Single Reviews – Page 131 – Country Universe

George Strait, “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls”

August 10, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 17

George Strait has a knack for finding interesting songs that take surprising twists. His delivery is so casual and unassuming that the lyrics sneak up on you. I was ready to write this off

Jennifer Hanson, “Joyride”

August 10, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 3

This may be the best Sheryl Crow record that Sheryl Crow never made, a nice little cross between “Every Day is a Winding Road” and “Steve McQueen.” Given that I was half-dreading, half-hoping that this

Little Big Town, “I’m With the Band”

August 8, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

This is mid-seventies country-rock done really, really well. If I didn’t already own the Almost Famous soundtrack, I’d swear this was on it. They’re letting their roots show, and it’s a flattering sound for them.

Taylor Swift, “Our Song”

August 6, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 10

This song has been among the top country downloads for weeks, even though it’s yet to be a single. Hearing it, it’s easy to see why. Swift’s success is being powered by a startlingly passionate

Big & Rich, “Between Raising Hell & Amazing Grace”

August 6, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 3

The lyrics are great, and they should be knocking this one out of the park. Somehow, they just don’t. It sounded good within the context of the album, but it’s a bit of a slog

Jason Aldean, “Laughed Until We Cried”

August 6, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 5

I like the song and I like the artist, so it’s good to hear him back with something strong. This is a big improvement over “Johnny Cash.” I’m a sucker for these three act

Review: Suzy Bogguss, “In Heaven”

August 2, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 4

Her voice is still as pure and clear as a mountain stream, and she instinctively knows the great truth about singing that too many women these days never learned: it’s not about power, it’s about

Alan Jackson, “It’s All About Him”

July 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 5

A spiritual ballad that absolutely soars. Borrowing the title from his wife Denise’s new book about their marriage, and co-written with her to boot, this is a classic country gospel song that you rarely hear

Carrie Underwood, “So Small”

July 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 12

She’s a little older, and a little wiser, this Carrie Underwood. Surfacing as a co-writer on the lead single from her mega-anticipated sophomore set, she’s singing about the importance of loving one another, and not

Rascal Flatts, “Revolution”

July 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 15

The most unintentionally funny record of the year. Indeed, perhaps of the decade. If I thought they actually understood the meaning of the song, I’d accuse them of hubris. But they seem about as aware