DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jordan Davis Sells His ‘Busted-Heart Song Like Gangbusters’

The dudes are dueling on the country music scene today.

Cody Johnson, Dalton Dover, Alex Miller, Vince Gill and Darius Rocker all vied for the Disc of the Day award. Taking the subtle, sad, emotionally shaded route, Jordan Davis wins it.

The ladies were not without firepower. Ashley McBryde and Priscilla Block, in particular, are essential. Colorado native Sophia Scott wins the DISCovery Award.

DALTON DOVER / “Night to Go”
Writers: Cole Taylor/Trea Landon/Shane Minor/Michael Carter; Producer: none listed; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This youngster has already proved himself to be a masterful country balladeer, a story-song teller, a heartache prince and a heart-tugging sentimentalist. Well, whaddya know? He can also spit out a country rocker with the best of ‘em: this kicks hillbilly butt. More proof that stardom should knock on his door.

CODY JOHNSON / “The Painter”
Writers: Benjy Davis/Kat Higgins/Ryan Larkins; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Warner Music Nashville/COJO Music 
– Beautifully country. Kinda poetic, kinda romantic, kinda stirring, kinda cool. He remains a supreme vocal stylist, and the gently thumping bass undertow gives this all the juice it needs. An instant favorite.

ALEX MILLER / “Girl, I Know a Guy”
Writers: Walt Aldridge/Tim Rushlow/Danny Orton; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– This perfectly marries bluegrassy instrumental touches with baritone honky-tonk vocal phrasing. All the pieces fit—top-notch production, stellar songwriting, heartfelt hillbilly vibe. Sweet yet twanging. Alex strikes again.

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Fake Names”
Writers: Priscilla Block/Alysa Vanderheym/Summer Overstreet/Audra Mae; Producers: Robbie Artress/Justin Johnson/Jake Curry; Label: UMG/InDent
– The weekend pseudonyms allow her to go “bat-shit crazy.” Meanwhile, the track rocks with gusto behind her. This party princess always delivers the goods. If you haven’t done so, also check out her cheeky “Thick Thighs.”

SOPHIA SCOTT / “Lipstick On You”
Writers: Sophia Scott/Adam Yaron/Blake Hubbard/Zack Dryer/Jarrod Ingram/Malia Civetz; Producer: Adam Yaron; Label: Empire
– Sultry and soul-tinged, she sings with a husky, throaty and totally ear-catching manner. Add some blues to your playlist with this dandy, stately lament.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Tuscon Too Late”
Writers: Jordan Davis/Jacob Davis/Josh Jenkins/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– Quite well written. The gently rolling tempo and his expressively resigned delivery sell this busted-heart song like gangbusters. I love a good, sad, country tune, and this one’s a pip. Classic, classy stuff.

DENNIS QUAID / “Fallen”
Writer: Dennis Quaid; Producers: David Ferguson/Ben Isaacs/Chris Lindsey; Label: Gaither Music Group
– He’s famous for being an actor, but Quaid remains a Texan through and through. The title tune of his new gospel album has a dusty, earthy, bluesy quality. The minor key melody allows him to express its “riding with the Devil” vibe dramatically. A gripping and compelling prodigal-son’s journey through substance abuse and redemption.

NATALIE GRANT & DOLLY PARTON / “Step By Step”
Writers: Annie Lennox; Producers: Bernie Herms; Label: Curb Records
– Gospel queen Grant and country goddess Parton try on some soul-sister clothes for this pop outing. It’s a Whitney Houston oldie. They both sound like they are trying a bit too hard to measure up.

VINCE GILL & PAUL FRANKLIN / “Sweet Memories”
Writers: Mickey Newbury; Producers: Vince Gill/Paul Franklin; Label: MCA Nashville
– This is the title tune of this team’s tribute album to Ray Price. Franklin’s steel is poetry on the ballad, and Gill’s vocal is, as usual, awesome. The gorgeous weeper became a country classic thanks to a 1969 Dottie West/Don Gibson duet and a 1979 top-10 hit for Willie. Now is its time to shine for a new generation of listeners.

DARIUS RUCKER / “Have a Good Time”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Darius Rucker/Derek George/Monty Criswell; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Built-in smiles are on the menu of this jaunty ditty. The message is to enjoy today, because we’re not guaranteed tomorrow—sunsets, brewski’s, lovin,’ relaxin,’ back-porch chillin’ and taking life as it comes in the here-and-now.

DAVID J / “Traffic on a Backroad”
Writers: David J/Beau Bailey/Lukas Klingensmith; Producer: Danny Majik; Label: Grey Area Entertainment/Sony Music Nashville
– He wants to steam up the windows with the car in Park and the seats tilted back. It has an electronic pop track and hip-hop beats. Fine. Now can someone tell me what is “country” about this?

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Cool Little Bars”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Trick Savage/Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This woman is driving me crazy with anticipation of her The Devil I Know collection. It isn’t due until next month, and she keeps teasing it with dynamite advances. In addition to the brilliant “Light on in the Kitchen,” they include this wonderful ode to the dirty little dives we love. These “holes in the wall for lost souls” with their jukeboxes, shuffleboards, cigarettes, carved-up tabletops, tip jars and two-for-one drink specials need to be cherished. As if her singing and the songwriting weren’t brilliant enough, this has the most marvelous, crunchy, rocking-acoustic track on God’s green earth.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Roll Tide Roll”
Writers: Zach Beeken/Garrett Nichols/Kyle Sturrock; Producer: none listed; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
– Football season can’t come soon enough for this trio on its harmony-soaked ballad. They need “Roll Tide Roll” to wash away the heartache. The debut Restless Road album, Last Rodeo, is coming on October 20. Judging by what I’ve heard from these guys so far, it’s bound to be a grand listening experience.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Exile Impresses With First Radio Single In More Than 30 Years

This is a day for legends, comebacks and new beginnings.

In this country edition of DISClaimer, you’ll find old friends T.G. Sheppard, The Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Exile, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Cindy (now Cidny) Bullens. They fit in just fine among tunes by Mitchell Tenpenny, William Michael Morgan, Cooper Alan, Megan Moroney and Darrell Scott.

The Disc of the Day prize goes to the Exile comeback single, “Rough Around the Edges.” This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Emily Ann Roberts.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Infinity”
Writers: Emily Ann Roberts/Stephanie Chapman; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: EAR
– She has a helluva voice and isn’t shy about pushing it into the stratosphere on this shimmering ballad. It’s a melodic vow of devotion that has definite wedding-song potential. Highly recommended.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Bigger Mistakes”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Chris DeStefano/Josh Kear/Michael Whitworth/Jeff Braun; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia Records
– Very clever. He’s not wallowing in heartbreak, because she really wasn’t The One, anyhow. “I’ve made bigger mistakes than you,” he sings defiantly to her. There’s a fine vocal performance here, and it’s wrapped up in a beautifully layered production. Nicely done, bro.

