DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dan + Shay Deliver ‘Delicate, Pristine Production’

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Dan + Shay. Photo: Robby Klein

This is an all-male edition of DISClaimer.

Every other contender here is a Black country stylist. One of them, Scoot Teasley, is our DISCovery Award winner. I don’t know much about him. I think he’s from Georgia, and he looks very young. I do know I’d sign him in a heartbeat.

As for our White guys, there’s no question but that Dan + Shay are this week’s Disc of the Day prize winners.

KEITH URBAN/ “Straight Line”
Writers: Keith Urban/Chase McGill/Jerry Flowers/Greg Wells; Producers: Keith Urban/Greg Wells; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This zippy rocker puts pedal to the metal on an open-highway “road” song. Packed with positivity and frothing energy. It ain’t all that “country,” but it sure is fun.

BLANCO BROWN/ “Sunshine Shine”
Writer: Bennie Amey III; Producer: Blanco Brown; Label: Wheelhouse Records/BMG
– Brown is probably the best at fusing hip-hop with country. Probably because he can actually sing. This dancefloor ditty in praise of moonshine has cool hand claps, sampled bass loops, electronic blips and a pleasant, repeated, mellow hook. I remain a fan.

DAN + SHAY/ “Bigger Houses”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Andy Albert/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The title to the duo’s new album has a classic-country sentiment: Money can’t buy happiness. The delicate, pristine production laced with acoustic guitar supports a softly sincere Shay Mooney lead vocal with a gentle Dan Smyers baritone harmony. A gorgeous little record.

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN/ “Leave Right Now”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/JD Walker/Nicholas Autry; Producers: JD Walker/Nicholas Autry; Label: KG
– These twin brothers normally inhabit the dance floor, but on their new single they adopt a slow, sensuous groove. The production starts off kind of spare and cheeesy sounding, then adds layers of percussion and vocal harmonies to achieve a romantic, dim-the-lights jam. Seductive.

CHRIS YOUNG/ “Double Down”
Writers: Derek George/Monty Criswell/Tyler Reeve; Producer: Chris Young; Label: RCA Records Label Nashville
– It’s a barroom stomper with twang guitar and thumping percussion in praise of getting it on by drinking doubles and painting the town neon-red.

WILLIE JONES/ “Omg”
Writers: Will Adams; Producer: Willie Jones; Label: The Penthouse
– The single remains “Dive Bar,” but just in time for Super Bowl LVIII Jones drops his relaxed version of halftime-show performer Usher’s 2010 oldie “Omg.” Jones is in his third year hosting his Apple Music series “The Cross Road Radio Show.” These programs illustrate how country and hip-hop intertwine.

LUKE GRIMES/ “God And A Girl”
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Dillon James/Jason Nix; Producers: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury/Range/UMG Nashville
– The Yellowstone star has repeatedly proved that he’s a for-real country artist. This new track throws a spotlight on his resonant baritone voice. It’s a slo-o-o-o-ow romantic ballad that could use a little more waltz-time lilt and a little less plodding.

CARLOS WASHINGTON’S STEEL HORSE SWING/ “Party On Piedra Lumbre’
Writers: Carlos A Washington; Producer: Ernie Martinez; Label: CW
– Not to be confused with the Atlanta Falcons running back, this Carlos Washington is a  western-swing cowboy revivalist, following in the footsteps of Bob Wills, Hank Thompson and Asleep at the Wheel. This track has a solid groove, punctuated by horn blasts, sizzling steel and jazzy fiddle. Washington’s confident vocal delivery is totally in the pocket. The rancher and former rodeo bull rider has recently signed with Nashville’s Flaming Tortuga label and is preparing new sounds for the second quarter of ‘24.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/ “Not Letting Go”
Writers: William Michael Morgan/Dan Huston/Sam Banks; Producer: Keith Stegall; Label: ONErpm
– This neo-traditionalist has a honky-tonk delivery to die for. The ballad is also bolstered by a flawless, tasteful, eloquent, steel-embellished production by Stegall. This is country music the way it was meant to be performed.

SCOOT TEASLEY/ “This Truck Still Misses You”
Writers: Scoot Teasley/Mason Thornley/Jon Stark; Producer: Chris Utley; Label: STM/Hollow Point Music Group
– This pulses with throbbing heartache energy. It also announces the birth of a major new country stylist. Teasley’s throaty, range-y vocal is stunning. The rocking production brims with excitement. Who is this guy, and where has he been all of our lives?

TYLER BRADEN/ “Devil You Know”
Writers: Sam Martinez/Graham Barham/Zack Dyer/Jon Robert Hall; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This fiery country rocker advises us to stand up for ourselves. Don’t back down, and don’t mistake kindness for weakness. The rock track screams with guitars and chanted backing vocals.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Morgan Wallen Shows Off The ‘Warmth In His Singing Voice’

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert

We have fresh faces and fresh sounds in DISClaimer today.

Vying for the DISCovery Award were first-timers Kashus Culpepper, Karley Scott Collins and Lizzie No. Right alongside them are new tunes from such marvelous “baby acts” as Tigirlily Gold, Zach Top, Sierra Ferrell, and Jordyn Shellhart. Give ‘em all a hand, and hand the prize to Lizzie No.

There’s not much competition for the Disc of the Day award. Not when you have a titan like Morgan Wallen in the mix. He wins, hands down.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Marlboro Reds”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Cool, minor-key and moody sounding. The bluesy outing is a recollection of hanging out with grandma when she steps outside for her smoke breaks. Very ear-catching and kinda haunting.

MORGAN WALLEN / “Spin You Around”
Writers: Morgan Wallen/Paul Trust/Sergio Sanchez; Producers: Joey Moi/Morgan Wallen/Bryan Sutton/Paul Trust; Label: Big Loud
– I just love the warmth in his singing voice. While Bryan Sutton’s acoustic guitar strums beautiful filigrees, Wallen pleads for favors from the one who stole his heart away. Supremely excellent work.

SIERRA FERRELL / “Dollar Bill Bar”
Writers: Melody Walker/Sierra Ferrell; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Rounder Records
– She has the greatest stone-country voice, is a brilliant writer and packs a wallop as a show-woman. Put simply, this is one of the most creative artists in this genre today. Her jaunty kiss-off single is delightfully innocent and saucy at the same time. Also, check out the YouTube video of Ferrell making her national TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live with her barn-burning “Fox Hunt.” The new album isn’t due until March. Put me on the waiting list.

