DISClaimer Single Reviews: Justin Moore & Priscilla Block Deliver ‘Outstanding’ Harmonies

Justin Moore & Priscilla Block. Photo: Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.

It’s a day for some real country singing in this edition of DISClaimer.

We’re truly in the presence of some vocal greatness in the offerings by David Nail, Tiera Kennedy, Morgan Evans, Sunny Sweeney and the duet by Becky Isaacs Bowman and Dolly Parton.

There’s no arguing with a guy who has 11 No. 1 singles under his belt. Justin Moore does not disappoint in his outstanding duet with Priscilla Block. The new team nails down this week’s Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery Award goes to War Hippies. They also sing great, and have a story to tell as well.

JON LANGSTON / “Give You My All”
Writers: Jon Langston/Brad Wagner/Jordan Gray; Producers: Jacob Rice/Jody Stevens; Label: EMI/32 Bridge Entertainment
–Very cool. It’s has a bluesy ballad groove that floats on a sea of romance. The fundamental simplicity of the tune and message of devotion are the secrets of its effectiveness.

JUSTIN MOORE & PRISCILLA BLOCK / “You, Me and Whiskey”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Brock Berryhill/Cole Taylor; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Scott Borchetta; Label: Big Machine
–Their vocal harmony work is outstanding. They swap verses with equal measures of personality, then turn the thing up a few notches with their entwined verses on the choruses. In the lyric, they’ve been working too hard, so they need a night together to relax with some beverages. Amen to that. Block brings her “Block Party” show to the Nashville Palace on Nov. 3.

WAR HIPPIES / “Make It Out Alive”
Writers: Scott Brown; Producers: Donnie Reis/Scott Brown; Label: WarHippies
–Donnie Reis and Scott Brown are former U.S. combat soldiers whose War Hippies album deals with veterans’ issues. The suicide rate among vets is heartbreaking, which the living-strong lyric of this ballad pushes against. Both men sing with great heart, and the synth-and-strings accompaniment is perfect.

THOMAS RHETT & KATY PERRY / “Where We Started”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Jon Bellion/Thomas Rhett/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
–Dreamy. Romantic. Awash in melody, with both voices at the top of their game. Pop queen Perry began her career in Music City as a teen CCM artist.

615 COLLECTIVE / “Coastin’”
Writers: Sarah Darling/Michael Logen/NicoleWitt; Producer: none listed; Label: 615
–Comprised of top tunesmiths Sarah Darling, Michael Logen, Shelly Fairchild and Nicole Witt, this combo strikes it rich with this breezy, groovy, relaxing beach-y tune. Darling takes the lead with her wafting soprano above a smooth-as-glass track.

BECKY ISAACS BOWMAN & DOLLY PARTON / “Early Morning Breeze”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: none listed; Label: Isaacs
–Becky is a cornerstone of the Opry group The Isaacs, but she has always been somewhat overshadowed by the superbly gifted vocals of her sister Sonya Isaacs. Now she is getting her own solo album. This advance track pairs her with the legendary Dolly, and the result is Heaven in Appalachia. Their lilting voices match like mountaineer twins.

MORGAN EVANS / “Over For You”
Writers: Morgan Evans/Madison Love/Geoff Warburton/Tim Sommers; Producer: Tim Sommers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–A penultimate heartbreak ballad. He aches with wondering how long she didn’t love him while he kept on deluding himself. I like the ghostly voices softly asking “How long? How Long?” in between his musings.

FLO RIDA & WALKER HAYES / “High Heels”
Writers: Bryan Isaac/Danny Majic/Dre Davidson/Fraser Churchill/Meron Mengist/Sean Davidson/Walker Hayes; Producer: The Monarch/Danny Majic; Label: Monument
–Flo Rida babbles about whatever. Walker Hayes references “Fancy Like,” Applebees, the Grammys and whatnot. I suppose it’s harmless.

TIERA KENNEDY / “Alabama Nights”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Emily Falvey/Jared Scott/Tiera Kennedy/Emily Flakey; Producers: Dann Huff/Cameron Bedel; Label: Valory
–“Found It In You” remains the lovely single. This fresh track from her upcoming album shows a livelier side. In fact, it is a stone boppin’ delight. The picturesque, rapid-fire lyrics are a blast as are the skipping, merry track and her pert, sunny soprano vocal. Definitely check this ditty out…..pronto.

DAVID NAIL / “Wherever You Are Tonight”
Writers: David Nail/Robyn Collins/Grant Vogel; Producer: none listed; Label: DN
–He always draws me in with every note he sings. This master communicator aches with authenticity on this beautifully melodic track. Shut your eyes and get lost in his performance.

SUNNY SWEENEY / “Married Alone”
Writers: Hannah Blaylock/Josh Morningstar/Autumn McEntire; Producers: Paul Cauthen/Beau Bedford; Label: Aunt Daddy/Thirty Tigers
–The always-great Sunny has just released a new album. Its title track ballad features Vince Gill on vocal harmony and a steel-soaked, deeply twangin’ track that is Country, with a capital “C.” I adore this woman.

