2016 – Page 14 – Country Universe

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.

Sunday Selections: May 22, 2016

May 22, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 4

We’re really, really, really tired of having taglines about music legends who have died.

Sunday Selections: May 15, 2016

May 15, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 3

Rhiannon Giddens goes Broadway, Kris Kristofferson gets boxed, and Beyoncé survives being Dixie Chicked, all in this week’s Sunday Selections!

Sunday Selections: May 8, 2016

May 8, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 7

It’s going down this week, and Keith Urban is the one yelling, “Timber,” with Pitbull.

Dixie Chicks Revisited: Wide Open Spaces

May 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 11

Released in 1998, Wide Open Spaces established the Dixie Chicks as superstars right out of the gate. It produced five top ten hits, including three #1 singles, and sold more than twelve million copies in the United States alone. It remains their biggest selling album to date. But is it among their best?

Sunday Selections: May 1, 2016

May 1, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 12

Merle Haggard passed away on April 6th, and it has taken just about 20 days for people to try to politicize his death.

Single Review: Trisha Yearwood, “Broken”

April 25, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 2

One of six popular songs that Trisha Yearwood recorded for The Passion: New Orleans, “Broken” transcends its adult rock origins through its reinvention as Mary’s plaintive wail after the death of her son on the cross.