TRAVIS TRITT / “When God Dips His Love In My Heart”
Writer: Cleavant Derricks; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Gaither Music Group
Country Chapel, Tritt’s debut gospel album, drops next month. Its lead track is also its advance single. The soulful stylist takes this 80-year-old chestnut out for a country-rock spin, cranking the tempo, adding a snappy electric guitar solo and featuring unmistakable quartet harmonies by The Oak Ridge Boys.

JON LANGSTON / “Heart On Ice”
Writers: Hunter Phelps/Jake Mitchell/Jordan Gray/Nick Columbia; Producers: Jody Stevens/Brad Wagner; Label: EMI Nashville
– You will seek in vain for a melody or any kind of lyric beyond the title phrase.

HARPER GRACE / “Down In My Hometown”
Writers: Alex Kline/Harper Gruzins/Kyle Jacobs/Michael Farren; Producers: Alex Kline/Cooper Bascom; Label: Curb
– This touches on most of the cliches—bonfire, open field, hometown, beer, party. She missed pickup truck, patriotism and swimming hole.

T.G. SHEPPARD WITH LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD / “I Loved ‘Em Every One”
Writer: Bill Sampson; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle Records
– Sheppard’s 1981 hit gets a pleasing bluegrass makeover. The two acts previously teamed up on a far better song of his, “Do You Wanna Go to Heaven.”

MEGAN MORONEY / “I’m Not Pretty (Acoustic)”
Writers: Megan Moroney/Ben Williams/Mackenzie Carpenter/Micah Carpenter; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Records
– I reviewed this dandy song a few months back. Now the fan favorite has a new, stripped-down version that brings out the mean-girl lyric even more. One of the first country songs to mention Instagram will be released to radio next week.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN / “In Walked You”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Ross Copperman; Producer: Keith Stegall; Label: ONErpm
– This stellar neo-traditionalist returns with another solidly country outing. Due on Aug. 11, this performance confirms him as a leading artist of this style. Check out the songwriting and production credits. Count me in, for sure.

REYNA ROBERTS / “One Way Street”
Writers: Reyna Roberts/Natalie Stovall/Aaron Wagner; Producer: Aaron Wagner; Label: ReynaRed Records/Empire
– The fiery stylist blazes brightly on this scorching number of romantic confusion. It is pitched slightly too high for her range.

COOPER ALAN / “Never Not Remember You”
Writers: Cooper Alan/Seth Mosley/Victoria Shaw; Producer: Victoria Shaw; Label: Cooped Up Records
– This man has over 10 million social media followers. They embraced this long before its official release date this week. The song manages to find uplift even in the midst of painful grief. We all go through loss at some point in our lives, and like all great country music, this helps you understand and accept it.

CIDNY BULLENS & BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN / “Not With You”
Writers: Cidny Bullens/Beth Nielsen Chapman; Producer: Ray Kennedy; Label: Kill Rock Stars
– Bullens is known as a rocker, and Chapman is a pop artist. But together they found twang and a newfound country/Americana direction with this scintillating, romantic duet performance. Well worth your spins. It is a track from Little Pieces, the album coming-out for Bullens as a trans man. He’ll be showcasing at the Americana convention next month.

EXILE / “Rough Around the Edges”
Writers: Les Taylor/Larry Cordle/J.P. Pennington; Producers: J.P. Pennington/Sonny LeMaire; Label: Clearwater Records
– The band’s first new radio single in more than 30 years is a frothing rocker that shows the veteran act’s spit and fire are undimmed by time. The tempo is in overdrive, the guitars stutter mightily, keyboards sizzle and the vocals wail. And if you listen closely, the lyric is as cute as all get out. I love this.

THE DARRELL SCOTT STRING BAND / “Kentucky Morning”
Writer: Darrell Scott; Producer: Darrell Scott; Label: Full Light/The Orchard
– This is the story of the many who left the Bluegrass State in search of factory work in Detroit and Chicago, only to yearn for home. One of them leaves the assembly line in the middle of the graveyard shift to hop on a train headed south. It’s a soulful, bluegrassy ballad with gorgeous fiddle and mandolin work by Scott’s bandmates. Scott is a gifted songwriter with “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive,” “Born to Fly,” “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” “Long Time Gone” and more under his belt. And now this. The song teases Old Cane Back Rocker, his first album since 2016. It drops on Aug. 11. I can’t wait.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Stapleton Once Again Confirms His ‘Bonfire Intensity As A Performer’

Chris Stapleton. Photo: Becky Fluke

DISClaimer is really mixing it up this week.

We have hip-hopper Tanner Adell, bluegrassy Hailey Whitters, rocking Lanco and balladeers Adam Doleac and Luke Grimes. Black female country speaks up in an excellent effort from Tiera Kennedy. Cody Hibbard is an Asian Pacific American and his hard-country approach wins him a DISCovery Award.

Hibbard was not without competition, since the other newcomers today who turned in solid efforts included Peyton Aldridge, Zoee and The Mizes.

With Chris Stapleton in the lineup, do you even need to ask who owns the Disc of the Day award?  

LANCO / “Sound of a Saturday Night”
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Tripp Howell/Jeremy Spillman/Tate Howell; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Riser House
– Punchy and rocking. This is a summertime romp to crank up with the windows rolled down on a moonlight cruise down a back road. I’d have put more bottom in the mix, but you can’t beat the energy generated by this sound. 

BRETT YOUNG / “Let Go Too Soon”
Writers: Brett Young/Chris LaCorte/Jon Nite; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG Records
– “Dance With You” remains the single, but here’s another foretaste of Young’s Across the Sheets collection, which drops Aug. 4. On this pleasing midtempo track, he muses about a relationship that might have ended before either one of them was ready to move on. His intimate-sounding singing voice is deployed to great affect here. The too-busy backing track is fortunately mixed far enough back so as not to interfere.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “I’m In Love”
Writers: Nicole Galyon/Lee Thomas Miller/Cameron Bedell; Producers: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Pigasus/Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
– ACM New Female Artist of the Year Whitters returns with the delightfully zippy title tune of her new EP (which also includes her breakthrough hit “Everything She Ain’t”). The track bubbles along merrily while she expresses the dizzy, ditzy mood of a star-struck country gal. Totally lovable. 

