In this week's collection of new tunes, Willie Nelson and Ringo Starr deliver great new songs, once again showcasing their timeless approaches, while Drew Baldridge follows up his breakthrough success with a new track that celebrates steely determination and valence. Meanwhile, Neil Perry (known for his work as part of The Band Perry) makes his solo debut and Mōriah hints at her heritage in her first country song.
See all this and more at Bulletin boardThe roundup of the best country songs of the week below.
Willie Nelson, “Lost Cause”
Over the years, the 91-year-old Nelson has released tribute works to artists such as Frank Sinatra and Ray Price. On his upcoming LP, produced by Micah Nelson The last leaf on the tree (out November 1 via Legacy Records), Nelson once again showcases his unparalleled artistic range, reimagining songs made popular by a range of rock, jazz and soul artists including Neil Young, Keith Richards and Nina Simone. In Beck's emotionally complex rendition of “Lost Cause” (which Beck originally recorded on his 2002 album Sea change), Nelson's voice effortlessly embodies weariness and resignation as he takes a clear and determined look at the forging of an online relationship, such as “I'm tired of fighting/Fighting for a lost cause.” Mournful guitar and subdued harmonies surround, making this one of Nelson's most evocative vocal performances.
Drew Baldridge, “Tough People”
Baldridge follows the breakthrough success of “She's Somebody's Daughter” with this tribute to determined people from all walks of life, including grandmothers battling pain waiting tables on shift work, families with children battling cancer, a community that has been destroyed by a tornado and a police officer running towards danger in a school building. While weaving the different heartbreaking scenarios together, the song offers an uplifting voice of motivation to stay strong in tough times.
Ringo Starr, “Time on My Hands”
During his decades in the spotlight, Starr has made no secret of his passion for country music, ever since the Beatles' 1965 version of Buck Owens' “Act Naturally” (Owens and Starr would record a duet of the song in 1989), to Starr's second solo effort, 1970s Beaucoups of Blues. Ringo Starr dives back into country-inspired sounds, welcoming several of Nashville's esteemed artists to his upcoming country album, I look up (released in January), including Alison Krauss, Billy Strings, Larkin Poe and Molly Tuttle. “Time on my Hands” was written by T Bone Burnett, Paul Kennerly and Daniel Tashian. This superbly crafted song puts Starr's gorgeous vocals in the spotlight alongside Paul Franklin's masterful guitar playing, making for an enticing first look at the album.
Neil Perry, “If you can't, don't do it”
Perry, best known for his hits as part of brother trio The Band Perry, makes his solo debut on this raw, heartfelt track. “Sometimes I see the devil in me/ Through the cracks of who I'm meant to be,” he sings in conversational storytelling style front and center, elevated by polished production, as he begs a loved one to accept both his powers. and weirds out, but doesn't keep it from them if they can't. He approaches his solo single with a more storytelling/folk bent than his pop-country work as part of TBP, but it's a style that suits his vocals wonderfully.
Josiah and the Bonnevilles with Trampled By Turtles, “Rocky Mountain High”
Josiah Leming joins forces with Trampled By Turtles for a version of this John Denver classic, delivering an intricate swirl of guitar, banjo and harmonies. Earlier this year, they collaborated on the song during the Trampled By Turtles show at Red Rocks, with Josiah and the Bonnevilles opening. Their crystal-clear rendition builds on the Denver version, creating an open-hearted, free-flowing interpretation of this timeless ode to the scenic mountains of Colorado.
Mōriah, “Hasta Mañana“
Mexican-American songwriter Mōriah has previously scored hits in the contemporary Christian music genre and is known for her work in films and television series such as Unsung hero and The Chosen Ones. But with her country debut, she delves into her passion for both her roots and country music, combining country sounds, mariachi style and her own dark, smooth vocals for an output that's both extremely promising and with proud confidence.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/country/new-country-songs-willie-nelson-ringo-starr-neil-perry-1235812365/