Single Reviews: Cody Johnson Drops a Song That Reaffirms His Status as One of Country’s Great Artists. ML
Ballads and boppers compete today in DISClaimer.
In the former category, I heartily endorse the slowies by Cam, Brett Eldredge, Brandon Lake and our DISCovery Award winner, Roan Ash.
If it’s a mite more tempo you seek, add the worthy new efforts by Eric Church, Trey Hensley & Steve Wariner, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Ashley McBryde to your playlists. Not to mention our superb Disc of the Day by Cody Johnson.
CARRIE BROCKWELL / “Here I Go Again”
Writers: Brian Fechino/Carrie Brockwell; Producer: Brian Fechino; Label: CB
– Pert, bopping and lively. She’s falling for her first love while guitars jangle all around her. At the recent Josie Awards honoring indie acts, Brockwell won the Female Country prize. She’s an American Idol alumnus embarking on her career. The song is merry, in a generic sorta way. Find something stronger.
CODY JOHNSON / “Travelin’ Soldier”
Writer: Bruce Robison; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Records Nashville
– This masterpiece country song was a No. 1 hit for the Chicks in 2002. Johnson’s revival is packed with feeling and delivered with heart. His take on the tale of the lonely soldier who goes to die in Vietnam is a ringing reminder of what a great artist he is.
RODELL DUFF / “Red Dirt Cursed”
Writers: Dylan Maloney/Eamon Owen/Eric Dodd/Rodell Duff; Producer: Dylan Maloney; Label: RD
– This gently rolling country rocker wears its heartache on its sleeve. He’s unlucky in love and knows it’s all his fault. Well worth your spins.
THE RED CLAY STRAYS / “People Hatin’”
Writers: Andrew Bishop/Brandon Coleman/Dave Cobb/John Hall/Matthew Coleman/Zach Rishel; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Red Clay Strays/RCA Records
– They’re a rock band. But since there’s no more rock on pop radio, we embrace them in our big-tent format. With its chanted chorus, searing electric guitar and shrieked lead vocal, the band’s single is certainly an ear grabber.
BRANDON LAKE / “When a Cowboy Prays”
Writers: Brandon Lake/Derrick Southerland/Hank Bentley/Jacob Sooter; Producer: Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter; Label: Provident Label Group
– This CCM star is crossing over to country with this powerfully sung anthem. He recently wowed the Grand Ole Opry audience with his soaring, soulful delivery of it. Stirring and gripping.
CAM / “Meet You By the River”
Writers: Camaron Ochs; Producer: Camaron Ochs (Cam), Douglas Showalter, Simon Maartensson; Label: RCA Records Label
– Cam’s Beyonce collaborations grabbed ears in 2024. Her own album has an engineering Grammy nomination this year. This stark, stately track from it is a solemn vow to wait in the afterlife for her loved one. She won’t cross over the river without holding hands, “because it’s not Heaven, ‘til I’m with you.” Hushed and prayer-like, this is a gently moving lullaby.
TREY HENSLEY & STEVE WARINER / “One White Line at a Time”
Writers: Rob Ickes/Steve Wariner/Trey Hensley; Producer: Brent Maher; Label: Pinecastle Records
– Hensley is the reigning IBMA guitarist of the year, and he’s No. 1 on the bluegrass charts with “Can’t Outrun the Blues.” But he is also a fantastic country singer, as he effortlessly demonstrates on this open-road toe tapper. His idol Wariner provides ear-tickling guitar licks and high harmony vocals. If you’re not already a fan, I urge you to take this artist into your hillbilly hearts.
BRETT ELDREDGE / “Beautiful Lonely”
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Heather Morgan/Jon Green; Producer: Jon Green; Label: Warm and Cozy Records
– Brett is on his annual Glow holiday tour. But before he headed out on the road, he left us this lustrous sweet/sad ballad. Piano and strings soar behind his tender delivery. Beautifully listenable.
ROAN ASH / “Thieves”
Writers: Roan Ash/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producer: Danny Smoke; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Grab life with gusto and don’t sit on the sidelines or worry about consequences. “Empty houses don’t get robbed by thieves.” What we have here is some compelling poetic imagery delivered with dynamic light-and-shadow vocal finesse. In the verses, he is whispered, smoky intimacy, and in the choruses, he pours on fierce emotion. I was enthralled by every note. This new artist’s EP drops tomorrow (Dec. 5).
ASHLEY McBRYDE / “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action”
Writers: Keith Hinton/Jimmy Stewart; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– McBryde sasses and struts her way through this 1994 Toby Keith classic with verve. Her version has just the right amount of no-fuss punch and moxie. I dig this, and her.
STEPHEN WILSON JR. / “Gary”
Writers: Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producer: Ben West, Stephen Wilson Jr.; Label: Big Loud Records
– This rumbler has a churning, understated power that’s super compelling. While the track kicks up dust, Wilson gives the nostalgic lyric some soulful juice. This guy has it all going on. Completely captivated listening.
ERIC CHURCH/ “Bleed On Paper”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Monty Criswell/Tucker Beathard; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– Church burned down the house with this on Jimmy Kimmel Live, complete with horns, voices, and full band. Muscular and moody, this blazes with intensity. Easily the best and most expressive production of this listening session. Stay tuned for the long, echoey, eloquent instrumental coda.
KASHUS CULPEPPER / “In Her Eyes”
Writers: Brent Cobb/Kashus Culpepper/Oscar Charles; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud Records
– A throbbing rhythm undertow surges beneath his pleading vocal. She has a grip on him, and he can’t break free. This has a lot more rocked-up production than he has unleashed in the past, but I remain a big fan of this.