CHRIS STAPLETON / “White Horse”
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Dan Wilson; Producers: Dave Cobb/Morgane Stapleton/Chris Stapleton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– His voice is such a torrent of sound that he can make your heart beat faster without hardly trying. This fiery single blurs the lines between country and southern rock while confirming his bonfire intensity as a performer. Undeniable. 

TIERA KENNEDY / “Jesus, My Mama, My Therapist”
Writers: Tiera Kennedy/Emily Falvey/Joe Fox/Trannie Anderson/Emily Landis; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– As clever as it is catchy. Everyone in town gossips way too much, so the only people she can tell about her busted heart are the three named in the title. The track boasts stuttering rockabilly guitar, loads of happy rhythm and a cheeky vibe that are all irresistible. Her saucy vocal is perfect. To my knowledge, this is the first country song with “therapist” in the title. So cute.

CODY HIBBARD / “We Speak Country”
Writers: Carlton Anderson/Kasey Tyndall/Logan Wall; Producers: Jim Catino/Julian King; Label: Droptine Recordings
– What a breath of fresh air. A for-real country singer with a for-real country song. The thumping rhythm track is joyous. The blue-collar lyric is rousing and anthemic. This would sound splendid as an award-show opening number. 

PEYTON ALDRIDGE / “Oh Yeah”
Writers: John Ramey/Jeffrey East; Producer: Russ Zavitson; Label: Puba Records
– This competitor on The Voice combines blues and twang on his new single. The song’s a funky little thing, but doesn’t have a lot of meat on its bones. 

ZOEE / “Whatever It Takes”
Writers: Zoee/James House/Stone Aielli; Producers: Zoee/James House; Label: Zoee
– This new Nashvillian hails from Tasmania, Australia. She has a strong, assured country-pop vocal presence with plenty of depth. This single and its parent album Waves both drop a week from tomorrow, so be prepared for a slap of driving rhythm and some wildly catchy melody. The crisp production is superb. A star has started to twinkle. 

TANNER ADELL / “Buckle Bunny”
Writers: Tanner Adell/Jesse Thomas/Cameron Bartolini/Louis Bartolini/Leelee/Sean Anthony; Producers: Leelee/Cambo/Louallday; Label: Columbia Records
– This mix of country and trap drops vaguely country/cowgirl images in a production that blends rapping with looped electronics and country-tinged instrumentation. Lyrically, it is utter nonsense. But enjoyable.

LUKE GRIMES / “Hold On”
Writers: Ilsey Juber/Foy Vance; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– Low-key and downbeat, this has an attractive, meditative quality that is soothing to the ears. Like the song, his voice kinda sneaks up on you. Grimes has a fan base from being in the Yellowstone TV cast. But I fear he’s going to have to come up with a song that is more undeniable than this drowsy one is. 

THE MIZES / “Hitched Up”
Writers: Logan Mize/Jill Martin; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: LM
– Solo artist Logan Mize is now also a duet act with his wife, Jill Martin. Their debut single is a hilarious twangfest about a Venus-and-Mars couple. It recalls the funny-fight masterpieces created by Loretta & Conway, Porter & Dolly and George & Tammy. If I were in charge, this would go straight to the top of every hillbilly playlist. 

ADAM DOLEAC / “Biggest Fan”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Abe Stoklasa/Andy Skib/Sarah Buxton; Producer: Andy Skib; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The man can sing. This melodic ballad glows with romance and emotional intimacy. The soul-music touches in the production and eloquently tasteful guitar solo are exquisite additions to the mood. Lend this man your ears.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Young Channels Summer Vibes On New Track

Hot enough for you?

The country stars are fully in tune with summertime this week.

Efforts by Dan + Shay, Hardy, Mickey Guyton & Kane Brown, Lionel Cartwright, Uncle Kracker and Travis Denning sound custom made for warm weather.

The most summer-sounding of all is Chris Young, who wins the Disc of the Day award.

Newcomers? We’ve got ‘em, with Christian Parker, Whitney Miller and our DISCovery Award winner Cassandra Davis all lending their voices to the vacation season.

O.N.E. THE DUO / “Superpower”
Writers: Shane Stevens/Nash Overstreet; Producer: Nash Overstreet; Label: Visionary Media Group
– Being a woman is a superpower sez the mother-daughter duo. It’s a charming single, but it would sound a lot more “country” if it had some actual musical instruments in the production instead of just electronic loops.

HARDY / “Truck Bed”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Michael Hardy/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson; Producers: Joey Moi/Derek Wells/Hardy/Ben Johnson; Label: Big Loud Records/Big Loud Rock
– She’s kicked him out, so now he wakes up “on the wrong side of the truck bed” in the front yard. Now he has to go to work with a hangover. Instruments twang merrily, the gang sings along and a goofball vibe reigns supreme.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “That Dog”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Jake Mitchell/Aaron Raitiere; Producers: Caylee Hammack/Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Nashville
– The fiery redhead is totally over him, but she misses the dog. Sassy and spirited.

CHRIS YOUNG / “Young Love & Saturday Nights”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Jesse Frasure/Josh Thompson/David Bowie; Producers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Chris DeStafano; Label: RCA
– The melody quotes “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie, but this uptempo romp is country all the way. It’s a joyous celebration of old trucks, small towns, radio tunes and necking in the parking lot. Roll down the windows and crank it up on a carefree weekend.

CASSANDRA LEWIS / “Too Much”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Elektra/Low Country Sounds
– My ears perked right up. This Portland, Oregan singer-songwriter will kick off her new album with this soul ballad. It’s a stately heartbreak outing with a spare arrangement that frames an extraordinary vibrato-vocal performance. She aims for the stratosphere and then soars above it. A remarkable, singular talent.

DAN + SHAY / “Save Me the Trouble”
Writers: Jordan Reynolds/Ashley Gorley/Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Jordan Minton; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– She’s a heartbreak waiting to happen, so this power ballad throws down a warning. As we have come to expect, the singing here is simply excellent. The layered harmonies and understated production both work splendidly. Hit bound.

WHITNEY MILLER / “Nobody”
Writers: Hailey Nicole Verhaalen/Kelly Anne Seidel/Makena Hartlin; Producer: none listed; Label: Whitney Miller Music
– Smoldering and sensuous. She’s in a fever dream that he’s being unfaithful, so electric guitars echo and swirl around her steamy, smoky vocal. Miller is a former Miss United States (2012) who is also a mixed martial arts fighter and kickboxing commentator. Her singing is a tough as she is.

MICKEY GUYTON & KANE BROWN / “Nothing Compares to You”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Bebe Rexha/Jordan Schmidt; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– They sound pretty good together, his plaintive, roughshod delivery contrasting nicely with her sunny, scintillating soprano. The slow-burn, bluesy tune gives Mickey, in particular, plenty of room to vamp and improvise. Smooth listening.

