CRS Releases Full 2025 Agenda

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Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has revealed its full agenda at a glance for CRS 2025, taking place Feb. 19-21.

The organization will continue to reveal talent lineups for various events and luncheons over the next few weeks. The CRS App is set to officially launch during the first week of February.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025:
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Express Badge Pick Up Only

Wednesday, February 19, 2025:
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM: CRS Registration Open
8:00 – 8:50 AM: Y’all Means All: Diversity Breakfast
9:00 – 9:50 AM: Streaming 101: Everything You Want to Know / DMS
9:00 – 9:50 AM: Know All the Sales Angles as a PD
10:00 – 10:50 AM: Stop Trying So Hard: Become a Better Content Creator
10:00 – 10:50 AM: Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork: Capitalizing on the Country Moment in Streaming / DMS
11:00 – 11:50 AM: Cycle of a Song: Ella Langley “You Look Like You Love Me”/DMS
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Pre-Lunch Performance Featuring Remy Garrison
12:00 – 1:50 PM: Lunch and Performance Sponsored by Warner Music Nashville
2:00 – 2:50 PM: CRS Honors
3:00 – 3:50 PM: Why Can’t We Be Friends: The Label, Radio, and Streaming Relationship / DMS
3:00 – 3:50 PM: Are You AI Curious?
4:00 – 5:00 PM: Programming Networking Happy Hour
6:00 – 8:30 PM: Amazon Music Presents Country Heat at CRS 2025

Thursday, February 20, 2025
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM: CRS Registration Open
8:30 – 9:20 AM: Sound Off: What Is “Mainstream” Country?
8:30 – 9:20 AM: Showcase Your Assets
9:30 – 10:30 AM: CRS Research Presentation
10:30 – 11:30 AM: Honky Tonk to TikTok: Country Music’s Wild Five-Year Ride by the Numbers
11:30 AM – 1:50 PM: Team UMG at the Ryman
2:30 – 3:20 PM: Cycle of a Song: Tucker Wetmore – “Wind Up Missin’ You”/DMS
3:30 – 4:00 PM: Sustaining Momentum: How to Turn Moments Into a Career / DMS
4:00 – 4:50 PM: Artist Interview: Old Dominion
7:00 – 9:00 PM: Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley Featuring Sponsored by Country Top 40 with Fitz, Skyview Networks, and First Horizon Bank, with Bar Sponsored by ASCAP
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM: BBR Music Group Decades Party: Hits of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s & Beyond

Friday, February 21, 2025
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM: CRS Registration Open
7:30 – 8:45 AM: Women’s Networking Breakfast Sponsored by Nu VooDoo Media
8:00 – 9:00 AM / 9:00 – 10:00 AM / 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Workshop Alley: Skills That Kill/ Be an Extraterrestrial/AI
8:50 – 9:40 AM: Culture: The C Word You Should Say
8:50 – 9:40 AM: All Shook Up: AI’s Legal Impact on the Country Music Industry
10:00 – 11:00 AM: We’ve Got Some Help: How to Embrace Crossover Artists and the New Audience
10:00 – 11:00 AM: Artist Development: The Sparks Behind the Streams
11:10 – 11:40 AM: Evolving Your Playlist: F*#@ the Format
11:10 – 11:40 AM: 30 Sales Ideas in 30 Minutes
11:10 – 11:40 AM: Everyday I’m (Side) Hustling: Give Yourself a Raise
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Pre-Lunch Performance Featuring Robby Johnson
12:00 – 1:50 PM: Lunch and Performance Sponsored by BMLG
2:00 – 2:50 PM: Cycle of a Song: Dasha – “Austin”/DMS
3:00 – 3:50 PM: The Conversation: Eric Church and JellyRoll Get the Last Word at CRS 25
5:15 – 6:30 PM: New Faces Cocktail Reception
6:30 – 10:00 PM: New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance Sponsored by ACM and Charity Partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Online registration for CRS 2025 will close today (Jan. 17) at which point the cost will increase to the walk-up rate of $799, which can be purchased onsite at the Omni.

