DISClaimer Single Reviews: Wendy Moten Releases A ‘Groove-Saturated Sonic Slab Of Soul’

I have been looking forward to this for years.

This is the first all-Black column in DISClaimer’s 40-year history. Never before have there been a full dozen current Black-music releases related to the Nashville music scene that are available in the same week.

Musically, it’s a mixed bag. You’ll find blues, folk, R&B, reggae, Americana and more in this roundup. What unites almost all of them is musical excellence.

Wendy Moten’s new single is the Disc of the Day. The DISCovery Award goes to the sister quartet The BoykinZ. Both acts are proud Nashvillians, and we’re just as proud of them.

JOY OLADOKUN / “Taking Things for Granted”
Writers: Joy Oladokun; Producers: Joy Oladokun, Elliot Skinner, Aaron Steele; Label: Verve Forecast/Republic
– I usually think of her as a folkie, but this track rocks with pop punch. Plus, she shreds on the electric guitar. It’s so hooky and radio friendly that she could ascend to Swiftian levels with it. This Nashvillian is celebrating a new album, Proof of Life, with a national tour and a basket full of rave reviews. Rousing applause from this corner.

WENDY MOTEN / “Don’t Give Up”
Writers: Wendy Moten/David Santos; Producers: Paul Worley/Wendy Moten; Label: Radio Eye Music
– After more than 20 years as a background vocalist for others, Moten shot to national fame via competing on The Voice last year. She was an inspiration to mature performers everywhere when she became a fan-favorite finalist. Her new single is similarly inspiring, a life philosophy about persevering through the storms. Not only that, it’s a groove-saturated sonic slab of soul. Everything about this is electrifying, from the sizzling organ to the rump-shaking rhythm section, from the tasty guitar licks to her shout-to-the-heavens vocal. All together now: “Hallelujah!”

LOUIS YORK & JESSIE J / “Heaven Bound”
Writers: Charles Harmon/Claude Kelly/Jessica Ellen Cornish/Margaret Rose Durante; Producer: Louis York; Label: Weirdo Workshop 
– Contemporary R&B the way it is meant to be played. It’s also an ultra-romantic duet with scintillating harmonies, killer production and hooks a-plenty. Jessie sings great, but the stars of this show are the Louis York production team with Claude Kelly vocalizing up a storm and his partner Chuck Harmony laying down all the keyboard and guitar parts. It is part of a forthcoming album by these two Music City creators titled Songs With Friends.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Up Yonder”
Writers: Michael Trotter, Jr., Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– These two thrilling voices wrecked the house during the PBS broadcast of the Memorial Day concert. Elaborating on the gospel chestnut “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” they paid tribute to the fallen men and women of our armed services. By the time they finished, I was sobbing openly. If you didn’t catch this performance on TV, go to YouTube right now and be prepared to be shaken to the depths of your soul. Michael and Tanya make me feel so proud to live in a community that lifts them up.

THE SHINDELLAS / “Last Night Was Good For My Soul”
Writers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony; Producers: Louis York; Label: Weirdo Workshop
– This Nashville female trio harkens back to the glory days of the “girl group” era. Over an addictive funk/disco groove, they harmonize and emote marvelously on this sunny thumper. It debuted on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart this week, and hooray for that. The Shindellas opened last fall’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame banquet, and I’d sure like to see them again. How about a local club date?

KEB’ MO’ / “Taking Me Higher”
Writers: Keb’ Mo’/John Lewis Parking; Producers: Keb’ Mo’/John Burk; Label: Candid
– “Taking Me Higher” is the first single from the soundtrack of the upcoming movie Sweetwater, which tells the story of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African American to land an NBA contract. Nashville’s resident blues genius gives it a stately, deliberate reading, loaded with cool guitar licks, accompanying female choristers and his own brilliant, mellifluous, behind-the-beat phrasing. Totally uplifting. Love this. Love him.

DEVON GILFILLIAN / “All I Really Wanna Do”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Henry Brill/Ran Jackson; Producer: Jeremy Lutito; Label: Fantasy
– This guy attracted attention a few years back by recreating Marvin Gaye’s 1971 masterpiece What’s Going On, song for song. That influence is still audible on his new Love You Anyway album and its trippy, dreamy current single. Gilfillian’s presence in Nashville seems to me like the future of the town’s Black-music scene. This is a sound to get lost in.

MORGAN HERITAGE / “Ready”
Writers: Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr./Emmanuel Mkono, Jose Chameleone/Morgan Heritage/Romeo Bangula; Producers: Morgan Hertiage/Nahreel; Label: CTBC Music Group
– Among Nashville’s most distinctive musician residents is Gramps Morgan, the Grammy-winning reggae star. His Morgan Heritage recording ensemble has a new 21-track album titled The Homeland, and it has already spawned several simultaneously released stoner singles. This one features Jose Chameleone and Shatta Wade chanting the refrain with Gramps coming in with a baritone rap about midway through. It’s a rhythm-happy bouncer extolling booty beauty. Beats to brighten your day.

AMYTHYST KIAH / “Chained to the Rhythm”
Writers: Ali Payami/Katy Perry/Max Martin/Sia Furler/Skip Marley; Producers: Amythyst Kiah/Matty Alger/Ethan Ballinger; Label: Rounder
– This Johnson City, Tennessee resident recently hit TikTok with her cool cover of the Katy Perry 2016 hit “Chained to the Rhythm.” It is awash in electronic atmosphere and an alto vocal echoing from deep in a well. The track is on her EP titled Pensive Pop. Hypnotic listening.

THE BOYKINZ / “Girls Night”
Writers: Alona Boykin/Anale Boykin/Cory Moore/Craig King/Kylan Boykin/Nytere Boykin; Producers: none listed; Label: The BoykinZ
– These four Black Nashville vocalists harmonize as only blood sisters can. An encounter with Shania Twain on Kelly Clarkson’s TV show led to an invitation to appear with the superstar on her June 7 concert at GEODIS park. They are still working on their album, but already have more than half a million followers on social media. The BoykinZ current single has hip-hop rhythms, dancefloor style and a country vibe. For an even more ear-opening experience, check out the YouTube footage of them singing Dolly’s “Jolene” in a cappella harmony on that same Kelly Clarkson Show.

RHIANNON GIDDENS / “You’re the One”
Writers: Lalenja Harrington/Rhiannon Giddens; Producer: Jack Splash; Label: Nonesuch
– This is the title track of her first solo album in six years (due Aug. 18). Previously noted for her old-time country and quasi-classical explorations, the set also marks her first collection of all original songs. The sound here is attractive, romantic pop-country with her fluid vocal layered over a track rippling with mandolin, fiddle and banjo notes plus crashing chorus percussion.

VALERIE JUNE & BILL FRISELL / “Handsome Molly”
Writer: Don Watson; Producer: Matthew Stevens; Label: FLi Records/Budde Music
– This is drawn from the Doc Watson tribute album I Am a Pilgrim. Both artists are big Americana favorites. The track is a traditional Anglo-American folk song, and June’s lead vocal sounds exactly like an Appalachian mountaineer, backed by Frisell’s ethereal, loopy strumming. She is a delightfully genre-defying Black Tennessee artist who has always followed her own bliss.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Carrie Underwood ‘Rocks Out On This Defiant Stomper’

It’s an all-female country roundup in this edition of DISClaimer.