BRANDON DAVIS / “Still Gonna Be”
Writers: Brandon Davis/Daniel Agee/Joe Ragosta; Producers: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog Music
– He sings with passion, but the song isn’t worth the effort.

UNCLE KRACKER / “Reason to Drink”
Writers: Matthew Shafer/Blair Daly/Troy Verges; Producer: none listed; Label: UK
– A summertime party song. You’ll feel like you’re heard it before.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Things I’m Going Through”
Writers: Matt Mulhare/Jordan Dozzi; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury Nashville
– He’s so relatable. He delivers this heartbroken meditation in a conversational, everyman voice that worms its way right into ya. The little details in the lyric are really cool. I remain a big fan.

LIONEL CARTWRIGHT / “Sleepwalking”
Writer: Lionel Cartwright; Producer: Lionel Cartwright; Label: Soul Mine Recordings
– Totally groovy. The gentle, mellow track is embellished with his tasty guitar licks, and the tune sways like a hammock on a summer afternoon. The creamy, dreamy, romantic mood is pure pleasure. This veteran hit maker still has the goods. Seek this ultimately enjoyable single out now. You can thank me later.

CHRISTIAN PARKER / “Hickory Wind”
Writers: Gram Parsons/Bob Buchanan; Producer: none listed; Label: CP
– Parker’s album Sweethearts drops on August 18. It is his tribute to the seminal 1968 Byrds country-rock masterpiece Sweethearts of the Rodeo. This single from it comes out tomorrow (July 21), and it’s a dandy remake of Gram Parsons’ timelessly eloquent waltz. Lilting and lovely. In addition to all the songs on the original album, the collection contains versions of “I Still Miss Someone,” “Satisfied Mind” and “Truck Store Truck Drivin’ Man.” Highly recommended.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Hannah Dasher Creates A ‘Fabulous Sonic Slab’

Hannah Dasher. Photo: Jeremy Ryan

Is it just me, or is there more new blood in country music than ever these days?

Vying for our attention this week are such up-and-comers as Ashley Cooke, Warren Zeiders, Nate Smith, War Hippies, Hannah Dasher, Dylan Marlowe and Elvie Shane. The Disc of the Day contenders are Cooke, Shane, Chase Rice, Lukas Nelson & Lainey Wilson, Sam Hunt and our winner, Hannah Dasher.

We have no actual newcomers today, but I would like to point out the presence of at least three previous DisCovery Award winners—Nate Smith, War Hippies and Hannah Dasher.

CHASE RICE / “Bad Day to Be a Cold Beer”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase Rice/John Byron/Justin Thomas; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR
– Announcing THE drinking song of 2023. This rollicking romper is a working man’s anthem, a party-hearty banger and a kick-butt production all wrapped up in hillbilly delight. Turn it up.

NATE SMITH / “World On Fire”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Lindsay Rimes/Nate Smith/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Arista Nashville
– The metaphor doesn’t really work for me, but even if the lyrics are nonsense, this is a spectacularly charismatic vocal performance. The track is molten-rock hot.

HANNAH DASHER / “(I’m the One That Taught Him) That Thing You Like”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Brandon Hood/Wynn Varble; Producers: none listed; Label: HD
– Witty, bluesy and twanging. She takes the new girlfriend aside to let her know just how intimately she knows the boy on this unreleased track. A fabulous sonic slab. I remain a massive fan.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Dirt Road When I Die”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Joe Fox; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Downbeat, borderline depressing and a little confusing. Okay, after we take you down that dirt road, what do you want us to do with your body? Bury it? Burn it? Leave it out in the sun in the back of that pickup truck?

ASHLEY COOKE / “Your Place”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Jordan Minton/Mark Trussell; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music
– This lady sure can write ‘em and sing ‘em. This track from her forthcoming (July 21) debut album sets some definite boundaries for her ex. Her current situation is none of his damn bizness. This is an artist you need to be listening to.

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Pretty Little Poison”
Writers: Ryan Beaver/Jared Keim/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Records
– This is his upcoming album’s title tune and lead single. He sings it with passion, but the track drags and the song’s tone is unrelentingly monochromatic.

LUKAS NELSON & POTR WITH LAINEY WILSON / “More Than Friends”
Writer: Lukas Nelson; Producers: Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real; Label: 6 Ace Records
– His Sticks and Stones album drops tomorrow and the record-release party is tonight at The Nashville Palace. This track from it is a boatload of pleasure—two great voices, one funky country band and a hearty, good-time song. What’s not to love? Lukas gets better and better with each release, and Lainey blends with him perfectly as the icing on this cake. A breezy summer outing.

DIAMOND RIO / “The Kick”
Writers: Carson McKee/Dana Williams/Daniel Thomas Truman/James W. Olander/Marty Roe/Micah Schweinsberg; Producer: James W. Olander; Label: Rio Hot Records
– An instrumental! This is a country category that seems to have died years ago, but leave it to Diamond Rio to revive it with this sizzling jam. Drummer Brian Prout and multi-instrumentalist Gene Johnson have retired after 33 years in the band. Their replacements, Micah Schweinsberg and Carson McKee, more than keep pace with group mainstays Dan Truman (keyboards), Jimmy Olander (lead guitar), Dana Williams (bass) and Marty Roe (rhythm guitar) on this lively outing. A welcome return.

GIRLS NEXT DOOR / “What’s This Thing You’ve Got About Leaving”
Writers: TW Hale/Roger Murrah; Producers: TW Hale/Tom Harding; Label: Girls Next Door Music
– After an absence of 30+ years, Cindy Nixon Psanos, Diane Williams Austin, Tammy Stephens Smith and Doris King Merritt have reunited as the Girls Next Door. The quartet initially made some noise with a flurry of singles on MTM Records in the late ‘80s. The group’s comeback single is a lively, bopping, good-vibes ditty that vividly shows that their creamy harmony blend is as flawless as ever. Nicely done, all around.

SAM HUNT / “Outskirts”
Writers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell/Jerry Flowers/Josh Osborne; Producers: Chris LaCorte/Shane McAnally/Sam Hunt; Label: MCA Nashville
– Regret, nostalgia, reflection and mourning for the love he threw away. Singing with the throttle wide open, Hunt has seldom sounded better. The song displays very classy craftsmanship. Totally a winner.

WAR HIPPIES / “The Hangman”
Writers: Donald E. Reis III/Scoot Edward Brown; Producer: Donnie Reis; Label: War Hippies
– This is a duo of military combat vets. The song is a haunting western-outlaw ballad about two lovers who are strung up, side-by-side. Complete with gunshot and galloping-horse sound effects. Imaginative, indeed.