Industry Celebrates Parmalee’s Fifth No. 1 Hit

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Adrian Michaels, Josh Tomlinson, Matt Turner, Abram Dean, Greg Gallo, David Fanning, Andy Friday, Andy Sheridan, Kari Barnhart, Tom Luteran, JoJamie Hahr, Jon Loba; (L-R, front row): Scott Thomas, Matt Thomas, Josh McSwain, Barry Knox; Photo: Larry McCormack

BMI brought Parmalee and their team together on Wednesday evening (Jan. 15) to celebrate the group’s fifth No. 1 hit “Gonna Love You.”

Industry members, friends and family gathered inside the warm lobby of BMI before receiving an equally warm welcome from BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. Gathered on stage behind him were songwriters Abram Dean, David Fanning and Andy Sheridan alongside Parmalee’s Matt Thomas, Scott Thomas, Barry Knox and Joshua McSwain.

Tomlinson began by congratulating Parmalee’s Thomas, a co-writer on the track, along with manager and producer Fanning on their significant achievement of five No. 1s. He then turned the spotlight to Sheridan and Dean to present them with a custom Taylor guitar for penning their first No. 1 track.

Reservoir’s Greg Gallo was the first to speak, congratulating Parmalee with a commemorative plaque and a special donation in their name to MusiCares. Following Gallo, Concord’s Matt Turner took to the podium to speak about Dean, praising, “Abram is a dream songwriter to work with, he is talented, he sings his butt off and he is just an amazing friend.” Turner then joked, “I told him that after he has multiple No. 1s I am going to change his name to Abraham because he will be the father of many hits.”

To speak on Sheridan, Major Bob’s Andy Friday stepped up, saying, “The thing I look up to Andy the most for is the way he lives his life, it’s Jesus first, then his family and then his job. If you look behind the scenes, and look at his family, that is how you figure out someone’s true character and their work ethic and Andy has both.”

Other speakers included Sony Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, who presented a donation to The Mental Health Initiative in the crew’s honor, and Stoney Creek’s JoJamie Hahr and Adrian Michaels.

Of the songwriters, Sheridan spoke first, “When I was really young and wanted to quit piano lessons, my parents told me, ‘When you make a commitment you don’t quit.’ Thank you to my wife, family and Major Bob for not quitting on me. Most of all, thank you God for this blessing and thank you God that when you make a commitment you don’t quit.”

“I’m just glad I didn’t cry first,” teased Dean. “The word on my mind is thank you – thank you to Matt, David and my wife for keeping me sane as this song slowly worked its way up the chart for 60,000 weeks.”

Fanning spoke next, congratulating the songwriters, “For me, there is no better two people to have a number one with. These are two of the most hard working and talented guys I have ever worked with. I am in awe of y’all’s talent.”

Finally, Matt, Scott, Barry and Joshua closed out by thanking their co-writers, label, video production team and families, “Thank you so much to everyone in here who had a hand in making this song go No. 1 and everyone who stood beside us. We truly appreciate you.”

The Kentucky Gentlemen Ink With River House Artists

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Pictured (L-R): Zebb Luster, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Derek Campbell, Brandon Campbell and Lance Houston. Photo: Jaime Bilotti

Twin brother country duo The Kentucky Gentlemen have signed a record deal with River House Artists.

“The second we met Lynn [Oliver-Cline] and the River House Artists team, we knew they truly believed in us and our vision,” says the duo. “We’re beyond excited for what’s to come with this next chapter of The Kentucky Gentlemen alongside River House. We can’t wait to continue to share who we are and our music with the world.”

The Kentucky Gentlemen have become one of Nashville’s most buzzed-about new acts, amassing over a million streams with their recent singles “Leave Right Now,” “Neon Cowboy,” and “Beg Your Parton.” With a rapidly expanding fanbase and growing respect from industry peers, the duo have spent the past year touring with The War & Treaty and collaborating on tracks with Will Hoge (“Can I Be Country, Too?”) and Fancy Hagood (“Better Man”).

