2015 – Page 23 – Country Universe

Single Review: Keith Urban with Eric Church, “Raise ‘Em Up”

March 4, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 7

“Raise ‘Em Up” Keith Urban with Eric Church Written by Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston and Jeffrey Steele A collaboration between Keith Urban and Eric Church was bound to have personality and charm, but what the

Album Review: Kimmie Rhodes, Cowgirl Boudoir

March 3, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 1

Kimmie Rhodes Cowgirl Boudoir Though she’s recorded steadily since the late 80s, Texas singer-songwriter Kimmie Rhodes hasn’t enjoyed either the commercial or critical cachet of many of the other alt-country and Americana acts. Both Wynonna

Single Review: Eric Church, “Talladega”

March 3, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 10

“Talladega” Eric Church Written by Eric Church and Luke Laird Nostalgia works a lot better when the one indulging in it has put some time and distance between them and the memories.

Single Review: Chase Bryant, “Take it On Back”

March 3, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 15

“Take it On Back” Chase Bryant Written by Dylan Altman, Chase Bryant, and Tommy Lee James How many times can the title be repeated in a song? I thought Little Texas had answered that question

Single Review: Dierks Bentley, “Say You Do”

March 2, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 12

“Say You Do” Dierks Bentley Written by Shane McAnally, Matt Ramsey, and Trevor Rosen Dierks Bentley’s at the top of his game right now. “Say You Do” demonstrates why. It’s subtle, it’s smart, and it’s

Single Review: Randy Houser, “Like a Cowboy”

March 2, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 12

“Like a Cowboy” Randy Houser Written by Randy Houser and Brice Long It’s hard not to be impressed by Randy Houser’s resilience. His ability to build an audience with a reasonably country sound, all while

Single Review: Tim McGraw with Catherine Dunn, “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools”

March 1, 2015 Leeann Ward 11

“Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” Tim McGraw with Catherine Dunn Written by Barry Dean, Luke Laird, and Jonathan Singleton Tim McGraw should be applauded for finally meeting the potential that many of us had hoped

Single Review: Jason Aldean, “Just Gettin’ Started”

March 1, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 12

“Just Gettin’ Started” Jason Aldean Written by Rhett Akins, Chris DeStefano, and Ashley Gorley Competently performed. Creatively stagnant. Completely unnecessary. Grade: D

Single Review: Cole Swindell, “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey”

February 28, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 11

“Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” Cole Swindell Written by Josh Martin, Adam Sanders, and Cole Swindell Cole Swindell makes the case to the lady that burned him that there are a ton of good reasons he

Single Review: Eric Paslay, “She Don’t Love You”

February 28, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 11

“She Don’t Love You” Eric Paslay Written by Eric Paslay and Jennifer Wayne Any time a new country single invites comparisons to “Life Turned Her That Way”, you know you’re in for something good.