Tanya Tucker, Brandy Clark and Joydyn Shellhart have the best songs. There are memories of Tina Turner and Olivia Newton John lingering in the air. Hannah Dasher, Harper Grace and Morgan Wade sound like stars in training.

If there’s a downside to all of this, it’s that this stack of releases is way ballad heavy. The two ear catching tempo tunes belong to Runaway June and to Carrie Underwood, who wins the Disc of the Day award.

To our list of DisCovery winners, add the name of the HuneyFire duo. They have all the spark needed to start a fire.

HARPER GRACE / “Oh Say Can You See”
Writers: Harper Grace/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Alex Kline/Tedd T; Label: Curb Records
– I am wild about her “Sparkle” debut single. This autobiographical ballad track is promise fulfilled. It’s an anti-bullying lyric addressed to her hurting, 11-year-old self. She tells herself that she’ll get off her knees and sing to crowds one day.

BRANDY CLARK & BRANDI CARLILE / “Dear Insecurity”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Michael Pollack; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– Clark is firing on all cylinders this year. She is Tony nominated for the Shucked Broadway musical, and she has a new album produced by Americana superstar Brandi Carlile, who is her duet partner on this lilting ballad. Strings soar while the brilliant song craftswoman weaves her magic spell. Have I mentioned I also think that she is an awesome singer?

HUNEYFIRE / “Too Late for Sorry”
Writers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Producers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Label: Double Decades Entertainment
– This is an Afro-Latina mother-daughter country act. Both women sing the fire outta this torrid heartache ballad. They swap verses powerfully, but don’t actually harmonize, which is a disappointment. Mom Cheaza Figueroa is the daughter of former Ikette Barbara Cook, who danced and sang backing the late, great Tina Turner. Daughter Marriana Nevarez’s father Alfred Nevarez is a founding member of the hit pop group All-4-One (”I Swear,” “I Can Love You Like That”).

CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Out of That Truck”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Lydia Vaughan; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Carrie rocks out on this defiant stomper addressed to her ex. She vows that no matter how hard he tries, he’ll never erase her memory from his truck, because they shared so much in it. A winner.

HANNAH DASHER / “Ugly Houses”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Robert Arthur; Producer: Ilya Toshinskiy; Label: HD
– Delightful. I dig everything about this bodacious artist. What’s not to like? She has wit and charm and is as country as grits. She even has her own YouTube channel.

TANYA TUCKER / “When the Rodeo Is Over”
Writers: Billy Don Burns/Craig Dillingham/Brandi Carlile; Producers: Shooter Jennings/Brandi Carlile; Label: Fantasy
– Sad and wistful. Tucker pushes emotional buttons as she unspools the tale of a broken-down, wino cowboy who used to be a rodeo champ. This downbeat narrative ballad is what country music does best. Bless her for always having her heart in the right place. The new album is titled Sweet Western Sound. And it is.

MORGAN WADE / “Psychopath”
Writer: Morgan Wade; Producer: Sadler Vaden; Label: Ladylike Records/RCA Nashville
– The title tune of Wade’s sophomore album doesn’t sound like you might expect, given that it is such a emotionally charged word. Rather, it’s a lilting love song. Listen for yourself. I think you’ll dig it.

KELLY LANG & OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN / “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”
Writers: Barry Gibb/Robin Gibb; Producer: Kelly Lang; Label: Primary Wave Music
– The late Olivia’s swan song was this duet with the lustrous Nashville vocalist Kelly Lang. The ultra melodic 1971 Bee Gees oldie sounds shimmering when they harmonize.

JORDYN SHELLHART / “Maybe Someday You’ll Have a Daughter”
Writers: Jordyn Shellhart/Courtney Dashe; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– When people ask me who I’m excited about these days, I tell them, “Jordyn Shellhart.” This extraordinary song is one reason why. In the lyric, she gives herself to a no-good guy who breaks her heart. Her loss of innocence, her abandonment and her pain spill out eloquently as she muses about his future. Her debut album is titled Primrose. I urge you to experience it.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Hands on the Wheel”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The title tune of her debut EP is a moody, bluesy and utterly compelling mid-tempo rush. Her gravely, aching voice grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. She’s drivin’ and cryin,’ trying to keep it between the lines as she speeds to heal a broken heart.

LORI McKENNA & HILLARY LINDSEY / “Killing Me”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Hillary Lindsey/Luke Laird; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label CN Records
– This has a charming, jingle-jangle quality. The track rumbles along merrily, but the lyric is anything but merry. “Would it kill you to be happy?/Because trying to make you happy is killing me.” She’s pretty miserable, folks, no matter what the rhythm section says.

RUNAWAY JUNE / “Make Me Wanna Smoke”
Writers: Jason Sellers/Ella Langley/Bobby Hamrick; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall and Stevie Woodward romp their way through this thumping urban rocker with sass to spare. The relationship might be wrong, but she’s going for it anyway.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lee Brice Honors Late Collaborator, Kyle Jacobs

Kyle Jacobs and Lee Brice

We’re mixing it up with hard country, pop country, blues, rock and folk-pop in this edition of DISClaimer.

For real meat-and-potatoes country music, I prescribe Brennen Leigh, Thompson Square, Chase Matthew and Colby Acuff.

We have two excellent entries by Black country stylists this week. One is from a previous favorite, O.N.E. The Duo. The other comes from our DISCovery Award winner, Tae Lewis.

Towering above everybody else is the sublime single by Lee Brice, which earns the Disc of the Day prize.

TAE LEWIS / “Summer of 21”
Writers: Brian Alexander/Mary Kutter/Chris Sligh/Heath Warren/Tae Lewis; Producers: Taylor Bias/Lukas Scott Klingensmith; Label: Tae Lewis Music
– Nostalgia for that summertime beach romance with oomphy production to match his sterling, range-y, tenor-vocal performance. Best debut disc I’ve heard in ages. Lewis is one of the Black Opry talents.

JD DARLING / “1995”
Writer: Jonathan Darling; Producers: John Kennedy/JD Darling; Label: JD Darling
– He has an honest, slightly pitchy baritone, and the spare production is attractive. His song is kinda simplistic, sing-songy and overly wordy, but the overall listening experience goes down smoothly. He’s still on the amateur side of things. But keep him writing. He’s on the path.

LEE BRICE / “Save the Roses”
Writers: Lee Brice/Joe Leathers/Kyle Jacobs; Producers: Ben Glover/Kyle Jacobs; Label: Curb Records
– I love this man. He’s a song magnet who gets to me every time. Brice is a superb country singer who delivers a lyric like no one else in this business. In this case, it is a powerful, chesty elegy to the late songwriter Kyle Jacobs, and I promise it will hit you in your heart.

BRENNEN LEIGH / “I Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin Yet”
Writers: Brennen Leigh/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Chris Scruggs; Label: Signature Sounds
– I’ve been a fan of this talented Texan for years. She is unashamedly country down to her fingertips, unafraid to bask in fiddles and steel while delivering songs of beers & tears. This is the title tune of her Nashville album, which drops June 16. On board in the CD’s cast are Rodney Crowell, Chris Scruggs and Marty Stuart. This exquisitely retro tune will make you want to grab a partner and two-step across that dance floor. To coin a phrase—This is music to my ears.

