DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs ‘Keeps You On The Edge Of Your Seat’ With New Single

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

I have never been prouder to be a country fan than I was when experiencing this week’s CMA Awards telecast.

The special brought out the best and brightest talents in the genre, delivering at the peak of their powers. Kelsea Ballerini, The War And Treaty, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wallen with Eric Church, Dan + Shay, K. Michelle with Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker and Carly Pearce as well as Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally and the Zac Brown Band—these were performances for the ages. If you weren’t a country fan going into the show, surely these moments would make you one. My chest was bursting.

Several songs in today’s column were in the spotlight that night. The Disc of the Day is one of them—mega-talent Combs owns it.

The DISCovery Award goes to HunterGirl, whom I met at the ASCAP party. She is an American Idol alumnus, but she needs no TV set to help her on the triumphant “Ain’t About You.”

RVSHVD / “Small Town Talk”
Writers: Clintarius Johnson/Jason Afable/Josh Logan Tangney/Matty Gibbons; Producers: Jason Afable/Dream Addix; Label: Penthouse South/Sumerian Records
– In a word, wow. Stirring and anthemic, this heart-in-throat performance celebrates everyday life in tiny-town America. He sings with marvelous sincerity, and the song could not be more authentically country. I’m in. His name, by the way, is pronounced “Ra-shad” (just turn those V’s upside down.)

TYLER HUBBARD / “A Lot With A Little”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Parker Welling/Casey Brown; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: EMI Nashville
– Hubbard’s warm delivery continues to enchant. Here, he praises the simple joys of poor-folks romance. Guitars blaze brightly and the beats keep a-comin.

HUNTERGIRL / “Ain’t About You”
Writer: Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– Empowering and loaded with character and charisma. The ballad swells with positive vibes, and her vocal delivery has immense depth. This is a major, major new talent.

LAINEY WILSON / “Wildflowers and Wild Horses”
Writers: Lainey Wilson/Paul Sikes/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– If you had any doubts about this woman, her performance of this burning country rocker on the CMA Awards telecast erased them. And I do mean “country.” A delicious listening experience. “I’m barefoot and bareback and born tough as nails/I’m four fifths of reckless and one fifth of Jack.” You said it, sister.

ALEX MILLER / “Puttin’ Up Hay”
Writers: Alex Miller/Larry Cordle/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– This snappy hillbilly rocker sizzles with hot fiddle and electric guitar. Loved his low vocal dip at the finale. 

JESSIE MURPH & JELLY ROLL / “Wild Ones”
Writers: Jessie Murph/Jason DeFord/Feli Ferraro/Gregory “Aldae” Hein/Jeff Gitelman; Producer: Jeff Gitelman; Label: Columbia
– Murph’s saucy delivery leads the way as she sings about the dark side of Saturday night. Jelly Roll keeps pace with some strategically placed hillbilly hip-hop. The track loops back on itself throughout. Is there such a thing as “alternative outlaw” music?

TRACK 45 / “When I Grow Up”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jenna Johnson/KK Johnson/Jaida Dreyer/Jonny Price; Producers: Track45/Jason Hall; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– The angst of youth aches from every note. Their trio family harmonies on the choruses are awesome. I remain a fan.

LUKE COMBS / “Where the Wild Things Are”
Writers: Dave Turnbull/Randy Montana; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– What a voice. This is a mighty, mighty country-music man. And perhaps never more so than on this punchy rocker about a man who follows his big brother to Hollywood. Right up to the death scene, his gripping delivery keeps you on the edge of your seat. A simply brilliant performance of a titanically well-written song. He justifiably stopped the show with this at the CMA Awards.

KEITH ANDERSON / “Pickup Truck”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Dallas Davidson/Thomas Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: ONErpm
– This enduringly good fellow has plenty of gas in his tank as he takes this high-octane rocker out for a spin. “You don’t need a pickup line if you’ve got a pickup truck.” Rock on, bro. 

MORGAN WALLEN & ERIC CHURCH / “Man Made A Bar”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Larry Fleet/Rocky Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/UMG Nashville
– Charisma on the hoof. Individually, they are two of the finest singers we have. Together on this splendidly written ode, they are undeniable. This, my friends, is real country music.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Heavy Metal”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/KK Johnson/Sam Backoff; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her ear-catching, piercing, resonant voice is set in an echoey, stripped-down track. This gives extra punch to the lyric of a gal trapped in a dead-end marriage.

LUKE GRIMES / “Burn”
Writers: Luke Grimes/Randy Montana/Josh Thompson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville/Range Music
– If romance with her means pain, bring it on, says Grimes. As always, he sings with great conviction. The track has a faintly western-cowboy vibe.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brad Paisley Gives ‘Enormously Sincere Vocal Performance’

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Brad Paisley. Photo: Jim Shea

This edition of DISClaimer is a celebration of songwriting. 

Country music is built on song craftsmanship, and today, we have a number of examples of the artform at its finest. In various ways, “Prenup,” “Find Another Bar,” “The Medicine Will,” “Sweet Southern Comfort” and “The Table” represent this. So does “To Be A Man,” which translates easily into the country genre.

The Disc of the Day is unquestionably Brad Paisley’s “The Medicine Will.” This is topical country music at its most powerful.

The DISCovery Award goes to Leah Turner, for her Latin-tinged outing. It is a duet with Jerrod Niemann, and several of the day’s other outstanding platters are collaborations—Nicolle Galyon & Rodney Clawson, DAX with Darius Rucker, Shy Carter and Frank Ray and Buddy Jewell with his celebrity pals. Carry on. 

LOGAN MIZE / “Out of State Plates”
Writers: Logan Mize/Daniel Agee/Kyle Shurrock; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog Music
– It’s a road song, but maybe not at the drag racing speed you might expect. Instead, it’s a breezy drive on a country lane. I love the spare production with its finger snaps and twang guitar. Very refreshing.

ERNEST / “Kiss Of Death”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Andy Albert/Ryan Vojtesak; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– This lively, tasteful country rocker zips right along as the singer describes a femme fatale who has captured his heart. The beats never overwhelm his vocal, and the emphasis is on acoustics, which is fine with me. Ernest is racking up one hit after another, and is heading for a two-night stand at the Ryman on Nov. 28-29. 

LAUREN WATKINS / “The Table”
Writers: Lauren Watkins/Nicolle Galyon/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters
– This gifted singer-songwriter unspools a melancholy tale of a disintegrating relationship with sure-footed lyric sense, a smoky vocal and deft picking. Also check out her new country rocker “Fine County Line.” Both are drawn from her sophomore EP, which is a splendid showcase of a major new artist. Get on board. 

BRAD PAISLEY / “The Medicine Will”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Brad Paisley/Luke Wooten; Label: EMI Nashville
– Absolutely extraordinary. Paisley takes on the opioid epidemic, which is especially lethal in his West Virginia homeland. His word portrait encompasses coal mining and small-town devastation while offering sympathy and understanding to victims. The dobro-laced production drives a brisk track with an enormously sincere vocal performance. Essential listening. 

