DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kelsea & Kenny, Breland & Mickey, Morgan Wade

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Disc of the Day winner “Half of My Hometown.”

The pickin’s are slim today.

There are only five essential listening experiences here. They belong to Marty Stuart, Breland & Mickey Guyton, Mo Pitney and the Lee Ann Womack collaboration with the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Plus our Disc of the Day winner, Kelsea Ballerini with an assist from Kenny Chesney.

Morgan Wade, who has been opening shows for her equally tattooed sister Ashley McBryde, wins the DISCovery Award.

FILMORE / “Good Thing”
Writers: Filmore/Geoff Warburton/Zach Abend; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Curb
—The relationship is kaput, but the fond memories linger. He sings it with sweet regret, and the shuffling, kinda nervous track is cool. The repetitive chorus is sung a few too many times.

KELSEA BALLERINI & KENNY CHESNEY / “Half of My Hometown”
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini/Jimmy Robbins/Nicolle Galyon/Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally; Producer: Kelsea Ballerini/Jimmy Robbins/Ross Copperman; Label: Black River
—Wonderfully evocative. Musing about your roots. Whether you get away or stay put, your heart always belongs to the place where you were raised. Chesney provides a subtly shaded, perfectly nuanced harmony vocal.

STEPHEN FLATT / “Hold You Tonight”
Writers: Stephen Flatt; Producer: Dave Roe/Stephen Flatt; Label: SF
—It’s a breezy country rocker about a trucker headed for home. The ride is smooth and easy. The singer is the great-nephew of Country Music Hall of Fame bluegrass legend Lester Flatt.

LORETTA LYNN & MARGO PRICE / “One’s on the Way”
Writer: Shel Silverstein; Producers: Patsy Lynn Russell/John Carter Cash; Label: Legacy
—Well, nothing is ever going to match Loretta’s original 1972 performance of this gem. But this has plenty of verve and goodwill going for it. Margo is very much a disciple, and her affectionate warmth shines through.

GARY LeVOX / “The Distance”
Writers: Gary LeVox/Josh Hoge/Matt McVaney; Producers: Gary LeVox/Matthew McVaney; Label: Big Machine
—Gary’s debut solo single is a big-production, Christian pop outing. It’s about leaning on faith when times are hard. His searing tenor retains its impressive range.

BRELAND & MICKEY GUYTON / “Cross Country”
Writers: Breland/Sam Sumser/Sean Small/Will Gittens; Producers: Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic
—This is simply lovely. An airy, lilting track with both vocalists turning in extraordinarily affecting performances. The gentle tune celebrates a journey, a quest to find one’s identity, and it hits home beautifully. Previously issued as a superb Breland solo track, this duet version is just as terrific.

LATHAN WARLICK & TYLER HUBBARD / “My Way”
Writers: Lathan Warlick/RaeLynn/Tyler Hubbard/Blake Hubbard/Jarrod Ingram; Producer: The720; Label: RECORDS/Columbia
—Warlick raps. FGL’s Hubbard sings and raps. The hip-hop track is stuffed with acoustic samples. It sounds too spare for the r&b crowd and too rap for the country audience.

MORGAN WADE / “Don’t Cry”
Writers: Morgan Wade/Paul Ebersold; Producer: Sadler Vaden/Paul Ebersold; Label: Orchard/Ladylike
—Confessional and soul baring. She has a hushed, intimate delivery, and the overall vibe is kinda like ‘70s singer-songwriter-troubadour. Promising.

MARTY STUART / “Ready for the Times to Get Better”
Writer: Allen Reynolds; Producer: none listed; Label: MS
—If I didn’t know this was a 1978 Crystal Gayle oldie, I’d swear this lyric was written specifically for our seemingly endless pandemic times. New Country Music Hall of Fame member Stuart strips things down to a moody, guitar-vocal track and dips down into his lower baritone to create charismatic audio magic. Compelling and mesmerizing.

CHARLES N. GALLASPY JR. / “Fried Bologna Sandwich”
Writers: Charles N. Gallaspy, Jr.; Producer: none listed; Label: CNGJ
—Don’t give up your day job.

MO PITNEY / “Local Honey”
Writers: Adam Wood/Mo Pitney/Wil Nance; Producer: Jim “Moose” Brown; Label: Curb
—I love the loose-limbed, funky track with all the rhythm in the trunk. Pitney’s on-the-money vocal brings out the tune’s good-time vibe perfectly. Rollicking and a boatload of fun. Get buzzy with this.

THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS & LEE ANN WOMACK / “Everybody Ought to Treat a Stranger Right”
Writer: Blind Willie Johnson; Producers: Shannon Sanders/Jim Ed Norman/Mike Curb/Paul T. Kwami; Label: Curb
—The disc celebrating the 150th anniversary of Nashville’s original superstars has won the Jubilee Singers their first Grammy Award. Collaborations abound on it — Jimmy Hall, Keb Mo, CeCe Winans, Rodney Atkins, The Fairfield Four, Ruby Amanfu and more make appearances. A wailing Womack fronts the ensemble on this rousing foot stomper drenched in bluesy gospel atmosphere. Soulful in the extreme. Clap hands and believe.

DISCovery Award winner Morgan Wade.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Cadillac Three, Cam, Ronnie Milsap

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The Cadillac Three. Photo: Dylan Rucker

Diversity is the name of the game in this edition of DisClaimer.

In a preposterously male-dominated genre, we have gender parity today—fully half of our contestants are female. With Tiera, Darius Rucker and Chapel Hart in the mix, country music made by Black artists is well represented. South American native Flo Olavarria adds a touch of Latin. Canadian country is along for the ride, too.

Because the sounds are so difficult to compare to one another, the Disc of the Day award is divided. The Male winner is Ronnie Milsap. The essential Female disc belongs to Cam. The Group award goes to The Cadillac Three.

The afore mentioned Flo Olavarria takes home the DisCovery Award.

JOEY HENDRICKS / “Yours Or Mine”
Writers: Joey Hendricks/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— Producer Ross surrounds this earnest-sounding troubadour with an echoey swirl of yummy pop flavors. Hendricks sings with sweet sincerity.

DARIUS RUCKER / “My Masterpiece”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Ross Copperman/JT Harding/Josh Osborne; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Positive, sunny, upbeat and engaging, as usual. The happy-in-love theme is common, but its delivery in this finely crafted lyric is exceptional. Supremely playable. In case you missed it: earlier this week, producer and four-time BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Copperman signed a pop recording contract in New York.

