The Weekly New Release Report: June 3, 2015

New releases include Billy Currington’s “Summer Forever,” “Django and Jimmie” from Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, “Shuteye” from Logan Brill and “Simply” from K.T. Oslin.”

This week we find a handful of newcomers or young artists along with the established Billy Currington and icons K.T. Oslin and Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard! Below you'll see our weekly reviews of all the new album releases!

Rainey Qualley - Turn Down The Lights (Cingle Records) [Buy]
RaineyQualleyEPThe talented artists has a unique voice that recalls a blend of Lorrie Morgan and Bonnie Raitt. In other words, there’s nobody in country music quite like Rainey. The seven songs on Turn Down The Lights include catchy lead single “Me And Johnny Cash,” the percussive potential hit “Watered Down,” a song with the kind of smart lyrics and melodies that instantly catches your ear, the same which could be said for the entire EP. Producers Russ Zavitson and John Ramey bring Qualley’s well-written songs to life but it’s her melodious unique voice that suggests a singer who can become a superstar if things go her way. Download: “Dead And Gone,” “Watered Down,” “Cool, Wild, Whatever” & “Me And Johnny Cash”

K.T. Oslin - Simply (Red River Enertainment) [Buy]
This new project gestated after a well-received Nashville show at City Winery sparked K.T. to record these songs with their fresh, updated arrangements. “Do You Think About Me” is the lead single and it showcases immediately that the now 70 year old singer is still in fine voice. Producer Jimmy Nichols helped K.T. bring these arrangements to life. “Younger Men” is as flirtatious as ever (with perhaps even more meaning) and the songs from her record 14 years ago (Live Close By, Visit Often) sparkle here as well. 1988’s CMA Song of the year, “80’s Ladies” may still be Oslin’s calling card but it’s the beautiful “She Don’t Talk Like Us No More” and “New Way Home” which shine the most on this strong return to recording.

Logan Brill - Shuteye (Carnival recording Company) [Buy]
LoganBrillThe follow-up to her well-received debut Walking Wires, Shuteye finds Logan Brill in a space and time where she’s feeling a little bit ‘lighter’ than before. That’s not to say that the talented artist isn’t in fine form — because she is — but Shuteye is just has a different feel to it and that’s perfectly fine. Working with songs from the catalogs of artists like Brent Cobb, Mando Saenz, Tony Lane, Robin English, Ryan Tyndell, Lori McKenna, Natalie Hemby, Chris Stapleton and hall of fame Don Schlitz, Brill certainly knows a good song when she hears one (she co-wrote two of these 10 songs). Produced by Oran Thornton and Matthew Miller, Shuteye isn’t far off of the kind of album you might hear from Little Big Town, it’s that kind of smartly written country music we need more of. Standout tracks include “Don’t Pick It Up,” the title track “Shuteye,” “I Wish You Loved Me,” “The Bees” “Where Rainbows Never Die” and “World Still Round” but let’s be honest here. This is the work of a rising star who deserves any and all attention she gets and is someone major labels should want to sign to record deals.

Gloriana - Three (Emblem/Warner Bros.) [Buy]
Gloriana2015CDIt’s been three years since Gloriana released an album, This is their first album as a trio and it’s also their third album so the #3 means a lot to the trio as they release this record this week. The Top 30 hit single “Trouble” opens the record and immediately shows off the voice that’s always been their ‘hidden assassin’ in Rachel Reinert. “Ain’t Runnin’ Outta Summer” showcases the trio’s new sound with the harmonies of their previous harmonies featured on their first record. In fact, Three is a very balanced record that showcases a great blend of the band’s first two albums while also showing where they can go. Standouts include “Are You Ready,” “Wanna Get To Know You,” “Fight” and “Nobody But You,” a song written by fellow artists Will Hoge and Dylan Altman. The members of Gloriana (Reinert and Tom and Mike Gossip) co-write 9 of the 12 tracks. Matt Serletic’s production helps guide the trio into their new found groove and it showcases a band ready to capitalize on their previous hits into one of modern country’s best trios.

Willie Nelson + Merle Haggard - Django & Jimmie (Legacy Recordings) [Buy]
WillieNelsonMerleHaggardCDThe title track isn’t written by either of the music icons but it really feels like it could’ve been. Jamey Johnson’s co-penned “It’s All Going To Pot” is clever if a bit novelty while “Unfair Weather Friend” is a smart song about friendship standing the test of time while Merle’s “Missing Ol’ Johnny Cash” is a strong song (with a talking song vibe to it a la Johnny Cash). They visit some songs that touch with the passage of time but with both men within two years of 80 (Merle below, Willie above), they’re well aware that time is precious for them. It’s a great record from two great friends.

Billy Currington - Summer Forever (Mercury Nashville) [Buy]
BillyCurringtonSummerForeverAlways one to pull the R&B and soul influences into his music, Billy Currington certainly has amped those sounds up for this record. Songs like “Wake Me Up,” “Give It To Me Straight,” “Good Night,” “Soundtrack” and “Sweet Love” all have these kinds of vibes with “Wake Me Up,” “Sweet Love,” “Soundtrack” and “Good Night” (which features harmony vocals from Jessie James Decker) among the songs that are potential hits to follow up #1 single “Don’t It” and second single “Drinkin’ Town With A Football Problem.” The album’s title track could also be a single at some point but it does feature a few obvious autotuned moments which may make it just the title track.

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