RANDY ROGERS BAND / “Fast Car”
Writers: Randy Montana/Wendell Mobley/Lee Miller; Producer: Radney Foster; Label: RR
–Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, this band is always a welcome playlist addition. On this mid-tempo meditation, a guy wonders about the gal he meets in a bar, speculating about her present, past and future. The cleanly mixed track keeps things admirably close to the earth.

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Justin Moore & Priscilla Block Impact MusicRow Radio Chart

Justin Moore‘s latest single “You, Me, and Whiskey” featuring Priscilla Block impacts the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart ahead of its official impact date next week. The song debuts at No. 68, earns the most-added distinction with 15 new station adds, and is the highest spin gainer of the week with +157 spins.

Written by Jessi Alexander, Brock Berryhill and Cole Taylor, “You, Me, And Whiskey” continues to carry Moore’s neo-traditional torch, set to lyrics that have a storyline a bit unexpected after reading the title.

“You read ‘You, Me, and Whiskey,’ and you think spring break, hookup, whatever, but for me, as a guy who’s been married for 15 years with four beautiful children, it’s about making time for your romantic relationship,” shares Moore. “Our children are priorities in our lives, but we also have to make ‘us’ a priority. That’s what the song represents to me but the best thing about country music is that it can mean many things to many different people.”

“Anyone can relate to it because it’s about taking time to work on the things you really need to as a person and in your relationships,” adds Block.

This track will appear on Moore’s sixth studio album set for release next year.

For more chart data, click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.

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Nashville Music Industry Comes Together To Honor Lee Brice’s Two Recent No. 1 Hits

Pictured (L-R): Billy Montana, Brian Davis, Lee Brice, Ashley Gorley, and Ben Johnson. Photo: Steve Lowry

Lee Brice, songwriters, and industry members alike gathered at Nashville’s SESAC office on Wednesday (Oct. 19) to celebrate the tenured artist’s two most recent No. 1s–”Memory I Don’t Mess With” and the history making “One Of Them Girls,” which spent three weeks in the top spot.

Hosted by SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, all three of Nashville’s PROs were accounted for at the afternoon’s festivities, which was fitting, seeing as “One Of Them Girls” was named Song of the Year at each respective PRO’s 2021 awards—the first time a song has accomplished this feat.

All of the writers were invited up to celebrate the songs together—both of which Brice co-wrote—including Brian Davis and Billy Montana who penned “Memory I Don’t Mess With” and “One Of Them Girls” writers Ashley Gorley and Ben Johnson. Dallas Davidson, who also co-wrote the latter, as well as the track’s co-producers, Ben Glover and Kyle Jacobs, were unable to attend.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Bob Squance (Round Hill Music), Ciara Shortridge (Curb), Billy Montana (songwriter), Colt Murski (Curb), Brian Davis (songwriter), Lee Brice (artist/songwriter), Ben Johnson (songwriter), Ashley Gorley (songwriter); (L-R, front row): Kele Currier (ASCAP), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Kelly Bolton (Tape Room Music), and Lauren Leui (Play It Again). Photo: Steve Lowry

Filled with Hatch’s signature humor, she noted that Brice has had more than 10 No. 1 hits as a recording artist and/or songwriter. She also mentioned his skill of balancing family and work, as well as how great of a writer, vocalist, father, husband and friend he is.

BMI’s MaryAnn Keen took the mic next to congratulate all of the BMI writers. For “One Of Them Girls,” she cited Davidson’s impressive 27 No. 1s as a songwriter, his more than 30 BMI awards, and his own business endeavors with Play It Again Music. Keen then spoke to Johnson and his last few years of success as a songwriter, including having 6 songs in the top 20 simultaneously. Keen then turned to Montana for “Memory I Don’t Mess With,” looking back on his previous chart-toppers in Jo Dee Messina‘s “Bring On The Rain,” Sara Evans‘ “Suds In The Bucket” and Jon Pardi‘s “Night Shift.” She also took the crowd through Davis’ journey as a songwriter, congratulating him on his newest hit.

Kele Currier from ASCAP came up to round out the PROs and to speak about Gorley, who she explained has “raised the bar for this beloved songwriter and publishing community.” Listing off his impressive list of accomplishments from ASCAP, Billboard, CMA, iHeart Radio and becoming the newly-crowned NSAI Songwriter of the Decade, she also explained that through all of this, Gorley is still humble and is always looking to lift up promising writers through his own Tape Room Music.

