Week of 10/13/2023
Cowboys and Plowboys – Jon Pardi, Luke Bryan Written By Brandon Iozzo
Labelmates Jon Pardi and Luke Bryan drop an overdue collaboration with “Cowboys and Plowboys,” a cheeky track highlighting the similarities between both sorts of blue-collar workers. Written by Rhett Atkins, Cole Taylor, and Jacob Rice, the track doesn’t offer much intrigue, really only taking both artist’s musical styles and melding them into one single. The song’s production greatly mimics that of Pardi’s Mr. Saturday Night and with a slight hint of Bryan’s hit “Rain Is a Good Thing.” With the pair swapping vocals throughout the verses, and even a chipper dialogue towards the end, the song feels like a rehashed version of “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” While there’s plenty of twang loaded with fiddles and pedal steel, it’s not the banger some may have expected from these two.
6.4
texas hold ‘em – Nicolle Galyon Written By Brandon Iozzo
Veteran Nashville songwriter and producer Nicolle Galyon gets the kick drum pounding in the infectious anthemic “texas hold ‘em.” Written by Galyon herself with her husband Rodney Clawson, the track’s friendly wordplay has Nicolle giving advice about dating guys from Texas in an upbeat toe-tapper. Released alongside her latest EP second wife, it stands as the only carefree cut of the project amongst the EP’s more subdued moments. Though most of Galyon’s credits have been cut by some of country music’s biggest names over the past decade, a song of this style and character deserves to be a breakout hit for Nicolle as a soloist.
8.4
That’s Texas – Cody Johnson Written By Creed Miller
Cody Johnson lives and breathes all things Texas, and he puts it on full display with his latest single. Written by Andy Sheridan, Erik Dylan, and Wyatt McCubbin, the upbeat twanger speedily namechecks many of the things that make Texas great and unique like being the home state of King George and Robert Earl Keen. They also pay homage to Alabama’s hit single “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas” with the lyric “ain’t got a band if you ain’t got a fiddle.” It already feels right at home in a rustic, honky-tonk. As a stalwart Texas country troubadour, the steel guitar blazes its way through the song with an epic lead riff. In fact, “That’s Texas” is full of band participation that really ties everything together. Cody Johnson has always been very good at giving fans exactly what they want, and ahead of his album Leather, he’s doing just that.
8.6
Ain’t My Damn to Give – Riley Green Written By Creed Miller
Quietly sitting at the bottom of the tracklist, “Ain’t My Damn to Give” is an early standout from Riley Green’s latest album. Written by Ben Simonetti, Jonathan Singleton, and Tucker Beathard, the song is about the battle of a broken heart and wanting to go the extra mile to get a girl back. However, at the end of the day, he can’t change her made-up mind, and whether they get back together is just not up to him. There is a nice, bluesy sound to the song with a sad harmonica all over the track. It has a very classic Riley Green sound with his thickly-accented sadness. Green has proved time and time again that he’s really good at following the formula that resonates with his fanbase. While it is a well-trod concept, it doesn’t feel like a tired one. This track still feels like its own and differentiates itself from similar singles with a unique way around words. Fans have been waiting some time for Green’s studio album, and “Ain’t My Damn to Give” looks like it could end his recent dry spell at country radio.
9.1
Paint the Town Blue – Ella Langley Written By Creed Miller
Ella Langley has put her name on the map as one of country music’s most interesting up-and-comers, and she is back with a new mid-tempo jam. The chorus of the song in particular stands out with a delightfully smooth flow. However, outside of the chorus, this single does feel kind of choppy. No part of it is really bad, but there’s not a lot here that feels especially next-level. It sounds like it could do well as a middling single on country radio, but it is never going to top the charts. Ella Langley hasn’t quite had her “I’m here” moment yet, but she is definitely trending in the right direction. “Paint the Town Blue” is a fine offering that should radio listeners should certainly keep their eye on.
7.8
Send You to Hell – Maggie Baugh Written By Cam Greene
One of the country’s most exciting rising stars, Maggie Baugh has outdone herself on her debut album. One particular highlight is “Send You to Hell,” written by Dakota Striplin, Elena Jones, Levon Gray, and Baugh. This is a gleeful pop-country jam about drinking, partying, and how none of those things will send you to Hell. Baugh has a strong voice and a sassy attitude only makes this song more fun. However, like so much pop-country before it, an issue with this track is that musically, it doesn’t really take any risks. That being said, there is a lot to take from “Send You To Hell;” not every song needs to have a deep metaphor or a thought-provoking message, and sometimes, playing it safe can still yield good results. All-in-all, this is a solid song from Baugh’s debut album.
7.1
It Takes A Woman – Chris Stapleton Written By Ryan Lippe
This surprise release comes as the third single ahead from Stapleton’s forthcoming fifth album Higher. This slowed-down track blends more of Stapleton’s blues influences with some jazz-focused stylings. Stapleton worked on the production with his wife, Morgane Stapleton, and longtime collaborator Dave Cobb. Having worked with Cobb on past projects, it’s been interesting to hear his sound evolve as the group continues to experiment together. A rather simple love song, the solo writing isn’t a career-defining moment for Stapleton, but it’s undeniably unique. With the string of quality, versatile singles released thus far, Stapleton is gearing up to release one of the most cohesive and interesting albums we’ve seen this year.
8.7
I Will (When You Do) – Avery Anna and Dylan Marlowe Written By Ryan Lippe
Avery Anna and Dylan Marlowe have both had success with slow duets in the past, but on this one, they decide to dial up the guitars and kick drums; the result is a fairly run-of-the-mill radio ballad. With five writers credited on the song, a bit more substance would be expected, but it’s still a tight tune with a clear narrative. The dueling harmonies are especially fun for both Avery and Dylan to showcase their potential as singers, and they do a nice job of not drowning one another out. The noisy percussion here leaves some to be desired, but both artists have fantastic upsides to their careers, and fans have plenty to look forward to from each.
6.9
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