Nation music’s evolution is effectively represented within the 2023 GRAMMY nominees for Greatest Nation Solo Efficiency. From crossover pop hooks to red-dirt outlaw roots, the style’s most celebrated components are on full show — because of rising stars, main women and nation icons.
Longtime hitmaker Miranda Lambert delivered a soulful efficiency on the rootsy ballad “In His Arms,” an association as sparing because the windswept west Texas highlands the place she co-wrote the music. Viral newcomer Zach Bryan dug into comparable natural territory on the Oklahoma facet of the Pink River for “One thing within the Orange,” his voice accompanied with little greater than an acoustic guitar.
Two of nation’s 2010s breakout stars are clearly nonetheless shining, too, as Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini each acquired Greatest Nation Solo Efficiency GRAMMY nods. Morris channeled the dedication that drove her leap-of-faith transfer from Texas to Nashville for the playful clap-along “Circles Round This City,” whereas Ballerini introduced poppy hooks with a rustic edge on the infectiously upbeat “HEARTFIRST.”
Rounding out the class is the one and solely Willie Nelson, who paid tribute to his late good friend Billy Joe Shaver with a canopy of “Stay Perpetually” — a becoming sentiment for the 89-year-old legend, who’s approaching his eighth decade within the enterprise.
As the thrill builds for the 2023 GRAMMYs on Feb. 5, 2023, let’s take a more in-depth take a look at this yr’s nominees for Greatest Nation Solo Efficiency.
Kelsea Ballerini — “HEARTFIRST”
Zach Bryan — “One thing In The Orange”
Miranda Lambert — “In His Arms”
Maren Morris — “Circles Round This City”
Willie Nelson — “Stay Perpetually”
