Sabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton
Today is a day for collabs at DISClaimer.
Of the tracks we’re spotlighting today, fully half of them are vocal collaborations, and three of those are mash-ups between country stars and pop headliners. One of them, the smile-awhile meeting of new pop diva Sabrina Carpenter and country megastar Dolly Parton is our Disc of the Day. By the way, if the lyric seems oblique, check out Carpenter’s solo video of “Please Please Please.” Trust me, it will all make sense.
But if you’re looking for the perfect country solo performance to become an instant-add to your playlist, look no further than Dierks Bentley.
The DISCovery Award contenders are Zach John King and Austin Snell. That’s no contest at all. King walks away with the trophy.
GRAHAM BARHAM / “Oil Money”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Graham Barham/Sam Bergeson; Producers: Sam Bergeson, Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– He has a cool hillbilly delivery loaded with reverb. The leering lyric is weirdly ear catching (“She’s got a body like oil money,” anyone?). I could have done without the “country-trap fusion” computer rhythm track, but this thing probably has legs. One question: If she’s so classy, why is she wearing Daisy Dukes?
DIERKS BENTLEY / “She Hates Me”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Dierks Bentley/Jimmy Allen/Ross Copperman/Wesley Scantlin; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Wry and delightful. It rocks in a cool, spare-bones kinda way. When this guy is on his game, he can’t be beat. A smash. Also: The video is hilarious.
KAYLEY GREEN / “This Little Love of Mine”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jonathan Smith/Kayley Green; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Frisky and frolicking. She sings with immense verve, and the rockabilly track spits fire. Clap hands and dance along. You’ll be forgiven if you hear echoes of “This Little Light of Mine” in back of the church pews. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
MYLES SMITH & LAINEY WILSON / “Nice to Meet You”
Writers: Dan Smith/Myles Smith/Peter Fenn/Phil Plested; Producer: Peter Fenn; Label: RCA Records
– Strum-y, jaunty, bopping and charming. I’ve heard of quickie romances, but this takes the cake—”Nice to meet you; have a dance; spend all night together”—Just like that. Smith is a British pop singer-songwriter, best known for last year’s Platinum-selling “Stargazing.” This was originally a solo single. The addition of Wilson’s country voice definitely makes it brighter.
ASHLEY COOKE & JOE JONAS / “All I Forgot”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Charlie Puth/David Alexander/Griff Clawson/Jacob Kasher Hindin/Joe Jonas/Naliya; Producers: Charlie Puth, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Well, it turns out that alcohol can’t blot out a lover’s memory, after all. These two blend nicely on this tuneful heartbreaker. His pop croon meshes with the gentle warmth of this previous MusicRow award winner who’s a CRS New Faces Show honoree this year.
SABRINA CARPENTER & DOLLY PARTON / “Please, Please, Please”
Writers: Amy Allen/Jack Antonoff/Sabrina Carpenter; Producer: Jack Antonoff; Label: Island Records
– What a delicious audio confection. Burbling, airy, twinkling and loaded with Carpenter’s signature wit. The two wafting sopranos lift this thing into a cotton-candy cloud of bliss. Sabrina keeps falling for losers and begs this one not to embarrass her like all the others. Best line: “Don’t bring me to tears, when I just did my makeup so nice.” Totally loving this.
CAYLEE HAMMACK / “How Long”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/John Osborne/Lucie Silvas; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– I have been in love with this woman’s music forever. Her phrasing on this sultry slow jam is utterly exquisite. The dreamy, soulful track is a thing to get lost in. It’s from an album called Bed of Roses that will accompany her co-written romance novel of the same title, releasing March 7.
SCOTTY McCREERY & JASON CRABB / “Red Letter Blueprint”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Derek George/Jeremy Bussey/Monty Criswell/Scotty McCreery; Producers: Nathan Thomas, Spencer Peppard; Label: Triple Tigers
– This is a CCM song on Opry member McCreery’s current album, so it makes perfect sense to add one of Christian music’s most powerful vocalists to it. To ensure that the country singer isn’t completely overwhelmed, Crabb’s volume is turned down.
CHARLES ESTEN & SARA EVANS / “In a Bar Somewhere”
Writers: Charles Esten/Jason Gantt/Neil Medley; Producer: Marshall Altman; Label: CE
– The Nashville TV star and the established country star harmonize beautifully on this barroom ballad. This guy deserves a hit, and this melodic pleasure deserves to be it.
