Single Reviews – Page 80 – Country Universe

Summer Single Reviews Round-Up: Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Jerrod Niemann, Zac Brown Band, Dierks Bentley

July 12, 2011 Tara Seetharam 14

We’re halfway through the summer months, which means we’ve heard the handful of summer-oriented singles played on the radio approximately 17,283 times by now. In keeping with CU’s retro theme, let’s hit the singles we missed upon their initial release (sorry y’all!).

Luke Bryan, “Country Girl (Shake it For Me)”

Written by Luke Bryan & Dallas Davidson

Whereas Jason Aldean would likely have soaked this dance number in aggression, Bryan melts away its sexist edge by layering it with goofiness and playful energy. The result is a shamelessly catchy ditty that makes me want to shake it for the squirrels. Filed under: things I never thought I’d say. Grade: B

Retro Single Review: George Strait, “If You’re Thinking You Want a Stranger (There’s One Coming Home)”

July 11, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 2

1982 | Peak: #3

If Strait’s voice wasn’t so distinctive and familiar, you could be forgiven for mistaking this for Johnny Lee’s “Looking For Love.”

Retro Single Review: Tim McGraw, “Two Steppin’ Mind”

July 11, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 0

1993 | Peak: #71

The first two singles from Tim’s debut album had their good points. This one doesn’t.

Single Reviews: Blake Shelton, “Honey Bee” and “God Gave Me You”

July 9, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 19

Though the genre has boasted some great album artists over the years, country music remains the most singles-driven format. Albums are often just singles with a bunch of filler. But what to do when the singles are the filler?

Retro Single Review: Dolly Parton, “Just Because I’m a Woman”

July 8, 2011 Leeann Ward 5

1968 | Peak: #17

While we continue to notice tangible gender inequities in country music today, particularly the ratio of male artists versus female artists that are played on mainstream radio, the gap between what male and female artists can sing about has narrowed considerably. Moreover, it’s certainly not uncommon to hear a range of topics from female singers that reveal the strength of independent minded, empowered women.

Retro Single Review: Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton, “Holdin’ On to Nothin'”

July 5, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 2

1968 | Peak: #7

A large part of the appeal of these classic duets is that it feels like you’re eavesdropping on a real couple.

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, “I’d Love You All Over Again”

July 4, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 2

1991 | Peak: #1

One of the cool things about country music is that it gives voice to older thoughts, emotions, and milestones.

It’s hard to imagine a pop star celebrating ten years of marriage on their debut album, that’s for sure. Written as a gift to his wife, Jackson honors their matrimony with a simple statement of awe and appreciation.

Retro Single Review: Shania Twain, “You Lay a Whole Lot of Love On Me”

July 4, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 4

1993 | Did Not Chart

After two singles that peaked at #55, the final release from Shania Twain didn’t even chart, though the music video did receive decent rotation on CMT.

Single Review: Ronnie Dunn, “Cost of Livin'”

July 3, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 11

A masterpiece that is as timely as it is well-written and performed.

If only it could be played on repeat in Washington until the existence of the working poor was recognized.

Retro Single Review: George Strait, “Down and Out”

July 1, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 0

1981 | Peak: #16

With a fiddle section nearly as good as the one that powered “Unwound”, it’s easy to imagine this filling the honky-tonk floors just as quickly.