CAM / “Till There’s Nothing Left”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jeff Bhasker/Cameron Ochs/Tyler Johnson; Producer: Jeff Bhasker/Tyler Johnson; Label: RCA Records/Triple Tigers
— It goes beyond steamy and sensual, all the way to hot sex. I have always been captivated by this woman’s talent. This gorgeous, tempest-tossed ode to youthful passion renews my fandom. Cam rules.

LADY A / “Like a Lady”
Writers: Brandon Paddock/Dave Barnes/Hillary Scott/Martin Johnson/Michelle Buzz; Producer: Dann Huff/Martin Johnson/Brandon Paddock; Label: BMLG Records
— Hillary takes the lead in this zesty, female-proud ditty. The mood is sprightly.

CHAPEL HART / “You Can Have Him Jolene”
Writers: Chapel Hart; Producer: Chapel Hart; Label: none listed
— The trio rocks out on this feisty whiplash ride, with their flawless vocal harmonies intact. This CMT Next Women of Country act is outstandingly talented, and so far has been batting a thousand with its releases. The video is a hoot, too.

DUSTIN LYNCH & MACKENZIE PORTER / “Thinking ‘Bout You”
Writers: Dustin Lynch/Andy Albert/Hunter Phelps/Will Weatherly; Producer: none listed; Label: Broken Bow Records
— The small-town details in the lyric are groovy, and the tune bops along with verve. It originally appeared as a collaboration with Lauren Alaina. Top Canadian country star Porter is an able substitute.

JULIA COLE / “My Home Too (My Voice Too)”
Writers: Josh Berkowitz/Matt Wynn; Producer: Josh Ronen; Label: none listed
— The rhythm-happy song’s message of inclusion, empowerment and equality spans relationships, households and nations. It’s also as catchy as the dickens. Sing along.

RONNIE MILSAP / “Wild Honey”
Writers: Jim Weatherly/Nigel Wright; Producer: Ronnie Milsap/Rob Galbraith; Label: Black River
— A little bit hillbilly, a little bit soul, a little bit rock n roll, this toe tapper is pretty hard to resist. The legendary Country Music Hall of Famer still has plenty of kick in his delivery. We recently lost songwriter Weatherly, and this dandy concoction illustrates what a shame that is.

TIERA / “Not Your Girl”
Writers: Tiera/Cameron Bedell/Jack Newsome; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: Tiera
— Signed to Nicolle Galyon’s Songs & Daughters female-driven publishing company, this singer-songwriter is staking her claim to country authenticity with a new, five-song EP that showcases her heart warming, sweet/tart vocals and her flair for relatable lyrics. Wildly promising.

THE CADILLAC THREE / “Long After Last Call”
Writers: Jaren Johnston; Producer: The Cadillac Three; Label: Big Machine Records
— Easily their finest single to date, this has a restless rhythmic energy, a brilliantly understated lead vocal and a marvelously crafted lyric about a late-night hookup. I could definitely get used to this on country radio. Absolutely play this ACM nominated Group of the Year.

DREW GREEN / “Hooch”
Writers: Drew Green, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell; Producer: none listed; Label: none listed
— The production is over-stuffed with busy audio effects. His rapped lyric is a repetitive loop that quickly wears out its welcome.

FLO OLAVARRIA / “Talking to Myself”
Writers: Flo Olavarria/Noah Henson; Producer: Flo Olavarria/Noah Henson; Label: none listed
— Now here’s a country biography you don’t read every day. Flo is a native of Chile who migrated to Canada, went back to Chile, began performing in Singapore, moved to Miami and now resides part time in Music City. She brings a Latina flair, a sharp pop sensibility and country verve to this peppy, female-positive bopper. I dig her pert attitude.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Travis Denning, Breland, Miranda Lambert, Shenandoah

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Travis Denning, BRELAND

There are a number of conflicting country forces in today’s stack of wax.

With two Shenandoah entries, there’s a hint of nostalgia in the air. Matthew West and Lathan Warlick bring a CCM flavor to the proceedings. The Wild West is an all-female band. Brett Kissel is a gust of Canadian country. Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall represent the acoustic, troubadour, singer-songwriter wing of our format. Robert Counts and Hardy are Southern rock.

Wandering through this forest of diverse sounds, we emerge with a DisCovery Award for Montana’s Jonah Prill. Finishing in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day honor are Travis Denning and Breland, two thoroughly different artists who are doing superb work in their respective arenas.

JONAH PRILL / “You Remind Me”
Writers: Jonah Prill/Ryan Hayes/Justin Olmstead; Producer: none listed; Label: JP Media
— He has a resonant country baritone with a warm sincerity that suits this tune of romantic regret just fine. The track crashes around him with loads of electric guitar and rock energy. Promising.

CARLY PEARCE & MATTHEW WEST / “Truth Be Told”
Writers: Andrew Watt/Andrew Jacob Pruis/Matthew West; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
— The song has been a big CCM solo hit for West. The addition of Pearce makes the already affecting lyric shimmer with new polish. It’s a lovely effort, although I wish her excellent harmony vocals were mixed louder so that their “twin” performance twirled even brighter in the spotlight.

ANDREW JANNNAKOS / “Gone Too Soon”
Writers: Andrew Jannakos/Jason Afable/Josh Bricker; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— He sings well, and the swirly production is okay, if a little too busy. The tuneless pop song does nothing for me.

SHENANDOAH & BLAKE SHELTON / “Then a Girl Walks In”
Writers: Adam Sanders/Lance Miller/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Foundry
— We’ve previously reviewed the Zac Brown Band and Ashley McBryde cuts from the Shenandoah duets album. Now comes a collaboration with the mighty Blake. He and band’s Marty Raybon are a very hearty vocal match for one another. It doesn’t hurt that the song is as warm and comfy as this one is. Solid work.

SAMMY SADLER & MARTY RAYBON / “Church on the Cumberland Road”
Writers: Bob DiPiero/Dennis Robbins/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: none listed; Label: BFD/Audium
— Sadler’s album is titled 1989 because it consists of remakes of tunes from that year. In this case, it’s a Shenandoah chart topper, and the band’s Marty Raybon is along for the retro ride. Sadler doesn’t have Raybon’s vocal charisma, but he holds his own on this sprightly outing.