Named one of GLAAD’s “New Voices in Country Music,” they’ve also earned spots on numerous “Artists to Watch” lists from outlets like NPR, BET and Nashville Scene. Their 2022 debut EP, The Kentucky Gentlemen: Vol. 1, received widespread praise.

“I first met Brandon and Derek at a Music City Bowl event in 2023,” shares Oliver-Cline, River House Founder. “After that, I kept seeing them everywhere…shows, interviews. Not only are they talented and hardworking, they are very country! And they represent a time in the genre that shows it’s a place for everyone to gather. I can’t wait for everyone to hear their record later this year and especially see a live show. It’s incredibly special and fun and we are honored to be their partner in the next phase of their career.”

Additionally, the duo released their newest track “Country Hymn” today (Jan. 17). The brothers co-wrote the track with David “Messy” Mescon, who also produced the single. The feel-good country anthem invites listeners to embrace their true selves, paired with a music video showcasing the duo dressed in their rhinestone-studded Sunday best.

YouTube video

“‘Country Hymn’ is our heartfelt anthem reminding us to return to the basics, embrace our roots and truly start extending each other’s grace in this world,” adds The Kentucky Gentlemen. “We feel that those values are timeless and we live by them. We cherish our roots and it feels amazing to tap even further into our love for country music with this song. ‘Country Hymn’ is our invitation to simply come as you are.”

Lainey Wilson’s ‘4X4XU’ Stays Atop The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Lainey Wilson maintains the No. 1 spot the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart again this week with her track “4x4xU.”

The song is part of her fifth studio album Whirlwind and was written by Wilson, Jon Decious and Aaron Raitiere.

Last week, Wilson performed alongside Jelly Roll at Tennessee’s Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. The pair gathered to show their support for second chances, playing for over 300 active inmates.

“4x4xU” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.

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

Country Star Melba Montgomery Dies At Age 86

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Melba Montgomery. Photo: Courtesy of Robert K. Oermann collection

Regarded as one of the greatest female stylists of country music’s “golden age,” Melba Montgomery passed away on Wednesday (Jan. 15). She made her mark in Music City as a matchless vocalist as well as an enduring songwriting talent.

As a singer, Montgomery immortalized country’s all-time motherhood classic “No Charge.” She also became the hit duet partner of the legendary George Jones. Montgomery originated the delightful hillbilly romp “Something to Brag About” as a duet with Charlie Louvin. It was memorably revived by Willie Nelson and Mary Kay Place, among others. As a studio singer, she contributed harmony background vocals to recordings by Leon Russell, Randy Travis, B.J. Thomas, Emmylou Harris and other stars.

As a songwriter, she had more than 100 compositions recorded. Melba Montgomery wrote “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds.” That 1963 hit duet with George Jones has since been recorded by more than two dozen other stars. She also co-wrote “What Do You Say to That,” which was a smash hit for George Strait in 1999. Her 1970 song “Don’t Keep Me Lonely Too Long” has been recorded by Connie Smith, Skeeter Davis, Eddy Arnold, Dottie West, George Jones and others. More than 50 different artists have recorded Melba Montgomery songs.

Melba Joyce Montgomery was a native of Iron City, Tennessee (b. 1938). She was raised near Florence, Alabama, as the daughter of a farmer fiddler and guitarist who taught singing in the local Methodist Church. Her dad gave her a guitar when she was 10 years old. When they weren’t working in the fields, the seven children all grew up singing harmonies and playing banjo, fiddle or guitar. Like Melba, her brothers Carl and Earl “Peanut” Montgomery also became successful country songwriters.

When she was 19, she travelled to Nashville to be in a 1958 talent contest staged by WSM radio, the home of the Grand Ole Opry. She won the contest. The Opry’s Roy Acuff was so impressed with her talent that he invited her to become the “girl singer” in his touring troupe. She remained with the superstar’s show for the next four years. Her first recording sessions were as a harmony vocalist on Acuff’s records for the Hickory label.