CHASE MATTHEW / “Where There’s Smoke”
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Alysa Vanderheym/Josh Miller/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Chase Matthew Music
– Matthew’s new 25-song album arrives on June 9, but there’s already a lot to preview. Its single is “Love You Again.” The collection’s title tune is “Come Get Your Memory.” There’s a video of “County Line.” Yet another advance is this track marrying heartache and doubt with driving, top-down energy. Modern country with a twang.

DOLLY PARTON / “World on Fire”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: Kent Wells; Label: Big Machine Records, LLC
– Dolly premiered this stomping, apocalyptic, thunderous call for love and unity on last week’s ACM awards show. She’s channeling Queen, U2 and Springsteen as she introduces us to her new rock personna. The chanted barn burner will be found on Rockstar, her 30-track, star-studded rock collection coming this fall. An audio revelation.

O.N.E. The Duo / “Hearts Like Mine”
Writers: Tekitha Washington/Prana Supreme Diggs/Rebecca Lynn Howard/Elisha Hoffman/Lincoln Morris; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Visionary Media Group
– The mother-daughter team displays a glossy, melodic, pop-ish sound on this outing. Their wafting, gently harmonized, feminine bopper is simply lovely. It joins the video of “Feels Good” and last year’s “Stuck in the Middle” as advance tracks. All three songs are drawn from Blood Harmony, O.N.E. The Duo’s debut album, which drops Aug. 11.

RILEY GREEN & LUKE COMBS / “Different ‘Round Here”
Writers: Randy Montana/Jonathan David Singleton/Riley Green; Producer: Dan Huff, Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
– Let’s see: So far, Mr. Green has released duets with Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett and Dustin Lynch. Now here’s another. This redneck anthem features country king Combs. It pre-supposes that their hometown is “different” because it can tell “right is right and wrong is wrong.” Unlike the rest of us?

THOMPSON SQUARE / “Without You”
Writers: Tim Nichols/Anthony Olympia/Brent Rupard; Producers: Derek George, Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Rippling banjo notes set the merry mood as the husband-wife duo rolls out of the driveway and out onto the open road with this zesty, made-for-summer ditty. Keifer sings lead and Shawna shadows him in perfect harmony. The electric guitars soar as the track hits its stride. Highly recommended.

LINDSAY ELL / “Sweet Spot”
Writers: Lindsay Ell/Mark Campbell/Pete Groenwald; Producers: Mark Campbell/Peter Groenwald; Label: WM Canada
– The Canadian guitar-slinging country troubadour unleashes a punchy, pop production that motors along steadily with relentless beats in an echoey atmosphere. Breezy and pleasant. North of the border, she’s the host of Canada’s Got Talent. In a recent People magazine story, she revealed that she has been battling an eating disorder.

GRIFFEN PALMER / “Put Me Through Hello”
Writers: Griffen Palmer/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– He lets her put him through “Hell-oh” every time his ex calls him and reels him back in. The rapid-fire delivery is expertly done, and the production has just the right touches of electric instrumentation, thumping rhythm and swirling atmosphere. This is drawn from Palmer’s debut album, the recently released Unlearn. Nicely done, bro.

TRACY NELSON & WILLIE NELSON / “Honky Tonkin’”
Writer: Hank Williams; Producers: Roger Alan Nichols/Tracy Nelson; Label: BMG
– On her new Life Don’t Miss Nobody album, timeless Nashville blues diva Tracy Nelson dips into the catalogs of Ma Rainey, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Sonny Boy Williamson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Gene McDaniels, the Nevilles and Stephen Foster. Among the highlights is her reunion with Willie. The two last scored a blazing duet success with “After the Fire Is Gone” in 1974. On this upbeat. loosey-goosey rendition of the Hank Williams classic, the two are equally charming. The hot harmonica licks by Mickey Raphael don’t hurt a bit. Throughout the collection, producer Roger Nichols’ tracks are brilliantly imaginative.

COLBY ACUFF / “Playing God Again”
Writers: Colby Acuff/Dwight Baker; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This Idaho singer-songwriter has issued three self-penned indie albums. For his Sony debut, he trots out a fiddle-led romper that tells us to “sit back and let the future unfold” and don’t try to control what you can’t. His energy and his reedy, heartfelt voice are infectious. Also check out the lilting folkie ballad that is his album’s title tune, “Western White Pines.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Janson, Dolly & Slash Come Together For A ‘Sensational Collaboration’

Sunday is Mother’s Day, and country music has its soundtrack.

Dalton Dover, Ernest, Veronique Medrano, Rebecca Lynn Howard and Honey County are all releasing singles that relate to this holiday. For her Tex-Mex entry, Veronique Medrano wins the DisCovery Award. I don’t understand Spanish, but she comes through loud and clear anyhow.

There are some pretty amazing performances in this week’s column. Luke Combs and the Shy Carter/Caitlyn Smith duet are both essential listening experiences. So is the extraordinary “21 Forever” by Chris Janson, Dolly Parton and Slash. It wins the Disc of the Day.

HONEY COUNTY / “Got It From My Mama”
Writers: Kalie Shorr/Dani Rose/Maks Gabriel/Hillary Reynolds/Sofie Lynn ; Producers: Maks Gabriel/John Spiker; Label: Honey County
– This manages the tricky feat of being trippy and danceable while also having heart and meaning. The swirling beats are charming, and the sentiment is poignant. Happy Mother’s Day, y’all.

SHY CARTER & CAITLYN SMITH / “How Did You Sleep”
Writers: Blake Anthony Carter/Caitlyn Smith/Bryan Simpson; Producers: Shy Carter/Caitlyn Smith; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– These two sound great together. Her soprano harmony voice is flawless, and he invests every note of his vocal with emotion. The lyric of bitter reproach is penetrating, and their duet delivery has you hanging on every line. I’m into this one.

LUKE BRYAN / “But I Got a Beer in My Hand”
Writers: Chase McGill/Matt Dragstrem/Geoff Warburton; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records
– This lively bopper is produced with rousing oomph. He should be broken hearted, but instead he’s in party-hearty mode. Sounds like summer energy.

REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “I Am My Mother”
Writers: Rebecca Lynn Howard/Jamie Floyd/Rachel Thibodeau/Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Producer: Rebecca Lynn Howard; Label: Rebecca Lynn Howard
– I have always loved this artist. Her Mother’s Day sentiment is a heart tugger, as is attested by such celeb endorsers as Lee Brice, Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs and Charlie Worsham.

CHRIS JANSON, DOLLY PARTON & SLASH / “21 Forever”
Writers: Chris Janson/Tommy Cecil/Tom Douglas; Producers: Julian Raymond/Chris Janson/Scott Borchetta; Label: BMLG Records
– Yes, it’s a sensational collaboration. But the song is so awesome and powerful that it doesn’t need any guest stars at all. That said, Janson turns in the finest vocal of his career to date, and I’ll go to my grave loving Dolly. Hang on for the extended, breath-taking Slash guitar solo at the coda. A magnificent recording.

