Leeann Ward

Single Review: Garth Brooks, “People Loving People”

September 5, 2014 Leeann Ward 22

“People Loving People” Garth Brooks Written by Michael Busbee, Lee Thomas Miller & Chris Wallin There is no nuanced way to say it. Garth Brooks’ long anticipated comeback single is really bad with a little

Single Review: Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down”

August 9, 2014 Leeann Ward 29

“Burnin’ it Down” Jason Aldean Written by Rodney Clawson, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, and Chris Tompkins Country music isn’t historically prudish. It covers the topical gambit of love, drinking, cheating, murder and, yes, even passion.

Song Talk: Papa Don’t Preach!

July 30, 2014 Leeann Ward 28

It’s fun to think of our favorite endearing songs about dads. We’ve even done it here at Country Universe a time or two. But let’s face it, dad’s aren’t always right and they’re not always

Song Talk: Music that Moves Me

July 12, 2014 Leeann Ward 10

My local Public Radio station has a wonderful series called Music that Moves Me, which was conceived and originally produced by the inimitable Suzanne Nance who has now (sadly for us, but happily for her)

Single Review: George Strait, “I Believe”

July 16, 2013 Leeann Ward 7

Writing a song about a current event that pulls at the heartstrings is a difficult thing to accomplish without seeming opportunistic, not to mention that the part of current fades away over time and can potentially make a song seem irrelevant as a result. It’s inevitable, however, that such songs will be written, since one of the most emotional ways to respond to a tragedy is to process feelings through music.

Round Table Album Review: LeAnn Rimes, Spitfire

June 26, 2013 Leeann Ward 12

The CU crew turns in a team effort for this stellar LeAnn Rimes album.

Retro Single Reviews: George Strait, 1992-1993

April 14, 2013 Leeann Ward 9

The comfortingly reliable George Strait mixes it up a bit during his 1992-1993 run of singles with a cover of a beloved classic, hardcore country, a surprising country rocker, and a sweet love song for good measure.

“Lovesick Blues”
1992
Peak: #24

Strait ably tackles the Hank Williams classic. He doesn’t surpass the original, but it’s cool that he brought the song back in 1992. Imagine if somebody tried to do that now.

In Memoriam: Mindy McCready, 1975-2013

February 18, 2013 Leeann Ward 13

The very sad news that Mindy McCready has taken her own life has been reported by several sources. Our hearts go out to her family and those close to her, especially her two young children.

Merry Christmas: A Christmas Card Playlist

December 24, 2012 Leeann Ward 0

I know that we’d love to send each of you a Christmas card from us, but since we can’t, here is a playlist of Christmas songs to enjoy as a stand-in, which is probably better than any card we could send anyway.

These songs are hand-picked by me as songs that I find particularly relaxing, yet still entertaining, during the chaos of the Christmas season. I hope you enjoy.

Country Universe Turns Eight: Leeann's Favorites

July 31, 2012 Leeann Ward 4

In 2007, a little over five years ago, I discovered Country Universe. At that point in my relationship with mainstream country music, I had been a diehard fan for over ten years, but was realizing that I was starting to feel less content with Top 40 country radio.