Markus: Fighter by David Nail
A contender for album of the year, David Nail has delivered his finest album to date. In what is mainstream country’s best project of 2016 so far, Nail hits hard emotionally with biographical stunners like “Babies” and “Fighter” that cover his wife’s battle with infertility. Additionally, “Home,” featuring the renowned Lori McKenna, is a beautiful, stripped down ballad that highlights both of their strengths as vocalists. My personal favorite may be “Lie With Me,” which I loved as a Lady Antebellum song, but is taken to a new level with Nail behind the mic. With an infectious melody, an undeniable sense of urgency and a crisp production, it’s built for repeat listens. Fighter is a masterpiece that highlights David Nail’s extraordinary strengths as a vocalist, as well as puts that talent behind some damn good songs. One of 2016’s best, not just in the mainstream, but across all styles of the genre.
Annie: “1000 Graves” by Ruston Kelly
I’m still freshly mesmerized by Ruston Kelly’s performance supporting Lori McKenna at City Winery last week, and “1000 Graves” in particular was a standout. It’s my favorite song off his recent release Halloween, and is one of those songs that oof, yes hits at your heart. His smooth vocals and introspectives, punctuated by pedal steel, juxtapose spirited harmonica. Lyrics like “you could run a thousand roads / and never end up nowhere / pierce through your hand a thousand holes / never know the cross you bear” and “you could dig a thousand graves / but you’re never gonna bury that ghost” seal the deal.
Lydia: “Good at Tonight” by David Nail featuring Brothers Osborne
Singer/songwriter David Nail’s fourth studio album Fighter, released on July 15th via MCA Nashville, is a solid project from top to bottom. The first track “Good at Tonight” really kicks off the album on a high note. The TJ Osborne, John Osborne, Troy Verges, and Barry Dean penned anthemic song gets your blood rushing from the very first note. It’s an up-tempo, feel good, live in the moment, seize the day tune full of great harmonies.
“Yesterday’s history / tomorrow’s a mystery / Go ahead and guess all you want / There’s no rhyme or reason for wasting time thinking bout’ what’s gonna go right or wrong”
Nail confesses that he was a bit hesitant to cut it. After hearing the demo he immediately confirmed with The Brothers Osborne that they were sure they weren’t going to record it because he didn’t want to fall in love with it only to have them decide they wanted to record it themselves, forcing him to take it off of the album. Once he got their go ahead he made them promise to sing on it with him. “Good at Tonight” is a foot-stomping, hand-clapping good time.
“The stars and the weather / They won’t last forever / But we’ve got ’em lined up just right / Who cares where we’re going / ‘Cause we’re getting good at tonight.”
Christina: The Whiskey in Me by Carter Winter
Combining a traditional crooner voice with modern twist on the lyrics, Winter released his debut LP last Friday. His voice resembles Chris Young, who can turn anything into a country song. The offering is the perfect soundtrack for tailgating on a hot summer day, or taking a road trip with your best friends. The Ohio native touches on love (“Hit Song,” “To Pieces,” “Fight With”), heartbreak (“She Don’t Wanna Be”), partying (“Stick ’em Up,” “Whiskey In Me”) and even hangovers (“Crack Another One”), and does it all with a signature country twang.
One of my favorites on the record is “Fight With,” which highlights some of the not so great things about a relationship, though you would much rather be fighting and going through those tough times with the person you love than not have them in your life at all.
“There’s nobody I’d rather fight with / Stay up, make up all night with/ Nobody I’d rather take this ride with and live this life with than you / We take our love in to extremes / You get me on a high then on my knees / You ain’t who I wanna fight with but there’s nobody than I’d rather fight with than you”
Anyone who has been in a relationship knows those feelings all too well. Winter’s first full length is strong and shows promise for the young artist. We look forward to seeing where these songs will take him.
Natalie: “Solving Problems” by Brent Cobb
I’ve been pretty excited about Brent Cobb’s forthcoming album since his cousin Dave hinted at it during a Southern Family listening event in January. And then I saw him open Anderson East’s Nashville show in March – cue even higher levels of excitement. And now that he’s set a release date and offered up this casually brilliant lead single, the countdown has officially begun. His songwriting (Luke Bryan’s “Tailgate Blues,” Miranda Lambert’s “Old Shit”) always feels organic and honest, and “Solving Problems” is no exception – it’s based on a real-life conversation between Cobb and friends. Mark your calendars for October 7, y’all.