TYLER HUBBARD / “Turn”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Casey Brown/Josh Miller; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– She’s so special that she can turn bad to good in a heartbeat. Romantic hillbilly sincerity in every note. A thumping backbeat and some dandy guitar don’t hurt a bit. This dude never disappoints.

KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Who Hurt You”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: KC
– The grit in his voice stopped me in my tracks. With just his acoustic guitar for accompaniment, he is thoroughly gripping. The well-written song has a philosophical bent in its description of a man with inner wounds. Somebody sign this guy pronto.

BRADY SEALS/ “My Love”
Writers: Brady Seals/Porter C. Howell/Thomas D. Barnes; Producers: Brady Seals/Christy Dinapoli; Label: Hillbilly
– This ultra-romantic charmer is being released in time for Valentine’s Day. It was previously a No.1 hit for Brady’s old band Little Texas in 1994. This new version, complete with stacked chorus vocal harmonies, is a welcome reminder of what a lovely song it is. Play it.

LIZZIE NO/ “Halfsies”
Writer: Lizzie No; Producers: Lizzie No/Graham Richman/Patrick Dillett; Label: Thirty Tigers/Miss Freedomland
– This is the title tune of Lizzie No’s debut album, which dropped last week. I love the way it builds from stark snare-and-guitar accompaniment to a full production soaked in steel and cascading strings and voices. What is equally cool is the way her dry soprano delivery remains on top of it all, delivering an intricate, poetic lyric of surviving pain. Wildly promising.

JORDYN SHELLHART & CHARLIE WORSHAM/ “A Nice Thing To Do”
Writers: Cameron Jaymes/Jordyn Shellhart; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Languid and dreamy, with both voices sounding intimate and comforting. The echoey track is gorgeously produced. A sublime listening experience. Need I add that I am a huge fan of both of these talents?

ZACH TOP/ “Sounds Like The Radio”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Wyatt McCubbin/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Top’s new radio single and video are a revelation. As if it wasn’t enough that he’s a hunk who sings like a honky-tonk hero, he also plays stinging lead guitar. The song is a hooky throwback to ‘90s country that is as refreshing as ice water on a summer day. This man is everything you could want in a country superstar.

LOGAN MIZE & JESSIE JAMES DECKER/ “If You’re Up”
Writers: Abe Stoklasa/Daniel Tashian/Sarah Buxton; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– They’ve broken up, but not really because they still want to hook up. It might be late, late, late at night, but how about it, babe? Chiming, ringing guitars and oomphy percussion percolate behind their equally strong vocals. A righteous little record.

TIGIRLILY GOLD/ “I Tried A Ring On”
Writers: Josh Jenkins/Pete Good/Kendra Slaubaugh/Krista Slaubaugh; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Monument
– She jumped the gun and married the guy too soon. Now it’s over and she regrets it all. The churning, multi-textured, mid-tempo production is awesome and the two sisters have never sounded more vocally expressive. By far their best effort yet.

CHARLES ESTEN/ “Love Ain’t Pretty”
Writers: Charles Esten/Marshall Altman/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Marshall Altman Label: CE
– His years on the Nashville TV show and multiple Opry appearances have made him familiar to millions. So it comes of something as a shock to learn that the collection that Esten released last week is his debut album. Its title tune is a troubadour gem that melds his soft vocal delivery with a beautifully mixed ballad track. “Love ain’t pretty,” he sings, “but it’s beautiful.” Amen.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dalton Dover ‘Brings A Whole New Dimension’ To Country Classic

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Dalton Dover. Photo: Jim Wright

Our Black country artists have the discs to beat this week.

Brittney Spencer, Dalton Dover and Brei Carter all vied for the Disc of the Day award. Carter has the dance tune, and Spencer has the feel-good bopper. But Dalton Dover has the most traditional country voice going for him, and he gets the nod.

On a day dominated by newer country acts, Warner entry Redferrin wins the DISCovery Award. His full name is Blake Redferrin. He hails from White House, Tennessee and has the drawling accent to prove it.

RYAN JEWEL / “Same Bar, Different Town”
Writers: Ryan Jewel/Lauren McLamb/Blaine Younger; Producers: John Hansbrough & Ryan Jewel; Label: Ryan Jewel
– A nice, beefy, resonant production backs a honky-tonk baritone with a well-crafted tune. He’s a little bit pitch-y in spots, but not enough to mar the performance. As a songwriter, I’d call him much more than promising.

COREY KENT / “This Heart”
Writers: Thomas Archer/Blake Bollinger/Jacob Hackworth/Michael Tyler; Producer: Chris Farren; Label: Sony
– Heartache on the hoof. In a pleading tenor, he describes the pain of missing her and vents his anger on his heart that won’t heal. A pulsating rhythm track amps up the energy, and sizzling electric guitars infuse the mood.

REDFERRIN / “Doin’ Life”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Jarrod Ingram/Blake Hubbard; Producers: Redferrin/The 720; Label: Warner
– It’s rough out there, folks. Redferrin sings the existential blues in a wailing tenor that pretty much outlines the pitfalls and difficulties. The moody track with its low-thump percussion is mixed up a tiny bit too high, so you have strain to discern the lyrics. As if to show a little mercy, the backing sounds ease off and the final chorus is crystal clear.

BRITTNEY SPENCER / “I Got Time”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Emily Reid/Jessica Cayne/Nate Campany; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
– Jaunty, catchy, cute and endearing. She’s worked hard all week and is ready to chill with her besties. Dance all night? Yes, please. Spencer’s debut album, My Stupid Life, dropped last Friday. Do yourself a favor and listen to the title tune, as well as this bopper.

LACY J. DALTON / “Summerland”
Writer: Lacy J. Dalton; Producers: none listed; Label: StarVista
– Dalton posted 20+ country hits in the 1980s, and she still sounds fine. This song was written to comfort her mother as she lay dying. A rippling mandolin accompanies the singer as she carries us onto the river that leads us over to the other side. Warm and reassuring.

KAMERON MARLOWE & ELLA LANGLEY / “Stranger”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe/Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Chase McGill; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
– He’s a very powerful vocalist, but Langley keeps up with Marlowe on this power ballad. Sparks fly.