ZACH JOHN KING / “Cold Shoulder”
Writers: Tom Whall/Zach John King/Zarni Dewet; Producer: Ryan Wilson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– His plaintive singing is backed by simple, plucked guitar strings. As the heartbreaking regret grows, a steel sighs in the distance. Echoey and aching.
IRA DEAN & GRETCHEN WILSON / “Everything”
Writers: Dave Turnbull/Ira Dean; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– Ira Dean wrote this love ballad for his wife Jennifer and sang it at their wedding. The sweetly sentimental ode features Gretchen Wilson on harmony vocals. You can see the joyous wedding ceremony footage in the song’s video. John Carter Cash performed the ceremony, and Jamey Johnson serenaded the couple.
AUSTIN SNELL / “Muddy Water Rockstar”
Writers: Austin Nivarel/Austin Snell/Joe Ragosta; Producers: Andrew Baylis, Austin Nivarel; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– He’s screaming with profanity that he can perform a hard rock track and call it country music. You can call it whatever you want, but do we have to listen to it?
Tyler Braden’s Debut Project ‘Devil And A Prayer’ Due In May
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Marisa Taylor
Tyler Braden will release his debut album, Devil and a Prayer, on May 16 via Warner Music Nashville.
The anthemic single “God & Guns N’ Roses,” was released today from the 19 song project, which also includes Braden’s previously released tracks “More Than a Prayer,” “Above the Water,” “Me or the Dawn,” “Call Me First” and the sole duet on the album “Might Be Dangerous” with Kaitlin Butts.
“As an artist, it’s exciting to constantly relearn who you are as you grow, and this album is a huge culmination of those moments,” shares Braden. “The whole process of a debut album has taught me so much about myself and I’m stoked for everyone to experience who I’ve become. Front to back, it’s where I’ve been and it’s the direction I’m headed. I built it like a set list, consistently keeping the live aspect in mind, so check it out and then come see it in person!”
Devil and a Prayer Track List:
1. “Me or the Dawn”
2. “More Than a Prayer”
3. “Think About Me”
4. “Above the Water”
5. “You Don’t Get to Cry”
6. “Loved Once”
7. “How It Starts”
8. “So Long”
9. “To Tell You the Truth (B Stage)”
10. “Bullet in My Boots (B Stage)”
11. “Nothing Looks Good on You (B Stage)”
12. “Dear Old Flame (B Stage)”
13. “Breaking in These Boots”
14. “Evergreen (Demo)”
15. “God & Guns N’ Roses”
16. “Call Me First”
17. “Right on Track”
18. “Might Be Dangerous (Feat. Kaitlin Butts)”
19. “Devil You Know”
New Chet Atkins Book From Author/Historian Don Cusic Due In June
/by Lorie HollabaughBelmont University professor and historian Don Cusic is set to release a new book, Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar, with the University of Georgia Press in June.
In Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar, Cusic illuminates the legend, detailing Atkins’s work as a guitarist, producer, music executive and guitar designer, while also exploring his roles as mentor, friend and husband.
By the end of his life in 2001, Atkins had recorded over 100 solo albums, won 14 Grammys, including a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement, nine Country Music Association Instrumentalist awards and was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. His innovative playing style has inspired musicians from Mark Knopfler, George Harrison and Paul McCartney to Earl Klugh, Tommy Emmanuel, Doc Watson, Jerry Reed and many others.
Cusic is the author of more than 30 books including biographies of Eddy Arnold, Roger Miller, Merle Haggard and Gene Autry. He is a Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University in Nashville.
Tucker Wetmore Slates Debut Album ‘What Not To’ For April
/by Lorie HollabaughTucker Wetmore revealed during Universal Music Group Nashville’s Country Radio Seminar showcase at the Ryman earlier this week that his debut album, What Not To, will be released April 25.
Capturing the highs, lows and lessons learned in Wetmore’s 25 years, What Not To channels these hard-won lessons over the 19-song collection. The title track, written by Wetmore with best friend Jacob Hackworth, producer Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill and Jameson Rogers, is a deeply personal song to Wetmore about struggle, compassion and salvation.
Wetmore dropped a taste of the new album with the new single “3,2,1,” out now. The song, his leadoff single at country radio, follows Wetmore’s recent No. 1 debut “Wind Up Missin’ You.” The infectious track written by Josh Miller, Summer Overstreet and Jordan Reynolds tells the story of regret and missed chances.