JACK INGRAM, MIRANDA LAMBERT & JON RANDALL / “In His Arms”
Writers: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Producer: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Recorded live outside with only Randall’s guitar for accompaniment, this airy, atmospheric performance is a like a fresh, clean breeze of authenticity. Lambert sings lead as her songwriting collaborators chime in with soft, gentle harmonies. In a word, enchanting.

BRETT KISSEL / “Make a Life, Not a Living”
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day/Steven Lee Olsen; Producer: Brett Kissel/Bart McKay/Jesse Frasure; Label: OneRPM
— Kissel is a huge deal north of the border, the reigning Canadian country Male Vocalist of the Year with buckets of Gold Records and awards. This soaring song of positivity has one of country’s most timeless messages: Money can’t buy happiness, and life’s simple pleasures are best.

ROBERT COUNTS & HARDY / “What Do I Know”
Writers: Hardy/Robert Counts/Jake Mitchell; Producer: Dann Huff/Jimmy Ritchey; Label: Arista Nashville
— Lotsa noise—screaming guitars, pounding drums, shouted vocals. I think it’s supposed to be some kinda redneck/outlaw vibe. Both of them can do better.

TRAVIS DENNING / “ABBY”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
— “Abby” stands for “AnyBody But You,” which is how he feels about moving on from his ex and finding someone new. First of all, I love spelling songs. Second of all, this is as clever as all get out. Catchy, too. Play it.

THE WILD WEST / “Better Way”
Writers: Manda Mosher/Tawny Ellis/Heather Anne Lomax/Amilia K. Spicer/Pi Jacobs/Deb Morrison; Producer: Eric Craig/Manda Mosher; Label: Blackbird
— All six of the members of this all-female ensemble swap lead vocals, and they create choral magic when they all sing together. The song is a love-your-neighbor hippie ode with a lilting, inspirational vibe. It’s quite charming, in a homemade, under-produced kinda way.

LATHAN WARLICK & RAELYNN / “Roots”
Writers: Blake Hubbard/Jarrod Ingram/Lathan Warlick/Racheal Lynn Davis/Summer Overstreet/Zach Dyer; Producer: The720; Label: Records/Columbia
— Warlick is a singer/rapper/dancer from Jackson, TN who has made a few waves in the Christian-music field. His collaboration with country’s RaeLynn is more hip-hop than country, despite her able singing. Pass.

BRELAND / “Cross Country”
Writers: Breland/Sam Sumser/Sean Small/Will Gittens; Producer: Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic
— His “My Truck” collaboration with Sam Hunt was a Platinum success. Now Breland steps out with something even better, a lovely, uplifting, melodic tenor vocal performance that wafts and soars on zephyrs of sound. There’s equal parts of vulnerability and strength in his delivery of an autobiographical lyric about trying to find your place in a world where you don’t fit in. The acoustic guitar, gently shuffling rhythm and open-air atmosphere are all wondrous.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Brandy Clark

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Disc of the Day winner Eric Church Photo: Reid Long

I must be living right.

How else can you explain new music in the same listening session from three of my very favorite artists—Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Brandy Clark? They are among the reasons I still listen to country music, no matter how bad most of the rest of it is. Any one of them could be the Disc of the Day. I’m giving the nod to my main man, Eric Church.

There are bright rays of hope in this edition of DISClaimer. I refer to the dandy disc debuts by Ian Munsick, Hannah Dasher and Callista Clark. Hannah Dasher wins this week’s DISCovery Award. I look forward to hearing much, much more from her.

HEATH SANDERS / “Old School’s In”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Heath Sanders/Houston Phillips; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— He’s bellowing about how things haven’t changed where he lives, as though someone was arguing with him about it. It’s meant to be some kind of redneck anthem, but it sounds like we’ve heard all this before from other flag wavers. A worn retread.

ELLE KING & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
Writers: Elle King/Martin Johnson; Producer: Martin Johnson; Label: RCA Records Nashville/Vanner Records
— Feisty, rocking and oh-so-adorable. I never would have imagined these two together, but the result is ridiculously catchy.

NOAH SCHNACKY / “She Broke My Heart”
Writers: Noah Schnacky/Lindsay Rimes/Laura Veltz; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Big Machine
— The production is too busy, but his charm is undeniable on this jaunty ditty. Despite what the title might lead you to believe, it is an upbeat bopper about how getting dumped led to True Romance. Or at least to meeting a hottie at the House of Blues.

BRAD PAISLEY / “Off Road”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Ross Copperman/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Ross Copperman/Luke Wooten; Label: Arista Nashville
— If you want to go with her, get ready for a wild ride with an empowered woman. She might have some “dust on her halo,” but you can’t keep her down. She’s heading for parts unknown with her moxie and grit intact.

HANNAH DASHER / “Left Right”
Writers: Brandon Hood/Hannah Dasher/Wynn Varble; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RCA Nashville
— I like her a lot. She’s got lots of country-female attitude, a witty way with words and twang to spare. While the rhythm thumps merrily, she advises him to make up his mind and “put a ring on her left right now.” Sign me up for the fan club.

BRETT YOUNG / “You Got Away With It”
Writers: Brett Young/Justin Ebach/Ashley Gorley/Jon Nite/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG Records
— She stole his heart and got away with the crime. I like it that this track has some stomp to it, which is a new texture for this guy. The harmonica work is cool, too.

CALLISTA CLARK / “It’s ‘Cause I Am”
Writers: Callista Clark/Cameron Jaymes/Laura Veltz; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine Records
— She’s way too complicated for you. Get used to it. It ain’t real “country,” but the tune has its spicy, saucy moments.

TRAVIS TRITT / “Smoke in a Bar”
Writers: Jeremy Bussey/Derek George/Tim Montana; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Noise Label Group
— Nostalgia for simpler times. I’m a huge fan of Tritt, and he’s been away for far too long. But, sorry, I don’t miss smoking in a bar at all. Seat belts save lives. The six o’clock news does tell the truth, and implying that it doesn’t is twisted. Find a better song.

IAN MUNSICK / “Long Haul”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Dave Villa/Jamie Kenney; Producers: Jamie Kenney/Dave Villa/Ian Munsick; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— He has a heart-tugging tenor voice and a marvelous sense of melody. The sonic atmosphere is beautifully airy and open. A simply stunning disc debut. Munsick’s first album, Coyote Cry, dropped last week, and the whole thing is heartily recommended.