VERONIQUE MEDRANO / “Que Hueva!”
Writers: Veronique Michelle Medrano/Mariano Herrera; Producers: Veronique Michelle Medrano/Mariano Herrera; Label: Veronique Medrano
– This bi-lingual Tejano artist takes an aggressive feminist stance here, speaking out forcefully for self-determination and pro-choice and against our government’s war on women. The zippy, accordion-accented Mexicali track sounds happy, but she means business as a badass woman. Apparently, there’s an uncensored version coming, but I don’t speak Spanish, never mind understanding its cuss words. In this release timed for Mother’s Day, Medrano reminds us, “Ser una mujer es todo una guerra (Being a woman is constantly having to go to battle).” A joyous, Latina rallying cry.

LUKE COMBS / “Fast Car”
Writer: Tracy Chapman; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– Tracy Chapman won a 1988 Grammy with this timeless tune. Combs sets his usual belting-vocal style aside to give the song the folkie spin it needs. In doing so, he brings out the lyric’s blue-collar power. It’s one more reason why this guy deserves his superstardom.

DALTON DOVER / “I Wouldn’t Be Here”
Writers: Dalton Dover/Russell Sutton/Dan Isabell; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Beautifully done. This is a heartfelt ode to the mother who loved him, believed in him, supported him and held him. “I am the man I am because you cared/And I wouldn’t be here, if you hadn’t been there.” It’s lump-in-throat time, folks. Partly because Dover, as always, is a brilliant country singer.

JASON ALDEAN / “Tough Crowd”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Marv Green/Tully Kennedy/Kelley Lovelace/Neil Thrasher; Partner: Michael Knox; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Lotsa volume and electric guitars here. Amid the noise, he sings of the throngs who pack his shows every night.

ERNEST / “Takes After You”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Jordan Schmidt/Josh Thompson; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– This Mother’s Day gift is a wish that his son will have the attributes of his mom, rather than the singer’s own imperfections. Very loving.

CODY BELEW / “Charlene”
Writer: Cody Belew; Producer: Dustin Ransom; Label: Visionary
– This forcefully sung, gospel-flavored ballad was written as a response to a woman who told him he couldn’t go to Heaven because he was gay. Belew is an outspoken member of country music’s LGBTQ community and wrote a Tennessean op ed last Sunday about religion being used as a weapon of intolerance.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Old Dominion Weaves A ‘Delightful Tapestry Of Sound’

It’s a miracle.

There is not one, single, “bro country” song in this week’s stack of sounds. No pick-up trucks, no skinny dipping, no bonfires, no dirt roads, no rural fields, no beer. Okay, so I lied about that last one.

What we DO have is a flurry of artists who want you out on that dance floor. Beckoning you to trip the light fantastic are Kylie Morgan, Tim Dugger, Tyler Hubbard & Keith Urban, Willie Jones and our Disc of the Day winners, Old Dominion.

Not to worry: country music isn’t losing its sentimental side. For that, I refer you to the fine efforts by Drew Parker, Tyler Rich, Jameson Rodgers and our DisCovery Award winner, Micaela Kleinsmith.

OLD DOMINION / “I Should Have Married You”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers/Geoff Sprung/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally; Producers: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally; Label: Arista Nashville
– Enchanting. The rippling production, twirling melody, percussive effects and hearty vocals combine to weave a delightful tapestry of sound. The summertime vibe and merry tempo contrast with a lyric of regret. There’s a reason why this is the five-time ACM Group of the Year, and this is it.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Louder Than Guns”
Writers: Ketch Secor/Mike Harris; Producers: Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO Records
– The Opry string band speaks out against gun violence in this rousing anthem. Leader Secor has carved the names of the six Covenant victims on his fiddle, is dedicating this song to them and has joined the 97Percent organization to work for sanity. Polls have repeatedly stated that the public wants gun reform, yet our legislators remain pawns of the NRA, rather than serving the people. Why is the U.S. the only country on earth with this problem?

DREW PARKER / “King of Country Music (with Mallory Parker)”
Writers: Allen Shamblin/Marc Beeson; Producers: Phil O’Donnell/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The rollicking “Middle of Nowhere Class” remains the flagship song of the EP, and you should definitely lend it your ears. Also check out this heart-tugging, newly released track. It’s a tender word portrait of a struggling country singer and the woman who has undying faith in him. He remains one of my favorite new country vocalists, because he makes me believe every word. That’s Drew’s wife Mallory singing harmony, by the way.

ALANA SPRINGSTEEN / “Twenty Something”
Writers: Alana Springsteen/Liz Rose/Trannie Anderson/AJ Pruis; Producers: Chris LaCorte/Alana Springsteen; Label: Columbia
– Moody and minor-key, this is an exploration of the complex, roller-coaster feelings of youth. It is well sung and produced with oomph. This is an advance track and title tune of the second installment of her “three-part album,” I am told.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Built for Heartbreak”
Writers: John Byron/Chris LaCorte/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: David Garcia; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– He had me at hello: “My blood’s a whiskey reservoir with clouds of barroom smoke” are the song’s opening lines. And it gets better as it goes. “Get that hammer, raise it up and bring it down/I’m already a disaster…ain’t a swing of pain that I can’t take,” he sings, because he’s “Built for Heartbreak.” Talk about a song you wish you’d written…..

TEDDY ROBB / “Question the Universe”
Writer: Brad Tursi; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Teddy Robb
– He sings it expressively, but I don’t hear “hit” in this wordy, downbeat, meandering ballad.

WILLIE JONES / “Something to Dance To”
Writers: Cary Barlowe/Eric Arjes/Willie Jones; Producers: Willie Jones/Eric Arjes; Label: Sony Music Nashville 
– Go ahead and lose yourself in the music, Jones advises. Amid the happy beats, he suggests that we all dance like nobody’s watching, whether it’s in the middle of a cornfield or a nightclub. This giddy, rhythmic ditty is a blast. It’s the hooky-as-heck title tune of his debut album, which drops on June 16.

TIM DUGGER / “Mary Wanna?”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Tim Dugger; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb Records
– This is a marvelous two stepper, loaded with banjo licks and fiddle filligrees. As usual, Dugger is a model country singer, and this goofy-fun, blue-collar romance lets him shine brightly. Tap your toes and sing along as he gets high on love.

TYLER HUBBARD & KEITH URBAN / “Dancin’ in the Country (Demo)”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Keith Urban/Ross Copperman/Jon Nite; Producers: none listed; Label: EMI Nashville
– Hubbard’s current hit remains a happy-feet bouncer. The original demo of the song features his cowriter Urban bopping right alongside him and taking his turn in the lead vocal spot during the bridge. The burbling beat makes ya smile, even in this unpolished, stripped-down version

TYLER RICH / “Heaven Is Your Hometown”
Writers: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/Tyler Rich; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– I have always liked this guy’s singing. This rolling, easy-going track has some dandy pick-up lines as he approaches the new girl in town. She’s so beautiful that she must have fallen out of the clouds, he tells her. Go for it, buddy.