DALTON DOVER / “Take Me Home Country Roads”
Writers: Bill Danoff/John Denver/Taffy Nivert; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury
– He remains one of our finest young country voices. Think again, if you think you’ve heard this oldie often enough. Dover’s slowed-down, gentle, caressing, thoughtful reading of the lyric brings a whole new dimension to the song. This man has the goods. A loud, “Amen” from this corner.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Breaking My Heart”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Chase McGill/Jordan Schmidt/Mitchell Tenpenny; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia Nashville
– The song isn’t much, but the production and performance make a fine pop-country sound.

BILLY GILMAN & RHONDA VINCENT / “That’s Bluegrass to Me”
Writers: Billy Gilman/Dan Murph/Philip Douglas; Producers: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Gilman’s country voice lends itself surprisingly well to bluegrass here, and the presence of the genre’s queen doesn’t hurt. The song’s lyric drops legendary names from the genre effortlessly.

BREI CARTER & ELEKTROHORSE / “Boots Get to Talking”
Writers: Brei Carter/Elektrohorse/Floyd Holloway/Ray Seay; Producer:Elektrohorse; Label: BC
– Country singer Carter turns herself over to her noted DJ Elektrohorse, who gives this ditty a definite dancefloor vibe. He leaves enough room in his beats for her sprightly vocal and an accompanying harmonica workout. Get up and shake it.

ELVIE SHANE / “What Do I Know”
Writers: Dan Couch/Elvie Shane/Jon Sherwood/Oscar Charles; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
– The sound is a little dark and foreboding, but the blue-collar lyric lifts it up. As usual, he’s a beacon of creative individuality. Well worth your spins.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Megan Moroney Tries To Move On In New Single

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Megan Moroney. Photo: David McClister

Is country music making a comeback in ’24?

After years of rock-em, sock-em pop Nashville sounds being marketed as “country,” we suddenly have a host of new tunes that are more like the meat-and-potatoes nourishment that made us fall in love with the genre in the first place. To wit, I refer to the new tracks by Catie Offerman, the Bellamys with Gene Watson, Scotty McCreery, Ashley Cooke, Kenny Chesney, and our outstanding DISCovery Award winner, Zach Top.

The Disc of the Day goes to country’s new “it” girl Megan Moroney.

ASHLEY COOKE/ “Your Place”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Jordan Minton/Mark Trussell; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Loud
– While guitars plink, echo and twinkle around her, she tells him that she’s utterly over him. A country feel-good, kiss-off tune with a built-in ache.

KENNY CHESNEY/ “Take Her Home”
Writers: Zach Abend/Michael Hardy/Hunter Phelps; Producers: Kenny Chesney/Buddy Cannon; Label: Warner/Blue Chair
– A gentle anthem in praise of enduring romance. Fall dizzy in love, move in together, build a life, make memories.

CATIE OFFERMAN/ “Sound of Missing You”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Justin Ebach/Josh Thompson; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
– Excellent work. The verses in her alto range draw you in with their intimacy, and then she swings into the hooks-a-plenty choruses and captivates you completely. Honky-tonk heartache at its very best. This is going on repeat for sure.

MEGAN MORONEY/ “No Caller ID”
Writers: Megan Moroney/Jessi Alexander/Connie Harrington/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Kristen Bush; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records
– This is so well written. She’s trying to move on, but he worms his way back in by ringing her up drunk at 3 a.m. with no caller ID. Does she pick up the phone? Unfortunately, yes. A short story in song with a creative approach that you have to admire. This lady is very special.

JOSH ROSS/ “Single Again”
Writers: Brad Rempel/Joe Fox/Josh Ross; Producer: Matt Geroux; Label: Mercury
– A steady bass thump and some electronic wooshing percolate as he launches into an addictive tempo tune. “I got a king-sized bed just missing a queen,” he sings, if she’d only join him when she gets over that other guy. He’s been awarded a Breakthrough Artist award by the Canadian Country Music Association, and I can hear why.

SCOTTY McCREERY/ “Can’t Pass The Bar”
Writers: Scotty McCreery/Brent Anderson/Cale Dodds/Frank Rogers; Producers: Frank Rogers/Derek Wells/Aaron Eshuis; Label: Triple Tigers
– In this rocker, the blue-collar boys have had a hard week, so they’re cashing their paychecks at the neighborhood honky-tonk. A TGIF romp.

BRITTI/ “Lullaby”
Writers: Dan Auerbach/Brittany Guerin/Roger Cook; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye Sound
– Softly hypnotic, echoey-mysterious and thoroughly haunting, this slow ballad is essential listening. Get lost in its gorgeous production by Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach.

ZACH TOP/ “Bad Luck”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Mark Nesler/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Let Mr. Top take you by the hand and lead you into the classic-country world of Keith Whitley and Randy Travis. It’s a beautiful place to be. This kid has it all  going on—good looks, a toe-tapping tune, an enthusiastic online fan base and an absolutely stunning country voice. I fervently hope that stardom awaits. Also check out his ultra romantic “There’s the Sun.”

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS & GENE WATSON/ “Forever Ain’t Long Enough”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producers: The Bellamy Brothers/Randy Hiebert; Label: Bellamy/Fourteen Carat
– Sublimely country. The steel-soaked ballad finds Watson in superb voice with the layered harmonies by the the brothers adding luscious textures to the performance. Swooningly listenable. Produced with deep (too deep?) echo, the love song’s release will be timed for Valentine’s Day, and the collaborators are booked to introduce it on the Opry on Feb. 13.

GEORGIA WEBSTER/ “Attention”
Writers: Laura Veltz/Emily Weisband/Sam Ellis; Producer: King Henry; Label: Sony
– There’s definitely talent at work here, but there’s something faintly masochistic about the extreme scenarios she thinks up to get his attention.

JAKE KOHN/ “Hard As Stone”
Writer: Jake Kohn; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Lockeland Springs/Atlantic
– His raspy, weathered, aged-sounding voice is startling, especially since he’s only 16. The production lets him down by burying the lyrics beneath a busy instrumental mix.