AVERY ANNA & DYLAN MARLOWE / “I Will (When You Do)”
Writers: Avery Anna/Dylan Marlowe/David Fanning/Abram Dean/Joe Fox; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– They harmonize perfectly, like each other’s shadow. Neither one wants to be the first one to call it quits in this torrid ballad. I could have done without the crashing rock guitars.

DAX & DARIUS RUCKER / “To Be A Man”
Writer: Daniel Nwosu Jr.; Producer: Lex Nour; Label: Records/Columbia
– Canadian/Nigerian rapper Dax teams with Rucker for a country version of his hit meditation on masculinity. Both men pour anguished emotion into the dense, brilliant lyric. This works beautifully. 

SHY CARTER & FRANK RAY / “Jesus At The Taco Truck”
Writers: Shy Carter/Frank Ray/Ben Burgess/Nathan Chapman; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This already has two million TikTok views. The acoustic ballad teams two fine country singers on a lyric about acceptance, tolerance and love for our fellow men. They express understanding and sympathy for hard-working Mexican immigrants who send money home to their struggling families. Ray is a bi-lingual former police officer who gives representation to his culture here. Carter is a Black songwriting sensation who also brings welcome diversity to the country genre. A tip of the hat and a round of applause to both.

SYLVIA TYSON / “Sweet Agony”
Writer: Sylvia Tyson/Cindy Church; Producer: Danny Greenspoon; Label: Stony Plain Records
– I have been in love with this woman for decades. Now a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, she came to prominence in the folk-country duo Ian & Sylvia in the 1960s and 1970s. She wrote the standard “You Were on My Mind,” became a radio broadcasting icon in Canada and has recorded more than a dozen acclaimed solo albums. She is billing At the End of The Day as her final recording. This is its lead track and first single, a sweet waltz with deep-twang guitar. Her voice has mellowed into a lustrous, wise alto, which she employs to great effect on a lyric welcoming love back into life, no matter the consequences.

CHRIS LANE / “Find Another Bar”
Writers: Chris Lane/Justin Ebach/Josh Thompson; Producer: Derek Wells; Label: Red Street Records/Voyager Records
– He spots her in his nightspot wearing a new dress, sporting a new hairdo, singing new song, sipping a new drink and accompanied by a new love. Lane’s a broken-hearted country boy who wishes she’d hang out someplace else. As before, he demonstrates that he’s a first-class country singer. 

UNCLE KRACKER / “Cruising Altitude”
Writers: Uncle Kracker/Brett Warren/Brad Warren/JT Harding; Producer: Josh Bright; Label: Sturgeon General Records
– Good-natured and easy-going, the wafting tune is a romantic come-on that goes down (or is “up?”) smoothly. A feel-good fall anthem. 

LEAH TURNER & JERROD NIEMANN / “South Of The Border”
Writers: Leah Turner/Brett Boyett; Producer: Brett Boyett; Label: LT
– Turner is Mexican-American Latina, and this song is loaded with caliente spice. Niemann is her perfect vocal foil as they zip through this rhythmic little wonder. Not to be confused with the lilting, 1939 Gene Autry hit, this ditty is hot and sexy.

BUDDY JEWELL, CLINT BLACK, MARTY RAYBON & THE BELLAMY BROTHERS / “Sweet Southern Comfort”
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Brad Crisler; Producers: Mitchell Brown/Brandyn Steen; Label: BJ
– Jewell updates his 2004 smash with some hearty cameo performances. In addition to singing, Black’s harmonica work is a standout. The anthemic song seems perfect for the SEC football season. 

NICOLLE GALYON & RODNEY CLAWSON / “Prenup”
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Nicolle Galyon; Producers: Jimmy Robbins/King Henry; Label: Songs & Daughters
– Released two weeks ago on the date of her 16th wedding anniversary, Galyon’s new Second Wife EP chronicles her marriage to fellow hit tunesmith Clawson. The collection’s sole duet is this toe-taping hoot about how splitting up their assets would be ridiculous. The chugging, merry beat is matched by their tongue-in-cheek performance of the delightful ditty. Absolutely worth your spins. 

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Sam Hunt Is ‘As Warm As A Hot Toddy’ On New Single

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There is fascinating diversity in this latest roundup of country music releases.

Riding atop the stack is Sam Hunt, who wins the Disc of the Day award. His strongest challengers are Dion & Carlene Carter, Catie Offerman, newcomer Bryce Leatherwood and the awesome Tony Jackson, all of whom have completely un-alike approaches to the genre. 

This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Camille Parker, from whom I expect big things to come. 

CATIE OFFERMAN / “OK Cowboy”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Matt Dragstrem/Adam Jones/Joe Clemmons; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
– She sings so splendidly well that it really doesn’t matter how unrealistic the lyric is. The underlying emotional message is kinda feisty and relatable. It’s a late-night, boot scootin’ thang. 

SAM HUNT / “Came The Closest”
Writers: Sam Hunt/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally; Producers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell; Label: MCA Nashville
– The guy tried to play it straight for her sake. He cut his hair, shaved, acted nice around her parents, took a 9-to-5 job, quit drinking whiskey and tried settling down. But he’s a rambling man at heart, so they never married and he moved on. The airy production is terrific, and Hunt’s vocal is as warm as a hot toddy. Absolutely, yes. 

DYLAN MARLOWE & DYLAN SCOTT / “Boys Back Home”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Missing the old buddies, so raise a glass in their honor. Rousing, if extremely repetitive and rather inconsequential. 

REYNA ROBERTS / “Miranda”
Writers: Reyna Roberts/David Mescon/Kendall Brower; Producers: Reyna Roberts/David Mescon; Label: ReynaRed Records/Empire
– All attitude. No melody. 

BILLY GILMAN / “Delta Queen”
Writers: Billy Gilman/Dan Murph/Philip Douglas; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle Records
– It’s a guitar-and-fiddle acoustic track about a mysterious murder aboard a paddle wheeler. The drama is undercut by his somewhat bland vocal delivery.

DOLLY PARTON & MILEY CYRUS / “Wrecking Ball”
Writers: Henry Russell Walter/Kim Kiyani/Lukasz Gottwald/Maureen Anne McDonald/Sacha Skarbek/Stephen Mocccio; Producer: Dolly Parton/Kent Wells; Label: Butterfly Records
– Parton’s Rockstar collection, due next month, will contain this duet with her rocking goddaughter. Cyrus’ low harmony work and step-out vocals are outstanding, and I’ve always loved her song. When it first hit in 2013, it sold nine million units. It’s well worth a revival. Solid work. 

BRYCE LEATHERWOOD / “The Finger”
Writers: Randy Montana/Jeremy Spillman/Brett Sheroky; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Republic Records/UMG Nashville
– The winner of NBC’s The Voice steps into country music with a clever, twanging lament. “My ex moved on with her next…..she got the ring and I got the finger.” The track is loud and rocking, but his singing is firmly in control. Worth your spins. 

JESSI COLTER / “Angel in the Fire”
Writer: Jessi Colter; Producer: Margo Price; Label: Appalachia Record Co.
– Colter’s comeback album drops tomorrow (Oct. 27). This touching ballad is one of the tunes that made Price want to produce it. It’s written for Lisa Kristofferson with compassion and understanding. Sweet and gentle, with a lovely acoustic guitar solo as the icing on the cake. 