In 1962, Melba Montgomery was signed by United Artists Records and teamed with Jones for a series of landmark duets. The honky-tonk king had previously recorded duets with Virginia Spurlock, Jeanette Hicks, Brenda Carter and Margie Singleton. But Montgomery’s drawling, soulful, Southern-accented phrasing was the perfect foil for his distinctive, bent-note vocals. After the team hit the top-10 in 1963 with her song “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds,” she debuted on the country charts as a solo artist with “Hall of Shame” later that year.

The Jones/Montgomery team charted five more times in 1964-67. She wrote or co-wrote a dozen songs for their six duet albums during that same time period, including “Simply Divine,” “Until Then” and “Lovin’ on Easy Street.” The first Montgomery solo LP appeared in 1964. Melba Montgomery was succeeded by Down Home, I Can’t Get Used to Being Lonely and Country Girl in 1964-66. She had top 40 solo country hits with “The Greatest One of All” and “Please Be My Love” in 1964.

She switched to the Musicor Records label, which is when she teamed with her second duet partner, pop star Gene Pitney. They issued their Being Together album in 1965 and scored a hit with “Baby Ain’t That Fine” the following year. Her next stop was Capitol Records, where she was teamed with Charlie Louvin. Their 1970-71 hits included the wildly witty Bobby Braddock song “Something to Brag About” and a country version of the Brook Benton/Dinah Washington R&B smash “Baby, You’ve Got What It Takes.” Her solo efforts for Capitol were not as successful.

But her songwriting remained much admired by her peers. During the next few years, Bobby Bare, Hank Williams Jr., Conway Twitty, Kris Krisofferson & Rita Coolidge, Bill Anderson, Roy Drusky, Del Reeves and others recorded her works.

Elektra Records signed Montgomery in 1973. She debuted on the label with the top 40 success “Wrap Your Love Around Me,” which she co-wrote. The following year, she performed Harlan Howard’s emotional “No Charge.” By the time she finished recording the motherhood anthem, she was weeping. So were the session musicians. The song hit No. 1 on the charts on Mother’s Day in 1974. Black gospel queen Shirley Caesar picked up the song to give it another hit version. Tammy Wynette and Johnny Cash are among the others who recorded “No Charge.”

“Don’t Let the Good Times Fool You” (1975), “Searchin’” (1975) and her version of the pop hit “Angel of the Morning” (1977) were her other top 40 successes of the 1970s. In 1977, Mary Kay Place and Willie Nelson brought back “Something to Brag About” and scored an even bigger hit with it than Montgomery did with Louvin 10 years earlier.

By 1986, Melba Montgomery had placed 30 songs on country’s popularity charts and released 26 albums — 17 solo efforts and nine duet collections with Jones, Pitney and Louvin. Her recording career was winding down, but she blossomed as a songwriter as she aged into her 50s and 60s. A host of country stars of the 1990s lined up to record her works — Patty Loveless & Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Ricochet, Sara Evans, Emmylou Harris & Carl Jackson, John Prine, David Ball, Terri Clark, Randy Travis, The Derailers, Reba McEntire and Vern Gosdin, among them.

During that decade and for the next 20 years, she co-wrote with Music Row’s “young guns” — Jim Lauderdale, Kostas, Leslie Satcher, Billy Yates, Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley and their peers. In 1999, superstar George Strait hit it big with the Lauderdale/Montgomery song “What Do You Say to That.” Her songs also found favor with bluegrass music’s elite — The Lonesome River Band, Rhonda Vincent, Lost Highway, Grasstowne and more.

Montgomery published a cookbook in 1988 and issued additional solo albums in 1992, 1997, 2008 and 2010. She also appeared on Ralph Stanley’s award-winning, all-star 2001 CD Clinch Mountain Sweethearts. Following the death of her husband, guitarist/songwriter Jack Solomon, Melba Montgomery retired in 2015.

She was the mother-in-law of hit country producer Blake Chancey and is also survived by daughters Melba Jacqueline Chancey, Tara Denise Solomon, Diana Lynn Cirigliano and Melissa Solomon Barrett (and son-in-law and industry veteran Shane Barrett), by five grandchildren and by two great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled by Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens Funeral Home. Visitation will be held there on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 11:30 a.m. with services to follow at 1:30 p.m.

