2016 – Page 17 – Country Universe

2016 Grammy Awards: Staff Picks & Predictions

February 14, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 19

The good folks at NARAS know how to keep things interesting, producing yet another diverse crop of nominees in the general, country, and country-adjacent fields.

Here are the personal picks from some of our contributing staff, along with who we predict will take home the gold tomorrow.

Sunday Selections: February 14, 2016

February 14, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 4

The season of inexplicable artist PR continues. Last week, we had Chase Rice insisting that his aLBuM is going to be super deep and meaningful even though its lead single is the same venal garbage

Album Review: Buddy Miller & Friends, Cayamo Sessions at Sea

February 13, 2016 Guest Contributor 5

With a steady job as executive music producer for ABC-TV’s Nashville, as well as a hectic schedule in his own studio, Buddy Miller does not often release a new album. When he finally does, it’s bound to be excellent. Buddy Miller & Friends: Cayamo Sessions at Sea features Miller supporting some of Americana’s top artists. It demonstrates not only his sublime artistry, but his talent of nudging great singers into even greater performances.

Lorrie Morgan on Life, Music and Letting Go

February 8, 2016 Ben Foster 5

It’s been over five years since Lorrie Morgan has released a new solo country album, but her fans’ wait comes to an end with the February 12 release of her new album Letting Go…Slow on Shanachie Entertainment. The twelve-track set features previously unheard material alongside covers of classic hits by Patsy Cline, Bobbie Gentry, Vern Gosdin, Larry Gatlin, Bob Dylan and Earl Thomas Conley. The award-winning recording artist recently took some time out of her busy schedule to discuss the new project with media via conference call.

Sunday Selections: February 7, 2016

February 7, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 5

We just kind of can’t with this year’s ACM nominees.

Single Review: Reba McEntire, “Just Like Them Horses”

February 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

It’s hard to put into words how exquisitely beautiful this record is. But if you’re familiar with Reba McEntire’s body of work, I’ll start by saying this. It could be dropped, as is, into the middle of the For My Broken Heart album and not only fit in, but elevate that collection.

Single Review: Tim McGraw, “Humble and Kind”

February 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 5

There are a lot of great songs about parents wishing their kids find happiness and success. Some, like “I Hope You Dance,” have even become standards.

Sunday Selections: January 31, 2016

January 31, 2016 Ben Foster 7

The final week of January was a big one for Aubrie Sellers, who gave her first television performance, released her first album, and appears poised for an outstanding 2016. Elsewhere a fairly light news week which includes a short but solid list of new releases as well as troubles for Jamey Johnson, Tyler Farr and Katie Armiger.

Nashville Scene‘s 16th Annual Country Music Critics’ Poll – The Year of Chris Stapleton

January 29, 2016 Ben Foster 2

This week Nashville Scene released the results of its 16th annual country music critics poll. Country Universe is proud to be represented with voter participation from Kevin Coyne, Tara Seetharam, Jonathan Keefe and Sam Gazdziak. The article also includes published commentary from Sam and Tara.

Single Review: Brandy Clark, “Girl Next Door”

January 28, 2016 Larry Rogowin 9

Brandy Clark has been responsible for some of the best songs in country music this decade – much of them from her extraordinary debut album, 12 Stories (2013).