CAMILLE PARKER / “After the Whiskey”
Writers: Camille Parker/Jessica Cayne/Karen Kosowski; Producer: Reid Sorel; Label: CP
– “Is a party still a party if it’s happening every night?” She’s a “barstool baby” who questions the grip that alcohol and questionable romantic choices have on her. The echoey, swirly track perfectly captures the mood of impending doom. It’s the title tune of her debut EP and is a fine showcase for a promising new talent.

SUZY BOGGUSS / “It All Falls Down to the River”
Writers: Suzy Bogguss/Doug Crider; Producers: Suzy Bogguss/Doug Crider; Label: Loyal Duchess Records
– Bogguss lends a behind-the-beat alto vocal to this swampy, minor-key outing. The lyric describes the blood on American racial history, and The McCrary Sisters add haunting harmonies. Captivating. The album it is drawn from, Prayin’ For Sunshine (due Nov. 3), is her first fully self-composed and self-produced collection. 

TONY JACKSON / “Do You Remember Country Music”
Writers: Bobby Tomberlin/Mo Pitney/Aaron Bowlin; Producers: Chuck Rhodes/Buddy Hyatt/John Sebastian/Jim Della Croce; Label: BFD/Audium Nashville
– What a vocal. Jackson stakes a claim as a true inheritor of the Lefty/Hank/George honky-tonk tradition with this masterpiece of a vocal. He bends the notes of this barroom ballad like a master. Steel, bounced twin-fiddle bows and hillbilly harmonies abound. At the finale, Randy Travis sings, “Amen.” I rest my case. In the name of all that is holy, play this.

DION & CARLENE CARTER / “An American Hero”
Writers: Dion DiMucci/Mike Aquilina; Producers: Dion DiMucci/Wayne Hood; Label: KTBA Records
– The ageless Rock & Roll Hall of Famer sounds as strong and soulful as ever on this country ode celebrating everyday people who respond to tragedies, fight for the nation, farm the fields, work the factories, teach our children, tend to the sick and stand for good. Carter, of course, is her everlasting vibrant vocal self. They harmonize beautifully together as fully equal partners on this inspiring duet. Highly recommended.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Writers: Charley Crockett/T-Bone Burnett; Producer: Charley Crockett; Label: CC
– The song was inspired by the true tale told in David Grann’s 2017 book and Martin Scorsese’s new film of the same title. The Osage Native-American people grew wealthy in Oklahoma because of the oil on their lands. In the early 1920s, White businessmen murdered dozens of tribal leaders and stole their land, which led to an FBI investigation. To the accompaniment of a thumping, jittery track, Crockett revives country music’s folk-ballad tradition and relays the story using real names and places in the song’s lyric. Gripping stuff. The Texas music great is currently on the road opening for Chris Stapleton.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Stapleton’s New ‘Stately Ballad Is Exquisite’

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DISClaimer slows things down today as the country stars concentrate on ballads.

Most of them are romances, paced by Disc of the Day winner Chris Stapleton’s heart-warming “It Takes a Woman.” In addition, lend your ears to the highly listenable offerings by Tanner Adell and Colbie Caillat.

Also checking in with a ballad is our DISCovery Award winner, Roman Alexander.

This turned out to be a day for comebacks as Lisa Brokop, Shenandoah and Carolyn Dawn Johnson all return to the scene.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Sick of Sex”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Emily Reid; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Empire
– This is a pop ballad that explores a topic I don’t believe has been addressed in song before. It is quite wordy and complex, so I doubt radio will play it.

ZACH BRYAN & THE LUMINEERS / “Spotless”
Writers: Zach Bryan/Wesley Schultz/Jeremy Caleb Fraites; Producer: Zach Bryan; Label: Warner
– This guy is always worth a listen. On this spare, stark, ear-catching ballad he’s joined by the Americana stars who chant along as he unspools this lyric of a downer heading nowhere romantically. If you haven’t listened to his self-titled collection, you should.

MADELINE MERLO / “Tim + Faith”
Writers: Jerry Flowers/Madeline Merlo/Parker Welling/Stephony Smith/Zach Crowell; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
– This lady is a spectacular vocalist, and this dandy slice of romantic nostalgia just might be the tune that lets the whole world know it. The lyric cleverly folds in the power couple’s hit titles. I’m in.

JON PARDI & LUKE BRYAN / “Cowboys and Plowboys”
Writers: Rhett Akins/Cole Taylor/Jacob Rice; Producers: Jon Pardi/Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Two hicks swapping country cliches. Probably a hit.

ELVIE SHANE / “Pill”
Writers: Elvie Shane/Lee Starr/Nick Columbia; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR/Wheelhouse
– The lovely, echoey production and Shane’s captivating voice draw you into a dark tale of a struggle with addiction. Essential listening.

CHRIS STAPLETON / “It Takes a Woman”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Ronnie Bowman/Jerry Salley; Producers: Chris Stapleton/Dave Cobb/Morgane Stapleton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This stately ballad is exquisite. Wrap your loved one in your arms and slow dance around the room while his magic voice swirls in the air.

RESTLESS ROAD / “You Don’t Have to Love Me”
Writers: Austin Shawn/Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Nate Kenyon/Shawn Austin/Zach Beeken; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Nashville/1021
– As always with this group, the singing is lustrous and warm. The ultra-romantic ballad is immensely comforting.

COLBIE CAILLAT / “Meant for Me”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/AJ Pruis/Liz Rose; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– The Grammy-winning pop star slips easily into country music on her new Along the Way collection. This lushly produced, romantic ballad from it flows as smoothly as liquid gold.

CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON / “Road Blocks”
Writers: Carolyn Dawn Johnson/Jennifer Lynn Kennard/Oscar Charles; Producer: Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Label: CDJ
– Johnson re-enters the music scene with a snappy country rocker about persevering through difficulties. Well worth your spins.

SHENANDOAH & LUKE COMBS / “Two Dozen Roses”
Writers: Mac McAnally/Robert Byrne; Producer: Noah Gordon; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
– Shenandoah dusts off its chart-topping 1989 hit with a mighty assist from our reigning country Entertainer of the Year. A classic song performed by classic singers.

ROMAN ALEXANDER & KARLY SCOTT COLLINS / “Downtime”
Writers: Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Colton Pack/Mark Holman/Brett Tyler; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: RA
– This sultry slow jam showcases both voices admirably. It’s snuggle, cuddle-up music in front of the evening fireplace. Alexander seems to be specializing in female collaborations, having previously sung with Alana Springsteen and Ashley Cooke. This title tune of his EP was co-written by Beeken, Nichols and Pack, who are collectively better known as Restless Road.

LISA BROKOP & GEORGETTE JONES / “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Heels”
Writers: Lisa Brokop/Max D. Barnes/Troy Seals; Producers: Chuck Rhodes/Buddy Hyatt; Label: BFD
– The Canadian country award winner returns after a 10-year pause between albums. The title tune of her comeback collection is a female version of the iconic George Jones hit from 1985. George’s daughter lends her terrific voice to the track. The whole thing chimes with charisma.