ERIC CHURCH / “Never Break Heart”
Writers: Eric Church/Luke Dick; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
— I love everything about this. The production is a wonderland of rhythmic punch, twinkling mandolin, echoey harmony singing, sighing organ, stately piano and crunch guitars. The song is superbly well written. The message is inspirational. Three albums at once? Really? Believe it, when a man this gifted is doing it. The Church Choir rises with one mighty voice. Sing along.

BRANDY CLARK / “The Past Is the Past” feat. Lindsey Buckingham
Writers: Brandy Clark/Barry Dean/Luke Laird; Producer: Lindsey Buckingham; Label: Warner Records
— On her album, this is a gentle ode of farewell. This new version, produced by Lindsey Buckingham, rocks out with splendor and verve. However you slice it, this is a very cool song, and Clark is as good as it gets.

MARK COLLIE / “Born Ready”
Writers: Mark Collie/Kenny Greenberg/Gary Nicholson; Producers: Kenny Greenberg/Chad Cromwell; Label: BFD/Audium/Orchard
— That Waylon/outlaw beat gets me every time. And it fits this renegade/rebel song perfectly. Welcome back, buddy. We’ve missed ya.

This week’s DISCovery Winner Hannah Dasher. Photo: Andrew Morton

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Niko Moon, Tenille Arts, Lainey Wilson, Dillon Carmichael

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Niko Moon: Photo: Matthew Berinato

New talent ruled this listening session.

Despite the presence of big names Kenny Chesney, Jordan Davis, Ashley Monroe and Luke Combs, the lesser-known artists had the records to beat—Jaden Hamilton, Tenille Arts, Drew Green and Dillon Carmichael, for starters.

One of the baby acts completely pinned my ears back. Lainey Wilson has a tough road ahead, since she is a woman and since she writes songs that actually say something. Both of which country radio abhors. But she is unquestionably the finest new talent here, and her album deserves to be on the short list of the Best of the Year. She triumphs as our DisCovery Award winner.

Niko Moon is a “comer,” too. He’s already had one big hit. I definitely hear another in his Disc of the Day winner, “No Sad Songs.”

TENILLE ARTS / “Give It To Me Straight”
Writers: Tenille Arts/Dave Pittenger/Allison Veltz Cruz; Producer: Dave Pittenger; Label: 19th + Grand Records
— Extremely well written. Getting a kiss-off burns like whiskey from the bottle. She sings it with finesse, and the production is a shuddering crunch of sympathetic heartbreak. I remain a fan.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Knowing You”
Writers: Brett James/Adam James/Kat Higgins; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Label: Blue Chair Records/Warner Music Nashville
— It’s a country waltz! I love that. Cushioned by an airy, open production, Chesney sings wistfully of a love lost with the fondest of memories. It’s like being gently held in a comfy blanket while the porch swing sways.

JADEN HAMILTON / “Bad Spot”
Writer: Casey Beathard; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— It’s an apology to someone he did wrong when he was going through a rough patch. His voice has enormous warmth and believability, and the echoey production is perfect. Hamilton is evidently a big TikTok sensation, and I can certainly hear why. This performance was so strong that it made me listen to his entire EP.

ASHLEY MONROE / “Drive”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Niko Moon/Mikey Reaves; Producers: Ashley Monroe/Niko Moon/Mikey Reaves; Label: Mountainrose Sparrow/Thirty Tigers
— This one’s a head scratcher. It’s kinda mysterioso sounding, with a twang guitar popping out of a swirling audio atmosphere. Her near-whispered delivery is at the top of her soprano range. With all the twinkling, synthesized swoons and delicate, ear-catching pips going on, it’s a mite difficult to grasp the lyric.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Almost Maybes”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jesse Frasure/Jordan Davis; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
— Bopping and catchy as the dickens. “I wouldn’t be sitting here next to you, if it wasn’t for the ‘almost maybes,’” he sings as he recalls all the past relationships that led him to her. The bearded one strikes again.

LAINEY WILSON / “Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’”
Writers: Lainey Wilson/Jay Knowles; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
— This woman totally grabbed my attention when she sang this on the Opry last weekend. I think we’re in the presence of a major talent, here. Her hillbilly-accented singing is pristine and sprinkled with stardust. The song about honesty and heartbreak is extraordinary. The wooshing, shuffling, wafting production beats with heartbeat rhythm. It is the title tune of her debut album; be sure and check out the set’s terrific single “Things a Man Oughta Know,” which she also performed on the Opry. Which reminds me, if you’re not tuning in to these weekly Circle TV streams, you are missing one of the great country-music showcases.

LUKE COMBS / “Forever After All”
Writers: Luke Combs/Drew Parker/Robert Williford; Producers: Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton/Luke Combs; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
— Have I mentioned how grateful I am for having this man in country music? In a world of “pop country” bullshit, he screams authenticity. This slab of romantic joy is yet another reason to love him.

DREW GREEN/ “She Got That”
Writers: Arkady Gelman/Drew Green/Jonathan Ross/Lee Starr; Producers: Mark Trussell/Alyssa Vanderheym; Label: Villa 40
— It’s a fusion of pop production, hip-hop beats and a country vocal that goes down easy. He exudes personality and friendliness.

KYLIE MORGAN / “Shoulda”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/Shane McAnally/Ben Johnson; Producers: Shane McAnally/Ben Johnson; Label: EMI Nashville/SMACKSongs
— Get up and dance. Or at least bob your head while this rocks, rocks, rocks. And rocks some more. Frankly, it wore me out.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Lesson in Depression”
Writers: Deborah J Perry/James Edward Hand Jr; Producers: Billy Horton; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
— Do your ears feel the need for a country-music cleansing? Wash away all the Nashville pop pretensions with this slab of steel-and-twang Texas country music. Singer-songwriter James Hand died unexpectedly last year, and this is Crockett’s salute to his fallen pal. He currently has a big Americana hit with a remake of Billy Swan’s “I Can Help.”

NIKO MOON / “No Sad Songs”
Writers: Niko Moon/Anna Moon/Joshua Murty/Steven Lee Olsen/Alyssa Vanderhym; Producers: Niko Moon/Joshua Murty; Label: RCA Records Nashville
— Very cool. The creative, stuttering production is wonderfully charming. The cheery barroom song is about simply wishing for a buzz, a chill, a dance, a groove and a good-time tune. The name dropping of “Wagon Wheel,” “Chicken Fried,” “Sweet Caroline” and “Sweet Home Alabama” is a bonus. Moon’s jaunty delivery makes you want to party along. This sounds suspiciously like a No. 1 record.

