This week's batch of new country tunes includes Dierks Bentley's rendition of a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers classic, plus Bailey Zimmerman's nostalgic new ballad, Jordan Davis' brooding new track, and Camille Parker's stellar, pop work and Tenille Arts.
Bailey Zimmerman, “Holy Smokes”
This moody throwback ballad mixes romance and religious undertones, depicting nights of rebellion and young love in a church parking lot. Zimmerman excels at these kinds of lost-love vignettes, as evidenced by “Rock and a Hard Place” and some of Zimmerman's other hits. Between soaring piano, driving percussion and a cathartic, country-rock chorus, it's clear that this short-lived romance had a lasting impact. Zimmerman co-wrote the track with frequent collaborator Austin Shawn, as well as Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler and Lauren Hungate.
Dierks Bentley, “American Girl”
In continuation of his previous record Gravel and Gold, Bentley takes on this classic rock track from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 1976 debut album. Spright banjo, mandolin and guitar fusions drive this graceful number, which pairs perfectly with Bentley's gritty, rock vocals. The song is included in the upcoming album Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Pettywhich will be released via Big Machine and the Tom Petty Estate.
Camille Parker, “Spinning Thoughts”
Parker, a member of this year's CMT Next Women of Country class, also recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut and was a contestant on the music competition My Kind of Country. Here, she delivers a gorgeous, dance-ready pop track, one that makes the most of her delicate yet earthy vocals. This new song finds Parker offering a refreshing, musical respite for those who need a moment of self-care away from the stressors that come with everyday life.
Jordan Davis, “Good News Sold”
Davis has scored a number of previous hits with hotly produced songs rooted in slightly nostalgic, ordinary but momentous life milestones, such as “Next Thing You Know” and his Luke Bryan collaboration “buy Dirt.” He continues in this general vein with his latest, which muses that the world would be happier and less divided if “Good News Sold” and spread through communication channels as quickly as bad news seems to multiply. Written by Jacob Davis, Cole Taylor and Jordan Rowe, this track is another strong contender for radio success.
Tenille Arts, “Next Best Thing”
“You already had a queen in your California king,” he sings on this well-written song, adding “I'd wish you the best/But you already had me.” Swiftian, swirling pop and razor-sharp wit guide Arts' new release, which she co-wrote with Ross Copperman and Emily Weisband. She draws the listener in with her charismatic vocals and holds them with a track that is both danceable and uplifting.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/country/best-new-country-songs-bailey-zimmerman-dierks-bentley-1235614787/