TANNER ADELL / “Luke Combs”
Writers: Derrick Southerland/Evan Cline/Tanner Adell; Producer: Evan Cline; Label: Columbia
– Sweet, touching, vulnerable, lilting and charming. She listens to the radio and wishes she could be “the girl in a Luke Combs song” like “Better Together” or “Forever After All.” This so richly deserves to be a smash.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Hailey Whitters’ New Tune Is ‘Fizzy As Soda Pop’

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Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

Our veterans today are Sawyer Brown and Miss Reba. Our newcomers are Dillon James and Chris Ryan. The “borrowed” tune is “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”

As for something blue, that would be “Scared to Go to Church” by our DISCovery Award winner, Chris Ryan, with an assist by Jelly Roll.

The Disc of the Day award goes to Hailey Whitters. Her challengers for the crown were all collabs—Craig Morgan & Luke Combs, Miko Marks & The Fisk Jubilee Singers and Noah Kahan & Kacey Musgraves.

NOAH KAHAN & KACEY MUSGRAVES / “She Calls Me Back”
Writer: Noah Kahan; Producers: Noah Kahan/Gabe Simon; Label: Mercury Records/Republic Records
– New Englander Kahan is a huge Americana favorite. His pairing with Nashville’s Musgraves is a hooky pop-rocker with a delicious punch. The wordy song is brought down to earth when Musgraves starts singing lead about midway through, and then the two singers take it home, joyously, together.

DYLAN SCOTT / “I’ll Be a Bartender”
Writers: Rocky Block/John Byron/Grady Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producers: Jacob Durrett/Grady Block; Label: Curb
– If you are heartbroken, head on over to Scott’s kitchen counter and he’ll mix you a pick-me-up. It helps that he’s got a crush on ya. The wooshing production of this breezy, midtempo outing adds perfect support to his supple singing.

MORGAN EVANS / “Thank God She’s a Country Girl”
Writers: Morgan Evans/Jesse Frasure/John Sommers; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Label: Warner
– It’s a rewrite of the 1975 John Denver smash “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Sommers was the song’s first creator. Evans and Frasure flip the gender and perspective. Thanks, I’ll take the original.

CARLY PEARCE / “Heels Over Head”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Carly Pearce/Josh Osborne; Producers: Shane McAnally/Carly Pearce/Josh Osborne; Label: Big Machine
– It’s not a single, yet, but this new track is as cleverly written as anything she’s done to date. The fiddle-led track skips along jauntily as she describes the cheap trash he’s fallen for. In the bedroom, the new gal is “heels over head” for him, you see.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “I’m In Love”
Writers: Lee Thomas Miller/Nicolle Galyon/Cameron Bedell; Producers: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud/Pigasus/Songs & Daughters
– Adorable. As cute as a kitten. As fizzy as soda pop. Ya gotta love this little ray of sunshine. Whitters is the reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year and is vying for a similar CMA award next month. Play this.

SAWYER BROWN / “Get Me to the Stage on Time”
Writer: Mark Miller; Producers: Mark Miller/Blake Shelton; Label: SB
– The durable band is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a new documentary film, and this is its title tune. It is upbeat and propulsive like much of their classic work, but is not retro sounding. It’s very engaging and up to date.

FANCY HAGOOD / “Southern Sound”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Jon Green/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown/Jon Green; Label: FH
– Hagood hosts “Trailblazers Radio” on Apple Radio. This tune teases his sophomore album. It’s the follow-up to his Southern Curiosity collection, which has accumulated more than 30 million streams. What we have here is a plaintive, aching plea of young lovers. Hagood’s heartbreak tenor vocal is framed by an echoey electronic production that is lustrous.

REBA McENTIRE / “Seven Minutes in Heaven”
Writers: Olivia Rudeen/Matt Wynn; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: MCA
– The Country Music Hall of Famer’s new Not That Fancy collection mainly consists of stripped down versions of some of her biggest hits. It also includes her new single, this tender-hearted ballad about missing a loved one. As always, she delivers the goods as a singer.

DILLON JAMES / “Walking Man”
Writers: Dillon James/Paul Sikes/Paul Wrock; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni/Paul Sikes; Label: Buena Vista/UMG/19 Recordings
– This American Idol alumnus rose from homelessness and substance abuse to garner a country recording contract. His disc debut has a deep-twang production and an intense vibe due to its autobiographical nature. To the accompaniment of electric, echo-chamber guitars he sings of going from being a “dead man walking to a walking man living.”

GABBY BARRETT / “Cowboy Back”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner
– Barrett co-penned and co-produced this midtempo ode to hard working men with solid, good-guy values in honor of her hubby, a Texan. The production marries twin fiddles to a rocking rhythm track.

MIKO MARKS & THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS / “Jubilee”
Writer: Lee Bob Wilson; Producer: none listed; Label: MM
– As you might expect, this has a gospel vibe, from the steady, stately piano work to the acclaimed, Grammy honored backing vocalists. Marks takes charge with a confident, assured lead vocal that lifts the song skyward. She and her celebrated choir singers will stage the first live performance of this stirring collaboration tomorrow evening (Oct. 13) at the Grand Ole Opry.

CRAIG MORGAN & LUKE COMBS / “Raise the Bar”
Writers: Craig Morgan/Billy Dean; Producers: Craig Morgan/Phil O’Donnell; Label: Broken Bow
– Morgan’s new Enlisted EP features collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Trace Adkins, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton, Gary LeVox and Combs. The last named is as rousing and raucous as peerless country singer Morgan is on “Raise the Bar.” The two blue-collar buddies invade the wine-and-cheese crowd’s tavern while singing loud and proud about giving the place “some working class.” The snootier set soon sings along. Lots and lots of fun.

CHRIS RYAN & JELLY ROLL / “Scared to Go to Church”
Writers: Chris Ryan/Jelly Roll/Logan Turner/Dave Kuncio/Jay Joyce; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner
– A sinner wails the blues about his lifestyle. Ryan’s searing tenor begins the power-packed lament with an anguished delivery. Jelly Roll takes a verse that is even more intense. When newcomer Ryan returns to the mic, he drives the song home with ferocious emotion. A grand disc debut.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Toby Keith Gives ‘Emotionally Gripping’ Performance

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Pictured: Toby Keith performs on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House on Sept. 28. Photo: Mickey Bernal/NBC via Getty Images

This week, DISClaimer feels warm and nostalgic.

On hand are such monumentally gifted old friends as Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Lacy J. Dalton and Marty Stuart. The youngsters are keeping pace, because we also have Brittney Spencer, Maren Morris, Dustin Lynch and Joy Oladokun with Chris Stapleton playing at the top of their games.

The Disc of the Day goes to the stardust sprinkled collaboration between Old Dominion and Megan Moroney.

ANNE WILSON / “Rain in the Rearview”
Writers: Anne Wilson/Matthew West/Zach Kale/Jaren Johnston; Producers: Jeff Pardo/Jonathan Smith/Zach Kale; Label: UMG
— Wilson is a major Christian-music star, but this is her bid to cross over into country music. Vocally, she’s got the goods. The crashing, echoey production of this anthem sounds like ‘70s rock, which means she should fit right in.