Wetmore will make his Ryman Auditorium headline debut May 21, and is set to take on Country 2 Country (C2C) in March. His trip across the pond is bolstered by dates from his extended “Waves on a Sunset Tour 2025,” including a sold-out stop at London’s Electric Ballroom, and he’ll also join Thomas Rhett’s “Better in Boots Tour 2025” as direct support across 33 dates this summer.
Ian Munsick To Showcase Evolution On ‘Eagle Feather’
/by Madison HahnenIan Munsick will release his third studio album, Eagle Feather, on April 18 via Warner Music Nashville.
The project serves as a follow up to White Buffalo, released in 2o23. The Wyoming native will continue to bring the spirit of the Rocky Mountains to life with his unfiltered portrayal of the American West. The new album delves deeper into the land, its people, culture and the stories that ignite his creativity.
The white buffalo represents prosperity and renewal, while the eagle feather is rooted in Native symbolism, signifying honor, strength and wisdom. Together, they embody the development of Munsick’s second project, highlighting his personal growth through life’s experiences and the lessons that have shaped him into who he is today.
“Eagle Feather is a tribute to a sacred way of life. One that epitomizes the voice of country music, yet is rarely heard among the masses,” shares Munsick. “Every one of these 20 songs is rooted in true, personal experiences that have helped create the man I am today. I offer this body of work to anyone that loves the freedom that inspires our spirit when we look over a sunset on the mountain. Or the sanctity of returning to the people and places we care about the most. May you both receive and gift your Eagle Feather.”
Produced by Munsick, Jared Conrad and Jeremy Spillman, Eagle Feather features 20 tracks, including collaborations with Lainey Wilson and Cleto Cordero. The album also showcases songwriting contributions from Caitlyn Smith and Stephen Wilson Jr., along with two outside tracks, “Drink Around” and the newly released “Horses Not Hearts.” Dropped today (Feb. 21), “Horses Not Hearts,” written by Andy Albert, Michael Tyler and Ben Stennis, challenges the common stereotype of cowboys as emotionless drifters.
“All the best cowboys I know are men of character. People that you’d want as your neighbor,” says Munsick. “But somewhere along the trail, cowboys got a reputation of being heartbreaking outlaws who run recklessly through the world. I thought it was time to set the record straight… real cowboys break horses, not hearts.”
Munsick is currently on his “Horses Are Faster Tour,” and will make appearances at Sand In My Boots, Boots In The Park, Watershed Festival and more throughout the year.
Eagle Feather Track List:
1. “Prairie Lament” (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman)
2. “Too Many Trees” (Ian Munsick, Wynn Varble)
3. “Horses Not Hearts” (Andy Albert, Michael Tyler, Ben Stennis)
4. “Eagle Feather” (Ian Munsick, Stephen Wilson Jr.)
5. “Grass In The Middle Of A Dirt Road” (Ian Munsick, Jacob Davis, Josh Miller)
6. “God Bless The West” feat. Cleto Cordero (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman, Casey Beathard)
7. “Caroline” (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman, Phil O’Donnell)
8. “Stampede” ( Ian Munsick, Phil O’Donnell, Jeremy Spillman)
9. “Prairie Lament ii” (Ian Munsick)
10. “Wolf Creek Road” (Ian Munsick, Abram Dean, Jeremy Spillman)
11. “Feather In My Hat” feat. Lainey Wilson (Ian Munsick, Caitlyn Smith, Marc Scilbila)
12. “Fixin’ Me” (Ian Munsick, Trannie Anderson, Jared Conrad)
13. “Drink Around” (Wyatt McCubbin, Travis Wood, Jared Kiem)
14. “Made Her That Way” (Ian Munsick)
15. “Good Dogs & Sad Songs” (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman, Rivers Rutherford)
16. “Firewater” (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman, Jeff Hyde)
17. “Western Woman” (Ian Munsick, Billy Montana, Randy Montana)
18. “Cheyenne” (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman)
19. “Prairie Lament iii” (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman)
20. “The Gate” (Ian Munsick, Benjy Davis, Josh Kerr)
Randy Houser Releases ‘Note To Self Deluxe’ Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughRandy Houser. Photo: Sean O’Halloran
Randy Houser has released his new Note To Self Deluxe collection, an expanded version of his Note To Self album featuring four new collaborations.
