May 2020 – Country Universe

Classic Country Singles: The Judds, “Why Not Me”

May 31, 2020 Zackary Kephart 4

A single that truly reflected the Judds.

Single Review: Dolly Parton, “When Life is Good Again”

May 30, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 6

Dolly Parton taps into her bottomless reservoir of decency and empathy.

Single Review: Martina McBride, “Girls Like Me”

May 30, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 4

Songwriting by committee. For real.

Single Reviews Round-Up: Kylie Frey, Luke Combs, Gabby Barrett, Jordan Davis, & Little Big Town

May 27, 2020 Zackary Kephart 8

Luke Combs directly addresses COVID-19, Gabby Barrett delivers a disappointing sophomore single, and Little Big Town release the worst single from their otherwise great new album.

A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #580-#571

May 26, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 8

Zack joins the conversation as we work our way through the next ten entries of this purgatory of a list.

Single Review: Jake Owen, “Made For You”

May 24, 2020 Zackary Kephart 5

A good effort from Jake Owen is let down by its poor execution.

Single Review: Ingrid Andress, “The Stranger”

May 24, 2020 Zackary Kephart 7

A strong sophomore effort from Ingrid Andress.

A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #590-#581

May 23, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 10

Weak early efforts from great artists weigh down this section of the list.

The Best Singles of the Decade, Part Three: #50-#26

May 22, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 5

Tanya Tucker’s stunning comeback makes its presence known, with two of her recent singles featured alongside stellar tracks from fellow legends and a handful of breakthrough singles from then-new artists.

Single Review: Brothers Osborne, “All Night”

May 21, 2020 Zackary Kephart 0

“All Night” scans as little more than a rehash of “It Ain’t My Fault.”