– “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. Writers: Jelly Roll/Rob Ragosta/Austin Nivarel/ Joe Ragosta Producer: Austin Nivarel Label: BBR “I look in the mirror expecting me/But her reflection is all I see.” Spine tingling stuff. Howard hits an emotional bullseye with this powerful ballad connecting her to her mother. She remains one of country’s superior singers. Writers: Rebecca Lynn Howard/Jamie Floyd/Rachel Thibodeau/Carolyn Dawn Johnson Producers: Elisha Hoffman/Lee Brice/Rebecca Lynn Howard Label: Pump House It’s a terrific audio rush with an emotional core of honesty. – This rousing, upbeat ode to small-town romance reflects the brothers’ South Carolina upbringing. Writers: Lewis Brice/Josh Gallagher/Taylor Goyette/Mark Addison Chandler Producer: Ben Simonetti Label: Digitally Sound Records 11 for a post-game concert when the Pirates play the Reds at PNC Park, which is baseball’s most perfect venue. This lead-off track of her sophomore collection suggests that she’s only just begun. “I Hope,” “The Good Ones” and “Pick Me Up” were the country-pop gems that propelled her debut album. She savors the simple joys of everyday love while beats thump all around her. – This youngster is a queen of catchy hooks, as this rapid, rushing rocker underscores. Writers: Gabby Barrett/Emily Weisband/Seth Mosley/James McNair Producers: Gabby Barrett/Ross Copperman Label: Warner Music Nashville Country trends might come and go, but I will always love me some Vince Gill. Price was the king of the country shuffle, so naturally this advance track is a dandy one. It’s a collaboration with steel-guitar great Paul Franklin, who answers the singer’s phrases with silvery instrumental passages. – Vince’s next collection, Sweet Memories, is a tribute to the music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys. Writers: Ray Price/Mel Tillis/Wayne Walker Producer: Vince Gill/Paul Franklin Label: MCA Nashville VINCE GILL & PAUL FRANKLIN / “Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)” The arty, poetic ballad is accompanied by simple piano playing and a lovely string quartet. He possesses a piercing tenor voice that conveys sincerity in every note. Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Marshall Altman Producer: Ben Goldsmith/Brad Jones Label: Sony Music Nashville “I’m just looking for some truth,” he sings in a surprise, stark, blank passage amid the crashing, rocking track. – The deep bass rumble and chiming guitars frame a darkly dramatic vocal performance that yearns for authenticity and emotion in life. Reid Shippen/Jon Randall/Ross Copperman Label: Capitol Nashville Writers: Dierks Bentley/Ross Copperman/Michael Hardy/Ashley Gorley/Luke Dick Producers: Dierks Bentley/F. The steel licks are as cool as his vocal drawl. – This blue-collar anthem depicts a hard-working man who struggles to make ends meet while finding solace with those who love him. Writers: Larry Fleet/Josh Miller/Mark Trussell Producer: Joey Moi Label: Big Loud There is simply no one in country music who is making music that is more consistently excellent than this awesome singer-songwriter. Producer Carlile is also from that area, and maybe that’s why this has an extra touch of magic. – Clark sings of the majesty, beauty and space of her Pacific Northwest homeland on this punchy country rocker. Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon Producer: Brandi Carlile Label:Warner Records – 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. Writers: Willie Nelson/Devin Dawson/Kyle Fishman/Rocky Block/Blake Pendergrass Producer: Joey Moi Label: Big Loud He’s joined by strong slow-song mavens Rebecca Lynn Howard and The War and Treaty. In the ballad column, you’ll find our DISCovery Award winner, Ben Goldsmith. But not without strong competition from Dierks Bentley and Brandy Clark. In the former category is Gabby Barrett, who earns a Disc of the Day with her toe tapper. Rockers and ballads share equal space in this edition of DISClaimer.
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