LUKE DICK/ “Shirt Off My Back”
Writers: Luke Dick/Chris DuBois; Producers: Luke Dick/Jason Lehning; Label: Virgin
– I have admired his songwriting for some time, due to cuts by Miranda Lambert, Brothers Osborne, Kacey Musgraves, Kip Moore and more. This choppy thumper seems to be something of an autobiography, and he delivers it with moxie. Just as impressive is the fact that he plays almost everything on the track.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Young Delivers Smoldering New Track

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Chris Young. Photo: John Shearer

Vintage artists vie with contemporary country acts today in DISClaimer.

Wade Hayes, Sawyer Brown and Billy Dean are still singing fine. But so are Brian Kelley, Gabby Barrett and Chris Young. Mr. Young easily takes home a Disc of the Day award for his stunning “Right Now” performance.

Lizzie No is one of three Black country stylists in today’s column. She competes for a DISCovery Award alongside Jessie G and The Castellows. In a tough, all-female contest, The Castellows earn the honor.

BRITTNEY SPENCER/ “Night In”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Jessica Cayne/Summer Overstreet; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
– It’s a delightfully catchy pop track with Brittney coyly suggesting that she’d rather curl up on the couch, get high with friends and chill as a “home girl” instead of doing another night on the town. The beats are crunchy and the personality is charming.

CHRIS YOUNG / “Right Now”
Writers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Josh Hoge; Producers: Chris Young/Chris DeStefano; Label: Sony
– Magnificent. He’s carrying a torch so hot that the whole track smolders. While percussion throbs and guitars cry, one of our greatest current country singers yearns for her in a lonely well of desire. Play it again.

SAWYER BROWN / “Nashville Cat”
Writer: Mark Miller; Producers: Mark Miller/Blake Shelton; Label: Curb
– The band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a documentary titled Get Me to Stage on Time and a forthcoming album. The latter’s advance track is this characteristic rocker asking an “uptown girl” for a lively date. A classic Sawyer Brown bopper.

REYNA ROBERTS / “One Way Street”
Writers: Natalie Stovall/Reyna Roberts/Aaron Wagner; Producer: Aaron Wagner; Label: Empire
– This track from her new Bad Girl Bible collection finds Roberts singing at the tippy-top of her vocal range on a somewhat slogging, aimless ballad. She can do better, and has.

BILLY DEAN / “Never Back Down”
Writers: Billy Dean/Hugh Van Landingham/Cody Van Landingham; Producer: none listed; Label: BD
– This has been announced as Florida governor Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign theme song. It’s a flag-waving string of phrases calling for everyone to rise up who is “tired of the same old crowd.” Oh, I almost forgot: The track has “USA, USA, USA” chanting, too.

LIZZIE NO / “Annie Oakley”
Writer: Lizzie No; Producers: Lizzie No/Graham Richman/Patrick Dillett; Label: Thirty Tigers/Miss Freedomland
– She is a Black Opry showcaser and a folk-music podcaster with a new album titled Halfsies that drops on Jan. 19. Its single is a road song that questions both the journey and the destination. Acoustic guitar strumming accompanies her languid vocal at first, and then the track builds in complexity and intensity. Drums pound the creation home. Definitely worth a listen.

BRIAN KELLEY / “Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Machine
– This one is an upbeat outdoor sportsman’s anthem about huntin’ and fishin.’ It is also his best vocal performance to date.

GABBY BARRETT / “You’re My Texas”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Miranda Lambert/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: Ross Copperman/Gabby Barrett; Label: Warner
– Utterly enchanting. Her dreamy performance is saturated with romance and comfort. Wafting background-vocal sighs and steady, chopping guitar licks color the ballad’s production, while the lyric conjures pastoral images. Highly recommended.

WADE HAYES / “Old Country Still Rocks”
Writer: Wade Hayes; Producer: Wade Hayes; Label: Conabor
– Wade sings the praises of Willie, Waylon, Haggard, Bocephus, Brooks & Dunn, Loveless, Diffie, Travis, Strait, Tritt, Chesnutt and other vintage stylists on this snappy country rocker with stuttering guitar and scampering fiddle.

JESSIE G & GRETCHEN WILSON / “Like My Whiskey”
Writers: Jessica Goergen/Matthew Hundley; Producers: Jessie G/Gretchen Wilson; Label: MusicCred
– Jessie is Gretchen’s protégée. The older star urged Jessie to move from Oregon to Music City and has been guiding her progress. Their debut collaboration is a pile-driving country rocker in praise of wild times. “I like my men like I like my whiskey,” they warble over and over again as the band kicks up dust.

THE CASTELLOWS / “A Little Goes a Long Way”
Writers: Eleanor Balkcom/Lily Balkcom/Powell Balkcom/Natalie Hemby; Producer: Trina Shoemaker; Label: Warner
– This sister trio will drop its debut EP in February. This is its title tune, a lilting, breezy outing showcasing the blonde Georgia siblings’ pitch-perfect harmony singing. Their musical goodness also shines on the bopping, nostalgic “No. 7 Road,” which is now airing on CMT.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors’ New Tune Is ‘Deeply Affecting’

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Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

Happy New Year from DISClaimer.

I can think of no better way to begin 2024 than with an overview of what’s current in the land of Americana music. Plenty, as it turns out.

Many of the biggest stars of the genre have offerings—Jason Isbell, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Sheryl Crow. But the Disc of the Day goes to a guy who’s been in the trenches for years, but never received their level of fame. It’s “Way Back When,” a marvelous outing from Drew Holcomb and his band The Neighbors. It’s bound to warm your spirits on a winter day.

The DISCovery Award goes to MAJOR. He’ll be spending part of this winter in Music City collaborating with our songwriters for the tracks on a new album. If the rest of his music is as fine as his excellent single, I offer a hearty welcome.

DR. JOHN & AARON NEVILLE / “End of the Line”
Writers: Bob Dylan/George Harrison/Jeff Lynne/Roy Orbison/Tom Petty; Producers: Malcom John Rebennack, Jr/Shane Theriot; Label: Rounder
– Country-loving Aaron Neville teamed up with the late Dr. John on this cover of The Traveling Wilburys tune. The good news is that the track sounds nothing like the Wilbury original version. The bad news is that the angelic-voiced Neville takes a definite back seat. The unusual listening experience is on the current, posthumously released Dr. John album Things Happen This Way.