BRAD PAISLEY / “Son of the Mountains”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Dan Tyminski/Jerry Douglas; Producers: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Label: EMI Records Nashville
— This is a splendid country rocker, packed with Paisley guitar runs and wailing vocals. The lyric is an ode to his gorgeous West Virginia homeland. Dan Tyminski provides tenor vocals and Jerry Douglas offers slippery Dobro licks. Dandy listening.

LACY J. DALTON / “Devil By a Different Name”
Writers: Lacy J. Dalton; Producers: none listed; Label: StarVista
— Accompanied by a chugging rhythm track and some scampering fiddle and guitar picking, Dalton offers a timely message of inclusion and togetherness. She’s unafraid to confront our racial, gender, political and sexual differences and to urge tolerance. More power to her.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “The Way You Look Tonight”
Writers: Dorothy Fields/Jerome Kern; Producers: Zac Brown/Matt Mangano; Label: Home Grown Music
— Are you ready for a finger popping, jazzbo outing by these guys, complete with punctuating horn blasts? The Great American Songbook number was introduced by Fred Astaire in the 1936 film Swing Time and won the Best Song Oscar. The Lettermen made it a big pop hit in 1961, and it is associated with singers ranging from Frank Sinatra to Rod Stewart. It has nothing to do with country music, but it’s always a pleasure to hear it.

BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Bigger Than the Song”
Writers: Tofer Brown/Brittney Spencer/Jennifer Anne Wayne; Producers: Marcus “Marc Lo” Lomax; Label: Elektra
— The ballad’s electro track beats steadily behind her while she vocally strolls through a pithy lyric. Along the way, she drops the names of her inspirations—Reba, Aretha, Whitney, Dolly, Alannis, Janis, Johnny & June, Latifah, Beyonce…. Anyhow, it’s ear catching as all get out.

OLD DOMINION & MEGAN MORONEY / “Can’t Break Up Now”
Writers: Emily Weisband/Tofer Brown/Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion/Ross Copperman; Label: Columbia Nashville
— Country’s new “it girl” teams up with the genre’s top band to create a little audio magic. The power ballad features primo picking and dynamic vocal harmonies. Matthew Ramsey and Moroney portray a troubled couple who have too much invested in one another to call it quits. As you might guess where this group is concerned, the melody is luscious.

GIRLS NEXT DOOR / “When the Water’s Down”
Writers: TW Hale/Leslie Satcher; Producers: TW Hale/Tom Harding; Label: Girls Next Door 2.0
— Each member of the quartet gets a lead vocal on the verses, then they join in for rousing harmonies on the Dobro-laced choruses. The song has a cool Southern-gothic lyric about a hypocritical small town whose dark secrets emerge during a drought when lowered river water reveals all.

MAREN MORRIS / “The Tree”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz/Maren Morris; Producers: Greg Kurstin; Label: Columbia
— Morris apparently bids farewell to country music by releasing her strongest performance in years. The empowerment song finds freedom by exiting a toxic relationship, and it soars with powerful harmonies and audio dynamics. I’m totally into this marvelously written and produced outing.

JOY OLADOKUN & CHRIS STAPLETON / “Sweet Symphony”
Writers: Joy Oladokun/Ian Fitchuk/Shae Jacobs; Producers: Joy Oladokun/Mike Elizondo/Ian Fitchuk; Label: Republic Records/Verve Forecast
— This was originally issued at this time last year. A new version pairing the folkie conversationalist with the fire-breathing soulman is even more thrilling than the original. The ultra romantic ballad remains a great song to snuggle to. This deserves massive attention.

DUSTIN LYNCH / “Honky Tonk Heartbreaker”
Writers: Dustin Lynch/Hunter Phelps/Zach Crowell/Ben Johnson; Producers: Zach Crowell/Ben Johnson; Label: Broken Bow Records
— A good-time party banger with a romping beat and countryboy lyrics. Tap yer toes.

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES / “Altitude”
Writers: Marty Stuart; Producers: Mike Conley/Chris Scruggs/Harry Stinson/Kenny Vaughn/Marty Stuart; Label: Snakefarm
— Beautifully country, drenched in steel guitar and drawled vocals. The title tune of this outfit’s latest is like a splash of cool water on the desert. To put in culinary terms, this is palate cleansing, so play it and chill. Love at first listen.

DOLLY PARTON & LINDA PERRY / “What’s Up”
Writers: Linda Perry; Producers: Kent Wells/Dolly Parton; Label: Butterfly Records
— The latest advance track from Parton’s forthcoming Rockstar mega, 30-track collection is a 4 Non Blondes cover that was originally a hit in 1993. The ballad begs for a better day. It’s essentially a Dolly solo with songwriter Perry providing a soft harmony vocal.

TOBY KEITH / “Don’t Let the Old Man In”
Writers: Toby Keith; Producers: Toby Keith/Reid Shippen/Arturo Buenahora; Label: Show Dog
— Keith stopped the show with this during last week’s debut People’s Choice Country Awards. His powerful performance of a lyric facing mortality was an emotionally gripping moment that electrified us all. The undertone of his cancer struggle was unmistakable and heart wrenching. The video of it shot to No. 1 on iTunes in the days following the telecast. If you didn’t catch it, do so now.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Late Jimmy Buffett ‘Encourages Optimism & Hope’

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Jimmy Buffett. Photo: Julie Skarratt

It’s wall-to-wall country stars in this edition of DISClaimer.

For your listening pleasure, we present Dan + Shay, Darius Rucker, Lady A, Charlie Worsham and Kip Moore, Kane Brown, Lauren Alaina and Cody Johnson. And the biggest star of them all gets the Disc of the Day award. It’s Jimmy Buffett singing the most touching and uplifting song of his career. Released posthumously, it demonstrates that this troubadour was making powerful music right up until the end of his life.  

Our DISCovery Award goes to Matt Schuster, whose sound is the one of the most innovative I’ve heard these days. 

LARRY FLEET / “Earned It”
Writers: Larry Fleet/Connie Rae Harrington; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– The title tune of Fleet’s album is a toe-tapping blue-collar anthem about being proud to be a member of the working class. Fiddles saw, guitars twang and his voice drawls with honesty. I love it that this guy is so by-gawd country. Make him the star he deserves to be. 

LADY A / “Love You Back”
Writers: James McNair/Lindsay Rhimes/Emily Weisband; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG Records
– It’s kind of a snooze until the three kick in with those amazing three-part harmonies. Then it’s katy-bar-the-door. A sterling, stirring audio ride. 

MASON RAMSEY / “Next Right Thing”
Writers: Mason Ramsey/Kendall Goodman/Brandon Day; Producer: Brandon Day; Label: Atlantic Records
– This 16-year-old country phenom wails with fire on this country rocker. The sound is wonderfully relentless, and he bends notes in all the right places. 

KANE BROWN / “I Can Feel It”
Writers: Kane Brown/Phil Collins/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Nashville 
– I love his baritone vocal dips in the verses, and he definitely communicates lust in the soaring choruses. This one’s an upbeat banger that is going places. 

CHARLIE WORSHAM & KIP MOORE / “Kiss Like You Dance”
Writers: Jon Nite/Andrew DeRoberts/Andy Albert; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Talk about a good time. This joyous, flirtatious bopper rumbles with an outlaw beat, and both men sound like they are having big, big fun. Turn it up and stomp along. 

