September 2014 – Country Universe

Single Review: Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water”

September 29, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 46

“Something in the Water” Carrie Underwood Written by Chris DeStefano, Brett James, and Carrie Underwood If anybody’s going to sing a song about the power of the water to cleanse your soul, it should be

Single Review: Florida Georgia Line, “Anything Goes”

September 28, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 32

“Anything Goes” Florida Georgia Line Written by Felix McTeigue, Chris Tompkins, and Craig Wiseman A piece of trash so shamelessly awful that it is beyond parody. Beyond comprehension. Almost beyond comment. To observe that Florida

Single Review: Tim McGraw, “Shotgun Rider”

September 28, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 7

“Shotgun Rider” Tim McGraw Written by Marv Green, Hillary Lindsey, and Troy Verges Tim McGraw’s been getting his groove back lately. Much of his new album, Sundown Heaven Town, recalls the sound of his biggest

Single Review: Blake Shelton, “Neon Light”

September 28, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 6

“Neon Light” Blake Shelton Written by Andrew Dorff, Mark Irwin, and Josh Kear Brooks & Dunn made an entire career out of honky tonk puns and play on words. “Neon Light” is a throwback to

2014 CMA Nominations

September 6, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 49

This year’s CMA nominees are the best in years, with multiple nominations for Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandy Clark. Country radio may still be shunning women, but their embrace by CMA voters suggests that

Single Review: Garth Brooks, “People Loving People”

September 5, 2014 Leeann Ward 22

“People Loving People” Garth Brooks Written by Michael Busbee, Lee Thomas Miller & Chris Wallin There is no nuanced way to say it. Garth Brooks’ long anticipated comeback single is really bad with a little