Next, it was time for the publishers to share their sentiments, beginning with Curb’s Colt Murski who shared Montana’s background from farmer, to hit recording artist, and eventually to multi-Platinum and award-winning songwriter. Noting that this was Montana’s fifth No. 1 and his second with Brice (“Hard To Love”), Murski praised Montana, as well as the other “Memory I Don’t Mess With” writers. He also gave a shoutout to Mike Curb, the Curb promotion team, the producers, and Enzo and Anthony DeVincenzo at Red Light Management.

Tape Room’s Kelly Bolton was next, mentioning that “One Of Them Girls” was Johnson’s first of now seven No. 1s as a songwriter. She commended his work ethic and his gift as a musician and a writer. She also thanked the veteran writers who took a chance on the then green Johnson, saying that’s what makes Nashville special.

“One Of Them Girls” writers Ben Johnson, Lee Brice and Ashley Gorley. Photo: Steve Lowry

Bob Squance from Round Hill took his turn next. Keeping it short and sweet, he gave his congratulations to Brice, the producers, the Curb Records team, the publishers, and all of the PROs. He also mentioned that in lieu of plaques, Round Hill had made a charitable donation on behalf of each writer to My Life Speaks, the Georgia Music Foundation, and Music Health Alliance.

Finally, Anthem Entertainment’s Courtney Crist followed to honor the “Memory I Don’t Mess With” guys, as well as the Curb promotion team and management. She took a moment to recognize Davis’ great writing, focus, and intentionality.

Moving on to the writers, Lauren Leui from Play It Again opened for the “One Of Them Girls” guys, filling in for the sick Davidson by sharing a letter the writer had prepared which apologized for his absence, as well as thanked Leui and the rest of his staff, Round Hill, and the writers.

Leui read, “This is a song I’m extremely proud of and I’m very grateful that I got to write it with two old friends in Lee and Ashley and a brand new friend in Ben.” Taking a moment to speak to each of his co-writers, Davidson concluded by giving his thanks to Curb, BMI, Hatch, and the DeVincenzo’s.

Johnson stepped up to the mic next, commending his co-writers for taking a shot on him when they wrote “One Of Them Girls.” He also shared the story behind the night they wrote the song on Father’s Day when he was on the way to Mississippi to be with his dad. Getting a call from Gorley, Johnson explained that it was “the best U-turn [he’d] ever taken,” which earned quite the reaction.

“This couldn’t be a more special song. Thinking back on my journey to get here, it’s so surreal. You always dream getting a No. 1, and [it’s surreal] to have it be with these people,” Johnson gushed. “This lyric is so empowering to so many women and it made me think about all the women in my life who meant so much to me,” he shared as he thanked his grandmother, mom, sister and wife, as well as the PROs, Curb, Brice, and more.

Gorley came next, laying on his appreciation for everyone already mentioned and giving a shoutout to his wife and dad who were in the crowd. He made a note of Brice’s time in town and the work he’s put in to become a prominent force in the industry. He also gave a shoutout to all of the publishing partners and his team at Tape Room.

“It was just really fun to be out there on the farm [writing this song that night]. That’s what it’s all about and those memories are just awesome,” Gorley shared. “This song is still getting played a lot, which is amazing… Everybody did a great job and I appreciate you guys.”

“Memory I Don’t Mess With” writers Billy Montana, Lee Brice and Brian Davis. Photo: Steve Lowry

Montana took over from there switching gears to “Memory I Don’t Mess With.” He shared his appreciation for the Curb promotion team, BMI, his wife with whom he just celebrated his 40th anniversary, and the man of the hour, Brice.

“[Brian and Lee] got this song started and I’m just blessed that you brought me in on it. People have said before how awesome it is to be able to make music with your friends, but these guys are more like brothers,” he put simply. “Events like today give you a real picture of what family is about and how we’re cheering for each other, rooting for each other and celebrating with each other. Thank you all for being here to be a part of this. I feel overwhelmed and blessed.”

Davis echoed the many thanks of everyone before him, as well as the people in Nashville who fight for songs. “There’s such a crew in this town that still believe in songs and they’re down to fight for them. It takes a lot to make a song, starting with an idea all the way to a party like this. There’s so many people that make it happen and I’m grateful for everybody involved.”

He reminisced on his journey with Brice over the last 15-plus years, sharing his appreciation for the powerhouse entertainer, and teased at the new music to come.

After a full afternoon of laughs and thank you’s, it was time to hear from Brice. He gave his across the board appreciation for everyone previously mentioned and those not named.

“It would be easy to [not come together to celebrate this], but it’s not just [any one of us writers] on a song. It’s all the people that everybody has been thanking and more. It’s this whole community,” he explained. “None of this happens without an army, a team, and everybody involved.”

He took a special moment to honor his wife, noting that everything he does is half thanks to her for allowing him this career and supporting him along the way. Sharing his thoughts and love for each of his co-writers and his team, he concluded by saying, “It starts with a great song but there’s so much more that goes into it. I appreciate everybody here. I love you guys and we’re going to keep doing this, hopefully, if y’all will have me.”

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