October 2007 – Country Universe

Say What? – John Rich

October 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 35

Reader Roger Newcomb suggested a thread covering recent statements from John Rich of Big & Rich regarding homosexuality. The first comment was made on a radio show in Nashville, as Rich was discussing why he

In Memoriam – Porter Wagoner: 1927-2007

October 28, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 7

Porter Wagoner passed away today, and he leaves behind a unique void that I don’t believe can ever be filled. He was country music’s ambassador, the man who loved to rock a flashy Nudie suit,

Toby Keith, “Get My Drink On”

October 28, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 5

There are a few great songs on Big Dog Daddy that are destined to be hits as soon as they’re sent to radio, and this is one of them. Relentless in his determination to drown

Reba McEntire featuring Justin Timberlake, “The Only Promise That Remains”

October 28, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

Who would’ve guessed that one of the most country things on Reba’s recent Duets project would be her collaboration with Justin Timberlake on a song that he wrote specifically for the occasion? He’s there as

Bon Jovi featuring LeAnn Rimes, “Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore”

October 28, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 4

This is featured on the latest studio albums from both artists. It’s a high point on the Bon Jovi set, where Rimes injects some needed vibrancy with her soaring vocals. Tacked on the end of

Gary Allan, Living Hard

October 26, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 3

Gary Allan Living Hard Country music is long on love song singers but short on philosophers. Too many albums released feature interchangeable romances and ruminations, tales of love gone wrong, love gone right and everything

Brooks & Dunn, “God Must Be Busy”

October 25, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 23

Way back when I was a freshman in college, my theology professor made an observation that still resonates with me today: “If you’ve never had doubt, you don’t really have faith.” This is a song

Say What? – Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Operating Officer

October 19, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 14

On the scheduled performance of Rascal Flatts with Jamie Foxx next month at the CMA awards: “This is destined to be the sort of one-of-a-kind performance the CMA Awards are known for,” said Tammy Genovese,

Carrie Speaks Out

October 18, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 8

Sorry for the delay in posts lately, but here’s something for you to read. Entertainment Weekly scored an in-depth interview with Carrie Underwood on the eve of her sophomore album release. Carnival Ride, according to

Brad Paisley, “Letter to Me”

October 13, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 14

Putting aside the fact that Alanis Morissette did the same thing with a lot more flair nine years ago on “Unsent”, Brad Paisley’s put out one of the better singles of his career, a welcome