2015 – Page 5 – Country Universe

2015 CMA Nominations

September 9, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 21

Throughout 2015, there have been rumblings of a backlash against the prevailing trends at country radio, and that backlash is certainly reflected in the year’s crop of CMA nominees.

Album Review: Darrell Scott, Ten: Songs of Ben Bullington

September 8, 2015 Larry Rogowin 3

The greatest gift a music lover can give another is leading them to a great artist they have not yet discovered

Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists: Rosanne Cash, Part One

September 7, 2015 Leeann Ward 11

The fact that Rosanne Cash is a member of country music’s most beloved family cannot be escaped, but the fact that her estimable career is based on her own incredible talent cannot be disputed.

Top Five: Going Home

September 5, 2015 Leeann Ward 23

We’ve recently discussed songs about leaving home, so it only seems right to celebrate that we can always go home again, even if it’s only in our minds or hearts sometimes.

September is upon us, which means that young adults have excitedly headed off to college while parents have sent their babies off to join the world. What are some of your favorite songs about children

Album Review: Jerry Lawson, Just a Mortal Man

September 1, 2015 Sam Gazdziak 1

The title for Jerry Lawson’s debut album became almost frighteningly prophetic last year.

Single Review: Danielle Bradbery, “Friend Zone”

August 31, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 27

It’s rare that something comes along that manages to be both so inept in its execution and so appalling in its context and implications that it’s hard to know where even to begin to dissect its failings.

Single Review: Michael Ray, “Real Men Love Jesus”

August 31, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 33

Its title is lifted from a bumper sticker, and the song itself offers just as much depth.

Favorite Females’ Covers of Females’ Songs

August 30, 2015 Tara Seetharam 27

We can thank the shortsighted radio consultant Keith Hill for one thing: drawing attention to the women of country music in a year where so many of them are making outstanding music. As their mainstream counterparts cycle through a series of one-note styles and themes, female country artists are putting out diverse and decidedly more progressive music, even as they draw influence from previous generations. That they do so while supporting each other makes it all the more impressive.

Single Review: Mo Pitney, “Boy & a Girl Thing”

August 28, 2015 Ben Foster 9

While it can be tempting to give a free pass to an artist who sounds identifiably country, the fact is a good country song does not live on steel guitar alone.

Year: 2015