Country Universe

Sunday Selections: November 22, 2015

November 22, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 9

Earlier this week, writer and friend-of-Country Universe C.M. Wilcox announced that he was shuttering his blog, Country California. The crew here have long been admirers of the sharp, insightful writing and wry humor that Country California brought to the country music blogosphere, and we all wish Chris the best in his new ventures.

Single Review: Rascal Flatts, “I Like the Sound of That”

November 18, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 4

A solid chorus and a pleasantly twangy arrangement make the new Rascal Flatts single listenable.

Single Review: Sam Hunt, “Break Up in a Small Town”

November 18, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 8

I just don’t get Sam Hunt.

Single Review: Jason Aldean, “Gonna Know We Were Here”

November 18, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 4

Trite, pointless radio filler that doesn’t bother to make an attempt at originality or substance.

Happy Veterans Day

November 11, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 9

In honor of my late father, a U.S. Navy veteran, here is his favorite soldier song.

Single Review: Keith Urban, “Break on Me”

November 10, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 4

I feel like I’ve heard this a million times before, and that the thrill of discovery that used to be an integral part of hearing new Keith Urban music is well behind us now.

Single Review: Eric Church, “Mr. Misunderstood”

November 8, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 10

Not sure if he’s misunderstood so much as underappreciated, but that’s beside the point, isn’t?

2015 CMA Live Blog

November 4, 2015 Ben Foster 31

Entertainer of the Year: Luke Bryan Male Vocalist: Chris Stapleton Female Vocalist: Miranda Lambert Vocal Group: Little Big Town Album: Chris Stapleton, Traveller Vocal Duo: Florida Georgia Line New Artist: Chris Stapleton Song: “Girl Crush” – Liz Rose, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey

CMA Awards 2015 – Staff Picks & Predictions

November 1, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 14

The 49th Annual Country Music Association Awards will be handed out on Wednesday, November 4. Once again, the ceremony is hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.

Here are the personal picks and predictions from the Country Universe staff.

Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists: Carrie Underwood

October 25, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 13

Since Country Universe launched eleven years ago, there have only been a handful of new country artists that I’ve truly enjoyed. Out of all of them, there hasn’t been another artist I’ve consistently enjoyed as much as Carrie Underwood.