MAJOR. / “Joy in the Battle”
Writer: Joaquin Bynum; Producer: Joaquin Bynum; Label: MNRK Music
– One of the cool things about Americana is that it brings together all kinds of roots music styles—classic country, blues, Cajun, bluegrass, folk and, in this case, soul. The track is an uplifting shout of affirmation, driven by ebullient energy. It already has 105K streams on Spotify, and has picked up endorsements from Sting, Oprah, Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson and Stevie Wonder. I see no reason why it can’t go even further. Infectious and positive. MAJOR. showcases at The Basement on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. It’s a free industry showcase, so get on board.

EMMYLOU HARRIS / “Love Wore a Halo”
Writer: Nanci Griffith; Producer: Buddy Miller; Label: Rounder
– More Than a Whisper is the tribute album to the late, great Nanci Griffith. Emmylou, the Queen of Americana, has its single, and it’s a beauty. Acoustic instruments swirl around a concertina, a twang guitar and a snare while the singer weaves her magic spell. Essential listening.

NOAH KAHAN / “Everywhere Everything”
Writer: Noah Kahan; Producers: Gabe Simon/Noah Kahan; Label: Republic
– This folkie is nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys. He’s been collaborating with Kacey Musgraves, Post Malone, Joy Oladokun, Hozier, Zach Bryan and more stellar people. This track is drawn from Stick Season, the breakthrough album that earned him his nomination. Things start off innocent and guitar strum-y then build into intense rocking choruses that describe young love in the most weirdly morbid way.

CHARLEY CROCKETT & WILLIE NELSON / “That’s What Makes the World Go Around”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Kullen Fox/Rich Brotherton/Taylor Grace; Producers: Charley Crockett/Billy Horton; Label: CC
– This is a loping, lightly swinging two stepper. Nelson, 90, matches Crockett vocal lick for vocal lick and adds his own Trigger guitar solo. All country music should sound this cool.

AMOS LEE / “Fruits of My Labor”
Writer: Lucinda Williams; Producer: none listed; Label: Thirty Tigers
– Amos Lee has one of Americana music’s great voices. He needs only it and some spare acoustic instrumentation to bring this languid, buoyant, silky tune to life. Absolutely love this. It comes from Honeysuckle Switches, his new tribute album to his songwriting hero, Lucinda Williams.

SHERYL CROW / “Alarm Clock”
Writers: Sheryl Crow/Mike Elizondo/Emily Weisband; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: Valory
– The 2023 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee returns to her pop-rock roots with this bopping, sunshiny winner. Back in 2018, she said she was done making albums. Which is why this advance track from her upcoming Evolution collection so surprising and so welcome. Can’t wait to hear the rest of it.

LORI McKENNA / “1988”
Writers: Brian McKenna/Lori McKenna; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: CN/Thirty Tigers
– This woman always captivates me. The title tune of McKenna’s current album celebrates her enduring marriage with simple acoustic guitar accompaniment. There are few songwriters alive who are so heartfelt and true and few singers who can grab you this tightly. She has won CMA Song of the Year twice, for ”Girl Crush” and “Humble and Kind,” both of which also won Country Song Grammy Awards, as did “Crowded Table.” Lori McKenna is the only woman to have been named Songwriter of the Year by the ACM. Listen and believe.

JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT / “White Beretta”
Writer: Jason Isbell; Producer: Jason Isbell; Label: Southeastern
– Wistful memories of regret and self recrimination color a rolling meditation. Mournful and utterly haunting. This track from Isbell’s Weathervanes collection has a new animated video that is as evocative as the abortion-themed song.

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS / “Way Back When”
Writers: Drew Holcomb/Kevin Scott Rhoads; Producer: Cason Cooley; Label: Magnolia
– Over the course of two decades and nine albums, these folks have been a comforting constant on the Nashville music scene. The group’s current album, Strangers No More, has taken it to previously unscaled heights at festivals, on TV, in print and on the Americana charts. Holcomb’s warm baritone carries this warm, heart-tugging ballad accompanied by soft piano and strings. It’s about parenthood and the passage of time and is deeply, deeply affecting. I remain an immense fan. Always have been.

JIMMY BUFFETT / “Like My Dog”
Writers: Scotty Emerick/Harley Allen; Producers: Michael Utley/Mac McAnally; Label: Mailboat/Sun
– This is a face-filling grin from start to finish. Or at least a massive tail wag. All he wants is for his girl to love him like his dog does. The new video for this is a collaboration with the ASCPA to encourage doggie adoption, and the footage is adorable. Drawn from Buffett’s superb posthumous album Equal Strain on All Parts.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brenda Lee Wears Her ‘Queen Of Christmas’ Crown

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Brenda Lee. Photo: Alexa King Stone

Happy holidays from DISClaimer.

I have your Nashville Christmas playlist right here and ready to go. Do not miss the offerings by Brandy Clark, Randall King, Jon Pardi and Eric Paslay. 

Despite the abundance of quality, there is no question about who the Queen of Christmas is this year. A Disc of the Day award to Brenda Lee for her update on a timeless tune. 

MATT CASTILLO / “Christmas Without Her”
Writers: Matt Castillo/Jason Allen; Producers: Matt Castillo/Aaron Eshuis; Label: MC
– It’s heartache honky-tonk, but with a witty, light-hearted tone. He asks Santa to bring his baby back while the band rampages and twangs behind him. 

JON PARDI / “Beer For Santa”
Writers: John Thomas Hardy/Matt McKinney/Kyle Clark; Producers: Jon Pardi/Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Two-step into Christmas morning with this hillbilly romp. Pardi’s not leaving milk and cookies out for Saint Nick this year. He knows the big guy needs a brew break.

DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE / “Little Saint Nick”
Writers: Brian Wilson/Mike Love; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue Records
– Ear opening. The bluegrass duo takes The Beach Boys classic out for an acoustic spin with snappy fiddle, mandolin and guitar work, and all those lovely stacked vocal harmonies in place. Highly recommended. 

WYNONNA / “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem”
Writer: A.J. Phipps; Producer: Cactus Moser; Label: ANTI- Records
– Originated in 1954 by the Opry’s John Daniel Quartet and popularized by Emmylou Harris in 1980, this acoustic gem has become a perennial country Christmas favorite. Wy’s bluesy lead vocal dominates, and I wish the contrapuntal background vocals were mixed louder. 