MICAELA KLEINSMITH / “Butterfly”
Writer: Micaela Kleinsmith; Producer: Tommy Sims; Label: Platoon
– Dreamy, bluesy and atmospheric. Her hushed vocal, the gently plucked guitar and the airy production cast a hypnotic pop spell. Hang with her as she invests the song with more and more vocal power as it progresses. Kleinsmith is a South African performer who won Reese Witherspoon’s “My Kind of Country” global competition with this performance. Very promising.

KYLIE MORGAN / “Sugar Daddy”
Writers: Kylie Morgan/James McNair/Seth Mosley; Producers: Seth Mosley/ Malcom “X” O’Connor; Label: EMI Nashville
– Thumping and propulsive, this imbeds her pert, youthful vocal in a feisty, driving ditty. “Be your own Sugar Daddy,” she advises her empowered sisters. “Get your own money, honey.” Sassy and fun.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Colbie Caillat Releases ‘Dreamy’ New Single

As we head into springtime, Music City’s country artists have a breezy soundtrack for us.

Topping the playlist in this edition of DisClaimer is Colbie Caillat. She came to pop fame with “Bubbly” back in 2007, and during the successive decade issued a string of hit “alternative A/C” tracks (”Fallin’ for You,” “I Do,” “Realize,” “Try,” etc.). In 2018, she turned toward country with her group Gone West. Now she has this week’s country Disc of the Day.

Caillat was not without challengers. I was particularly smitten with the new tracks by Melonie Cannon, Cattie Offerman, Brandy Clark and Danielle Bradbery. K. Michelle also sounds promising.

I have been grooving on Jamie Floyd’s sounds for several seasons. Years ago, she was a cool pop-rocker. Today, she wins a DisCovery Award for being a new country artist.

BREI CARTER / “Straight Up Country Crazy”
Writers: Brei Carter/Ken Matthiesen/Blaine Younger/Rachel Seiler; Producer: Curt Ryle; Label: Brown Lee Entertainment/Orchard
– What are you waiting for? Get up on your feet; Carter is summoning you to the dance floor. The “gang” chorus and pounding rhythm let you know she’s aiming for an anthem here.

CATIE OFFERMAN / “I Just Killed a Man”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Ryan Beaver/Joe Clemmons/Jessie Jo Dillon/Benjy Davis; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
– Offerman aches with guilt on this stately ballad. She’s dumped the guy she doesn’t love anymore, and now she has his heartbreak on her hands. Very cool and very different.

COLBIE CAILLAT / “Worth It”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Liz Rose/AJ Pruis; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– Pop star Caillat has always had country tendencies. On this power ballad, she realizes the relationship is kaput, but doesn’t regret a thing. “I know it wasn’t perfect, but loving you was worth it,” she sings in the hooky refrain. The echoey production atmosphere gives the whole thing a dreamy quality.

ELLA LANGLEY & KOE WETZEL / “That’s Why We Fight”
Writers: David Garcia/Brett Tyler/Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville
– It sounds like ‘70s rock, and it is over produced.

TENILLE TOWNES / “Landslide”
Writer: Stevie Nicks; Producers: Tenille Townes/Jaxon Hargrove; Label: Sony
– Canadian superstar Townes (she’s the reigning Country Entertainer of the Year there) is issuing a stripped-down, acoustic, live set of tunes. The Train Track Worktapes is an EP consisting mainly of originals, but she also does a cool, folkie version of this Stevie Nicks classic. I’m a huge fan of both of those ladies.

BRANDY CLARK / “She Smoked in the House”
Writer: Brandy Clark; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– How great is it that one of our own has a musical on Broadway? Two of our own, actually, since Brandy and Shane McAnally are the co-writers of the songs in Shucked. Anyhow, Brandy also continues her winning ways as an artist. Ahead of her third album, she has issued “Buried” as a single and this lively character portrait as an advance track. The production ripples around her as she unspools the delightful details of her grandma’s personality. No one, but no one, writes a song like Brandy Clark.

JAMIE FLOYD / “I Never Want to See You Again”
Writers: Jamie Floyd/Jimmy Thow/Madi Diaz; Producers: Jamie Floyd /Jimmy Thow; Label: JF
– Floyd is a veteran Nashville songwriter who has penned tunes for Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, Ingrid Andress, Brian Wilson, Sturgill Simpson, Ronnie Dunn, Ashley Monroe, Miranda Lambert, Cassadee Pope, Ty Herndon and more. This bopping, danceable ditty is ear candy on several levels. The melody is enchanting. The production shines like crystal beads. Her soprano-leaping vocal is a delight. The songwriting is stellar: “I never want to see you again, until I see you again,” she warbles as she contemplates an up-and-down relationship while notes sparkle like glitter around her. A lovely record.

MELONIE CANNON / “Way Down Deep”
Writers: Max D. Barnes/Max T. Barnes; Producers: Buddy Cannon/Butch Carr; Label: MC
– Those breathtaking harmony vocalists surrounding Cannon belong to those hillbilly angels, Doyle Lawson and Jamey Johnson. If that isn’t enough to make you listen, dig this: It’s part of a tribute album to the late, great Vern Gosdin. Stop what you’re doing and cleanse your country-loving soul with a listen to this mini masterpiece. The album also includes contributions from Alison Krauss, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Cody Jinks, Jim Lauderdale, Sidney Cox and more. Sign me up for a copy.

ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Match for My Memory”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Emily Reid; Producers: Mark Schroor/Erik Fintelman; Label: Empire
– Ottolini issues a new collection tomorrow that she’ll be promoting on the road with Shania Twain this summer. Its advance track is a passionate, throbbing vocal performance that soars on the choruses, and is just as potent on the verses, thanks to a pulsing rhythmic undertow. She’s cautioning her ex that he’ll never escape the pull of his memories of her.

DANIELLE BRADBERY / “Monster”
Writers: Danielle Bradbery/Lauren LaRue/Sam De Jong; Producer: Nathan Chapman/Derek Wells; Label: Big Machine
– We all have fears and anxieties we keep hidden. Bradbery takes hers out into the open in this moody, vulnerable song. Both the therapeutic song and the layered production are complex, which makes repeated listening all the more rewarding. A winner. And if you haven’t done so yet, go ahead and be totally charmed by her feisty single “A Special Place.”

K. MICHELLE & JUSTIN CHAMPAGNE / “Country Love Song”
Writers: Andrew P. Jackson Jr/Brooke Payne/Jeff Dyson/Justin Tyler Champagne/Kimberly Pate/Tredell Rener; Producer: none listed; Label: Justin Champagne
– He’s a hip hopper. She’s an R&B hit maker (and former cast member of VH-1’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta). They’re both “going country” on this outing. He is top billed, but the record really comes alive when she sings. In the “who wore it best” contest, she’s the country winner. I understand that we are to expect more to come from K. Michelle as a nouveau-country artist.

ERIN KINSEY / “Always Never”
Writers: Erin Kinsey/Sarah Buxton/Josh Kerr; Producer: Josh Kerr; Label: RECORDS Nashville
– The sound of young heartbreak: kinda innocent, kinda wounded, kinda sweet. Pretty, but not terribly memorable. For a fuller realization of what this artist is about, check out last year’s upbeat single “I Got You.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: ‘Major New Talent’ Megan Moroney Releases Another Smash

Megan Moroney. Photo: David McClister

I love gender parity.

