corporate partnerships with Wrangler, Boot Barn, and Texas Roadhouse.
“Launching True North Publicity is the culmination of years of experience and a deep passion for amplifying clients’ voices in competitive industries,” says Moriva. “Our mission is to guide clients toward their goals with innovative strategies, powerful storytelling, and a relentless commitment to results.”
Reach Moriva at haley@truenorthpublicity.com.
Tyler Nance Signs With Redline Entertainment
Tyler Nance with Larry Blackford and Wes Mayers of Redline Entertainment
Tyler Nance has signed a management deal with Redline Entertainment, a management and artist development company based in Nashville. The Missouri native’s debut EP Wasted Chances has amassed over four million streams, and the 21-year-old has already found himself playlisted on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Country, All New Country and Next From Nashville. He’s currently on tour with Kidd G. Nance is managed by Larry Blackford and Wes Mayers at Redline Entertainment.
Lorie Liebig Launches Barnburner
Lorie Liebig
Music journalist Lorie Liebig has launched Barnburner, a new online editorial website focused on music, politics, and culture through a wide-lens perspective. Barnburner‘s founder and Editor-In-Chief Liebig has spent over 15 years in the music industry and previously worked as Managing Editor of Wide Open Country and The Boot, with her byline also appearing in Rolling Stone, NPR Music, No Depression, American Songwriter, Nashville Scen, and Grammy.com, among others. Her efforts to support equality and inclusivity within country music have been cited in multiple online articles and published books, and led to the creation of her 2019 fan-voted SXSW panel.
Liebig can be reached at lorie@barnburnermag.com.
BREAKING: Candice Watkins Exits Big Loud
/by LB CantrellCandice Watkins
Candice Watkins has resigned from her post as SVP, Marketing at Big Loud Records after more than six years with the label.
Watkins led the label’s marketing efforts across its many ventures and partnerships, executing creative strategy and bold, cross-platform campaigns for artists such as Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Hailey Whitters, Stephen Wilson Jr., Charles Wesley Godwin and more. She spurred introductory campaigns for Jake Worthington, Lauren Watkins, Ashley Cooke and Dylan Gossett, among others, while embarking on major campaign efforts for heavy hitters Lauren Alaina, Ernest, Larry Fleet and more.
Prior to joining Big Loud in 2018, Watkins served as Sr. Director of Marketing & Artist Development at UMG Nashville and preceded with stops at Red Light Management, Mozes Inc., Borman Entertainment and Martingale Entertainment.
Watkins is currently talking through new opportunities.
Kiley Donohoe Launches Greenhouse Management
/by LB CantrellKiley Donohoe
Kiley Donohoe has launched an independent management company, Greenhouse Management.
The roster includes current ACM-nominated multi-hyphenate Ernest, burgeoning multi-instrumentalist-turned-singer-songwriter Chandler Walters, as well as rising artist-writers Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford.
“A greenhouse is transparent — it lets the sun shine through on what it’s growing,” Donohoe shares. “It’s important to me that Greenhouse Management is a place where artists, employees, and anyone in our business feels safe and supported in their personal and professional growth. I’m honored to help foster this environment and grow something different here in Nashville.”
Reach Donohoe at kiley@greenhouse-mgmt.com.
Anne Wilson Releases ‘Apple Music Nashville Sessions’ EP
/by Lorie HollabaughAnne Wilson has partnered with Apple Music for an exclusive EP, Apple Music Nashville Sessions, available now.
The four song project offers new renditions on some of Wilson’s biggest tracks, including current radio hit “The Cross,” “Graves Into Graves,” “What A Beautiful Name” and “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” with Gabby Barrett.
Wilson recently wrapped a 38-city run on the “Winter Jam 2025 Tour,” including a show sold-out show at Bridgestone Arena. She’ll join Morgan Wallen’s “I’m The Problem Tour” on select dates later this year.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson & Carín León Team For Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannToday, we visit with old friends in DISClaimer.
Jeannie Seely, Tracy Byrd, Billy Ray Cyrus and Trace Adkins all dropped by with new sounds. Brett Eldredge and Chris Young are entering new phases of their careers.
Vying for the Disc of the Day prize are Eldredge, Old Dominion and our winner, the bi-lingual Cody Johnson & Carín León duet.
Taking home a DISCovery Award is Caroline Jones.
ALEX MILLER & TRACY BYRD / “The Byrd”
Writers: Alex Miller/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– A boatload of fun. Dropping Byrd’s hit titles into the lyric of this rockabilly romp was a good place to start. A zippy production and pluperfect honky tonk vocals from both men are dandy additions. Loved it.
