DISClaimer Single Reviews: The War And Treaty Showcase 'Emotional Core'

Songwriting is in the spotlight today in DISClaimer. Taylor Swift’s ascent to the top of the hit…

Songwriting is in the spotlight today in DISClaimer.

Taylor Swift’s ascent to the top of the hit parade with “I Knew It I Knew You” is particularly welcome because it is an illustration of what a superb song craftsman she is. For me, this is a big part of what makes country music, country music. Today, we are also visited by Bill Anderson, Eric Church, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, and Skip Ewing as further exemplars of this eternal truth.

The Disc of the Day goes to The War And Treaty, whose new lyrics bravely address Michael’s PTSD from his military service and dive deeply into the duo’s emotional core.

Hand a DISCovery Award to the promising Myles Erlick.

BUDDY MILLER / “ As Long As I Have You ” Writers: Bob Elgin/Jerry Ragovoy; Producer: Buddy Miller; Label: New West Records – This earstwhile sideman and bandleader releases his first solo album in 15 years tomorrow (Sept. 11). Its dynamic advance single is a bluesy country rocker with a slammin’ backbeat and some snarling lead guitar, not to mention Miller’s soulful singing. The album’s stellar cast includes The McCrary Sisters (heard on this track), Emmylou Harris, The War & Treaty, Lee Ann Womack, Shawn Colvin, Ashley Monroe, Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale, and Dan Penn, among others. Buy this record.

BELLES & DOLLY PARTON / “ Son of Jolene ” Writers: Dan Harrison/Dolly Parton/Kelli Belles/Tyler Bank; Producers: Austin Luther, Johnny Gates, Kent Wells; Label: East Music Row Records – This is apparently Dolly’s last recording. Singer-songwriter Kelli Belles recruited her to sing on a track that answers the musical question, “ What would the offspring of Jolene be like ?” The sprightly, rollicking tune features the superstar on high harmony throughout, plus some lovely ad libs. It will surprise no one to learn that Jolene’s son is a heartbreaker. Essential listening

SKIP EWING / “ Not Me This Time ” Writer: Skip Ewing; Producers: Bryan Sutton, Skip Ewing; Label: Write! Records – This lustrous, moody ballad swims in an echoey pool of sound. Ewing’s intimate delivery portrays a guy who is trying to leave an unfaithful lover when she calls him on the phone, trying to lure him back in. The stark finale is “ Hang up and don’t call me again. ” Beautifully sung and brilliantly written. Ewing’s new Dragonfly album drops on Sept. 18.

ERIC CHURCH / “ On the Road ” Writer: Eric Church; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: MCA – To be a country performer is to sign up for life of endless travel. Church reflects on his journeys, recalling sharing stages with Kris and Willie, finding joy at performances, witnessing the tragic mass shooting in Vegas, and musing about the day when the bright lights and the shows are over. The track is a foaming froth of energy. Can we just go ahead and put this guy in the Hall of Fame right now?

MUMFORD AND SONS & CHRIS STAPLETON / “ Here ” Writers: Aaron Dessner/Ben Lovett/Marcus Mumford/Ted Dwane; Producers: Aaron Dessner, Mumford & Sons; Label: Glassnote Entertainment Group – Strummy, urgent folk-rock with an anguished litany of regrets. Fiercely compelling music. Two great singers.

DARIUS RUCKER / “ I Believe ” Writers: Darius Rucker/Eric Paslay/Steve Robson/Wayne Hector; Producer: Steve Robson; Label: MCA – Comforting and inspiring. Despite being surrounded by lies, darkness and evil, Rucker urges us to get beyond the blues and shine with love, truth and hope. Amen, brother.

THEO LAWRENCE / “ Today Is a Good Day ” Writers: Bill Anderson/Bobby Tomberlin/Theo Lawrence; Producer: Chris Scruggs; Label: Bee & El/Reprise Records – Classic country. Small wonder, since Lawrence co-wrote it with Anderson, a supreme master of the genre. The youngster sings like a bird, and the song ripples with authenticity. He opens for Alison Krauss & Union Station at the Ryman on Sept. 18-20, plus plays a solo gig at Skinny Dennis on the 19th. You need to know this guy’s music.

KANE BROWN & SHANIA TWAIN / “ Boots ” Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/Josh Hoge/Mutt Lange/Seth Ennis/Shania Twain; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Sony Music Nashville – Ultra cute. It’s a bopping, male take on the 1995 breakthrough Shania hit “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under.” The ‘90s superstar offers a couple of brief cameo interjections and sings along in unison, but this is Brown’s performance all the way. Recommended.

MYLES ERLICK / “ Dyin’ in This Living Room ” Writers: David Thomson/Myles Erlick; Producers: Dann Huff, David Huff, Myles Erlick; Label: ONErpm/Huff Co. Nashville – Erlick’s youthful tenor voice evokes romantic sincerity in this ode to his beloved. He is so utterly smitten, she’s taken his breath away. I believe the Handcrafted album that contains this is the debut release on ace producer Dann Huff’s label, and it’s a winner.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW & EVAN FELKER / “ Revolution Now ” Writers: Ketch Secor/Lee Oskar; Producer: Morgan Jahnig; Label: Hartland Records – This folkie, harmonica-laced ballad addresses the pain and confusion of our times and pleads for some solace and direction. Felker is the frontman of Turnpike Troubadours. OCMS leader Ketch Secor describes the band’s Union Made album as a “love letter to America."

THE WAR AND TREATY / “ Country Baptism ” Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producers: Willie Peebles II, Zakk Garner; Label: Atlantic Outpost – This darkly dramatic stomper showcases the duo in a new light. It builds in intensity as it unfolds into a torrid masterwork. The War and Treaty headlines at the Ryman on Sunday (Sept. 13). You need to be there: Michael and Tanya are collecting rave reviews at every tour stop.

ALICIA BLUE / “ Please Don’t Call ” Writer: Alicia Blue; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: A Blue Lion – A steady rhythmic thump and sighing steel propel this outing. The singer has an oddly pleasing, ultra high soprano that brims with alt-country charm.

HANNAH HARPER / “ Hold Your Horses ” Writers: Dillon Harper/Makeena Harper; Producer: Dillon Harper; Label: 19 Recordings/Atlantic Outpost – The 2026 American Idol champ continues her winning ways with this groovy tune. It’s a witty warning to her pissed-off man that he needs to cool down…or else.