After all, we’re each half of the population. So in this stack of sounds, we have six featuring female voices and six that are males.

Do you need to ask which half has the better music?

Completely pinning my ears back was Lauren Watkins, who easily wins the DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day belongs to ACM New Female Artist nominee Megan Moroney. And it isn’t even a single.

TRACK45 / “Last Man in Tennessee”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Ashley Gorley/Geoff Warburton/Casey Smith; Producers: none listed; Label: BBR
– This sibling trio (two sisters & a brother) from Mississippi can sure ‘nuff sing. Their harmonies are perfection. On this witty, feisty kiss-off number, they are a snarky delight. Attitude wins the day.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Have You a Heart”
Writers: Michael Trotter, Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– It seethes with burning romance. The piano-based track is firmly rooted in gospel tradition and the voices of these two angels are straight from heaven. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like to make music this divine. I love this duo beyond all reason. More, more, more.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Plain Jane”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Hillary Lindsey/Cary Barlowe; Producers: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud/Songs & Daughters/Pigasus
– This kicks serious hillbilly butt. A propulsive tempo catches your rhythmic soul. Her voice remains a priceless county gem. The extremely well written lyric is about self acceptance, no matter how flawed you are. It is high time you started taking this woman’s music seriously.

JUSTIN MOORE & RILEY GREEN / “Everybody Get Along”
Writers: Justin Moore/David Lee Murphy/Jeremy Stover; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Scott Brochetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– The outlaw rumble is cool. The lyric is of two buddies who disagree on lotsa stuff, but get along just fine. Both men sound like they are having a ball, and their hillbilly harmony vocal work is stellar.

DOM FLEMONS / “Traveling Wildfire”
Writer: Domonique Flemons; Producer: Ted Hutt; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
– He’s formerly a member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops, but the new album by Dom Flemons emphasizes his troubadour/songwriter/folkie side rather than the band’s old-time music sound. The title tune is a moody portrait of a bleak, downbeat emotional landscape. It is the album’s title tune, but it’s somewhat plodding. I recommend instead his romantic waltz “Slow Dance With You” from the collection.

KIP MOORE / “Kinda Bar”
Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch; Producers: Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston; Label: MCA Nashville
– Kinda sweaty, kinda raucous and kinda loud, this anthemic, good-time stomper praises a “neon dive” that’s just his kinda place. Kip Moore’s Damn Love collection containing this is due a week from Friday.

LAUREN WATKINS / “Shirley Temple”
Writers: Lauren Watkins/Nicole Galyon/Meg McRee; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
– Wow. What a debut. The songwriting here is awesome, and her expressive delivery is spot-on. “You’re sipping Shirley Temples and wondering why you can’t catch a buzz,” she croons in a softly intelligent meditation. So far, she’s issued seven sides, all just as worthy. Absolutely send more.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Girl in the Mirror”
Writers: Megan Moroney/Jessie Jo Dillon/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Nashville
– I absolutely adore her “Tennessee Orange” single. Here’s another demonstration that we’re in the presence of a major, major new talent. She gazes into the mirror, but doesn’t recognize her own reflection because he’s bent her all out of shape. “You can’t love the boy more than you love the girl in the mirror,” she sings with a palpable ache in her throat.

RVSHVD / “Reverse”
Writers: Christopher Roen Valenzuela/Clintarius Rashad Johnson/Goodwin Alexander Coburn/Kalvin Austin/Michael Paul Ferrucci; Producer: The Dream Addix; Label: Sumerian Records
– It’s one of those hip-hop, country fusion things. Despite the spelling, his name is pronounced “Ra-Shad.”

MICHAEL RAY / “Get Her Back”
Writers: Michael Tyler/Dallas Wilson/Jordan James/Lalo; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– She’s gone, and he wants to get her back. But not the way you think—he wants to get her back for the all the bad things she did to him. He sings it well, but the production rocks harder than it needs to.

NESSA LEA / “Wake Up”
Writer: Nessa Survant; Producers: Mike Curb/Don Cusic; Label: Curb Records
– Bright, poppy and sunny with a semi-Shania vibe. But the message has some shadow, in that she’s telling a no-good guy to change. Promising.

COREY KENT / “Something’s Gonna Kill Me”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Corey Kent/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: RCA Records
“If something’s gonna kill me, might as well be what makes me feel alive,” he warbles over a driving beat. So he likes drinking and smoking. Whatever….

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brothers Osborne Give ‘A Message Of Inclusion For Both Sinners & Saints’

Brothers Osborne. Photo: Natalie Osborne

What a dandy day—so many favorite artists all in one playlist.

I’ve been smiling throughout this listening sessions as I sample the latest from Rodney Crowell, Ashley McBryde, Marty Stuart and our Disc of the Day winners, Brothers Osborne.

The icing on the cake was the presence of several of my new faves—Jordyn Shellhart, Tyler Booth, Ian Munsick and Alex Hall.

Offering his disc debut is Jake Ybarra, who earns a DisCovery Award.

TYLER BOOTH / “Bring on the Neon”
Writers: Tyler Booth/Jamey Johnson/Jeremy Popoff; Producer: Beau Bedford; Label: Sony
– Superb. This instant-classic country weeper simmers in piano and steel while Booth’s always-awesome baritone delivers the emotional goods. Regret and heartache have seldom sounded better. I remain a fan.

CIMARRON 615 / “High Lonesome Stranger”
Writers: Michael Alan Ward/Richard Alan Lonow; Producer: Cimarron 615; Label: KZZ
– Comprised of Bill Lloyd (of Foster & Lloyd, solo outings and Sky Kings fame) with former Poco members Tom Hampton, Rick Lonow, Michael Webb and Jack Sundrud, this all-star group takes its name from one of Poco’s best albums, Rose of Cimarron. The sound is stunningly accomplished, featuring creamy, SoCal, country-rock harmonies with bluegrassy instrumentation and heart-pumping rhythm. The lyric salutes country greats who were gone too soon. Hearty listening.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Nobody’s Nobody”
Writers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne/Mike Elizondo/Kendell Marvel; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: EMI
– Stately, stomping, scintillating, searing and sensational. The moody, drama-laden vocal unspools a message of inclusion for both sinners and saints. Meanwhile, the band flavors the piping-hot track with buzz-saw guitars, chant-like harmonies and pounding percussion. These guys always deliver in spades.

JORDYN SHELLHART / “When Something’s Gotta Give”
Writers: Jordyn Shellhart/Marc Beeson/Allen Shamblin; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner
– A wistful soprano vocal wafts in an echoey atmosphere while soft steel, brushed percussion and tinkling piano provide a gentle background. A sad, dreamy ballad that wraps you in a cooling blanket of melancholy mist.

BRETT YOUNG / “Dance With You”
Writers: Brett Young/Joran Minton/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Dan Huff/Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG
– Presenting the wedding-dance song of 2023. Ultra romantic, but with just the right touch of rhythmic undertow. A keeper.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Brain on Love”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Summer Overstreet/Cameron Bartolini/Liam Kevany; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony
– Bluesy and very cool. The minor-key melody is a swirling pleasure. Her darkly compelling, drawling voice will stop you in your tracks. The lyric’s hook is wicked clever. I’m in.

MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES / “Sitting Alone”
Writers: Marty Stuart; Producers: Marty Stuart/Mick Conley/Chris Scruggs/Harry Stinson/Kenny Vaughan; Label: Snakefarm
– Hall of Famer Stuart is poised to release his first album in six years next month. The collection’s advance tracks, so far, are its “Altitude” title tune, the jingle-jangle “Country Star” and this Byrds-y country rocker. It’s a rhythmic rural blacktop roller with a joyous and contemplative atmosphere. An audio carnival ride.

ALEX HALL / “Side Effects of the Heart”
Writers: Alex Hall/Pete Good/AJ Babcock/Josh Osborne; Producers: Alex Hall/Pete Good; Label: Monument
– Happiness, loneliness, crying, laughing, hurt, bliss. Yes, all of these are “Side Effects of the Heart,” as Mr. Hall so eloquently explains in this highly listenable outing. The guitar slinger takes some dandy extended solos, but on this go ‘round, his expressive singing is equally in the spotlight. This could be a star-making single.

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “The Devil I Know”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Jeremy Stover/Bobby Pinson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner
– The dynamic production brilliantly alternates crashing rock with processed, a cappella vocal passages. Snarling electric guitar, slapped percussion, nervous acoustic strumming, chant-like support vocals and wild audio frothing make this a heart-stopping listening experience. The lyric is just as riveting—she’s a bar fly who resists changing her wayward ways. This woman rules.

JAKE YBARRA / “BloodFire”
Writer: Jake Ybarra; Producer: William Gawley; Label: Charlotte Avenue
– Kinda rumbling, kinda rockabilly, kinda outlaw, kinda groovy. It’s a tempo tale of a hard-headed devil who’s running down the wrong highway. This promising single is from Ybarra’s debut album, Something In the Water, which dropped last week.

IAN MUNSICK / “White Buffalo”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Jeremy Spillman/Randy Montana; Producers: Jeremy Spillman/Ian Munsick; Label: Warner
– Very open-spaces and “Out West” sounding with an unmistakably ghostly vibe. This title tune of Munsick’s new album is a haunting heartbreak lament that soars. I love the falsetto coyote yips.

RODNEY CROWELL / “Loving You Is the Only Way to Fly”
Writers: Rodney Crowell/Sarah Buxton/Jedd Hughes; Producer: Jeff Tweedy; Label: New West
– One of our consummate songwriting craftsmen returns with an album titled The Chicago Sessions and this lilting, ear-catching, yearning single/video. Tweedy’s pristine production is marvelous, with layered acoustic instruments, “answering” backing vocals by cowriter Hughes and perfectly shadowed soprano harmony by cowriter Buxton. In addition, Crowell remains an enormously expressive singer. Yet another feather in an already much decorated cap.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tanya Tucker ‘Exudes Enduring Charisma’

Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Superstars and baby acts mix and mingle in today’s DisClaimer.

Clocking in with star power are Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, Jimmie Allen and Chris Janson. Outshining them all is country queen Tanya Tucker, who has the Disc of the Day.

Two newcomers are sharing the DisCovery Award. First, lend your ears to Curb’s American Idol alumnus Harper Grace and her superbly produced debut single. And for something completely different, check out the airy, wafting, folkie, Afro-pop delight of Peter One. Both are well worth your attention.

CONNOR SMITH/ “Creek Will Rise”
Writers: Connor Smith/Chris LaCorte/Chase McGill/Parker Welling; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– It’s a frothing rocker with plenty of twang in the production. There’s a certain processed quality about Smith’s vocal compression, but the overall vibe is fun and sexy.

TANYA TUCKER / “Kindness”
Writers: Tim Hanseroth/Phil Hanseroth; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Label: Fantasy
– Pensive and powerful. The living legend exudes enduring charisma in this stunning, stirring performance. An echoey atmosphere surrounds her as she sings of a turbulent life yearning toward peace. It’s an advance track from her forthcoming Sweet Western Sound collection that reunites her with Carlile and Jennings. I love this woman’s style: She rode a magnificent black stallion on the streets of downtown Nashville this week to announce it, as well as her upcoming June 3-4 concerts at the Ryman. Oh, and one more thing: FINALLY she is going into the Country Music Hall of Fame, where she so richly and deservedly belongs. I have been wishing for this day for years.

LOGAN MIZE / “Bloodline”
Writers: Django Walker/Josh Hoge/Randy Montana; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– A small-town meditation about yer roots and branches. As always, Mize sings it with heart.

JIMMIE ALLEN / “Be Alright”
Writers: Jimmie Allen/Jason Evigan/Gian Stone/Castle; Producers: Gian Stone/Jason Evigan/Jimmie Allen; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– I dig this. It has a cool, funky groove that flows through a comforting song that’s like a gentle pat on the back. Allen’s on a roll. Well done, all.

CAYLEE HAMMACK / “History of Repeating”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Ashley McBryde/Nicolette Hayford; Producers: Caylee Hammack/Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– I’m always interested in whatever this fiery vocalist is singing. She is always just so compelling. This outing is a mid-tempo croon about a relationship that seems to be stuck in its troubles. Will somebody please make this woman the star she deserves to be?

DARIUS RUCKER / “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”
Writers: Dan Isbell/Ben Hayslip/Jacob Rice; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– It’s a romantic country come-on to get it on. “Gonna love you, baby, all night long,” he sings. “Turn the lights down low.” Fiddles and guitars scream in the background.

CHAPEL HART / “Welcome to Fist City”
Writers: Danica Hart/Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle; Producer: Jeffrey Glixman; Label: CH
– The feisty, fun trio continues its winning ways with this rollicking, lickety-split romp about the floozy Loretta sang about in 1968. Joyously, deliriously playable. Chapel Hart will include this on its new CD, Glory Days, which drops May 19. I, for one, will be buying it.

CHRIS JANSON / “All I Need Is You”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Brad Clawson/Chris Janson/Mitch Oglesby; Producers: Julian Raymond/Chris Janson/Scott Borchetta; Label: BMLG Records
– The thumping, rolling groove is a delight. Janson delivers the romantic lyric with unforced baritone dips and mellow slides. His best performance in quite some time.

PETER ONE / “Birds Go Die Out of Sight (Don’t Go Home)” featuring Allison Russell
Writers Peter One; Producers: Peter One/Matt Ross-Spang; Label: Verve Forecast
– Country music is quite popular in West Africa. Peter One rose to stardom there 30 years ago. But political pressures led him to migrate from his Ivory Coast homeland to the U.S. He has been working in obscurity in Nashville as a nurse. Until now. Jason Isbell has taken him on tour, he’s been signed by Verve and at age 67 will issue his comeback album on May 5. This supremely pleasurable acoustic track from it features sighing harmonica, gently strummed guitar and an insistent, underlying sense of rhythm that is irresistible. The esteemed Allison Russell lends entrancing backing vocals. Essential listening. Peter One stages his Grand Ole Opry debut next weekend, on April 14. This, my friends, is a story worth sharing.