ELVIE SHANE / “Baptized”
Writers: Elvie Shane/Dan Couch/Luke Preston/Oscar Charles; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– Simmering with gospel passion, this ode to a deep and sensuous love is downright riveting. Shane is one of our most talented and distinctive newcomers. Lend the “My Boy” singer your ears once again.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: David Nail & Jo Dee Messina Share The Disc Of The Day

David Nail, Jo Dee Messina

Summer has arrived in full force on the country music scene.

As the temperature soars, the songs are cool. Especially from Jon Langston, Restless Road, Maddie & Tae, Track 45 and Kameron Marlowe. Tuneful, talented veterans Jo Dee Messina and David Nail share the Disc of the Day award this week.

Teenage multi-instrumentalist New Yorker David J takes home a DISCovery Award. Not necessarily for his debut disc, but for what I believe will be more accomplished outings in the future.

KAMERON MARLOWE & ERIN KIRBY / “I Can Lie (The Truth Is)”
Writers: Jordan Fletcher/Kameron Marlowe/Shane Minor; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– Magnificently country. This hard-core power ballad showcases one of our best new honky-tonk baritones. In an emotionally complex lyric, Kirby harmonizes and keeps pace, but this is Kameron Marlowe’s show all the way.

JO DEE MESSINA / “Just To Be Loved”
Writers: Jess Cates/Jordan Mohilowski/Tim Nichols/Jo Dee Messina; Producer: Jordan Mohilowski; Label: JDM
– Messina is having a moment, thanks to the revival of “Heads Carolina Tails California.” Her comeback single is a beautifully produced bopper with rippling mandolin, burbling bass, stacked vocals, crisp percussion and a breezy summertime vibe. Her voice remains as hearty and warm as ever. The lyric’s message about being true to yourself is lovely, too. So delightful sounding that I didn’t want it to end.

TRACK 45 / “Grew Up On”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jenna Johnson/KK Johnson/Ashley Gorley/Jonathan Singleton/Taylor Phillips; Producers; Track 45; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– The three Johnson siblings wax nostalgic for their rural upbringing on this harmony soaked outing. The lilting melody has a soft, airy, gentle caress. Their deft plucking on bass, fiddle and guitar are the icing on this delicious cake.

BILLY CURRINGTON / “City Don’t”
Writers: Scooter Carusoe/Joshua Miller/Chris LaCorte; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Mercury Nashville
– He contrasts high-rise city living with country dirt road pleasures, and guess which one comes out on top? The sluggish track plods, and there’s nothing memorable about his lackadaisical delivery.

JON LANGSTON / “Whiskey Does”
Writers: Jon Langston/Brad Wagner/Cole Taylor/Jordan Gray; Producers: Jody Stevens/Jacob Rice/Brad Wagner; Label: EMI Nashville
“She don’t love me anymore, but whiskey does.” There you have it. A broken heart, an empty glass, misery needs company, the whole hillbilly honky-tonk package. This guy has long been a favorite, and this old-school outing in a very imaginative production seals the deal. Play it again.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Just Wanna Know That You Love Me”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Joybeth Taylor/Sam Ellis; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– The melodic ballad suits her style in that she repeats its title multiple times. She seems to specialize in this type of delivery—after all, it worked so well in that irritating, repetitive million seller “The Road Less Traveled.”

DAVID J / “Last Time”
Writers: Cate Downey/Danny Majic/David J; Producer: Danny Majic; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Grey Area Entertainment
– Paint-by-numbers, generic, forgettable, youthful country-pop. Surely he can do better.

MADDIE & TAE / “Heart They Didn’t Break”
Writers: Anna Vaus/Banjy Lashar Davis/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Poignant and sweet/sad, with their gorgeous harmony blend front and center. A lilting steel solo and perfectly placed drum thumps support their pristine performance. Another gem from this steadfast team.

RESTLESS ROAD / “No Can Do “
Writers: Matt Jenkins/Jessi Alexander/Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Zachary Beeken/Jacob Rice; Producer: Jared Klein; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
– This is a dandy, upbeat summer jam. Why work when you can relax with a pop-top? A rollicking good time, complete with a mid-song “gang” vocal break.

KIDD G / “Lesson Learned”
Writers: Alex Maxwell/Jaxson Free/Jonathan Gabriel Horne; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Rebel
– Acoustic, semi-spoken verses alternating with electric-guitar soaring choruses. Incongruous banjo plucking and thrashing percussion. It sounds like three different songs trying to mash together.

DAVID NAIL / “Silverado”
Writers: David Nail/Grant Vogel/Robyn Collins; Producer: Grant Vogel; Label: One Five Sound, LLC
– Let’s face it: The man was born to sing. And what woman could resist this come-on? He wants to take it slow, get to know her and ride off to unknown adventures in his truck. The echoey track takes on layer after lovely layer as this wafting, romantic ode unfurls.

DARRYL WORLEY / “Have We Forgotten”
Writers: Darryl Worley/Wynn Varble; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Label: Valory Music Co.
– Worley’s update of his 9/11 hit “Have You Forgotten” addresses a politically divided nation. It asks us to remember when we could agree to disagree and work together for the common good. A timely call for togetherness. Its “united we stand” message is lighting up message boards.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tim McGraw Is ‘Eloquently Heartbreaking’ On New Track

Tim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein

Country music is unashamed to wear its heart on its sleeve, and that’s abundantly true in this edition of DISClaimer.

Sam Hunt openly worships the women in his life. Ashley McBryde explores the dark side of her childhood. Elle King sings of loneliness. Drew Holcomb praises friendship. The late Kenny Rogers embraces the sentiments of fatherhood. Most powerful of all is the emotion Todd Tilghman pours into “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” which wins him a DISCovery Award.

Our Disc of the Day is also nakedly emotional. Tim McGraw’s “Hey Whiskey” mourns the damage done. Brilliantly.

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS / “Find Your People”
Writers: Drew Holcomb/Kevin Scott Rhoads; Producer: Cason Cooley; Label: Magnolia Music/Tone Tree Music
– This guy has been making great music for 20 years. This happy, rhythmic track boasts hearty vocals, chunky beats, acoustic strumming and a lot of cheer. Holcomb sings of the value of friendships while the band sets the mood. Drawn from his just-released Strangers No More album, the celebratory tune is presently at No. 1 on the Americana chart.

SAM HUNT / “Women in My Life”
Writers: Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell/Ashley Gorley/Josh Osborne; Producers: Zach Crowell/Chris LaCorte/Sam Hunt; Label: MCA Nashville
– This swaying, atmospheric, echoey outing is sung with soft sincerity. He muses how empty his life would be without the women who made him the person he is. The performance is perfect, and the sentiment is superb. His best yet.