Red Street Publishing Adds Adam Hambrick, Ava Suppelsa To Roster

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Red Street’s Amanda Roach, Kelly King and Alex Valentine; (L-R, back row): Red Street’s Jay DeMarcus, Adam Hambrick and Red Street’s Dan Crockett

Songwriters Adam Hambrick and Ava Suppelsa have signed with Red Street Publishing, the company founded by songwriter, producer and Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus.

Hambrick is a pastor’s son who found his voice singing in small country churches throughout Arkansas and Mississippi. While making the rounds playing college bars at the University of Central Arkansas, he caught the attention of Arkansas native and country star Justin Moore, who encouraged him to move to Music City. Hambrick has since penned No. 1s like Dan + Shay’s “How Not To” and Moore’s “Somebody Else Will,” and has had a plethora of cuts by Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Sara Evans, Walker Hayes, Maddie & Tae, Eli Young Band and more.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Red Street’s Amanda Roach, Kelly King and Alex Valentine; (L-R, back row): Red Street’s Jay DeMarcus, Ava Suppelsa and Red Street’s Dan Crockett

Suppelsa, a newcomer on the rise, brought her Chicago roots and Berklee College of Music education to try her hand in Nashville at just 19. Her wide range of musical influence has landed her cuts by artists like John Paul White, Keith Urban and Jamie O’Neal, and most notably tracks like Carly Pearce’s “Things I Don’t Chase,” Max McNown’s “Better Me For You” and Ryan Griffin’s SiriusXM The Highway’s No. 1 hit “Salt, Lime & Tequila.” Just a few years into her career, Suppelsa’s songs have amassed over 120 million streams.

“We could not be more excited to have Adam and Ava joining the Red Street team,” says Red Street Records and Publishing General Manager Alex Valentine. “These two are incredibly gifted songwriters, and Kelly [King], Jay and the entire team can’t wait to watch them continue to hone their craft and establish themselves as some of the best and brightest creatives in town!”

Hambrick and Suppelsa join Red Street’s roster of writers which includes Kelley Lovelace, Brian White, Ryan Griffin and newcomer Daymon Osborn.

Grand Ole Opry House To Host Duane Eddy Tribute Event

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The Grand Ole Opry House will host “Titan of Twang: A Celebration of Duane Eddy,” a one-night-only tribute to the legendary musician on April 13 in Nashville.

Presented by Opry Entertainment Group, the tribute concert will feature an all-star lineup of special guests and musical performances by Peter Frampton, Vince Gill, Albert Lee, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Earle, Buddy Miller, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Molly Tuttle, JD McPherson, Slim Jim Phantom, Jennie Vee and Toby Lee, each honoring the influence of Eddy, whose groundbreaking guitar style has influenced generations of artists.

Jim Lauderdale will host the special evening, which will be anchored by a house band led by Musical Director Jim Hoke, with Mark Beckett, Dave Pomeroy, Randy Leago, Garry Tallent, Dan Dugmore, Terry Adams, Richard Bennett, The McCrary Sisters and Siobhan Maher-Kennedy. Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow (Jan. 17) at opry.com.

Eddy is regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in modern music, credited with creating the signature “twang” that became synonymous with rock and roll. His unique sound, shaped by the reverberating tones of his Gretsch guitar, produced iconic hits like “Rebel Rouser,” “Peter Gunn” and “Forty Miles of Bad Road,” influencing a diverse range of artists, from George Harrison and Hank Marvin to Keith Richards and Jimmy Page. Over his career, Eddy has collaborated with Paul McCartney, Elvis, The Everly Brothers, Phil Everly, George Harrison, Carl Perkins, Brian Setzer, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Ry Cooder, Foreigner, Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins and more, solidifying his place as a pioneering force in rock and roll.

Black River Entertainment Promotes Micah McNair To Creative Director

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Micah McNair. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Entertainment has elevated Micah McNair to Creative Director.