The new deluxe album includes a special collaborative take of Houser’s song “Cancel” featuring Cody Johnson. Penned by Houser, the introspective track promotes forgiveness, calling for empathy and emphasizing the importance of listening to others and avoiding judgment.
“After I wrote it, I went on Cody’s bus, and we talked about cutting it together,” shares Houser. “I was honored that something so meaningful to me was also important enough to him to want to be a part of it.”
Previously released tracks “Still That Cowboy” with Miranda Lambert, along with “Rub A Little Dirt On It” with Riley Green and “Country Round Here Tonight” with Justin Moore also appear on the new deluxe album.
Last week during one of two sold-out performances at Bridgestone Arena as part of Johnson’s “Leather Deluxe Tour,” Houser received a Gold plaque for the title track from Note To Self, marking his first Gold record with Magnolia Music Group.
Note To Self Deluxe Track List:
1. “Still That Cowboy” feat. Miranda Lambert (Randy Houser, Matt Rogers, Josh Hoge)
2. “Workin’ Man” (Randy Houser, Randy Montana)
3. “Note To Self” (Randy Houser, Bobby Pinson, Casey Beathard, Ross Copperman)
4. “Country Round Here Tonight” feat. Justin Moore (Randy Houser, Brice Long, Jeff Hyde)
5. “Take It To The Bank” (Randy Houser, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)
6. “Call Me” (Randy Houser, Paul Overstreet, Andrew Albert)
7. “Out And Down” (Randy Houser, Matt Rogers, Chris Destefano)
8. “Rub A Little Dirt On It” feat. Riley Green (Randy Houser, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)
9. “American Dreamer” (Randy Houser, Brett Warren, Brad Warren)
10. “Remember How To Pray” (Randy Houser, Kendell Marvel)
11. “Cancel” feat. Cody Johnson (Randy Houser)
12. “Still That Cowboy” (Randy Houser, Matt Rogers, Josh Hoge)
13. “Country Round Here Tonight” (Randy Houser, Brice Long, Jeff Hyde)
14. “Rub A Little Dirt On It” (Randy Houser, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)
Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood Top MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeCody Johnson and Carrie Underwood claim the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with their track “I’m Gonna Love You.”
The song is a part of Johnson’s deluxe edition of his ninth studio album, Leather, and was written by Chris Stevens, Kelly Archer and Travis Denning.
Last week, Johnson sold out two nights at Bridgestone Arena as part of his “Leather Deluxe Tour,” where he set a record just last year as the male country artists with the most tickets sold for a debut performance at the venue. On Saturday (Feb. 15) Underwood joined Johnson on stage for a performance of “I’m Gonna Love You.”
“I’m Gonna Love You” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Girls Write Nashville To Host Benefit Show In March
/by Madison HahnenGirls Write Nashville will host its fourth annual benefit show on March 23 at 3rd and Lindsley.
The event will open with a writers round from four teen songwriters part of Girls Write Nashville’s various programs, Solace, Anya, Thalia D. and Koley Berry. The four will be performing alongside their teacher Rachel Rodriguez, before Grace Bowers delivers a headline set.
“This concert is one of the most special nights of the year for us. It’s a chance to put our young songwriters on the same stage as world-class artists and show Nashville what’s possible when you invest in the voices of the next generation,” shares Girls Write Nashville Executive Artistic Director/Co-Founder, Jen Starsinic. “As a trauma-informed creative youth development organization creating safe, creative communities and opportunities for cultural participation for youth, this annual event is not just a show—it’s a way for the community to experience what we do, get involved, and directly support the well-being of Nashville students in underserved schools through our community’s shared love of music.”
All proceeds from the show will be fully donated to Girls Write Nashville’s free educational programs in MNPS Title I schools, helping to support the next generation of young artists in Nashville. Tickets are on sale now.
Redferrin Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Madison HahnenRedferrin. Photo: Chris Hollo
Warner Music Nashville artist Redferrin made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday night (Feb. 18).
Redferrin delivered performances of his tracks “Just Like Johnny” and “Jack and Diet Coke,” which have garnered 162M and 121M global streams respectively. After the Tennessee native wrapped up his set on the legendary Opry stage, he was pleasantly surprised backstage with two RIAA Gold Plaques for the same songs he had just performed.