JIMMY BUFFETT / “Bubbles Up”
Writers: Jimmy Buffett/Will Kimbrough; Producers: Michael Utley/Mac McAnally; Label: Sun Records
– Warmly philosophical and contemplative. Acoustic guitar strumming and a subtle bass heartbeat underlie Buffett’s relaxed, friendly delivery. Co-written with Nashville guitar treasure Will Kimbrough (a longtime Coral Reefer), the ballad reflects on your life’s journey and encourages optimism and hope. What a eulogy. What a gift.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Thicc As Thieves”
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Rocky Block/Jacob Durrett/Parker Welling/Luke Bryan/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Snappy and sassy. This sprightly rocker has cute lyrics as well as beats to spare and a catchy, layered-vocals production. 

CODY JOHNSON / “Work Boots”
Writers: Jason Afable/Brett Beavers/Canaan Smith; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: COJO Music/Warner Music Nashville
– The superb “The Painter” remains the single, but here’s another preview of CoJo’s Leather album, due Nov. 3. It’s a jaunty ditty that urges, “feet don’t fail me now.” Get up off your barstool and make your work boots dance with her. Crispy twanging and slurred slide notes abound.

KIMBERLY PERRY / “Fools Gold”
Writers: Kimberly Perry/Nicolle Galyon/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Records Nashville/Columbia
– Our story so far: She had country hits with her two brothers in a trio act, then decided she was going to be a pop star. That didn’t work out, so now she wants back into country music, this time as a solo. With its processed vocals and dance club beats, this doesn’t sound all that “country” to me. 

DAN + SHAY / “Then Again”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Andy Albert/Jordan Reynolds/Lori McKenna; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– A heavenly listening experience—lilting, sweet, romantic, wafting and gentle. They harmonize beautifully as the reflective lyric unspools. A complete audio pleasure. The song also inspired a music video, one of eight (!) the duo has made to promote songs on their new Bigger Houses album. 

DARIUS RUCKER / “Southern Comfort”
Writers: Chris LaCorte/Matt Rogers/Josh Osborne; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Uptempo and breezy, it’s an ode to the South with Allman-esque guitars and Dixie name-dropping galore. Rucker sings at the top of his range, and is extra-effective doing so. He should do it more often.

SAWYER BROWN / “Under This Old Hat”
Writer: none listed; Producer: Blake Shelton; Label: SB
– This veteran country band stars in Get Me to the Stage on Time, a documentary film that premieres this week. Produced by Blake Shelton, their comeback album features this zippy, rapid-fire-vocal rocker about living on the road. Sounding as good as ever, fellas. 

MATT SCHUSTER / “Tell Me Tennessee”
Writers: Matt Schuster/Josh Dorr/Andy Albert/Lalo Guzman; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– I dig this guy’s refreshing sound. His plaintive, heartfelt tenor is backed by a jingle-jangle, pop-ish track with irresistible rhythm. The hooky bopper’s lyric calls out to a missing lover to join him in the Volunteer State. I’m definitely intrigued. Send more. 

DISClaimer Single Reviews: ‘A Lot To Fall In Love With’ This Americana Week

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Tyler Childers, Allison Russell (Photo: Dana Trippe) and The Shindellas (Photo: Ezelle Franklin)

It’s Americana Week here in Music City, so let’s dive right in.

There’s a lot to fall in love with in this stack of sounds. So much so that we have three Disc of the Day winners. The male winner is the exploding Tyler Childers. Allison Russell takes home the female award. The Group du jour is The Shindellas.

Our DISCovery Award goes to Carter Faith. Looking forward to more from her. 

ALLISON RUSSELL / “The Returner”
Writers: Allison Russell/Drew Lindsay/JT Nero; Producers: Allison Russell/Dim Star; Label: Fantasy
– The title tune of this gifted artist’s latest collection is a slow groove that’s equal parts gospel, folk and soul. The lyric of surrender and inspiration glows with mysticism and is drenched in sisterly harmony vocals. This album is essential. Russell’s social activism was saluted with the Seigenthaler Free Speech Award at the Americana Awards on Wednesday eve.

BUDDY & JULIE MILLER / “I’ll Never Live It Down”
Writer: Julie Miller; Producer: Buddy Miller; Label: New West Records
– In The Throes drops tomorrow (Sept. 22) as the latest album from these enduring Americana icons. It features celeb guests such as Emmylou Harris, Regina McCrary, Larry Campbell and Gurf Morlix. On this focus track, Buddy goes solo with spare guitar-percussion backing. The drawling ballad is steeped in sadness and the heartbreak of a broken relationship. He will perform tomorrow at Musicians Corner in Centennial Park on a stellar bill that also includes Rodney Crowell, The Secret Sisters, The Wild Feathers and the North Mississippi Allstars. The sounds commence at 3 p.m. 

BRANDY CLARK / “Come Back to Me”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– The track ripples and rolls with folkie verve. Clark, as always, sings like a beacon of truth. The message is a lovely, releasing farewell with a promise that the one leaving can always return home. This goddess of song showcases at City Winery today (Sept. 21) at the Northern Lights Music show presented by Brandi Carlile & Tracy Gershon.

DALE WATSON / “That’s Where The Money Goes”
Writer: Dale Watson; Producer: none listed; Label: Cleopatra Records
– Of course he should have been a country superstar years ago, but let’s not go into that again. As it is, he’s an Americana founding father. Watson’s new Starvation Box collection features this working-class lament that’s a deep-South blues tune with a Johnny Cash attitude. I remain a devoted fan. 

JOY OLADOKUN / “Taking Things For Granted”
Writer: Olubukola Oladokun; Producer: Joy Oladokun; Label: Amigo/Verve Forecast/Republic Records
– This Nashvillian’s latest, Proof of Life, confirms her as one of our great communicators of hope and insight. This upbeat track explores a child’s loss of innocence and the persistence of the spirit. Oladokun sings with a mixture of resignation, indignation and intellect. A classic, true troubadour. 

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “The Man from Waco”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Bruce Robison/Kullen Fuchs/Taylor Grace; Producer: Bruce Robison; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
– This Texas treasure is a prolific record maker and a force of nature as a performer. This is the title tune of his current album, a cowboy saga of murder and its haunting aftermath. Also, check out his music video for the moody “I’m Just a Clown.”

THE GOODWIN BROTHERS / “Everyday Thing”
Writers: Dwight Liles/Tom Paden; Producer: Jonathan Goodwin; Label: Pinecastle Records
– This Lexington, Kentucky band is billed as “bluegrass/Americana,” which is suitable, since the Americana genre has always embraced all kinds of acoustic sounds. The group’s Have You Noticed album is being promoted via a charming video of this lilting ode to simple living and country pleasures. Sweetly inviting.

CARTER FAITH / “Cowboy Forever”
Writers: Carter Faith/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: CF
– She sings in a deceptively delicate soprano. As the heartache song progresses, a tense power emerges, and she breaks into falsetto and back with ease. The minor-key track echoes with a neo-western vibe, and the whole thing is a highly involving audio ride. Faith showcases tonight at 8 p.m. at The Basement East in Nashville. 

