August 2020 – Country Universe

Single Review: Chris Stapleton, “Starting Over”

August 30, 2020 Zackary Kephart 2

“Starting Over” signals an underwhelming return for Chris Stapleton.

A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #470-#461

August 29, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 10

Help us make it through another ten entries of this endless list.

Album Review: Karen Jonas, The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams

August 27, 2020 Zackary Kephart 1

The Southwest Sky and Other Dreams offers a sharp refinement to Karen Jonas’ scope and writing that’s among her best yet.

Album Review Roundup: Kree Harrison, Tim McGraw, and Josh Turner

August 26, 2020 Zackary Kephart 6

Kree Harrison delivers a solid sophomore release, Tim McGraw makes his return with a bloated effort, and Josh Turner releases a labor of love in this roundup post.

A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #480-#471

August 25, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 16

A few nuggets from the goldmine in this section, but the rest of it should’ve gotten the shaft.

Album Review: Taylor Swift, folklore

August 24, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 5

Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album is the purest showcase yet for her formidable songwriting talents.

In Memoriam: Justin Townes Earle (1982-2020)

August 24, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 2

Americana artist Justin Townes Earle has passed away at the age of 38.

Yesterday’s Songs: August 20, 1997

August 20, 2020 Zackary Kephart 5

We revive an old Country Universe favorite by looking at the top songs on this date in 1997.

Album Review Roundup: Arlo McKinley, Eric Paslay, and Gretchen Peters

August 20, 2020 Zackary Kephart 1

Arlo McKinley lives up to expectations, Eric Paslay suffers from a sophomore slump, and Gretchen Peters honors Mickey Newbury.

Album Review Roundup: Caylee Hammack, Orville Peck, and Mo Pitney

August 18, 2020 Zackary Kephart 6

Caylee Hammack releases a solid debut, Orville Peck inches closer to greatness and Mo Pitney suffers from a sophomore slump.