Country artist Nelson Colt released his second single of 2025 on September 5, dropping “That Girl Ain’t No Good” through Providence Records. The 3:24 track marks a shift from his April release “Birmingham Bound,” trading introspection for a faster, more playful energy.
The single was co-written by David Murray, Ramon Gass (also known as Ramon Martelle), and Joshua Sanmartin, who handled production duties. Recording sessions took place in a Connecticut studio and at Rome’s Bapsy Studio, giving the track an interesting cross-continental polish.
What’s immediately noticeable is the percussion. It’s got that distinctive clip-clop rhythm made with wood blocks (coconuts for the OGs who know their Foley history) that instantly conjures old Western imagery. Colt’s vocals sit comfortably in his familiar cadence, delivering the track with genuine country tradition.
The song draws inspiration from Merle Haggard’s “Kentucky Gambler” and Leonard Cohen’s “Fingerprints,” though it carves its own path. Where those tracks leaned into darker territory, “That Girl Ain’t No Good” wraps a story of romantic frustration in a jovial almost tongue-in-cheek melody. It’s the kind of song that acknowledges disappointment without wallowing in it.
Colt, who was born in Nashville and raised on a farm, has spent decades in the music industry. His career started early. He was writing songs at eight and cutting his teeth in Tennessee honky-tonks before his breakthrough single “Midnight Country Roads” changed everything. His debut album “Southern Stars” went platinum and earned him recognition from the CMA and ACM.
His approach hasn’t changed much over the years. “I’m just trying to tell stories that matter, stories about real people, real emotions, and real life. If my music makes someone feel understood or less alone, then I’ve done my job,” Colt said.
Right now, he’s on tour, bringing his mix of traditional country and original works to audiences. His catalog spans both country standards and songs written by himself and collaborators.
Providence Records, the label behind both of Colt’s 2025 releases, operates as a division of J.S. Music Productions. Fans looking to track future releases can find him on major streaming platforms. There’s talk of more music potentially coming down the line.
The single is available now on Amazon Music, Apple Music, iHeart Radio, Pandora, Spotify, and YouTube, with release details on Discogs.
