Single Reviews – Page 30 – Country Universe

Single Review: Josh Turner, “Hometown Girl”

June 5, 2016 Sam Gazdziak 3

In an alternate universe, Josh Turner should be square in the middle of a long string of neo-traditionalist hit songs and albums. His baritone was tailor-made for a country song, more so than just about any other male singer in recent memory.

Single Review: Blake Shelton, “Savior’s Shadow”

June 4, 2016 Leeann Ward 4

On his newest album, If I’m Honest, Blake Shelton diverts from the album’s generally synthesized sound to take a breather for a lovely gospel gem, which he wrote with Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall.

Single Review: Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.”

June 3, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 23

A baffling mix of romanticism and religious imagery, Florida Georgia Line’s attempt at respectable music only puts their musical incompetence into sharper relief.

Single Review: Trisha Yearwood, “Broken”

April 25, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 2

One of six popular songs that Trisha Yearwood recorded for The Passion: New Orleans, “Broken” transcends its adult rock origins through its reinvention as Mary’s plaintive wail after the death of her son on the cross.

Single Review: Kenny Chesney, “Noise”

April 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 5

“We didn’t turn it on, but we can’t turn it off.”

Single Review: Blake Shelton, “Came Here to Forget”

April 4, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 2

This is the strongest song that Blake Shelton has recorded in a very long time. It’s incisively bitter, with a cold cynicism that drips with the unvarnished truth.

Single Review: Carrie Underwood, “Church Bells”

April 4, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 15

Miranda Lambert may have the reputation as the genre’s rebel girl, but I’d be a lot more nervous about crossing Carrie Underwood.

Single Review: Zac Brown Band, “Beautiful Drug”

March 9, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 5

Sometimes pushing musical boundaries reveals new depths of talent that you didn’t know an artist had.

Single Review: Reba McEntire, “Just Like Them Horses”

February 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

It’s hard to put into words how exquisitely beautiful this record is. But if you’re familiar with Reba McEntire’s body of work, I’ll start by saying this. It could be dropped, as is, into the middle of the For My Broken Heart album and not only fit in, but elevate that collection.

Single Review: Tim McGraw, “Humble and Kind”

February 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 5

There are a lot of great songs about parents wishing their kids find happiness and success. Some, like “I Hope You Dance,” have even become standards.