DILLON CARMICHAEL / “Sawin’ Logs”
Writers: Brice Long/Wynn Varble/Brandon Kenny; Producers: Jon Pardi/Chris LaCorte; Label: Riser House Records
— I laughed out loud: “I’ve got wood, and she’s sawin’ logs.” A night of romance, thwarted. Especially since he’s bought “a box of fancy wine.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris, Taylor Swift, Walker Hayes

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Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd, Photo: Harper Smith

This seems to be a day for group harmonies and vocal collaborations.

Darlinghurst, Track45, Jesse & Noah and the Dirt Band comprise our duo/group entries. The last named is collaborating with The War & Treaty, Steve Earle, Rosanne Cash and Jason Isbell. Our other collabs include The Bellamys with John Anderson, and Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris.

The DisCovery Award belongs to Track45. Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris ride off with the Disc of the Day.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “F-150”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor; Producers: Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— She’s doing fine getting over him until she sees a certain brand of truck and remembers. Her vocal delivery has lots of emotional resonance, even if the lyric is somewhat monotonous. I hope she’s getting a kickback from the Ford Motor Company.

WALKER HAYES / “I Hope You Miss Me”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Shane McAnally/Sam Summer/Nick Ruth/Sean Smalls; Producers: Shane McAnally/Walker Hayes/Nash Overstreet; Label: Monument Records
— His compressed vocal is ear catching, as are all the little details in the verses. The layered production also scores points for creativity. Poppy and catchy.

TAYLOR SWIFT / “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)”
Writer: Taylor Swift; Producers: Christopher Rowe/Taylor Swift; Label: Republic
— Billed as “Taylor’s Version,” this remake of her chart-topping 2008 smash has a ear-tickling crispness and nice ebb-and-flow audio dynamics. Needless to say, it’s still a cool little song.

TRACK45 / “Met Me Now”
Writers: Ben Johnson/KK Johnson/Jenna Johnson/Jonny Price/J Har; Producer: Byron Gallimore/Track45; Label: Stoney Creek Records/BBR Music Group
— I’m in. This is fresh and youthful sounding. The female lead singer is charming, but the track really takes off when the whole trio harmonizes. The punchy percussion scores points, too.

RYAN HURD & MAREN MORRIS / “Chasing After You”
Writers: Brinley Addington/Jerry Flowers; Producers: Teddy Reimer/Aaron Eshuis; Label: Arista Nashville
— I love a good duet, and this certainly is one. The ballad manages to be both powerfully romantic and emotionally complex, and the couple sings the fire out of it.

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND & FRIENDS / “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producer: Ray Kennedy; Label: none listed;
— Go to nittygritty.com or Bandcamp to consume this and donate to Feeding America. It’s worth the visit. The classic, 57-year-old song remains as pertinent and timely as ever. The band’s compatriots taking turns on the verses are Jason Isbell, Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle and The War and Treaty. The audio result is simply thrilling. Applause, applause.

RORY FEEK / “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producers: Ben Isaacs/Matt Johnson; Label: Gaither Music Group
— In this unexpected and unlikely entry of “Who Wore It Best?” Rory Feek comes out stronger than you might expect. His production is a gorgeous, moody pastiche of acoustic instrumentation, chorale support and stately, meditative rhythm. His folkie, earnest, emotional delivery is right on the money, too. Stirring and stunning.

BRETT ELDREDGE / “Good Day”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Brett Eldredge; Producers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— He’s such a wonderfully hearty vocalist. I love the uplifting outlook in these lyrics. The weather might be gloomy and the times might be troubled, but nevertheless he greets the day with a positive attitude. Well done, as usual. An emotional bullseye.

TYLER RICH / “Better Than You’re Used To”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Corey Crowder/Tyler Rich; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: The Valory Music Co.
— Your current boyfriend is no good, and Mr. Rich is here to show you how much better things could be. I wish his fine vocal was hotter in the mix, because the production fights for attention rather than being supportive.

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS & JOHN ANDERSON / “No Country Music for Old Men”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producer: none listed; Label: none listed
— Lilting and nostalgic, the song fondly recalls the days of Hank, Lefty, Patsy, Buck, Dolly, Merle, Loretta & Conway, Jones & Wynette, Cash and more. A rippling rhythm track soaked with steel floats you along while everyone sings with gusto and affection. A dandy disc.

JESSE & NOAH / “The Vision”
Writers: Jesse D. Bellamy/Noah Frank Bellamy; Producer: none listed; Label: Usonia
— Very cowboy. It has an open-spaces, spaghetti-western vibe, with lots of echoey electric-guitar work. They are David’s sons—Uncle Howard Bellamy adds a third harmony part.

DARLINGHURST / “Gotta Go Rodeo”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Helium Records
— I am told that this male-female country quartet is a big deal in Australia. This sprightly tune has rhythm to spare. The lead vocals overly dominate, to the point that you can barely hear the harmonies. The background crowd cheering is meant to make the song sound “exciting.” It does nothing for me.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Matt Stell, Russell Dickerson, Dan + Shay, LANCO

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Today’s listening session was dominated by country’s male up-and-comers.

Troy Cartwright, Canaan Smith, Russell Dickerson, Matt Stell and Cooper Alan are all spinning new tunes. The Disc of the Day competition features Stell and Dickerson duking it out with Chapel Hart. Matt Stell wins in a close decision.

Chapel Hart is one of four groups in the spotlight. The others are Lanco, The Shootouts and our DisCovery Award winners, Restless Road.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Take One Look at Her Momma”
Writers: Andy Albert/Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Lindsay Rimes/Zach Beeken; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
– Well sung and well played country-rock with a good-time attitude. It’s not too deep, to put it politely.

LAUREN ALAINA & JON PARDI / “Getting Over Him”
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Paul DiGiovanni/Emily Weisband; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: 19 Recordings/Mercury Nashville
– The song is pretty cool, and Alaina sings it splendidly. The rest of the ingredients don’t quite mix—the screaming rock guitar and Pardi’s strained vocal are a bit jarring.

THE SHOOTOUTS / “Rattlesnake Whiskey”
Writers: Ryan Humbert; Producer: Chuck Mead; Label: Soundly
– This rumbling “spaghetti-western” groovefest is about a moonshine runner. Step right up for lots of exciting rhythm & twang.