“Micah’s thoughtful and thorough approach in bringing the visual narrative to life for each of our projects has elevated our game in immeasurable ways,” says Tanya Schrage, Black River Vice President, Marketing. “Having his direction in-house allows us to be more comprehensive in our planning and more flexible as projects ebb and flow. He works collaboratively within our team to ensure what people see is an accurate, authentic, and meaningful reflection of the music our artists are making.”

McNair began his career as a photographer alongside his wife in 2010 and now has over 250 million views across his video portfolio. His work includes multiple live worship albums, performances at the GMA Dove Awards and more. Over the course of his career, the Chattanooga native has collaborated with prominent artists in both the country and Christian music scenes such as Kelsea Ballerini, Riley Green, Luke Laird, Lori McKenna, Steve Moakler and Kirk Franklin.

He then joined the Black River Marketing team in August of 2023 as Video Content Manager. In just under a year and a half with the label, he has introduced a fresh creative vision, contributing to multiple Telly Awards for the work of MaRynn Taylor, Scotty Hasting and Pryor Baird.

“I’m so excited to continue to grow with my Black River family. My time here has been nothing short of incredible and I so look forward to the future,” shares McNair.

McNair will continue to operate from Black River’s Nashville office and can be contacted at mmcnair@blackriverent.com.

Tim McGraw To Headline ‘Field Of Dreams’ Concert

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Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw will headline the first-ever, all-day concert event at the legendary Field of Dreams field in Dyersville, Iowa on Aug. 30.

Located on a picturesque 193-acre farm, the Field of Dreams has become a symbol of American culture, drawing visitors from around the world to relive the magic of the 1989 film and celebrate America’s pastime. Set on the same iconic field made famous by the movie, the event will also pay tribute to MLB legend Tug McGraw, Tim’s father, on what would have been his 81st birthday. Tug, who played for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, left an indelible mark on the game, and his legacy will be honored in this unforgettable celebration.

USCA has partnered with StubHub as the Official Ticket Partner for the event, and starting Jan. 20, tickets will be available through StubHub’s platform, offering fans access to a variety of ticket options, including exclusive Home Run VIP packages. Pre-sales for the event will begin on Jan. 20 with general sales launching on Jan. 24. The concert marks the beginning of a multi-year partnership between USCA and StubHub, with plans for future events that will bring fans even more unforgettable live experiences.

“We are beyond excited to kick off this partnership with StubHub,” says Nick Abate, Founder of USCA. “With their world-class technology and reach, it will be easier than ever for fans to access tickets to this unforgettable event, as well as many more in the years to come. We always strive to curate memorable and impactful events, and this tribute to Tug McGraw’s legacy is no exception. It’s a huge moment not only for the fans but for Tim as well, and it’s just the beginning of something truly special.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with USCA to bring Tim McGraw’s performance to such a historic and beloved venue,” adds Adam Budelli, Head of North America Partnerships at StubHub. “This event is going to be an incredible experience for both country music fans and baseball lovers, and we’re proud to provide fans with easy access to tickets through StubHub’s global platform.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The War And Treaty Proclaim A ‘Vow Of Love’

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The War And Treaty. Photo: Sophia Matinazad

Black country is well represented in this edition of DISClaimer.

This was arguably the outstanding trend of the genre in 2024, and the new year is showing no slow-down. Kashus Culpepper, Don Louis, Dalton Dover and Disc of the Day award winners The War and Treaty are all on hand with new sounds.

Country music’s women are also flexing their muscles. Hailey Whitters, Caylee Hammack, Ella Langley, Cyndi Thompson and DISCovery Award winner Lanie Gardner show their strengths today.

Vying for supremacy alongside The War and Treaty are competitors Dover, Hammack, Whitters and Culpepper, plus Keith Urban and the Boomtown Saints & Sam Grow collaboration.

This is a very, very good listening day.

ELLA LANGLEY / “Weren’t For The Wind”
Writers: Ella Langley/Johnny Clawson/Joybeth Taylor; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia Records
– Her smoky, throaty vocal is captivating. The upbeat, wanderlust song seeks open-road, unencumbered freedom. Roll with it.