RANDALL KING / “Silent Night”
Writers: Franz Xaver Gruber/Joseph Mohr; Producers: Randall King/Jared Conrad; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This magnificent, stone-country baritone can make you feel warm and toasty even on the coldest holiday evenings. Guitars strum and steel sighs as he gently croons this timeless carol. Beautifully done. 

BRANDY CLARK / “My Favorite Christmas”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally; Producer: Jordan Hamlin; Label: Warner Records
– Wistful, melancholy and dreamy, this languidly, lovely performance deserves to take its place among the great “blue Christmas” songs that are always so touching. Also check out her equally affecting treatment of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” A soft reminder that the holidays can bring sad, bittersweet nostalgia to some. Clark co-wrote it with her Shucked collaborator Shane McAnally. They both earned a Grammy Award nomination for the Broadway hit.

ERIC PASLAY / “Run Rudolph Run”
Writers: Marvin Lee Brodie/Johnny Marks/Chuck Berry; Producer: Austin Moody; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Need some rock & rolling Christmas cheer? Step right up: Paslay takes this Chuck Berry classic at a bracing, brisk pace. You’ll be bopping around the room in no time. 

BRENDA LEE / “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (Remix)”
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Owen Bradley: Label: MCA Nashville
– Thumpy electronic drumming pounds away as Lee and the Nashville A-Team’s original track echoes in the background. This new remix is packaged with her (superior) 1958 rockabilly version on a new holiday EP. This year, the song made the Music City legend the oldest person in history to have a No. 1 Billboard pop hit. Lee’s 79th birthday was on Monday (Dec. 11). What a double celebration. Rock on, Little Miss Dynamite.

CHRIS JANSON / “Holiday Road”
Writer: Lindsey Buckingham; Producers: Chris Janson/Julian Raymond/Scott Borchetta/Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
– Christmas music doesn’t get much more rocking than this frenetic bopper. Joyous sounding. 

T. GRAHAM BROWN / “Santa’s Got His Baby Something Good”
Writers: Billy Lawson/Cyril Rawson/Cyril Robinson/Monroe Hill; Producer: none listed; Label: TGB
– How about an old-school blues track for Christmas? Mr. Brown lays down a dandy one with this drawling, down-home, sexy retro ditty. 

BREI CARTER / “Old Fashion Christmas”
Writers: Aly Cutter/David Norris/Corey Lee Barker; Producers: Brei Carter/Jason Wyatt; Label: Brown Lee Entertainment/The Orchard
– Carter’s Twinkling Tales of Christmas album contains this enchanting, minor-key ballad. The key changes are tricky, but she floats through them with ease. Jazzy, late-night, closing-time listening.

UNCLE KRACKER / “Frosty The Snowman”
Writers: Steve Nelson/Jack Rollins; Producer: none listed; Label: UK
– Frosty gets a western-swing arrangement that comes with built-in smiles. Super enjoyable.

SCOTTY McCREERY / “Feel Like The Holidays”
Writers: Frank Rogers/Monty Criswell/Derek George/Bobby Hamrick/Jeremy Bussey; Producers: Frank Rogers/Derek Wells/Aaron Eshuis; Label: Triple Tigers
– I recommend that you start your seasonal playlist with this mellow, jazzy performance. It sets the anticipation mood perfectly. The new Opry inductee delivers it in a friendly, relaxed tone while muted horns punctuate softly in the background.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Grimes Releases ‘Relaxed, Thoughtful’ New Cover

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There are some folk music vibes in this roundup of current country tracks.

Matt Schuster, Lizzie No and Luke Grimes all have acoustic-based tunes, shining brightly amid the rocking sounds of Eddie Montgomery, Caroline Jones, Kameron Marlowe, Bigg Vinny and Brian Kelley. Also here for your listening pleasure is country rap from C’ing Jerome as well as classy country pop from The Frontmen and straight-up, old-school R&B from Robert Finley.

But the folkies ruled the day. Luke Grimes has the Disc of the Day, and Lizzie No is taking home a DISCovery Award. 

CAROLINE JONES / “Lawless”
Writers: Caroline Jones/Brandon Ratcliff/Pete Good; Producers: Caroline Jones/Brandon Hood/Ric Wake; Label: CJ
– A member of Zac Brown Band since last year, Jones also continues her solo career with a new album titled Homesite. It kicks off with this fiery country-rock blast. That’s Jones on lead guitar mixed in with her spitfire delivery. Exciting stuff. 

BRIAN KELLEY / “How We’re Livin'”
Writers: Brian Kelley/Micah Carpenter/Jimmy Robbins/Mark Trussell; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Machine Records
– A big, loud, rompin,’ stompin,’ proud-to-be-country bore.

LIZZIE NO / “Annie Oakley”
Writer: Lizzie No; Producers: Lizzie No/Graham Richman/Patrick Dillett; Label: Thirty Tigers/Miss Freedomland
– Very cool. It begins with a folkie strum then builds into a crashing acoustic rocker with stacked vocal harmonies and a haunting refrain. It is a dusty, lonely-motel road song with a languid, philosophical vocal attitude. Every note fascinated me. 

EDDIE MONTGOMERY & BRYAN MARTIN / “Cost of Being Me”
Writers: Bobby Pinson/Jami Grooms/Mark McGuinn/Rusty Tabor; Producer: Nick Gibbens; Label: Average Joes Entertainment
– He spends money foolishly, which mirrors his self-destructive lifestyle. As he fritters away his life and his funds, he takes stock of his situation while guitars crunch and crash around him. The powerful singing is amplified by a frothing, foaming arrangement that amps up the emotion. I’m in.  

BIGG VINNY / “Battleground”
Writers: Vencent Hickerson/James McNair/Joe Ragosta/Marc Fortney; Producer: Skidd Mills; Label: BV
– Vencent Hickerson (Bigg Vinny), previously gained notoriety as a member of Trailor Choir and as a contestant on NBC’s The Biggest Loser (where he dropped from 426 to 242 pounds). Now returning to music, he rocks out while singing of perseverance and pride. It sounds ready-made for stadium sound systems. 

ELI YOUNG BAND & GEORGE BIRGE / “Amy’s Back In Austin”
Writers: Brady Seals/Stephen Allen Davis; Producer: Duane Propes/Brandyn Steen; Label: Records Nashville
– There is a new tribute album to the music of Little Texas. These two Lone Star State artists pull their talents on a remake of this sad, breezy 1995 hit. Capable. Sturdy. 

