Friday, March 4, 2016 – Loretta Lynn returns with her first album in a dozen years, while Granger Smith makes his full-length label debut.Lynn is out with “Full Circle,” her first since 2004’s “Van Lear Rose.” John Carter Cash and Patsy Lynn Russell co-produced the 14 songs, which includes new songs, covers and re-recordings. Elvis Costello sings on “Everything It Takes,” and Willie Nelson closes out the set with “Lay Me Down.”

Smith, a Texas artist, has gained success with the single “Backroad Song.” That was on an EP out last year, but the song returns on “Remington.” Smith has an alter ego, Earl Dibbles Jr., who is a country hick. He appears on a few songs.

Bluegrass artist honors “Family, Friends and Heroes” on his latest, which does not include his backing band Dirty Kitchen as the group, but band members do help out. Solivan makes this a family affair with his father and late mother singing on the disc. Songs include “Wayfaring Stranger” and “Pretty Woman.”