Early on in this project, I decided I wouldn’t review songs that I thought were bad. Honestly, this started as a way to highlight those whom I enjoy and believe deserve another platform to promote their work. Some of these folks enjoy widespread underground and critical popularity — some even have become household-ish names.

Pretty regularly, a band or artist I know and like puts out music, and I instinctively give it a quick listen and add it to the list. If I’m being honest, I want to make sure you — my faithful readers — know I’m paying attention to the folks who matter.

This week, the next single from Waylon’s album is out, and it’s great. But everyone is talking about it, and if you like the kind of country music I like, you already know this song, have heard this song and likely saved it to your playlist. As I did. It’s just not on the New Music Tuesday list.

However, I did reflexively add “Bad Girls” by Steve Earle and Reckless Kelly. It’s got a good Red Dirt vibe and an older sound. Yet, I can’t in good conscience just leave it there. This song is a bit painful upon closer review.

Earle — who is 70 years old — and the members of Reckless Kelly — who are in their 40s and early 50s— are talking about being boys and chasing girls. The use of lines like “I don’t need a ride or die/ I just need somebody who will hang on tight” and so many other cliches distract from what really could have been an incredible song about aging.

While the song remains on my list, it’s not what I wanted it to be on my first listen. And honestly, there is an ick factor regarding the girls' and boys' language. Earle and Reckless have long sung about these themes, but I wanted the topic to age with them.

Perhaps a more pointed exploration of the answer to this question would have scratched my itch:

The last verse attempts to address these themes, but it never really gets there.

Anyway, here are some other songs that I just really like.

Fresh off opening for Braxton Keith at the Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels, Janita comes out with this twangy, sad song that hits just right. I’ve been on the Hannah train for a while, and if all is right with the world (which it isn’t) she’ll be headlining similar kinds of shows in the near future.

Fresh off his new record deal with Gar Hole, Jonny “Dad Country” Fritz has come out of the gate swinging. No one is ever safe from Fritz, but the folks who are thinking backwards are taking a beating in this fast-paced jam.

ME TOO. McGee and Plaisance trade verses of a song that leaves me laughing and wondering if they are getting at something bigger. Regardless, I like this one and you should check it out.

I’ve been digging into the Bakersfield scene for a story, as of late, and I found that LHM put out an album earlier this month of all live versions of classic country and rockabilly songs. These guys have several originals out that also hold up, but these covers kick prestigious amounts of backside and I like every one of these songs, the respect they show for the originals and their influences that impact the delivery of their versions.

I get the desire to leave the city, but I was never able to make it sound this good.

This song came to my attention via . With a neo-neo-traditional feel, the song delivers a well-crafted set of lyrics in a mainstream adjacent sound.

I can’t get enough of this Worthington guy. I’ll say it, because it has to be said, he should be the face and sound of the ‘90s revival. And honestly, I’m not sure why he isn’t beyond the superficial. His music is more diverse, interesting and better than others in this sub-genre — when this is all said and done, we’re going to be talking about Jake more than anyone else. Will Banister is cool, too.

Every once in a while, we get surprised by one of the majors. The addition of Conley — who has seen some success in her solo career — elevates Owen’s song to another level. Unsurprisingly, we see Shooter Jennings’ name in the production credits. Couldn’t keep a Jennings off the list.