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Learned to Lie”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Sean McConnell/Nicolette Hayford; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– “Light on in the Kitchen” is still the single, and its parent album The Devil I Know isn’t due until September. But here’s another advance track from it. The lyric takes you down a dark passageway into a dysfunctional childhood while the ballad’s guitar, steel and bass draw out a slow, sad accompaniment. Stunning and powerful.

TIM McGRAW / “Hey Whiskey”
Writers: Brad Hutsell/Joel Hutsell/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producers: Tim McGraw/Byron Gallimore; Label: Big Machine Records
– Eloquently heartbreaking. He addresses the drink that took his money, drove away a good woman, occupied his life and left him in hell. Sighing steel and brushed percussion hurt with every note. One more reason to eagerly anticipate the release of his new Standing Room Only collection in August.

LORI McKENNA / “The Town in Your Heart”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Jessie Jo Dillon/Dustin Christensen; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: CN Records/Thirty Tigers
– The troubadour takes a strummy, uptempo ride in this ode to two wandering souls who take to the road. She’s fine with traveling, as long she has a home in his heart. The Everly-esque vocal harmonies are a bonus.

KENNY ROGERS / “Catchin’ Grasshoppers”
Writers: Laura McCall Torno/Earl Torno; Producers: Randy Dorman & Kenny Rogers; Label: UMG
– The new Kenny Rogers album Life Is Like a Song is a compilation of previously unreleased tunes. Its first single is a heart-tugging, downbeat ode to fatherhood. He puts aside his busy life to spend time playing outside with his little twins.

HANNAH ELLIS / “Wine Country”
Writers: Hannah Ellis/Clint Lagerberg/Nick Wayne; Producers: Jason Massey/Clint Lagerberg; Label: Curb Records
– It’s a rollicking, romping drinkin’ song. Only this time it’s chardonnay in a solo cup instead of beer. Lotsa fun. Raise your glass and sing along.

RODNEY CROWELL / “You’re Supposed to Be Feeling Good”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Jeff Tweedy; Label: New West Records
– This song first appeared on the 1977 Emmylou Harris LP Luxury Liner, but Crowell never got around to recording it, himself. Until now. The partnership with Jeff Tweedy on the songwriter’s new The Chicago Sessions album brings him renewed vigor and an utterly fresh audio approach. And this track couldn’t be a better example. It’s kinda twangy and Beatles-y at the same time.

ELLE KING & DIPLO / “Without You”
Writers: Daniel Silberstein/Elle King/Henry Agincourt Allen/Jamison Baken/Sasha Alex Sloan/Thomas Wesley Pentz; Producers: Diplo/King Henry; Label: Columbia
– Rapid, rushed snare beats and a tickling banjo propel this dreamy, airy lovelorn track. Heartache has seldom sounded more inviting.

ASHLEY COOKE / “Shot in the Dark”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Jordan Minton/Emily Weisband/Corey Crowder; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music
– This is the title tune of her album, which drops next month. With 24 tracks, it surely must be the longest debut country collection in history. The song is a splendid introduction, wafting with young romance and twirling in melody. The extremely well written lyric puts you right in that barroom, watching love at first sight occur over tequilas.

BEN RECTOR / “Wonderful World”
Writers: Ben Rector/Jordy Searcy/Andrew Tufano; Producers: Ben Rector/Andrew Tufano; Label: OK Kid Recordings 
– Rector appears at the Let Freedom Sing concert when Music City celebrates the Fourth of July next Tuesday. He’ll be sharing the bill with Brad Paisley and The War & Treaty, so he’ll be bringing his pop/Americana “A” game. The current video by this Nashvillian is an endearing puppet production featuring likenesses of him and his daughter out in gorgeous nature scenery. The track is lilting, sweet and pop-folkie. It’s also an audio delight.

TODD TILGHMAN / “Blood, Sweat & Tears”
Writers: Joe Hanson/Justin Morgan/Victoria Banks; Producers: none listed; Label: Straight Arrow Records
– Wait a second: This dude won on The Voice, but you’ve never heard of him? That might be because production shut down when the COVID pandemic hit and he finished the show remotely. When coach Blake Shelton introduced him on the Opry, Todd wowed me with “Home Wasn’t Built in a Day,” a tender and beautifully sung evocation of home-and-hearth. Now comes this powerful single/video with a gospel lyric exalting, “His blood, my sweat and her tears.” It will make you shout, “Amen.” At age 45, he’s the oldest champ in the show’s history, but this father of eight and former pastor from Mississippi has a heartfelt voice with no age limit. He has released several other fine singles, but so far has no album. Somebody give this gifted guy a break. And a label deal.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brad Paisley ‘RAWKS’

Brad Paisley. Photo: Jeff Lipsky

Yesterday was the first day of summer, and the country artists are celebrating.

Jameson Rodgers, Brian Kelley and Brad Paisley all have new singles saluting the season. The rocking effort by Brad Paisley takes home the Disc of the Day award.

The DISCovery Award goes to Tanner Adell, one of three Black female acts in today’s playlist. The others are the equally listenable O.N.E. The Duo and Black Opry alumna Roberta Lea.

Three seems to be today’s magic number. Big Machine is on fire this week, with three of our contenders. David Garcia is having a moment, since he’s also involved in three of this week’s releases. And that bring us back to summertime, which is the topic of three DISClaimer sounds. Here’s hoping yours is a sunshine-and-flowers season.

JOSH ROSS / “Trouble”
Writers: Josh Ross/Mason Thornley; Producer: Matt Geroux; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Heartbreak and anguish from a shredded tenor voice. The ballad is taken at a mournful pace as he describes drinking to ease the pain. In mid-song, everything stops for a drunk-dial, spoken-word passage. The echoey guitars are cool. too.

CARLY PEARCE & CHRIS STAPLETON / “We Don’t Fight Anymore”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Shane McAnally/Pete Good; Producers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Carly Pearce; Label: Big Machine
– The relationship is so dead that they have stopped communicating completely. There’s no love, but there’s also no hate. A dobro drones sympathetically as the vocalists portray this super sad story. Both are such glorious singers that you hang on every line.

BRIAN KELLEY / “See You Next Summer”
Writers: David Garcia/Michael Hardy/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Machine
– This mid-tempo effort unspools with pent-up energy as his voice rides atop a swirling mix of beats and electric guitars. They hooked up at the beach in Florida. Instead of calling it a summer fling, he fell in love.