The 2024 Amazon ‘Breakthrough Artist to Watch’ is preparing for the release of his sophomore EP, Some City, Somewhere, on Feb. 28. Co-produced by Redferrin, the EP features seven tracks, all of which he either solo-penned or co-wrote.
CRS 2025 Day One: ‘Y’all Means All,’ Warner Music Nashville, Amazon Country Heat & More
/by LB CantrellCountry Radio Seminar kicked off Wednesday (Feb. 19) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from yesterday’s programming.
‘Y’all Means All Diversity Breakfast’ Kicks Off CRS Week
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
CRS 2025 kicked off yesterday with the “Y’all Means All: Diversity Breakfast.” Moderated by Tiffany Provenzano, Director at Equal Access/mtheory, the panel featured an esteemed lineup of voices, including Sean Copeland (Program Director, Hank-FM, Indianapolis, Radio One), Shannon Sanders (Executive Director, Creative, BMI) and singer-songwriter Madeline Edwards.
Streaming Experts Share ‘Everything You Want To Know’
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
As part of CRS’ Digital Music Summit, streaming experts came together to discuss current state of country music streaming and share best practices for labels, managers, and marketing teams. This session aims to integrate the streaming and radio communities further, ensuring both thrive together. Participants included Amazon Music’s Jenni Tay, Spotify’s Tim Foisset and YouTube’s Copeland Isaacson, and it was moderated by UMG Nashville’s Mike Harris.
‘Cycle of A Song’ Highlights ‘You Look Like You Love Me’
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
As part of the “Cycle of A Song” series, Wednesday’s session focused on Ella Langley‘s chart-topper “You Look Like You Love Me.” Panelists Mya Hanson, Jeannie Sullivan, Daniel Miller, Bryan Washington, Sarah Pfeiffer and Megan Hinde joined Langley to explain the journey the song took to become a hit, showcasing the vital roles social media, streaming platforms, radio play and touring can play in building an artist’s audience.
Warner Music Nashville Luncheon
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
CRS attendees feasted on some lunch and good music at the Warner Music Nashville Luncheon. This year’s edition featured performances from Gavin Adcock, Avery Anna (alongside special guest Sam Barber), Tyler Braden, Chase Matthew, Redferrin and Hudson Westbrook.
CRS Honors Recognizes Industry Professionals
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
The Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2025 were announced during CRS Honors at CRS 2025. This year’s honorees include Big D & Bubba, Mary McCoy, Rowdy Yates, Ginny “Rogers” Brophey, Clay Hunnicutt and Gregg Swedberg. CRS also presented four prestigious scholarships during the event, including the Rusty Walker Scholarship, the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship, the Futuri Scholarship, and the Mentoring and Inspiring Women Scholarship.
Multi-Platinum, award-winning artist Megan Moroney and ACM Award winner Tigirlily Gold delivered poignant performances during the ceremony.
Amazon Music Presents ‘Country Heat’ at CRS 2025
Photo: Courtesy of CRS
To end the Digital Music Summit on day one of CRS, Amazon Music brought the party of their “Country Heat” show. Attendees were treated to music from headliner Jordan Davis along with Graham Barham, Lanie Gardner, Noeline Hofmann and Vincent Mason.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Sabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton Are A ‘Cotton-Candy Cloud Of Bliss’
/by Robert K OermannSabrina Carpenter & Dolly Parton
Today is a day for collabs at DISClaimer.
Of the tracks we’re spotlighting today, fully half of them are vocal collaborations, and three of those are mash-ups between country stars and pop headliners. One of them, the smile-awhile meeting of new pop diva Sabrina Carpenter and country megastar Dolly Parton is our Disc of the Day. By the way, if the lyric seems oblique, check out Carpenter’s solo video of “Please Please Please.” Trust me, it will all make sense.
But if you’re looking for the perfect country solo performance to become an instant-add to your playlist, look no further than Dierks Bentley.
The DISCovery Award contenders are Zach John King and Austin Snell. That’s no contest at all. King walks away with the trophy.
GRAHAM BARHAM / “Oil Money”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Cole Miracle/Graham Barham/Sam Bergeson; Producers: Sam Bergeson, Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– He has a cool hillbilly delivery loaded with reverb. The leering lyric is weirdly ear catching (“She’s got a body like oil money,” anyone?). I could have done without the “country-trap fusion” computer rhythm track, but this thing probably has legs. One question: If she’s so classy, why is she wearing Daisy Dukes?