C’ING JEROME / “Countrified”
Writers: Chris Jerome Blanton/Virgule Marshall; Producer: Virgule Marshall; Label: Average Joes Entertainment
– It’s country rap with some goofy “wooooh” high notes wafting in the background. The slightly cheesy, relentless, spare rhythm track is also kind of quirky. Weirdly listenable.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “You See Mine”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Corey Crowder/Hunter Phelps; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– His duet single with another Dylan (Scott) continues to climb. In the meantime, he has a new solo video of this track. It’s a mean-spirited ditty about him shadowing (stalking?) his old girlfriend when she’s out on a date with someone new. He hopes that seeing his truck will ruin her night.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Tennessee Don’t Mind”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Daniel Tashian; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– A scampering rockabilly beat rolls beneath this tempo tune. As always, Marlowe is a sterling vocalist here, hitting high notes effortlessly and wailing with fervor. 

ROBERT FINLEY / “Sneakin’ Around”
Writers: Robert Finley/Dan Auerbach/Kenny Brown/Eric Deaton/Patrick Carney; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye Sound
– Finley is a master R&B showman whose blues-soaked tunes are produced in Nashville by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. On this mid-tempo groove, he demonstrates how universal “cheatin'” songs can be. Also check out his ballad “Nobody Wants To Be Lonely” and his rocker “What Goes Around.” The blind, raspy-voiced songster is not a country artist, but his vivid storytelling on these tracks kind of makes you wish he was. Finley stages his Grand Ole Opry debut this Saturday evening (Dec. 9).

LUKE GRIMES / “Clay Pigeons”
Writer: Blaze Foley; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Yellowstone star Grimes continues his pursuit of country stardom with this brilliantly written folk-country outing. His relaxed, thoughtful reading of the lyric feels like he’s sitting right next you. The song comes from the late Texas tunesmith Blaze Foley. Essential listening. 

THE FRONTMEN / “I Need You”
Writers: Lindsay Rimes/Matt Rogers; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Broken Bow Records
– This is a supergroup fronted by Richie McDonald of Lonestar, Tim Rushlow of Little Texas and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart. The trio’s six-song EP begins with this full-throated power ballad. They tag-team lead vocals, then combine their charismatic singing on chesty harmony choruses. These are some mighty singing men. Thrilling listening.

MATT SCHUSTER / “Last Fall”
Writers: Matt Schuster/Abram Dean/Emily Falvey/John Newsome; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Schuster continues to show immense promise. This aching, melancholy ballad of lost love hits an emotional bullseye thanks to his plaintive, penetrating tenor vocal underscored by sweetly sympathetic strings and steel. Heartbreak on the hoof. 

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tim McGraw Delivers ‘Downright Inspirational’ New Track

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Album Art: Courtesy of Big Machine Records. Photo: Tyler Conrad

Today’s edition of DISClaimer is a “variety pack” of contemporary country sounds.

If it’s old-fashioned country sentimentality you seek, you’ll find it in “This Is My Dirt,” “The Country I Grew Up With” and the superbly written “Growin’ Up Raising You.” Headed for the dance club? Take “Neon Cowboy” with you. For a full-throated love song, try “Gonna Love You” by Parmalee. Those of you into country pop have that base covered by either Ashley Monroe or MacKenzie Porter. Our sexy outlaw du jour is Warren Zeiders.

And to hear a modern country master at work, spin “Runnin’ Outta Love” by Tim McGraw. It is the Disc of the Day. The DISCovery Award goes to Sam Grow. 

SAM GROW / “Loretta”
Writer: Johnny Gates; Producer: Sam Grow; Label: Average Joes Entertainment 
– “I miss you like the radio misses Loretta Lynn,” he mourns for his lost love. Vivid songwriting. Soulful, raspy singing. Punchy production. What’s not to love?

SAMMY KERSHAW / “On the Road Again”
Writer: Alan Wilson; Producer: Danny B. Harvey; Label: Cleopatra Records
– It’s a revival of the bluesy Canned Heat hit of 1968, and Kershaw keeps it pretty close to the original. His singing voice sounds totally untouched by time, and the harmonica blowing of producer Harvey matches him lick for lick, and then some.

WILLIE JONES & BEN BURGESS / “Dive Bar”
Writers: Willie Jones/Ben Burgess/Chris Lane/Michael Lotten; Producer: Michael Lotten; Label: The Penthouse
– This stomper sings the praises of low-rent roadhouses. Jones has always mixed hip-hop and country elements better than most, and this catchy ditty follows that pattern. He and singer Burgess vow to turn a trendy nightclub into their kinda joint. No mechanical bull, thank you very much.

JUSTIN MOORE / “This Is My Dirt”
Writers: Justin Moore/Paul DiGiovanni/Randy Montana/Jeremy Stover; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Scott Borchetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– A stranger approaches a farmer with an offer to buy his land to build a housing development. His reply is just what the title implies. Sentimental, but that’s what we love about country music, right?

ASHLEY MONROE / “Over Everything”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Al Anderson/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Ashley Monroe/Gena Johnson; Label: AM
– Wafting, echoey, ethereal and kind of magical. Her double-tracked, soft soprano is backed with slowly shuddering percussion and wooshing electronics. It ain’t all that “country,” but it is decidedly hypnotic. Lend this your ears.

TIM MCGRAW / “Runnin’ Outta Love”
Writers: Matt McGinn/Lindsay Rimes/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producers: Tim McGraw/Byron Gallimore; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is downright inspirational. McGraw’s solid delivery of the hope-filled lyric rides atop a splendid, galloping rhythm track that cranks the excitement up. His top-10 tally currently stands at 69. Let’s make it an even 70, shall we?

MACKENZIE PORTER / “Bet You Break My Heart”
Writers: Mark Holman/Chris Tompkins/Travis Wood; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Crisply produced country-pop piffle. 