BRAD PAISLEY / “So Many Summers”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Ross Copperman/Lee Thomas Miller; Producers: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Label: Loaded Goat/UMG
– Live it up and have a good time, because you only get so many summers. “Swing for the fence, jump in the water …and tell her you love her.” A word of wisdom from the senior citizen at the playground. And it RAWKS. Play this on repeat.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Mine for the Summer”
Writers: Brent Anderson/Jake Mitchell/Jameson Rodgers/Smith Ahnquist; Producer: David Garcia; Label: Columbia/River House Artists
– Well written. He’s fallen so hard that he doesn’t care about anybody back home or anything else, for that matter. They’ve just met, but he’s dizzy and giddy enough that it doesn’t matter whether she’s his for the night, for the summer or for the rest of his life. The chiming production supports him at every melodic turn. A lovely little single.

CHRIS JANSON / “The Outlaw Side of Me”
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Chris Janson/Lee Miller; Producers: Julian Raymond/Chris Janson/Scott Borchetta; Label: Big Machine
– The title tune of Janson’s new album is a thumping redneck anthem that marries his drawling vocal performance with some processed electronics and a Southern-rock production. Fiery and fierce.

JOE NICHOLS / “Brokenhearted”
Writers: John Thomas Harding/Marv Green/Rhett Akins; Producers: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– This lively tune puts tongue firmly in cheek to state that there’s no crying-in-your-beer country music anymore. Instead, everybody’s dancing to party songs, “gettin’ up and gettin’ down.” I love this song, and he’s still one helluva country singer.

PILLBOX PATTI / “Low Life”
Writers: Nicolette Hayford/Chris Tompkins/Jessie Jo Dillon/Nicolette Rose Hayford; Producers: Chris Tompkins/Park Chisolm; Label: Monument Records
– This is a terrifically gripping account of a misspent youth of drugs, booze, theft, jail and bad behavior. Despite the sordid details, you get the impression that she has fond memories. Her hushed vocal is wonderfully compelling, and the echoey, wooshy, electronic production casts a hypnotic spell. As a songwriter, Nicolette Hayford is top-notch. As an artist, Pillbox Patti has no equal.

ROBERTA LEA / “Too Much of a Woman”
Writer: Roberta Lea Halmond-Walters; Producer: none listed; Label: Heaven Lea Records
– Very feisty. She might be too loud and too assertive, but she’ll be nobody’s doormat. “If I’m too much of a woman, you’re too little of a man.” So there. Here’s an interesting tidbit: This feminist anthem was recorded in the studio with an all-woman band.

TANNER ADELL / “Throw It Back”
Writers: Dan Pellarin/Tanner Adell; Producer: Evan Cline; Label: Columbia
– Adell employs a fishing metaphor on this bopping, amusing, girl-power outing. If you don’t like the way he talks or acts, well just like something you hauled in with your rod and reel, toss him overboard. On the other hand, if he likes classic country songs, “grab him by the hand and take his country ass back home.”

O.N.E. The Duo / “‘Til You Called My Name”
Writers: Prana Supreme Diggs/John Bettis/Tekitha Washington; Producer: Nash Overstreet; Label: Visionary Media Group
– Lilting and very pretty. Their airy, wafting voices blend in harmony beautifully. The sighing strings in the mix are exquisitely arranged and produced. The message is a balm of finding home and solace after a wanderlust life. Lend this your ears. By the way, this mother-daughter team deserves some major-label support.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Take Me Out”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Sweet sounding. Underwood wants to rekindle romance with some simple solutions—some flirting, some kisses, some attention. Most of all, take her out on the town. The gently pulsing rhythm and hushed soprano harmonies are the icing on the audio cake.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Gabby Barrett Has ‘Only Just Begun’ Making Hits

Rockers and ballads share equal space in this edition of DISClaimer.

In the former category is Gabby Barrett, who earns a Disc of the Day with her toe tapper. But not without strong competition from Dierks Bentley and Brandy Clark.

In the ballad column, you’ll find our DISCovery Award winner, Ben Goldsmith. He’s joined by strong slow-song mavens Rebecca Lynn Howard and The War and Treaty. Play ‘em all.

JAKE OWEN / “On the Boat Again”
Writers: Willie Nelson/Devin Dawson/Kyle Fishman/Rocky Block/Blake Pendergrass; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– Country’s resident Beach Boy heads back to the shore with this lively retooling of Willie’s “On the Road Again.” Boppy, goofy, summer-sunshine fun.

BRANDY CLARK / “Northwest”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label:Warner Records
– Clark sings of the majesty, beauty and space of her Pacific Northwest homeland on this punchy country rocker. Producer Carlile is also from that area, and maybe that’s why this has an extra touch of magic. There is simply no one in country music who is making music that is more consistently excellent than this awesome singer-songwriter.

LARRY FLEET / “Layaway”
Writers: Larry Fleet/Josh Miller/Mark Trussell; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– This blue-collar anthem depicts a hard-working man who struggles to make ends meet while finding solace with those who love him. The steel licks are as cool as his vocal drawl. A winner.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Something Real”
Writers: Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Michael Hardy/Ashley Gorley/Luke Dick; Producers: Dierks Bentley/F. Reid Shippen/Jon Randall/Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Nashville
– The deep bass rumble and chiming guitars frame a darkly dramatic vocal performance that yearns for authenticity and emotion in life. “I’m just looking for some truth,” he sings in a surprise, stark, blank passage amid the crashing, rocking track. Well done, son.

BEN GOLDSMITH / “Flowers in Your Hair”
Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Marshall Altman; Producer: Ben Goldsmith/Brad Jones; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Different and intriguing. He possesses a piercing tenor voice that conveys sincerity in every note. The arty, poetic ballad is accompanied by simple piano playing and a lovely string quartet. Send more.

VINCE GILL & PAUL FRANKLIN / “Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)”
Writers: Ray Price/Mel Tillis/Wayne Walker; Producer: Vince Gill/Paul Franklin; Label: MCA Nashville
– Vince’s next collection, Sweet Memories, is a tribute to the music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys. It’s a collaboration with steel-guitar great Paul Franklin, who answers the singer’s phrases with silvery instrumental passages. Price was the king of the country shuffle, so naturally this advance track is a dandy one. Country trends might come and go, but I will always love me some Vince Gill.

GABBY BARRETT / “Glory Days”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Emily Weisband/Seth Mosley/James McNair; Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This youngster is a queen of catchy hooks, as this rapid, rushing rocker underscores. She savors the simple joys of everyday love while beats thump all around her. “I Hope,” “The Good Ones” and “Pick Me Up” were the country-pop gems that propelled her debut album. This lead-off track of her sophomore collection suggests that she’s only just begun. Barrett heads to her home turf on Aug. 11 for a post-game concert when the Pirates play the Reds at PNC Park, which is baseball’s most perfect venue.

