Since this little feature has been around for a year now, and you all seem to enjoy it, I’ve given it its own category, so you can more easily find all of these. This is a semi-regular affair that pops up when we’ve got enough material to warrant it and contains songs from forgettable/mediocre albums, songs from stuff we didn’t review out of deference to artists or time constraints, and songs from albums we just didn’t have much to say about but still felt some tracks deserved a feature.

Dallas Moore: “Home is Where the Highway Is

I know many people liked Dallas Moore’s album Mr. Honky Tonk–it really wasn’t for me, but it’s one where I get the appeal for those who like that “outlaw country” sound and style. I could have really picked any of these tracks to showcase because once you’ve heard one, you’ve got the idea, and basically, you’ll know who you are if you’re going to like it. It’s that typical, straightforward outlaw sound that many artists have relied upon recently, although I will say that Moore tries to go deeper than the surface with some of this and pulls this off more than many of his counterparts.

David Lee Murphy–“As the Crow Flies”

The best and most succinct descriptor for David Lee Murphy’s recent album, No Zip Code, that I’ve seen is “lame.” It’s a shame because he made some really cool music back in the 90’s; on this album, he tries to revive the ghost of bro country in lots of boring and ill-advised ways. The album has very little personality, but here’s a track that really stands out among the forgettable.

David Lee Murphy–“Voice of Reason”

Definitely a highlight on this album, a nice country rock track reminding you what David Lee Murphy is really capable of when he applies himself. More of this on the next record, please.

Western Centuries–“Earthly Justice”

This Western Centuries album is just not for me. “Earthly Justice” was the first song I heard From Songs from the Deluge, and I thought I’d really enjoy it, but it turns out to be the only one I really like. That said, a song like this is the reason this feature was born because this is a really cool song that deserves to be heard. And who knows, the album might be for you as well.

Jordan Davis–“Going ‘Round”

Now to the mainstream, and yes, that dude who produced the completely idiotic “Singles You UP” also has a couple of intelligent cuts on his album. “Going ‘Round” is the antithesis of “Singles You Up” actually, depicting a narrator who is remorseful after screwing it up with his ex, and now that he’s heard she’s broken up with her new boyfriend, he wants to get back together. But he doesn’t want to move too fast because he knows she’s hurting, and he also knows that if he hadn’t let her go, this probably wouldn’t have happened in the first place…yes, I know, actual mature, intelligent emotions. Really good song here.

Jordan Davis–“Leaving New Orleans”

Further proof on Home State that this guy has something meaningful to say comes in the closer, “Leaving New Orleans.” Here, our narrator is leaving that town and all he’s ever known because it reminds him too much of his ex…again, actual, honest emotion, and also really nice, vivid imagery of the Quarter and the things that make New Orleans unique and beautiful.

Kim Richey–“Chase Wild Horses”

Kim Richey’s Edgeland is a victim of a bad release day–it came out the same day as Lindi Ortega, Kacey Musgraves, Ashley McBryde, Red Shahan, etc. It’s partly because of time constraints and partly because I like this album better than my review would likely indicate that I leave it here; those obsessed with the rating would get caught up in the 6, but it’d be a good 6. This is one where I could have chosen several songs and the album I most recommend people listen to out of the ones featured here. If you liked the Caroline Spence album Spades and Roses from last year, you’ll have a great shot of enjoying this. I tried to display the variety here by going with these two, “Chase Wild Horses” being the more upbeat, folk rock number.

Kim Richey–“The Get Together” (featuring Mando Saenz)

The best for last, and this is a beautifully written and performed song about two friends, or exes, or really whatever relationship you want to imagine since it’s not clear, getting together because one of them is leaving. It’s something we can all relate to, and the harmonies really add a lot to this track. This one’s also more country-leaning and features some excellent steel guitar. There’s a reason this is on the March playlist for sure. Really great song, and my only regret is that this live version is all I can find to place here.