COLE SWINDELL / “Broken”
Writers: Cole Swindell/Chris LaCorte/Cole Taylor/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The marvelously clever “Drinkaby” remains the single. But this multiple country chart-topper is amping up anticipation for his upcoming album with the release of this dandy tempo tune about healing a gal’s broken heart. It works, splendidly.

HARPER GRACE / “Sparkle”
Writers: Harper Grace/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Cameron Jaymes/Ben West; Label: Curb Records
– The crashing, choppy production is sensational. It bolsters a personality-packed vocal performance about a down-to-earth country woman. “A little rust on my heart….is just my kinda sparkle.” This is an excellent debut single that deserves massive attention.

JOSH ROSS / “Red Flags”
Writers: Chris Sligh/Josh Ross/Mason Thornley/Matt Geroux; Producer: Matt Geroux; Label: UMG
– Ross is a new country hitmaker in Canada. This hearty performance is a bid for Stateside success. The overall sound is somewhat generic, but he demonstrates serious chops as vocalist as he unspools his tale of a couple who just don’t belong together. Spin worthy.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brandy Clark Proves Why She’s One Of ‘Our Greatest Living Country Songwriters’

Brandy Clark. Photo: Victoria Stevens

Today’s country survey is dominated by our mainstream male up-and-comers, but the award winners come from left field.

From our enduringly creative songwriting community comes a stellar effort by Warner singer-songwriter Brandy Clark, who wins the Disc of the Day. Also representing this population is today’s Luke Laird release.

From outer space—or somewhere in Florida—comes Will Thompson, who is a triumphant DisCovery Award winner.

Also in the mix are two baseball tunes belonging to Bryan Ruby and Grant Gilbert, two star-confirming performances belonging to Randall King and Tyler Rich and two fine female-duo outings belonging to Tigirlily Gold and Rissi Palmer with Miko Marks.

WILL THOMPSON / “Checklist”
Writers: Ashley Watson/William Paul Grant Thompson; Producer: Will Thompson; Label: Will Thompson Music
– Full stop. Proceed no further. Go to YouTube. RIGHT NOW. This song and performance are priceless hilarity. It’s a brilliant satire of current country songwriting, the gist being that you can follow a checklist to write a hit. Ripe for skewering are hometown, boots, beer, county line, neon sign, dirt roads, bonfire, tailgate, back roads, whiskey, American flag, huntin’ & fishin,’ football game and more. “Sound just like a rap song,” Thompson advises. To write “The anthem of our lives….Words don’t even matter / Hit the chorus and they’ll sing along.” Furthermore, “Do auto tune / To make this a hit we need 10 writers in a room.” Oh, and wear sunglasses, get an accent, make your voice more gritty and “network in Nashville.” This thing is genius!

RISSI PALMER & MIKO MARKS / “Still Here”
Writers: Rissi Palmer/Miko Marks/Deanna L. Walker/Steve Wyreman/Justin Phipps; Producers: Steve Wyreman/Justin Phipps; Label: Rissi Palmer
– Palmer remains a shining light in the format with her “Color Me Country” radio series and a new American Masters: In the Making documentary on PBS. This anthem salutes the perseverance that her career illustrates. She’s been on the country scene since 2005, and as the song says, she’s still here. So is her duet partner, Miko Marks, who arrived around the same time. The two enduring country women of color are launching a historic tour together this year. They’ll be at City Winery on May 18.

BRANDY CLARK / “Buried “
Writers: Brandy Clark, Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– This is a stunning ballad of ache and loss by one of our greatest living country songwriters. Clark’s broken-hearted delivery is shadowed by gentle acoustic guitar plucking and soft vocal harmonies. Among the many brilliant touches in the writing is the artful placing of the song’s title as the song’s very last word. She is just so awesome. It’s an advance track from her forthcoming fourth album. With Shane McAnally, Clark is also the cowriter of the Broadway musical Shucked, which opens in New York on April 4. Last Sunday’s New York Times had an extensive piece about it.

BRANDON DAVIS / “Jesus and Jesse James”
Writers: Richard Brandon Davis, Clay Mills, Peter Daniel Newman; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– The country outlaw sentiment is fine, but the production is kinda thin. A little percussive bite would help.

TYLER RICH/ “I Know You Do”
Writers: Tyler Rich/Jaron Boyer/Micah Wilshire; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– I like the reverb-twang guitar licks and the muffled thump in the percussion. As always, he’s a model country singer with plenty of heart-in-throat sincerity. The lyric of a loving yet complex relationship is a winner. In fact, it is his best yet.

ZAC BROWN BAND / “Paint It Black”
Writers: Mick Jagger/Keith Richards; Producer: Robert Deaton, Danny Rader; Label: Broken Bow Records
– The new Rolling Stones tribute CD Stoned Cold Country has a number of highlights. This is one of ‘em, since it gives this usually mellow band some rock edge. A beloved classic, thoroughly revived. Play it.

ANDREW JANNAKOS / “Meet My Maker”
Writers: Andrew Jannakos/Andrew Albert/Karen Kosowski/Emma-Lee; Producer: Derek Wells; Label: RCA Nashville
“Ain’t no church like nature,” he sings in this wafting, lovely, pastoral ode. Amen, bro.

BRYAN RUBY / “Baseball Country “
Writers: Bryan Ruby/Chad Albert Sellers/Shane David Smith; Producers: Smith Curry; Label: Rubies In The Rough Music
– Play ball! Today is opening day in the major leagues. Ruby has crafted a rocking anthem designed for blasting over ballpark loudspeakers while teams take the field. He’s been professional ballplayer, himself, so he knows just how to get the dugout riled up.

GRANT GILBERT / “Take Me Out to the Bar”
Writers: Grant Gilbert/Brad Clawson/Blake Bollinger; Producers: Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists
– Our second baseball-themed single of the week is just as dandy as “Baseball Country.” Gilbert’s got a busted heart, so he adopts the 1908 chestnut “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” as his new anthem, with re-written lyrics. The seventh-inning stretch was never so honky-tonking and fun.

RANDALL KING / “Green Eyes Blue”
Writers: Randall King/Randy Montana; Producers: Jared Conrad; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– One of my favorite current neo-traditionalists is back with a highly listenable romantic meditation. Deep-twang guitar and sighing steel back him as he muses about leaving his wild ways behind to fall in love. I remain a fan.

LUKE LAIRD, LORI McKENNA & BARRY DEAN / “Give Me Back My Hometown”
Writers: Luke Laird/Eric Church; Producers: Luke Laird/Lori McKenna/Barry Dean; Label: CN Records
– These three Music Row songwriting champs are issuing a collection called The Songwriter Tapes containing their versions of mega hits they’re written for others. The advance track is Laird’s gentle-voiced rendition of a hit he cowrote with the great Eric Church. He lacks the superstar’s fire and vocal charisma, but the soft, echoey production throws a real spotlight on the song’s marvelous lyrics.

TIGIRLILY GOLD / “Blonde”
Writers: Scott Stepakoff/Alex Kline/Kendra Jo Slaubaugh/Krista Jade Slaubaugh; Producers: Alex Kline; Label: Monument Records
– The feisty sister duo struts a sassy pace on the title tune of their new EP. Packed with delightful attitude, cool beats, tight harmonies, a Dolly shout-out and gal-pal sing-alongs. Highly recommended.