ALISON BROWN & STEVE MARTIN / “Foggy Morning Breaking”
Writers: Alison Brown/Steve Martin; Producers: Alison Brown/Garry West; Compass Records
– I can’t remember the last time I heard a country instrumental this enchanting. Brown is a three-finger banjo wonder, capable of dazzling runs and groovy time signatures. Martin keeps pace in clawhammer banjo style while Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Sierra Hull (mandolin), Chris Eldridge (guitar) and Todd Phillips (bass) get their licks in. If you need a feel-good, pick-me-up, look no further. 

TYLER CHILDERS / “In Your Love”
Writers: Tyler Childers/Geno Seale; Producers: Tyler Childers/The Food Stamps; Label: Hickman Holler/RCA Records
– This guy’s new Rustin’ In The Rain album is an all-genre sales sensation and his new arena tour has sold out everywhere, including two nights at Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks and Rupp Arena as well as two nights next April at Bridgestone. The penetrating country singer-songwriter is becoming a total rock star without any radio support. Americana Highways calls him, “one of the most talented and important musical forces in American music.” Amen to that. The brilliantly acted video for this love song has stirred some controversy since it depicts two male coal miners who fall in love until one is felled by black lung. If you are not on this man’s express train to stardom, get on board now. 

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS / “Tight Rope”
Writer: Leon Russell; Producer: none listed; Label: Stax
– These soulful Americana faves take Leon Russell’s 1972 pop hit out for a welcome revival spin. Goody goody. 

THE SHINDELLAS / “Ooh La La”
Writers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony (Louis York); Producers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony (Louis York); Label: Weirdo Workshop/Thirty Tigers
– The “girl group” sound of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s is not dead. It lives on in the delicious sound of this Nashville trio. They swing lightly to the groove-soaked beats of this sunny love ditty, alternating solo vocal step-outs with creamy harmonies. As fizzy and sweet as a soda-fountain concoction. There’s a video out now, and you’ll find it on the group’s new album, Shindo, which drops Oct. 20. Can’t wait that long? The Shindellas’ Americana showcase is Saturday (Sept. 23) at 7 p.m. at The Basement East. 

JESSI COLTER / “Standing on the Edge of Forever”
Writer: Jessi Colter; Producer: Margo Price; Label: Appalachia Record Co.
– Legendary Colter teams up with Americana darling Margo Price on her new album, dropping Oct. 27. Its title track is out now, and it’s an echoey rocker with beats to spare. Three of its other tunes will be vocal collabs with Price, and that’s something to look forward to, since she is a fine harmony vocalist. 

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Colbie Caillat & Sheryl Crow Bring Breezy New Tune

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We’ve got country duets coming out of our ears in this edition of DISClaimer.

Mind you, there is superb solo work from Sam Williams, Tyler Hubbard, Willie Nelson and Lori McKenna. But there’s no denying the force generated by Zach Bryan with Kacey Musgraves, Jenni Mudaur and Teddy Thompson and The Bellamy Brothers with K.T. Oslin.

Both of our award winners this week are collaborations, too. The Disc of the Day honor goes to the scintillating, uplifting Colbie Caillat and Sheryl Crow duet “I’ll Be Here.” The DISCovery Award goes to the husband-wife team of Alyssa and Wayne Brewer, whose George and Tammy recreation must be heard to be believed. 

COLBIE CAILLAT & SHERYL CROW / “I’ll Be Here”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Brett James/Jason Reeves/Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records/The Orchard
– This is the title tune of Caillat’s new country album (due Oct. 6). It is an uplifting, breezy tempo tune that exudes love and light, supportive friendship and spirit-lifting trust. She and Crow have migrated here from pop and both righteously belong in the country firmament, because they’re better country singers than half of the people that are already in the format. Play and believe. 

JENNI MULDAUR & TEDDY THOMPSON / “If I Needed You”
Writer: Townes Van Zandt; Producer: David Mansfield; Label; Sun Label Group
– She is the daughter of Geoff and Maria Muldaur and he is the son of Richard and Linda Thompson. With such a royal folk-music lineage, is it any surprise that Jenni and Teddy absolutely nail this revival of the 1981 Emmylou Harris and Don Williams folkie duet? It is lilting and loving, a true balm for the soul. Their album is entitled Sing the Great Country Duets. Recommended without reservation. 

ALYSSA & WAYNE BREWER / “We’re Gonna Hold On”
Writers: Bobby Braddock/Rafe Van Hoy; Producers: Wayne Brewer/Mason Brewer/Gary Brewer; Label: SGM/Sony/The Orchard
– This husband-and-wife duo are offering a collection titled A&W Sing George & Tammy. It takes courage to take on the repertoire made immortal by two of the greatest singers in country music history, but the Brewers are impressively up to the task. Both of them have pitch-perfect vocal chops and can match their Hall of Fame forebears lick for lick. Frankly, I was blown away. 

DUSTIN LYNCH “Killed the Cowboy”
Writers: Jordan Reynolds/Devin Dawson/Anderson East; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Moody and minor key, this is a somewhat arty change of pace for Lynch. I think it’s a gutsy choice for a single. Although it’s haunting, the song doesn’t exactly scream “hit” to me.

LORI MCKENNA / “Wonder Drug”
Writer: Lori McKenna; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: CN Records/Thirty Tigers
– In a word, awesome. With just their acoustic guitars, McKenna and Cobb lay down a performance that will stop you in your tracks. The woman’s achingly brilliant song describes the devastation of drugs and asks, “Why couldn’t Love be the wonder drug?” This reminder of country’s folk roots belongs on your playlist at once. McKenna and the equally brilliant Brandy Clark are touring together this fall. I was hugely disappointed to learn that there’s no Nashville date on the schedule (Knoxville is Oct. 5 and Chattanooga is Oct. 6). 

WILLIE NELSON / “Good Hearted Woman”
Writers: Willie Nelson/Waylon Jennings; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Sony Legacy
– Nelson goes bluegrass on his new album, which drops tomorrow (Sept. 15). This new take on his Waylon Jennings collab classic has lively banjo and fiddle backing. The real revelation is how strong his voice still sounds at age 90. Eternally a fan. The original, by the way, was the CMA Single of the Year in 1976.

ZACH BRYAN & KACEY MUSGRAVES / “I Remember Everything”
Writers: Zach Bryan/Kacey Musgraves; Producer: Zach Bryan; Label: Warner Records
– Slow, deliberate and eloquently painful, this ballad explores the anguish of heartbreak with an airy grace. Both singers languish in sorrow. 

MUSTANGS OF THE WEST / “Sea of Heartbreak”
Writers: Paul Hampton/Hal David; Producers: Kirk Pasich/Colin Devlin; Label: KZZ Music/Blue Elan Records
– This durable, five-piece, all-female band takes on the exquisite 1961 Don Gibson golden oldie with verve. This song is one of my all-time country favorites, and their vocal harmonies are simply stunning. What’s not to love? 

