Single Reviews – Page 114 – Country Universe

Ricochet, “I Had to Be Me”

August 22, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

Ricochet returns to the radiowaves with “I Had to Be Me”, a song about stubborn resistance and man’s unwillingness to swallow his pride to salvage a relationship. Although the band has experienced changes in their

Chris “Abby” Abbondanza, “Promised Land”

August 22, 2008 Guest Contributor 6

Abbondanza is likely an unfamiliar name in the country ranks, but he first achieved success as a member of the Pennsylvania-based band Povertyneck Hillbillies. With the group taking an indefinite break, Abbondanza attempts to go

John Rich, “Raisin’ McCain”

August 17, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 13

With “Raisin’ McCain”, John Rich has managed to do the seemingly impossible: make the life of Senator John McCain seem terribly uninteresting. Rich’s relentless repetition of a poorly crafted hook and the interference of guitars

Jake Owen, “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You”

August 17, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 5

Jake Owen has a powerful voice, and he can pull off a traditional country wail better than most of his fellow newcomers. On his new single, that ability takes a backseat, as he opts for

Chris Cagle, “Never Ever Gone”

August 17, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 1

This is one of those records that adds up to less than the sum of its parts. Cagle’s vocal is fully engaged, there are some cool guitar licks, and the hook is pretty strong. However,

Joey + Rory, “Cheater, Cheater”

August 14, 2008 Leeann Ward 37

“Cheater, Cheater”, the debut song from Joey + Rory, made me laugh out loud. This husband and wife duo, who has recently emerged from CMT’s Can You Duet, doesn’t mince words. In the song, Joey

Miranda Lambert, “More Like Her”

August 13, 2008 Leeann Ward 20

If people were to judge Miranda Lambert’s songwriting abilities by what they have heard on the radio, they might be justified in assuming that her strength lied in songs steeped in defiant attitude. They may

John Mellencamp, “My Sweet Love”

August 12, 2008 Leeann Ward 8

John Mellencamp’s “My Sweet Love” is surprisingly addictive. Lines such as “It sure would feel good to feel good again”, celebrate the feelings that accompany new found love. Its purposeful retro feel, rapid drum beat

Patty Loveless, “Why, Baby, Why”

August 12, 2008 Guest Contributor 8

Patty Loveless is back with the first track from her much-anticipated classic covers album. “Why, Baby, Why”, her version of the 1955 George Jones song, is brimming with attitude and is a satisfying trip down

Josh Turner, “Everything Is Fine”

August 9, 2008 Leeann Ward 2

Two of my favorite things about Josh Turner are aptly displayed in “Everything Is Fine.” One is that he utilizes his lower register to great effect. Furthermore, his fine vocals are supported by a decidedly