May 2008 – Page 3 – Country Universe

Review: Chris Young, “Voices”

May 25, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 13

A fittingly respectful and appreciative look back at the positive role models that have shaped his life. I’m not crazy about the conceit of the chorus, “I hear voices all the time”, which plays off

Ashley Gearing, “Out the Window”

May 25, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 1

Gearing had a chart hit way back in 2003, and is a contender again this year now that she’s resurfaced on Curb Records. “Out the Window” is one of those “young girl throws caution to

Kellie Pickler, “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful”

May 24, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 15

Pickler debuted this single on last week’s ACM awards to a great response, and no wonder. She was saddled with quite a bit of disposable material on her debut album, but “Don’t You Know You’re

Sugarland, “All I Want To Do”

May 24, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 14

Sugarland is back with the lead single from Love On the Inside, which they debuted on the ACM awards earlier this week. It’s a laid back song with Nettles not pushing the twang as much

100 Greatest Women, #43: Aunt Molly Jackson

May 24, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 3

100 Greatest Women #43 Aunt Molly Jackson Country music has long been credited as speaking for the common man. Alan Jackson sang of the “Little Man” in the late nineties, while Merle Haggard sang the

100 Greatest Women, #44: Skeeter Davis

May 23, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 7

100 Greatest Women #44 Skeeter Davis She was never supposed to be a solo act. Her high, thin voice made her perfectly suited to play harmony to another vocalist’s lead. But after a tragic car

100 Greatest Women, #45: Cousin Emmy

May 21, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 1

100 Greatest Women #45 Cousin Emmy Due to its continued existence and legendary roster, the Grand Ole Opry has long been the most well-known country radio show. But it wasn’t the only one, and each

Toby Keith, 35 Biggest Hits

May 21, 2008 Leeann Ward 11

Toby Keith 35 Biggest Hits As the title suggests, Keith’s third greatest hits package collects 35 of his biggest hits. It is a two disc set that spans his career starting with his very first

100 Greatest Women, #46: Janie Fricke

May 20, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 3

100 Greatest Women #46 Janie Fricke There aren’t that many singers who emerge from the background to become stars in their own right. Then again, there aren’t that many who are able to make six

Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Essential Country Albums

May 20, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 20

Entertainment Weekly has named what they consider “25 Country Albums You Need to Hear (Even if You Hate Country Music.)” It’s an interesting list which has some clearly essential albums (Johnny Cash, Dixie Chicks, Dwight