June 2016 – Country Universe

Say What? – Cam on the Unifying Power of Music

June 28, 2016 Tara Seetharam 7

Earlier this month, Cam gave an incisive NPR interview to Country Universe favorite Jewly Hight, in which the former psychology grad student shared her thoughts on the unifying power of music.

Sunday Selections: June 26, 2016

June 26, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 6

2016 has claimed yet another icon in “Doctor” Ralph Stanley.

Sunday Selections: June 12, 2016

June 12, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 10

What would the Dixie Chicks’ first US tour in a decade be without at least a little bit of controversy?

Single Review: Keith Urban, “Wasted Time”

June 10, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 5

To his credit, you can tell a Keith Urban record is a Keith Urban record as soon as it starts.

Single Review: Luke Bryan, “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day”

June 10, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

Any singer or songwriter attempting to write the definitive country pride anthem needs to take one long look at this title and walk away.

Sunday Selections: June 5th, 2016

June 5, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 21

Break out the eye-drops, gang, this one’s a longread!

Single Review: Josh Turner, “Hometown Girl”

June 5, 2016 Sam Gazdziak 3

In an alternate universe, Josh Turner should be square in the middle of a long string of neo-traditionalist hit songs and albums. His baritone was tailor-made for a country song, more so than just about any other male singer in recent memory.

Single Review: Blake Shelton, “Savior’s Shadow”

June 4, 2016 Leeann Ward 4

On his newest album, If I’m Honest, Blake Shelton diverts from the album’s generally synthesized sound to take a breather for a lovely gospel gem, which he wrote with Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall.

Single Review: Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.”

June 3, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 23

A baffling mix of romanticism and religious imagery, Florida Georgia Line’s attempt at respectable music only puts their musical incompetence into sharper relief.

Dixie Chicks Revisited: Fly

June 2, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

Last night, the Dixie Chicks kicked off the North American leg of their MMXVI tour, their fourth headlining tour across the United States. Sixteen years ago, they launched their first, in support of their second major label release, Fly.