2014 – Page 4 – Country Universe

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

100 Greatest Men: #1. Merle Haggard

August 15, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 14

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List The Poet of the Common Man. Merle Haggard emerged from the Bakersfield music scene in the mid-sixties, and over the course of time, became the greatest man in the

100 Greatest Men: #2. George Jones

August 15, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 2

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List Quite possibly country music’s most distinctive vocalist, George Jones wrapped his distinguished vocals around great songs for more than five decades. Jones was born and raised in Texas, and

100 Greatest Men: #3. Willie Nelson

August 15, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 1

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List He started out as an unconventional songwriter trying to be a conventional artist. But when Willie Nelson let his hair down, he became a country legend for the ages.

100 Greatest Men: #4. Johnny Cash

August 15, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 9

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List Known affectionately as the Man in Black, Johnny Cash is a figure who has towered over popular music, casting a long shadow over the history of both country and

100 Greatest Men: #5. Hank Williams

August 15, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 1

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List So epic was his life story, and so tragic its ending, that it’s easy to forget a simple truth: Hank Williams was one of the strongest vocalists and songwriters