This week we find a small handful of releases, including newcomer SaraBeth, respected Texas-based songwriter Zane Williams and superstars Reba and Dwight Yoakam. This means it's an All-killer, no-filler sort of week.
Dwight Yoakam - Second Hand Heart (Reprise Records) [Buy]
Returning to the Los Angeles-based label after 2012’s One Lemon on Warner Bros out of Nashville, Dwight Yoakam’s Second Hand Heart is pretty much everything you could want from the iconic singer/songwriter. “She” and “Off Your Mind” sparkle while the rockabilly version of “Man of Constant Sorrow” is very strong. eight of these tracks were written solely by Dwight and “Liar” may be the best of the bunch with a vibe that recalls some of the better rockers of the McCartney/Lennon era. Finally, “V’s Of Birds” (written by Sugarcane Jane’s Anthony Crawford” serves as a nice closer for the album.
Reba - Love Somebody (Starstruck Records/Nash ICON Records) [Buy]
The beloved icon returns as the flagship artist for Nash ICON Records and showcases her brilliant talent and ear for great songs. There’s not a dud on the record with “Just Like Them Horses,” “Enough (With Jennifer Nettles),” “She Got Drunk Last Night,” “That’s When I Knew,” and “Promise Me Love,” standouts along with the title track and the spirited “Until They Don’t Love You.” Full in-depth review here.
SaraBeth - SaraBeth EP (Circle S Records) [Buy]
The talented vocalist showcases her musical growth through her new five song EP, which she worked on with artist/producer Glen Mitchell. “You Rock My Rodeo” shows attitude and sass while “Runnin’ Outta Lipstick” feels like a modern Pam Tillis track while “You Keep Me Smilin’” is another romantically-inclined track. The production is modern and fresh throughout the 16 minute EP and while it’s shorter than many fans would hope, the EP will keep you wishing for a full-length album, especially the lead single “I’m Sick Of It,” a song that may be the most attitude-filled track on the EP, which is saying a lot given how there’s a tune called “Do What You Say You’re Gonna Do” on it.
Zane Williams - Texas Like That (Be Music & Entertainment) [Buy]
The stellar singer/songwriter is back with yet another really strong recording. Texas Like That finds Zane singing 10 strong songs and stories, all self-written. There’s a blusy country/rock vibe to some of the tracks (“Throwback”) and it shows Tom Faulkner’s influence on the production but this is still very music a Zane Williams record. “She Is,” “Just Gettin’ Started,” and “Love Is On Our Side” are all ready for radio airplay now while first single, the story song, “Jayton And Jill” is particularly strong as well. Finally, closer “Texas Like That” is a delightful story song, the kind not always heard these days but still an amazing track. Fans of great country music should pick up Texas Like That.
New singles of note:
- George Strait "Let It Go" [Buy iTunes]
- Thomas Rhett "Crash and Burn"[Buy iTunes]
- Tyler Farr "Suffer In Peace" [Buy iTunes]
- William Clark Green "Sticks And Stones" [Buy iTunes]
- Chase Rice - "Ride" [Buy iTunes]
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