DIERKS BENTLEY / “She Hates Me”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Dierks Bentley/Jimmy Allen/Ross Copperman/Wesley Scantlin; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Wry and delightful. It rocks in a cool, spare-bones kinda way. When this guy is on his game, he can’t be beat. A smash. Also: The video is hilarious.
KAYLEY GREEN / “This Little Love of Mine”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jonathan Smith/Kayley Green; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Frisky and frolicking. She sings with immense verve, and the rockabilly track spits fire. Clap hands and dance along. You’ll be forgiven if you hear echoes of “This Little Light of Mine” in back of the church pews. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
MYLES SMITH & LAINEY WILSON / “Nice to Meet You”
Writers: Dan Smith/Myles Smith/Peter Fenn/Phil Plested; Producer: Peter Fenn; Label: RCA Records
– Strum-y, jaunty, bopping and charming. I’ve heard of quickie romances, but this takes the cake—”Nice to meet you; have a dance; spend all night together”—Just like that. Smith is a British pop singer-songwriter, best known for last year’s Platinum-selling “Stargazing.” This was originally a solo single. The addition of Wilson’s country voice definitely makes it brighter.
ASHLEY COOKE & JOE JONAS / “All I Forgot”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Charlie Puth/David Alexander/Griff Clawson/Jacob Kasher Hindin/Joe Jonas/Naliya; Producers: Charlie Puth, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Well, it turns out that alcohol can’t blot out a lover’s memory, after all. These two blend nicely on this tuneful heartbreaker. His pop croon meshes with the gentle warmth of this previous MusicRow award winner who’s a CRS New Faces Show honoree this year.
SABRINA CARPENTER & DOLLY PARTON / “Please, Please, Please”
Writers: Amy Allen/Jack Antonoff/Sabrina Carpenter; Producer: Jack Antonoff; Label: Island Records
– What a delicious audio confection. Burbling, airy, twinkling and loaded with Carpenter’s signature wit. The two wafting sopranos lift this thing into a cotton-candy cloud of bliss. Sabrina keeps falling for losers and begs this one not to embarrass her like all the others. Best line: “Don’t bring me to tears, when I just did my makeup so nice.” Totally loving this.
CAYLEE HAMMACK / “How Long”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/John Osborne/Lucie Silvas; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– I have been in love with this woman’s music forever. Her phrasing on this sultry slow jam is utterly exquisite. The dreamy, soulful track is a thing to get lost in. It’s from an album called Bed of Roses that will accompany her co-written romance novel of the same title, releasing March 7.
SCOTTY McCREERY & JASON CRABB / “Red Letter Blueprint”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Derek George/Jeremy Bussey/Monty Criswell/Scotty McCreery; Producers: Nathan Thomas, Spencer Peppard; Label: Triple Tigers
– This is a CCM song on Opry member McCreery’s current album, so it makes perfect sense to add one of Christian music’s most powerful vocalists to it. To ensure that the country singer isn’t completely overwhelmed, Crabb’s volume is turned down.
CHARLES ESTEN & SARA EVANS / “In a Bar Somewhere”
Writers: Charles Esten/Jason Gantt/Neil Medley; Producer: Marshall Altman; Label: CE
– The Nashville TV star and the established country star harmonize beautifully on this barroom ballad. This guy deserves a hit, and this melodic pleasure deserves to be it.
ZACH JOHN KING / “Cold Shoulder”
Writers: Tom Whall/Zach John King/Zarni Dewet; Producer: Ryan Wilson; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– His plaintive singing is backed by simple, plucked guitar strings. As the heartbreaking regret grows, a steel sighs in the distance. Echoey and aching.
IRA DEAN & GRETCHEN WILSON / “Everything”
Writers: Dave Turnbull/Ira Dean; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– Ira Dean wrote this love ballad for his wife Jennifer and sang it at their wedding. The sweetly sentimental ode features Gretchen Wilson on harmony vocals. You can see the joyous wedding ceremony footage in the song’s video. John Carter Cash performed the ceremony, and Jamey Johnson serenaded the couple.
AUSTIN SNELL / “Muddy Water Rockstar”
Writers: Austin Nivarel/Austin Snell/Joe Ragosta; Producers: Andrew Baylis, Austin Nivarel; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– He’s screaming with profanity that he can perform a hard rock track and call it country music. You can call it whatever you want, but do we have to listen to it?