DAN + SHAY / “Glad You Exist”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Ryan Lewis/Tayla Parx/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Dan Smyers; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Jaunty pop swathed in sweet romance. A smile, for sure.

CHAPEL HART / “I Will Follow”
Writers: Savannah Keyes/Jennifer Hanson/Nick Brophy; Producer: Jennifer Hanson, Nick Brophy & Jeff Glixman; Label: CH
– I am a big fan of this trio. “Jesus and Alcohol” and “You Can Have Him Jolene” were both delights, and so is this tuneful, beautifully harmonized bopper of positivity. The act has deservedly been chosen as one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” for 2021.

CANAAN SMITH / “Mason Jars & Fireflies”
Writers: Canaan Smith/Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder; Producer: Canaan Smith/Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley; Label: Round Here Records
– We may be in the dead of winter, but Smith evokes summertime fun on this uptempo thud-romp. The melody is dull and repetitive, but the vibe is in the right place.

COOPER ALAN / “New Normal”
Writers: Seth Mosley/Cooper Alan/Victoria Shaw; Producer: Victoria Shaw; Label: Cooped Up Records
– This guy is a TikTok star, I am told. His new single has finger snaps, deft guitar plucking and a resonant, romantic, baritone vocal. Very listenable.

TROY CARTWRIGHT / “Hung Up on You”
Writers: Troy Cartwright/Solomon Olds/Rebecca Lauren Olds; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This new release is a stripped-down acoustic version of his debut single. The Texas-to-Tennessee transplant definitely has the goods, and I dig his “woo-hoo” falsetto breaks. Best line: “That damned jukebox is a memory machine.”

MATT STELL / “That Ain’t Me No More”
Writers: Michael Hardy/Hunter Phelps/Smith Ahnquist/Jake Mitchell/Nick Donley; Producer: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: RECORDS/Arista Nashville
– Nicely done. The deep-twang intro leads to sincere performance of a wailing, loved-and-lost lyric. Matt is a prior chart topper who’s batting a thousand.

RUSSELL DICKERSON / “Home Sweet”
Writers: Casey Brown/Charles Kelley/Russell Dickerson; Producer: Russell Dickerson/Dann Huff/Casey Brown; Label: Triple Tigers
– A sound of joy and celebration. Love has seldom seemed as delirious as this rocking, soaring slab of inspiration. Play it again. And again.

CALLISTA CLARK / “It’s Cause I Am”
Writers: Callista Clark/Cameron Jaymes/Laura Veltz; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine Label Group
– Youthful and poppy. Promising, even though it ain’t all that country.

LANCO / “Near Mrs.”
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Shane McAnally/Jeremy Spillman; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Arista Nashville
– Exceedingly clever as a piece of songwriting. The stately tempo throws the spotlight on the spiffy lyric as well as Lancaster’s delivery. This act always hits the bullseye.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Hailey Whitters & Brent Cobb, More

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Miranda Lambert. Photo: Ellen von Unwerth

It’s “duet day” here at DISClaimer.

Collaborations rule the roost with discs by Alex Hall & Tenille Townes, Luke Combs & Billy Strings, Ryan Kinder & Brandy Clark and Hailey Whitters & Brent Cobb. I had a ball listening.

There’s nobody new here, so the DisCovery Award is dormant this week.

As for the Disc of the Day, take your pick. I honestly can’t decide among Kinder & Clark, Kelly Lang, Eric Church, HARDY, Granger Smith and Miranda Lambert. They all thrilled me. There’s never been a six-way tie before, but there’s a first time for everything….

SOUTHERLAND / “Along Those Lines”
Writers: Chris Rogers/Greg Bates/Joseph Driver Williams III/Matt Chase; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Greg Bates; Label: River House Artists/Sony Music Nashville
– Gentle nostalgia for the small town of one’s youth, nicely harmonized and sympathetically produced. This duo (Matt Chase & Chris Rogers) manages to effectively blend traditionalist vocals with echoey electronic arrangements.

LUKE COMBS & BILLY STRINGS / “The Great Divide”
Writers: Luke Combs/Billy Strings/Wyatt Durrette; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Chip Matthews; Label: River House Artists/ Columbia Nashville
– This is so pleasurable on so many levels. The rippling, bluegrassy, acoustic backing is enchanting. The lyric is a poignant plea for unity. The vocals are so comfortingly sincere that you can practically warm your hands by them.

HAILEY WHITTERS & BRENT COBB / “Glad to Be Here”
Writers: Brent Cobb/Brent Rupard/Neil Medley; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters
– Whitters turns in her usual, pure-country vocals and winsome charm. Cobb matches her for down-home friendliness and warmth. The expertly mixed track blends organ, twang guitars, Dobro, rock electronics and frisky percussion. Her current single ( “Fillin’ My Cup” ) with LBT is a gem, and this makes me even more eager to hear the whole album.

RYAN KINDER, BRANDY CLARK & JERRY DOUGLAS / “Tired of Flying”
Writers: Ryan Kinder/Jenn Schott/Luke Sheets; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner
– The presence of one of the greatest female country artists alive, plus an instrumental living legend, ought to be enough to pique your interest. Kinder sings in a haunting, airy tenor, and his writing in this gorgeously poetic, wistful meditation is superb. The ballad has you hanging on every line. I think I am becoming a major, major fan.

ALEX HALL & TENILLE TOWNES / “Heart Shut”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Monument
– Hall’s Six Strings EP features collaborations with Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Kassi Ashton, John Osborne and Brad Tursi. The best companion to his “broken” vocal style is perhaps the always heart-tugging Townes. However, the song could be stronger.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Tequila Does”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall/Jack Ingram; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Beat Up Ford/Platinum Songs US/BMG/Lonesome Vinyl, BMI; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville
– Oh, hell yeah! A honky-tonk moaner that shifts into a barroom toe tapper. With border-town Texas lyrics, no less. It goes without saying that her vocal is as tangy as a twist of lime.

KELLY LANG / “I’m Not Going Anywhere”
Writers: Kelly Lang; Publishers: Kelly Lang Music, BMI; Producer: Kelly Lang; Label: Kelly Lang
– I have been fixated on this song ever since I first heard it in an Ascension Hospitals TV ad and have long been wondering who is singing it so brilliantly. Now it can be told. This is heart-gripping, inspirational stuff. A balm for those who are aching. A comforting ballad for the ages.