TYLER HUBBARD / “Back Then Right Now”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Jessie Jo Dillon/Geoff Warburton/David Garcia; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: EMI Nashville
– Nostalgia for the good old days, set to an insanely catchy beat. This guy’s voice usually gets to me, and this outing is no exception. Turn it up and spin around the room. 

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS & K.T. OSLIN / “I’d Lie to You for Your Love”
Writers: David Bellamy/Howard Bellamy/Frankie Miller/Jeff Barry; Producer: The Bellamy Brothers; Label: Select-O-Hits
– Recorded in 2006, before Parkinson’s took her from us too soon in 2020, Oslin takes the lead on this collaboration. The groove is slinky. The mood is romantic. The vibe is pure pleasure. David and Oslin trade saucy asides as the tune progresses with its steady groove. The song’s so-clever lyric is a proven winner, having topped the country hit parade for The Bellamy Brothers in 1985. Essential listening. 

SAM WILLIAMS / “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”
Writer: Hank Williams; Producer: none listed; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Sam honors his grandfather with this stately, smooth, sad revival of this cornerstone song of the Hank Williams catalog. The pace is cautious, as if heart, voice and instruments might all break at any moment. No matter how familiar you are with the original (or its many revivals), this version will touch your heart. Sam will take part in the concert saluting the 100th anniversary of Hank’s birth staged by the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sept. 21. 

LUTHER DICKINSON / “Are You Sure”
Writers: Homer Banks/Raymond E. Jackson; Producer: Luther Dickinson; Label: New West Records/Antone’s Records
– Nashvillian Dickinson is noted for his work in the North Mississippi All Stars, but his new solo album revisits the songs he loved as a little boy growing up in Memphis. It includes such Americana guests as Yola, Allison Russell and Lillie Mae. On this sing-songy revival of a Staple Singers oldie, he is joined by daughters Sharde Thomas and Sharisse Norman. File under: Children’s Music. 

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Billy Currington Takes Listeners ‘Beyond The Reef’

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It’s “baby acts” day in country music for this edition of DISClaimer.

Colby Acuff, Neon Union, Kylie Morgan, Randall King, Track45 and HuneyFire are all looking to take the next step up in their careers. But they’ll have to get by such established hitmakers as Reba McEntire, Maddie & Tae and our Disc of the Day winner, Billy Currington.

I can’t wait for you to hear this week’s DISCovery Award winner. It goes to Taylor Goyette for his crazy-good, marvelously creative “Show Goes On.”

TAYLOR GOYETTE / “Show Goes On”
Writers: Taylor Goyette/Joe Haydel/John Caldwell/Mark Addison Chandler; Producer: John Caldwell; Label: TG
– This is an uber-cool sound. There’s a funky stomp beat going on and off-kilter carnival audio beneath a raspy folk-soul vocal. The lyric is jam packed with vivid, doomsday, breaking-news imagery. Whoever this guy is, I’m a fan. So are some other folks, because this is blowing up on iTunes Country. 

BILLY CURRINGTON / “Anchor Man”
Writers: Paul Overstreet/Scotty Emerick; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Wistful and yearning. It will take you out beyond the reef onto the open sea with a breeze in your face. The song’s protagonist is a former news anchor who has chucked it all to ignore headlines and deadlines and spend his days fishing. It wasn’t intended as such, but it kinda sounds like an audio homage to the late and much mourned Jimmy Buffett. 

TANNER USREY / “Who I Am”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Beau Bedford; Label: Atlantic Records
– The production rocks nicely. The singing has urgency and force. The song and its unattractive lyric do nothing for me.

MADDIE & TAE / “Heart They Didn’t Break”
Writers: Ryan Beaver/Benjy Davis/Anna Vaus; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Mercury Nashville
– As usual, their vocal harmonies are perfection. The song about friendship carrying you through heartbreak has power and truth. I have always loved these ladies. 

RANDALL KING / “The One You’re Waiting On”
Writers: Adam Wright/Shannon Wright; Producers: Randall King/Jared Conrad; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– King remains one of my very favorite current country singers. And I do mean country, not warmed-over ’70s rock. This man stands proudly in the tradition of Keith Whitley, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson and Merle Haggard. On this gentle barroom ballad, he winningly wishes he were the object of her affection. It pushes every honky-tonk button on the jukebox of your heart. 

KENDALL TUCKER, JELLY ROLL & STATE OF MINE / “Dragging Me Down”
Writers: Kendall Tucker/Jason DeFord/Randy Foucha; Producers: Bernard James Perry/John A. Pregler; Label: KT
– Tucker is a white rapper and State of Mine is a rock band. In this audio battle between genres, rock wins and country never even fires a shot. 

HUNEYFIRE / “Breaking Necks”
Writers: Cheaza Figueroa/Marriana Nevarez-Barlow/Jason Pennock; Producers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Label: HF
– This mother-daughter, Afro-Latino country duo returns with a strutting, sassy, empowering outing. The reason she’s “breaking necks” is because when she walks by, the boys snap their heads around. Flirty fun. By the way, Figueroa’s mother was an Ikette, and Nevarez-Barlow’s dad was in All-4-One. 

NEON UNION / “This Side of the Dirt”
Writers: Hunter Phelps/Nicollette Hayford/Ben Johnson/Jerry Flowers; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Red Street Records
– Rousing and energetic, this ditty says you should live every day by loving your special someone like it’s your last day on earth. The tracks rocks and the men sing heartily. Good to see that this duo are still in there swinging for the fences. 

REBA McENTIRE / “Till You Love Me (Acoustic Version)”
Writers: Gary Burr/Bob DiPiero; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: MCA Nashville
– For her new Not That Fancy collection, McEntire teamed with producer Dave Cobb to record stripped-down versions of some of her best hits. Its lead track selects one of the most gorgeous melodies she’s ever sung and presents it to you in the throat of one of our greatest vocalists ever. Worthy to polish the reputation of this Country Music Hall of Fame member to a brilliant new shine. 

TRACK45 / “Drinkin and Thinkin”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Ashley Gorley/Hunter Phelps/Michael Hardy; Producers: Track45/Jason Hall; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– Caught in a dangerous whirlpool of heartbreak. The sibling trio’s harmonies are chiming amid a churning, blasting track that makes trying to drink away his memory sound like a dangerous proposition. Extremely well done. 

COLBY ACUFF / “Movin'”
Writers: Colby Acuff/Ben Roberts/Ben Chapman; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Strummy and jaunty, this is a super dandy road song. Acuff’s boyish country tenor exudes optimism, promise and better days. The fiddler saws away in upbeat sympathy. Extremely listenable. 

KYLIE MORGAN / “Making It Up As I Go”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/KK Johnson/Jordan Minton; Producer: KK Johnson; Label: EMI Nashville
– Winsome and winning. When do you ever really feel grown up? Probably never, says Morgan, and we can all relate to that. “Gettin’ older don’t make you wiser,” she sings. Can I get an “Amen?” Sweetly pensive with a thumpy backbeat. 

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Stretch Out”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter/Joel Taylor; Producer: Joel Taylor; Label: UMG Nashville
– There are lots of open spaces in the percussive track. When you’re dealing with singers this powerful, that’s a very, very good thing since it gives them room to emote. Or, rather, to “stretch out.” A dynamic change of pace.