Single Reviews – Page 115 – Country Universe

LeAnn Rimes, "What I Cannot Change"

August 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 16

Simply put, this is the finest single of LeAnn Rimes' career, which already stretches longer than a decade and has included such gems as “Blue” and “Probably Wouldn't Be This Way.” Rimes co-wrote this spin

Melissa Lawson, “What If It All Goes Right”

August 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 20

The good thing about reality singing competitions: a strong singer gets a shot at stardom that they might not get otherwise. The bad thing about reality singing competitions: if they win, they’re saddled with a

Josh Gracin, “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)”

August 8, 2008 Leeann Ward 6

While this song may not be quite as steamy as Sara Evans’ latest single, “Love You With All My Heart”, it seems to focus on the intimacies of the Gracin relationship. As indicated in the

Todd Snider, “Mission Accomplished (Because You Gotta Have Faith)”

August 5, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 7

Todd Snider has the social conscience of a Rodney Crowell, mixed with the wry, detached humor of a Mitch Hedberg. Too many artists lose their sense of humor when they attempt to make social commentary,

Kenny Chesney, “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven”

July 30, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 57

There’s an essential truth forming the foundation of Kenny Chesney’s new single: we all want to go to Heaven, but we don’t want to go today. I enjoyed the lyric, which I initially dismissed as

Trent Willmon, "Cold Beer and a Fishin' Pole"

July 27, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 1

“Cold Beer and a Fishin' Pole” is a title that would make new Hall of Famer Tom T. Hall beam with pride. He might be thrown off by the odd electronic effects throughout the record,

Buddy Jewell, "This Ain't Mexico"

July 27, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 103

Buddy Jewell's message to Mexicans: We like your drinks. We like your food. We just don't like you. Charming. Tell me again how this guy bea t out Miranda Lambert? Written by Buddy Jewell &

Justin Moore, "Back That Thing Up"

July 27, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 4

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed that this isn't a countrified version of the Juvenile hit. Alas, it's just a hillbilly rave-up that finds a country boy trying to get a city

Hayes Carll, "It's a Shame"

July 27, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 2

His song “She Left Me For Jesus” was one of those rare intentionally funny songs, but Hayes Carll is just as capable of turning in a sincere and reflective song of unrequited love. His vocal

Darryl Worley, "Tequila on Ice"

July 27, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 7

Worley goes mellow on his first single for his new label, Stroudavarious Records. The song is so laid back that it's easy to miss the charming lyric. While it's nice to hear him explore the