This week, several artists issue bold musical statements, expressing frustration, compassion and calls for action. Ashley Monroe releases a stirring declaration on disillusionment with the Nashville music industry, while Amy Grant and Ruby Amanfu team up for an anthem calling for unity, empathy and love.
Other new releases this week include a romantic ballad from Drayton Farley’s new album, as well as new offerings from Coleman Jennings, Del McCoury Band and a new video from Alison Brown and Steve Martin, featuring Della Mae.
Check out all of these and more in Billboard‘s roundup of some of the best country, bluegrass and/or Americana songs of the week below.
Ashley Monroe, “I Hate Nashville”
Ashley Monroe returns with a surprise new eight-song EP, Letter to Nashville, spearheaded by this key track. In this song of self-examination, she astutely etches a distinction between the beloved styles of country music that continually inspire her musical passion and creativity — including the works of artists and musicians like her frequent collaborators Paul Franklin and Vince Gill — and the industry’s harsh, endless and often unforgiving demands. “You give and break/ And it just takes the best years of your life,” she sings all too knowingly, wrapping her feathery voice around lyrics that translate the heartbreaks and frustrations of any number of artists of all success levels in Music City. Monroe co-wrote and co-produced Letter to Nashville with celebrated songwriter-producer Luke Laird.
Amy Grant feat. Ruby Amanfu, “How Do We Get There From Here”
Amy Grant and Ruby Amanfu team up for a powerful, vulnerable collaboration, one steeped in reflection, grief and concern. Released on the third anniversary of the tragic Covenant School shooting in Nashville, “How Do We Get There From Here” contemplates the current divisions in the nation and ponders what it would look like if individuals chose to work together. “How do we learn to trust each other/ Instead of living life in fear,” they sing. Grant’s gentle, earthy tones blend well with Amanfu’s soulful soprano. The song is the latest new music released ahead of Grant’s upcoming album The Me That Remains, and judging from the songs released thus far, it is shaping up to be a collection of some of her most unfiltered, powerfully contemplative songs to date.
The Del McCoury Band, “Long Way Around”
Written by Larry Keel, this latest offering from The Del McCoury Band lays out a perspective of gratitude and patience, with appreciation for all the things that come his way, from someone who is just “trying to do my living/ All before I die.” Led by Del McCoury’s distinctive lead tenor and guitar playing, the song also features Rob McCoury on banjo, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin, Alan Bartram on bass and Christian Ward laying down an engaging fiddle line. “Long Way Around” marks a catchy new track that has an uplifting spark and a driving groove.
Drayton Farley, “Love We Mean”
After seeing recent songs including “It’s Called Doubt” and “Turn Around” featured on shows including Landman and Sheriff Country, Drayton Farley returns with his new album A Heavy Duty Heart, again produced by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit guitarist Sadler Vaden. The album opens with this pared-back, contemplative love song. On one of the album’s most tender tracks, Farley looks at making the most of every moment he has with a lover, as they take stock of the memories they’ve made, and the ones they have yet to make. Like the rest of the album, “Love We Mean” was recorded live to tape. The recording’s washes of elegant guitar let his dynamic vocal take the lead on ruminative lines such as “I can’t always be here with you/ So how can I be what you need?,” while capturing the song’s raw intimacy. Overall, the song retains Farley’s rustic, unpolished sense of connection, while bolstering it with a more full-bodied sound.
Coleman Jennings, “Good While It Lasted”
Jennings applies a lively melody and humorous charm to heartbreak on his latest release. His vocal intonation and phrasings harbor shades of Willie Nelson’s influence, while he etches a tongue-in-cheek story of a blazing, but short-lived, romance. “It was good while we had each other/ I’m a little glad that it’s up and over,” he sings, signifying the song’s easy-come, easy-go approach to finding the silver lining in a fizzling relationship. Jennings brings admiration for timeless country sounds, with swaths of steel guitar throughout this track, but Jennings’ burnished voice and the song’s crisp textures give it a fresh feel. Jennings’ Dave Cobb-produced debut album Lead You Home will release May 8 via Big Loud Texas/Mercury.
Alison Brown and Steve Martin feat. Della Mae, “Cluck Old Hen”
Steve Martin, Alison Brown and bluegrass group Della Mae join forces in the new music video for “Cluck Old Hen,” from Martin and Brown’s recent album Safe, Sensible and Sane. Filmed at Jalopy Theatre and School of Music in Brooklyn, N.Y., this performance video showcases the depth of each musicians’ creative prowess. Martin takes the lead on vocals on this revamping of a classic tune, but is eventually joined by Della Mae’s Celia Woodsmith, who brings verve to a perfect vocal contrast.
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