ERIC CHURCH / “Heart On Fire”
Writers: Eric Church; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– It has a jangly country-rock vibe with a heartland-roots lyric to match. The soundtrack for a ride on back roads with the windows rolled down and the radio turned up. Does anybody in country music do it better than this guy? I don’t think so.

GRANGER SMITH / “Hate You Like I Love You”
Writers: Justin Wilson/Rodney Clawson/Granger Smith/Kyle Fishman; Publishers: Play It Again/Round Hill/Ford Drives a Chevy/Shirt at Work/Kyle Fishman; Producer: Derek Wells/Granger Smith/Scott Johnson; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– Tuneful and hooky. This extremely well-written breakup song sung with heart sure sounds like a Big Hit to me. Play it.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Can’t Fool Your Own Blood”
Writers: Jaimee Harris/Mary Gauthier/Samuel Williams; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Tommy Cecil; Label: Samuel Williams
– It’s an anguished-sounding ballad about escaping self-destructive ways. Mama’s drinking again and can’t hide it. Hank Jr.’s boy sounds like he has his own highly creative soul.

HARDY / “Give Heaven Some Hell”
Writers: HARDY/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson/Ashley Gorley; Publishers: Relative Music Group, BMI/Rednecker Music, BMI/Round Hill Songs II, ASCAP/Caleb’s College Fund, ASCAP/8 Minutes Twenty Seconds Publishing, BMI/Artist Publishing Group West, ASCAP/Big Blue Nation Music, ASCAP/Nontypical Music, ASCAP/Who Wants To Buy My Publishing, ASCAP/ WC Music Corp., ASCAP; Producer: Joey Moi/Derek Wells; Label: Big Loud Records
– Very cool. A loving send-off to a running buddy who’s passed on. It manages to have deep sentimental affection and rocking attitude at the same time. “I’ll see you again/But ‘til then give Heaven some Hell.” Can you pump your fist at a funeral? This guy can, and I dig him the most.

JAY DEMARCUS / “Music Man”
Writers: Jay DeMarcus; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Label: Big Machine
– This super-gifted Rascal Flatts member penned this ballad in homage to his mentor father when he recently died. It’s an airy, soaring atmospheric creation with a lyric and a tenor vocal that tug at the heartstrings in all the right ways.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Parker McCollum, Lauren Weintraub, Jimmie Allen, Brad Paisley, More

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The theme for this edition of DisClaimer is evidently breakups.

The busted hearts belong to Seaforth and Lauren Weintraub, the latter of whom wins the DisCovery Award. On the other hand, Filmore and Hunter Hayes are positively rejoicing in the freedom that they’ve found, post-breakup.

Poor Parker McCollum can’t even get his relationship off the ground, but he sure sounds great trying. Jake Hoot & Kelly Clarkson are just plain pissed-off about the whole thing, and they sound great, too.

But the Disc of the Day prize goes to Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley, who have nothing whatsoever to do with heartbreak. For that matter, neither does the duo Bexar, who is the runner-up.

BEXAR / “One Day”
Writers: Chris Ryan/Logan Turner/Ross Copperman/Josh Osborne; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This duo continues to impress. Named for Bexar County, Texas, these two combine hooky melodic sensibilities with acoustic textures and rhythm-happy production. If this doesn’t get your toes tapping and your head singing “Hey” along with the gang, you must be deaf. Absolutely essential. And joyous, too.

JIMMIE ALLEN & BRAD PAISLEY / “Freedom Was a Highway”
Writers: Ash Bowers, Jimmie Allen, Matt Rogers; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ash Bowers, Jimmie Allen; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– Rocking nostalgia for the days when we were all 17 years old and carefree. Both men sing with passion, and guess-who takes off a stinging guitar solo?

LAUREN WEINTRAUB / “She’s Mine”
Writers: Lauren Weintraub/Daniel Ross; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: Big Machine Music
– This gifted former Belmont student and NPR/Grammy U/NSAI talent contest standout has amassed more than a million views on TikTok with this debut single. It’s a tuneful swirl of jealousy, heartache and obsession. She can’t stop thinking about the girl who stole him away: “I guess we all got reasons why we can’t sleep at night—and she’s mine.” A star is born.

JAKE HOOT & KELLY CLARKSON / “I Would’ve Loved You”
Writers: Jake Hoot/Dean Sams/Jamie Floyd; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Danny Myrick; Label: MLH Records
– The Voice winner teams up with his coach Clarkson on a dynamic, romantic power ballad. Both are mighty singers, and they hold nothing back as they tear this one up. Hang on for the “false” ending, after which they unleash two more blasts of fiery vocal emoting.

FILMORE / “Nothing’s Better”
Writers: Tyler Filmore/John Luke Carter/Michael Whitworth; Publishers: none listed; Producer: John-Luke Carter/Zach Abend; Label: Curb
– Here’s a switch. Instead of wallowing in heartache following a breakup, this tune is a celebration of getting rid of her. It’s kinda hip-hoppy and tuneless, but it has enormous goofy charm. I remain a fan.

RODNEY ATKINS / “A Little Good News”
Writers: Charlie Black/Rory Bourke/Tommy Rocco; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb
– This 1983 Anne Murray oldie sounds relevant all over again in these troubled times, and Atkins’ reading of the song is super effective. The production is restrained, giving the lyric extra room to touch you. Applause for a job well done.

CLARE DUNN / “Real Thing”
Writers: Jenn DeCilveo/Clare Dunn; Publishers: Big Yellow Dog Music, Kobalt Music Publishing; Producer: Clare Dunn; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– She’s such a gripping singer, and perhaps never more so than when she’s dipping into her lowest alto range in the verses of this steamy shout of True Love.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “To Be Loved By You”
Writers: Parker McCollum/Rhett Akins; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Parkermac/Ritten by Rhettro, BMI; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Label: MCA Nashville
– I love the heart-in-throat country-boy sincerity in this vocal performance. He’s tormented by his failing attempts to get her to love him. There’s ache in every note while the band kicks up dust all around him. Highly listenable.

HUNTER HAYES / “The One That Got Away”
Writers: Hunter Hayes/Sam Ellis/Sara Haze; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Hunter Hayes/Andrew Wells; Label: LP Entertainment
– This is a pop-oriented, forward-momentum sound, with a vibe like wind rushing through a car’s open window. Hayes sings of freedom and escape as he leaves a bad relationship. It’s attractive, in an ‘80s kinda way, but I don’t think there’s much that is “country” about it.