BRETT ELDREDGE / “Lonestar Lovers”
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Heather Morgan/Jon Green/Jordan Lehning; Producer: Jon Green; Label: Warm and Cozy Records
– Awesome. His voice has never sounded more lustrous, romantic and heartfelt. With synth strings soaring above him, Eldredge takes total mastery of this superb love ballad. I’ve always been a fan, and this just makes me even fonder of him. An artist at the peak of his powers.
ASHLEY COOKE / “The F Word”
Writers: Emily Weisband/Lori McKenna/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Loud Records
– Nominated as New Female Artist of the Year by the ACM, Cooke warbles this cute ditty like a songbird. The lilting ballad shifts between airy soprano sighing, whispered intimacy, honeyed romance and open-throated devotion. Highly listenable.
OLD DOMINION / “Me Most Nights”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Audio brilliance, as usual. The interplay between the guitars, the voices and the beats is just delicious. This ensemble just might be the most talented band in country music.
BOOMTOWN SAINTS / “This Side of the Dirt”
Writers: Adrienne Follese/Ben Chism/Chris Ramos/Keith Follese; Producers: Gary Kraen, Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– Stirring and uplifting. In this power ballad, they sing of living life to the fullest and cherishing adventure as we make our way through our time on earth. Ramos and Chism have carved out a special niche as one of our stellar indie duos. Keep singing, fellas—you’re coming in loud and clear.
CHRIS YOUNG / “Til the Last One Dies”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Jordan Walker/Seth Mosley; Producers: Andy Sheridan, Chris Young; Label: Black River Entertainment
– He’s really, really good at this romance-music stuff. His baritone is so warm and inviting, it’s impossible to resist.
JEANNIE SEELY & MADELINE EDWARDS / “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)”
Writers: Jeannie Seely/Judith Arbuckle/Pat Sheeran/Randy Newman; Producers: Madeline Edwards, Rob McNelley; Label: Sony Music Publishing
– This is one sultry dose of ‘60s southern soul. This was Seely’s first success as a songwriter when Irma Thomas introduced it in 1964. The tune has since been recorded by Seal, Ruby Amanfu, Boyz II Men, The Ballroom Thieves and several others. Edwards and Seely bring it back in a languid, steamy duet arrangement. It’s part of a Women’s History Month initiative by Sony Publishing that re-imagines Seely’s songs for a new generation.
CODY JOHNSON & CARÍN LEÓN / “She Hurts Like Tequila”
Writers: Cody Johnson/Johan Sotelo/Orlando Aispuro Meneses/Oscar Armando Diaz de Leon Huez/Trent Willmon; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Cojo embraces his Lone Star State’s Hispanic heritage with this sublimely country waltz that blends Mexicali guitar, accordion and steel guitar. Latin superstar Carín León alternates with Spanish verses. A bi-lingual triumph. In a word, gracias.
CAROLINE JONES / “No Tellin’”
Writers: Caroline Jones/Clara Park/Lauren McLamb; Producers: Caroline Jones, Julian Raymond, Ric Wake; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Jones steps out from her membership in the Zac Brown Band with this snappy, bluegrassy stomper that rocks from start to finish. She’s vowing to spill the beans on her no-good ex so that he can’t hurt the next gal who falls for him. Tempo pleasure.
TRACE ADKINS / “That Someday”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Trace Adkins; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Verge Records Nashville
– You can hear this dark revenge ballad during the closing credits of the new action film Day of Reckoning in which Adkins appears. Dramatic and doomy.
KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Southern Man”
Writers: Bear Rinehart/Kashus Culpepper; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records
– The slippery slide guitar work of Marcus King sizzles throughout this single. Culpepper’s Alabama-proud vocal struts his stuff while King answers every chorus instrumentally. Southern rock lives, but I liked Culpepper better when he was honky-tonkin.’
BILLY RAY CYRUS / “Ask”
Writers: Ben Burgess/Billy Ray Cyrus/Brandon Manley/Yung Lan; Producers: Brandon Manley, Eric Hurt, Yung Lan; Label: Roam Man Productions
– Eerie sounding. Cyrus speaks the lines in a dusty, deep baritone while guitars doodle in an echo chamber and a soprano wordlessly ooh’s off in the distance. Weird and strange.
MADDIE & TAE / “Drunk Girls in Bathrooms”
Writers: Jamie Moore/Maddie Font/Ryan Beaver/Taylor Kerr; Producer: Josh Kerr; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Now here’s a topic you don’t find addressed in songs every day. In this one, the Women’s Room is a merry place where ladies share confidences, makeup and love. They pick you up when you’re down and hold your hair when you puke. Best of all, this is all sung with a saucy, ultra-fun, joyful, upbeat production. A single with a built-in smile.