LEWIS BRICE & LEE BRICE / “Product Of”
Writers: Lewis Brice/Josh Gallagher/Taylor Goyette/Mark Addison Chandler; Producer: Ben Simonetti; Label: Digitally Sound Records
– This rousing, upbeat ode to small-town romance reflects the brothers’ South Carolina upbringing. It’s a terrific audio rush with an emotional core of honesty.

REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “I Am My Mother”
Writers: Rebecca Lynn Howard/Jamie Floyd/Rachel Thibodeau/Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Producers: Elisha Hoffman/Lee Brice/Rebecca Lynn Howard; Label: Pump House
– I remain an enormous fan of this lady. She remains one of country’s superior singers. Howard hits an emotional bullseye with this powerful ballad connecting her to her mother. “I look in the mirror expecting me/But her reflection is all I see.” Spine tingling stuff.

JELLY ROLL / “Need a Favor”
Writers: Jelly Roll/Rob Ragosta/Austin Nivarel/ Joe Ragosta; Producer: Austin Nivarel; Label: BBR
“I only talk to God when I need a favor.” It has other lyrics, but those 10 words are repeated so often that it’s all you remember about the song. It and the ballad “She” have been on the market for a few months, but are now joined by the release of their parent album Whitsett Chapel.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Katie’s Song”
Writer: Robyn Ottolini; Producer: Mark Schroor/Erik Fintelman; Label: Aleu Records
– Timed to Pride Month, Robyn’s lively new song celebrates her sister, “Sometimes girls and girls can fall in love….Katie’s got a girlfriend/Love is love, it is what it is/And they’re both happy as shit.” Alrighty then.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Dumb Luck”
Writer: Beau Bedford; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Mercury Nashville
– It seems like the label releases a new track by this titanically talented duo every week. Which is fine by me. In this case, it’s a performance video of a thrilling, to-God-the-glory power ballad. If your spirit needs a lift, play it now. Then shout, “Amen.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Parker McCollum Shows His Star Power On ‘Smoldering Heartache Song’

Teamwork makes the dream work.

A flurry of collaborations mark this edition of DISClaimer. Putting their voices together to create fine listening are Miranda Lambert & Leon Bridges, Bryan Ruby & Ty Herndon, Brothers Osborne and Kenny & Dolly, who are best harmony singers in the bunch.

But the Disc of the Day goes to a solo performer, Parker McCollum. He sounds more and more like a headliner every day.

The DISCovery Award belongs to singer-songwriter Julie Williams, a captivating new talent, for sure.

DYLAN SCOTT / “This Town’s Been Good to Us”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Ashley Gorley/Ryan Vojtesak/John Byron/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Charlie Handsome/Jacob Durrett; Label: Curb
– Memories of a time and place. Nostalgia and reflection for a well-spent youth. Engaging and hearty.

BOY NAMED BANJO / “What Keeps Me Going”
Writers: Barton Davies/Pat McLaughlin/William Reames; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Excellent vocal harmonies, a gentle vibe, soaring instrumental work and a feel-good message are the hallmarks of this uplifting ballad. The members of this band have been playing together since they were teens, and it shows.

JASON ALDEAN / “Try That in a Small Town”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy/Kelley Lovelace/Neil Thrasher; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: BBR
– Tuneless, bellicose bellowing about how evil big cities are.

KENNY ROGERS & DOLLY PARTON / “Tell Me That You Love Me”
Writers: Todd Cerney/Buffy Lawson/Eric Pittarelli; Producer: Tony Brown; Label: UMG
– The late Kenny Rogers has a new album titled Life Is Like A Song. It contains previously unreleased performances and rarities, including this long-lost duet with Dolly. The jaunty rhythm and buoyant mood burble along while these two superb harmony vocalists bounce their voices merrily against each other. A total smile.

BECKY HOBBS / “About the Children”
Writer: Rebecca Ann Hobbs; Producer: none listed; Label: Beckaroo Records
“It’s just another shooting in the U.S.A.” is the opening line of this heartfelt ballad about our society’s epidemic of gun violence. Our children are being murdered. “Thoughts and prayers are not enough,” she sings, adding, “When are we gonna say we’ve had enough?” and chanting a middle passage that demands reforming our gun laws.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Goodbye’s Kickin’ In”
Writers: John Osbornes/Lee Miller/Mike Elizondo/TJ Osborne; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: EMI Nashville 
– This change-of-pace number is a bluesy, moody stomper with hot guitar licks that don’t quit. Highly listenable.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Burn It Down”
Writers: Parker McCollum/Hillary Lindsay/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: MCA Nashville
– The smoldering heartache song bursts into flame on its bridge and keeps on burning to its smoking-ashes finale. McCollum’s delivery is appropriately edgy and pained. The man is a star.

JULIE WILLIAMS / “Sugarcoat”
Writers: Julie Williams/Alex Slay; Producers: Michael Beckhart/Gabriel Klein/Gideon Klein; Label: Julie Williams Music
– Every time I have seen her at a Black Opry show, Williams has impressed me with her talent. Now she’s been chosen for the 2023 CMT Next Women of Country class. Last week, she celebrated the release of her debut EP with a show at Analog. On its title tune and first video, she’s showing her sweet self so he will never see her hurting. It’s a lilting, bright, pop-ish ditty that showcases her songwriting talent as well as her winsome vocal style.

MIRANDA LAMBERT & LEON BRIDGES / “If You Were Mine”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Jesse Frasure; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Columbia
– These two Texans melt their voices together like an ice-cream sundae on a summer day in this deliciously dreamy duet. The band provides tasty licks between their vocal phrases to complete the sweet dish.

KIDD G / “Daylight Savings”
Writers: Alex Maxwell/Gabe Foust/Jonathan Gabriel Horne/Joybeth Taylor; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Rebel/Geffen Records
– Rocking country that sounds vaguely like an Aldean outtake. Youthful and rousing.

LAUREN ALAINA / “A Walk in the Bar”
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Casey Brown/Lydia Vaughan/Parker Welling; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– Getting over him is as easy as a barroom pick-up. A melody would have been nice.

BRYAN RUBY & TY HERNDON / “The Standouts”
Writers: Bryan Ruby/Chad Sellers/Anthony Fiddler; Producer: Smith Curry; Label: Pivotal Records
– This is a power-packed anthem celebrating heroes who display courage in their lives. Although it’s not specific in the lyric, they intend for it to be a song for Pride Month. Because among the several heroes depicted in the song are LGBTQ+ folks.