CATHERINE BRITT / “Me”
Writers: Catherine Britt/Katrina Burgoyne; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Catherine Britt/Michael Muchow; Label: Beverly Hillbilly
– Dull production, dull performance, dull sentiment. Go find a song.

SEAFORTH / “Breakups”
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitch Thompson/Liz Rose/Cameron Bedell; Publishers: Warner Chappell Music; Producer: Tom Jordan; Label: RCA
– A plaintive sob from a heart crushed by a bad goodbye. The vocals have a sweet/sad quality that evokes a lonely guy, drinking too much, hurting a lot and thinking about her with deep regret. It’s a little word-y, but the feelings are authentic. I’m in.

DANIELLE BRADBERY & KURT / “Yo Nunca He (Never Have I Ever)”
Writers: Danielle Bradbery/Laura Veltz/David Hall Hodges/KURT/Mauricio Rengifo; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff/Enrique López Lezama; Label: Big Machine Records
– Although she does not speak fluent Spanish, Bradbery comes from Mexican roots. She taps into that via this duet with romantic, breathy Latin star Kurt. It is sung entirely in Spanish, except for interjections of the English song title. The whole thing goes down smoothly.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Marty Stuart, Blake Shelton, Tiera, Caitlyn Smith, Old Dominion

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Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart. Photo: Bill Thorup

We have a historic DisClaimer column today—for the first time, five of our spotlight sounds are by African-American country up-and-comer’s.

Mind you, not all of them have a deep understanding of what “country” is, exactly. But if you’re into hick-hop fusion styles, we have you covered.

Of these five, two of them have authentic approaches, Aaron Vance and our DisCovery Award winner, Charley Crockett.

Scattered among these folks are a bevy of country heavyweights. Old Dominion, Maren Morris, Willie Nelson, FGL and Kip Moore are all on hand.

The Disc of the Day prize is shared by two extraordinary rocking tracks. New Country Music Hall of Fame honoree Marty Stuart rides high with “I’ve Been Around” and future Hall of Famer Blake Shelton is right there with him singing “Minimum Wage.”

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “I Can Help”
Writers: Billy Swan; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Bruce Robison; Label: The Next Waltz
– This Texan takes the 1974 Billy Swan country-pop classic out for a leisurely drive. The laid-back folkie groove with a tinge of New Orleans R&B backbeat is a relaxing ride. The track is making inroads on both country and Americana playlists, and deserves to.

BLAKE SHELTON / “Minimum Wage”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Corey Crowder/Jesse Frasure; Publishers: Warner Chappell Music; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– It’s a sentiment as old as country music, itself—being rich in love is better than having material goods. This time, the lyrics are spitfire sharp, the vocal delivery has edgy passion and the track totally rawks. A smash.

TIERA / “Found It In You”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Tiera Leftwich; Publishers: Songs & Daughters; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: Tiera
– This Birmingham native has been signed by Nicolle Galyon’s female-driven publishing company and hosts her own daily show on Apple Music Country that focuses on up-and-coming artists. Tiera describes her sound as “R&B country.” This languid, acoustic piano ballad swoons in jazzy romance.

KIP MOORE / “How High”
Writers: Kip Moore/Bobby Terry/Luke Dick/Westin Davis; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: MCA Nashville
– Thumping and rocking, with a doomy, deep-twang melodic bed under Moore’s raspy, fiery vocal. Super hooky. Essential.

AARON VANCE / “Cabin Fever”
Writers: Aaron Vance/Rich Karg; Publishers: Rich Karg, ASCAP; Producer: Aaron Vance/Rich Karg; Label: Windy Holler
– Very funky and twangy. He’s a really cool, traditional-leaning hillbilly vocalist, but equally important is the groove-soaked track with its catchy, boing-boing guitar effects. I dig this guy’s distinctive, creative, off-the-wall approach. Play it again.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE / “Life Rolls On”
Writers: Ben Burgess/Alysa Vanderheym/Emily Weisband; Publishers: Warner Chappell Music; Producer: FGL & Corey Crowder; Label: Big Machine
– The title tune of the duo’s upcoming fifth album has a steady-state, somewhat monotonous sound with not much of a melody. Blandly listenable.

WILLIE JONES / “American Dream”
Writers: Willie Jones/Josh Logan/Jason Afable; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jason Afable; Label: The Penthouse / EMPIRE
– Dark and very compelling, if not exactly down-home rootsy. This is an ear-opening hick-hop country fusion sound with a pointed political message about what it means to be Black in America. Jones is partnering with the new National Museum of African American Music in Nashville to solicit fan statements on the topic. He performed at the museum’s virtual, grand-opening celebration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

WILLIE NELSON / “That’s Life”
Writers: Dean Kay/Kelly Gordon; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon/Matt Rollings; Label: Legacy
– The title tune of Willie’s Frank Sinatra tribute album is one of the coolest songs in the Sinatra catalog. The country legend’s take on Ol’ Blue Eyes’ 1966 hit is a woozy, bluesy delight.

SEE YOUR SHADOW / “I Know My Worth”
Writers: Michael Coleman/Shukur Haynes; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Michael Coleman; Label: See Your Shadow
– This is a multi-racial, female quintet fronted by a hick-hop stylist. Driven by a bopping banjo, the song is a female-empowerment anthem with hooks a-plenty. Girl power with a groove that doesn’t quit.

J.P. SAXE & MAREN MORRIS / “Line By Line”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/JP Saxe/Maren Morris/Ryan Marrone; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ryan Marrone; Label: Arista
– Enchantingly pretty pop. Is this woman ever going to release a country record again?

CAITLYN SMITH & OLD DOMINION / “I Can’t”
Writers: Ben West/Caitlyn Smith/Steven Wilson Jr.; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Christian “Leggy” Langdon/Shane McAnally; Label: Monument
– Lustrously produced with gobs of echoey audio atmosphere surrounding stellar vocal work. Radio ready.

MARTY STUART / “I’ve Been Around”
Writers: Johnny Cash/Marty Stuart; Publishers: none listed; Producer: John Carter Cash; Label: Legacy
– Sensational. I completely love this record. Stuart channels the slap-back rockabilly vibe of the Man in Black, giving it a snappy, contemporary edge. Cash’s lyric is a dandy. It’s shocking that he never recorded this, himself.