Single Reviews – Page 116 – Country Universe

Kristy Lee Cook, “Fifteen Minutes of Shame”

July 23, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 14

I’m going to come right out and say it at the beginning: I like the single. Yes, Kristy Lee Cook was an instant punchline this season on American Idol, but she really impressed me when

Blake Shelton, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone”

July 22, 2008 Leeann Ward 11

Blake Shelton has, arguably, one of the strongest voices in country music today. This fact is evident on his latest single, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” While this song may be another composition about the regret

Dolly Parton, “Shinola”

July 22, 2008 Leeann Ward 2

Dolly’s had enough, and as you’d expect from Ms. Parton, she doesn’t mince words as she gives this arrogant jerk the proverbial boot: “You don’t know love from shinola/With You, love is not what I found/A

Trace Adkins, “Muddy Water”

July 22, 2008 Leeann Ward 7

Maybe he was helped by his stint in a gospel quartet, but Trace Adkins’ voice sounds like it was specifically made to sing gospel music. He sings this song of redemption with power, but does

Montgomery Gentry, “Roll With Me”

July 20, 2008 Leeann Ward 23

Montgomery Gentry slows things down with their new single, “Roll With Me.” Instead of trading lines, Troy Gentry sings lead while Eddie Montgomery provides particularly appealing harmony vocals to a rather pleasant sounding melody. Regrettably,

Review: Billy Ray Cyrus, “Somebody Said a Prayer”

July 17, 2008 Leeann Ward 37

Now, Billy Ray Cyrus may not necessarily be known for his understated vocals. In fact, he’s got some pretty effective pipes when he needs them. On this song, however, he takes the belting to a

Sara Evans, “Love You With All My Heart”

July 17, 2008 Leeann Ward 15

If you tend to embarrass easily, this song is likely to elicit some serious blushing, especially if you’re not alone when listening to it. In this steamy ballad, Sara sings of how it’s been a

Tim McGraw, “Let it Go”

July 17, 2008 Leeann Ward 6

Well, this is clearly an empowerment anthem. He’s going to rise above the pain and dark experiences that have permeated his life and try to “let it go.” It may sound cheesy, but I’m sold.

Review: Becky Schlegel, “Bound For Tennessee”

July 16, 2008 Leeann Ward 0

Those who are familiar with Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion on NPR may recognize the name of Becky Schlegel, who has performed on Keillor’s show numerous times. Her first single, “Bound For Tennessee”, retreads

Ronnie McDowell, “Hey Mr. Oilman”

July 13, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 7

You have to hand it to Ronnie McDowell. He never misses an opportunity to capitalize on what’s going on in the world around him. He launched his career with “The King is Gone”, a tribute