BILL ANDERSON, BOBBY BARE, JIMMY FORTUNE, VINCE GILL & WILLIE NELSON / “The Country I Grew Up With”
Writers: Bill Anderson/Bobby Tomberlin/Lance Miller; Producers: Bill Anderson/Thomas Jutz; Label: MCA Nashville
– As always, Anderson is a master of heart-tugging spoken-word performance. His singing collaborators—Bare, Fortune, Gill and Nelson—are all fellow members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. I believe that is a historic first. The nostalgia in the track is palpable. 

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Sin So Sweet”
Writers: Warren Zeiders/Blake Pendergrass/Justin Ebach; Producer: Justin Ebach; Label: Warner Records
– Sexy, steaming and smoldering, this slow-burn performance is as hot as a blacksmith’s fire. Zeiders is on a roll. 

PARMALEE / “Gonna Love You”
Writers: Matt Thomas/David Fanning/Abram Dean/Andy Sheridan; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– Ultra romantic, super compelling and packed with oomph, this power ballad might be the band’s strongest performance yet. And that’s saying something, since the group has already topped the charts four times in the past three years. 

GABBY BARRETT / “Growin’ Up Raising You”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Zach Kale/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This is the best song about motherhood that I’ve heard in years. Every honest line is the truth, and Barrett sings with immense conviction and believability. Precious. Perfect. Essential. 

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Neon Cowboy”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/Paul Wrock/Andrew Capra; Producer: Andrew Capra; Label: TKG
– Few contemporary country acts understand the dancefloor better than these two do. This continues their uninterrupted streak of instantly addictive boppers. The song’s video tips its hat to the long tradition of Black rodeo culture. 

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Mickey Guyton Gives ‘A Thrilling Take’ On Tina Turner Hit

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Mickey Guyton performs Tina Turner’s “The Best” during CMT Smashing Glass: A Celebration of the Groundbreaking Women of Music. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for CMT

Country music’s men dominate this edition of DISClaimer.

Batting a thousand are Corey Kent, Randall King, Chris Stapleton, Levi Hummon and Walker Hayes, Kristian Bush, Travis Denning and Neal McCoy. 

But wait, stepping up to the plate is Mickey Guyton, and she hits an out-of-the-park home run with a thrilling take on Tina Turner’s 1989 rock hit “The Best.” Turner has left us, but this performance lights up her memory like a fireworks display. Disc of the Day.

MICKEY GUYTON / “The Best”
Writers: Mike Chapman/Holly Knight; Producer: none listed; Label: MG
– Guyton tore the house down when she paid homage to Tina Turner during yesterday (Nov. 15)’s CMT Smashing Glass female special. Honorees Tanya Tucker and Patti LaBelle rocked along joyously in the audience while she strutted through this commanding performance. If you didn’t catch it, go to YouTube right now and check it out. Star-making stuff.

NEAL MCCOY / “First Time For Everything”
Writers: Porter Howell/Dwayne O’Brien; Producers: Brandyn Steen/Duane Propes; Label: NM
– McCoy’s cover of this 1992 Little Texas oldie is pristinely produced and perfectly executed. He takes it at a slow waltz pace while guitars twang all around him. Sounding good. 

MUSTANGS OF THE WEST / “Down at the Palomino”
Writer: John Beland; Producers: Kirk Pasich/Colin Devlin; Label: Blue Élan Records
– The all-female quintet salutes the legendary California country nightclub with this sprightly bopper. Sunny and bright. 

TRAVIS DENNING / “Going Places”
Writers: Travis Denning/Paul DiGiovanni/Jeremy Stover/Matt Mulhare; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni/Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
– His gal leaves town to make a name for herself. In his unhappiness, he boasts that he’s going places too. Except his “places” are the neighborhood bar. Denning’s delivery is country, country, country. 

HANNAH ELLIS / “Too Much And Not Enough”
Writers: Hannah Ellis/Emily Weisband/Tofer Brown; Producers: Tofer Brown/Jason Massey; Label: Curb Records
– This closes Ellis’ new That Girl album. It’s a ballad that muses about the line a woman has to walk to balance others’ expectations and her sense of self. “Wine Country” is still the single, but this certainly adds another texture to her promising career.  

CHRIS STAPLETON / “White Horse”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Daniel Dodd Wilson; Producers: Chris Stapleton/Morgane Stapleton/Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Southern rock lives! Stapleton conjures the memory of The Allman Brothers Band on this blazing barn burner. His electrifying voice is married to sizzling guitar work and a pounding rhythm track. Sit up and take notice. 

BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Bigger Than The Song”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Jennifer Anne Wayne/Tofer Brown; Producer: Marcus Lomax; Label: Elektra
– Spencer’s current single gets a stripped-down piano-vocal treatment in this new release. I’m down with it, because it showcases the cool lyric that name checks Reba, Aretha, Johnny & June, Janis, Dolly, Beyonce, Whitney and Alannis. 

RANDALL KING / “Hang of Hangin’ On “
Writers: Brett Sheroky/Brice Long; Producers: Randall King/Jared Conrad; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– His country baritone is wonderfully resonant and warm, and this heartbreak ballad is a terrific showcase for it. This is a simply dreamy performance. 

KRISTIAN BUSH / “House on a Beach”
Writers: Kristian Bush/Canaan Smith; Producer: none listed; Label: KB
– The Sugarland veteran has been mighty busy lately. He’s written and staged three musicals in Atlanta, produces new hitmaker Megan Moroney, is issuing a Christmas EP and dropped a 52-song set of four albums. This lovely acoustic track is a smooth, soothing float on gentle waves. Recommended.

KASSI ASHTON / “Genie In A Bottle”
Writers: David Frank/Pam Sheyne/Steve Kipner; Producers: Kassi Ashton/Oscar Charles; Label: MCA Nashville
– Moody and soulful, but this is definitely a pop artist.

LEVI HUMMON & WALKER HAYES / “Paying For It”
Writers: Levi Hummon/Walker Hayes/Eric Arjes; Producer: Eric Arjes; Label: Red Van Records
– She’s gone, but he’s still just as broke as when they were dating. “I’m still paying for it…’cause I’m drinking for two.”  Totally clever and totally cute. Essential listening. Also, I believe this is the first country lyric containing the word “wazoo.”

COREY KENT / “You Know”
Writers: Corey Kent/Austin Goodloe; Producer: Corey Kent; Label: RCA Nashville
– Kent is super charismatic here as he chronicles the chapters of a romance. I dig this guy’s simple eloquence in this acoustic gem. Get on board.