Articles by Kevin John Coyne
William Ward joins Country Universe
I am proud to announce a new staff member at Country Universe!
William Ward has been a regular contributor to discussions on this site since his wife and CU editor Leeann Ward became a lead writer in early 2008. He is joining Country Universe in a special capacity. As Online Marketing and Publicity Director, he will be primarily responsible for promoting and publicizing Country Universe through various online outlets, including social networking sites.
Please join me in welcoming William Ward to Country Universe. Here is his bio:
William Ward is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He has earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in English and a Bachelor’s of Liberal Studies in Cultural Studies from the University of Maine, Presque Isle; he also completed a Master’s of Arts in Orientation and Mobility from Western Michigan University. William became Online Marketing and Publicity Director at Country Universe in March 2009.
Jo Dee Messina, “Shine”
Jo Dee Messina’s singles generally into two categories: empowering anthems and sardonic kiss-off numbers. Her best singles, like “Bye Bye” and “Downtime”, are a little bit of both.
Given the title, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out which type of song “Shine” is. She’s had enough of looking at the glass half empty and is now determined to live her life to the fullest, taking every moment that she can to shine.
It’s decent enough, but the problem with releasing so many songs in the same vein is that the new releases are invariably stacked up against the old ones. In this case, the comparison does “Shine” few favors.
It doesn’t feature the energetic spark normally associated with Messina’s spurts of positivity, and she sounds more resigned to her life rather than reinvigorated by it. It doesn’t help that the production has such little luster, a strange choice to make for a song that is trumpeting the sunny side of life.
Aaron Tippin Starter Kit
Starter Kits are Country Universe’s way of introducing country music fans to an artist that they might not be fully aware of. This Starter Kit features Aaron Tippin, who will soon enter his third decade as a country recording artist.
Tippin was a hit from the beginning, launching his career with a gold-selling debut album. Over the course of the nineties and early 2000s, he would reach that sales level multiple times, racking up several top ten hits along the way. He recently released In Overdrive, a solid collection of truck driving anthems.
The Starter Kit includes one track from this recent release, along with nine others from throughout Tippin’s career that are required listening. As always, let me know what was missed in the comments.
“You’ve Got to Stand For Something” from the 1991 album You’ve Got to Stand For Something
Tippin established his artistic identity immediately with his debut single. Pride in family, pride in country, and pride in your beliefs are themes that Tippin would revisit frequently over the years, making much of his best music in the process.
“There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong With the Radio” from the 1992 album Read Between the Lines
Tippin scored a huge hit with this ode to his car radio, the only part of his vehicle that isn’t falling apart.
“I Wouldn’t Have it Any Other Way” from the 1992 album Read Between the Lines
One of his many hits to champion the underdog, the accompanying video clip has him playing a factory worker who rallies for better working conditions.
Award Shows
ACM 2014: Final Thoughts The CU staff reflects on country music’s springtime festivities, which ended with a triumphant win by George Strait.
Interview
A Conversation with Jamie O’Neal Ben Foster sits down with the “There is No Arizona” singer for a chat about her new album.
Single Reviews
Latest Single Reviews Check out our latest reviews of current hits and promising tracks from Kacey Musgraves, Tim McGraw, and more.