DALTON DOVER / “Ain’t It Easy”
Writers: Alex Maxwell/Dalton Dover/Matt McGinn/Matthew McVaney; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury Nashville
– The languid pace, finger snaps and gentle delivery build to a power ballad of True Love. Dover remains one of the finest vocalists among country’s current bumper crop of newcomers. Richly rewarding listening. I remain a big fan of this fellow.

CYNDI THOMPSON / “Acres Of Diamonds”
Writers: Cyndi Thompson/Dan Wilson/Jessica Roadcap; Producer: D.J. Goodman; Label: CT
– This former Capitol act now has a second career as a jewelry designer (Haybelle Co.). Her comeback as a record maker includes this highly engaging, melodic ode to lasting love and family. The ear-catching track blends sighing organ, crunchy percussion and an anthemic chorus roar with her resonant alto vocal.

IRA DEAN & RONNIE DUNN / “Tele-Man”
Writers: Jeffrey Steele/Tony Mullins; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– This song is a tribute to country music’s favored electric guitar. Who better to join Ira and Ronnie on it than Telecaster masters Vince Gill, John Osborne and Brent Mason? As you might expect, the tempo is lickety split and the licks are hot.

LANIE GARDNER / “Buzzkill”
Writers: Chris Ganoudis/Katie Cecil/Lanie Gardner; Producer: none listed; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Hey buddy, look out for that gorgeous babe. She’s no good. Her sassy, snappy delivery of this bopper is tart and tangy, and the tempo is a delight.

KEITH URBAN / “Straight Line”
Writers: Chase McGill/Greg Wells/Jerry Flowers/Keith Urban; Producers: Greg Wells, Keith Urban; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Utterly irresistible. The perfect open-road country rocker. Ride along, and let the wind blow through your hair.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “Bed Of Roses”
Writers: Benjy Davis/Caylee Hammack/Jeff Hyde; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– The title tune of her sophomore album is a saucy survival song. Hammack is a totally awesome vocalist, and the tune gives her plenty of space to emote. This woman rules.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Save Me”
Writers: Kendell Marvel/Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producers: Andrew Capra, Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter; Label: UMG Nashville
– Can we all just agree that these two are in a completely different class than the rest of the singers in this town? On this vow of love, their thrilling voices are backed by a rock-star track that fills the speakers with electronic power and rhythm. The War and Treaty’s forthcoming album, Plus One, will drop on Valentine’s Day. Somebody say, “Amen.”

BOOMTOWN SAINTS & SAM GROW / “Heart Breaks You”
Writers: Connie Harrington/Houston Phillips/Josh Dunne; Producers: Colt Ford, Gary Kraen, Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– Boomtown Saints members Chris Ramos and Ben Chism team with solo artist Sam Grow in the new video for their current collaborative single. Sitting in Dee’s Country Lounge in Madison, the three sing about a heartbreaker who gets his heart broken. By the time they’re drinking their final round together, they’re addressing each other and pouring on splendid vocal harmonies. This record is a shining country jewel. Essential listening. And viewing.

DON LOUIS / “XO”
Writers: Don Louis/Kipp Williams; Producer: Kipp Williams; Label: EMPIRE
– I like him, but I like him better when he’s singing in a country manner rather than in this quasi-rapped hip-hop style. Also: check out his bi-lingual collaboration with Latino country artist Sammy Arriaga on the deluxe version of his album Liquor Talkin.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Casseroles”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/James Slater/Tom Douglas; Producer: Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters
– This is a ballad about grief, and it hits an emotional bullseye. How do your process anguish and loss after the other mourners depart and the casseroles stop coming? Whitters suggests that eventually hope will emerge from the pain. Brilliantly done.

KASHUS CULPEPPER / “After Me?”
Writers: Kashus Culpepper/Mark Addison Chandler; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud/Mercury Records
– This honky-tonking twanfest is wailed with raw, sandpapery power by this gifted newcomer. He’s moaning the blues, because she’s happy after breaking up with him. Listen to his gripping delivery, and believe in this man.