2016 – Page 8 – Country Universe

Single Review: Lauren Alaina, “Road Less Traveled”

October 25, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 4

The great irony of Lauren Alaina’s “Road Less Traveled” is that the song’s lyrics rely entirely on clichéd images and turns-of-phrase while attempting to empower individuality and personal expression.

Single Review: Margo Price, “Four Years of Chances”

October 24, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 4

What makes the song a should-be classic is Price’s performance, which is a masterful bit of interpretive singing.

Sunday Selections: October 23, 2016

October 23, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 6

It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas, and it isn’t even Halloween yet.

Single Review: Tucker Beathard, “Momma and Jesus”

October 21, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

I’m beginning to suspect that enjoyment of contemporary country music requires a complete lack of familiarity with what came before it.

Single Review: Kelsea Ballerini, “Yeah Boy”

October 20, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

Nah, girl.

Single Review: Old Dominion, “Song for Another Time”

October 19, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 7

This is a song about too many songs.

Single Review: Brandy Clark, “Love Can Go to Hell”

October 18, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 6

Country radio could cure most of its ails through two simple steps: adding more songs written by Brandy Clark into heavy rotation, and adding Brandy Clark herself into heavy rotation.

Single Review: Blake Shelton, “A Guy With a Girl”

October 17, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 2

To his credit, you can always count on Blake Shelton to make competent music that is professionally done.

Sunday Selections: October 16, 2016

October 16, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 1

We’re only 23 days away from the election, y’all.

Single Review: Garth Brooks, “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance”

October 14, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 4

There’s a joy to this record that is directly connected to a warm feeling of rediscovery.