Country Universe

Single Review: Reba McEntire, “Back to God”

February 8, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 6

Have you ever heard the story of the Drowning Man?

Single Review: Zac Brown Band, “My Old Man”

February 7, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 3

Intimate and heartfelt, “My Old Man” is a refreshing showcase of the raw talent that Zac Brown has at his disposal.

Single Review: Sam Hunt, “Body Like a Back Road”

February 6, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 10

This song is ridiculous.

Single Review: Bailey Bryan, “Own It”

February 3, 2017 Jonathan Keefe 6

“Own It” is what Kelsea Ballerini hath wrought.

Single Review: Frankie Ballard, “You’ll Accomp’ny Me”

February 2, 2017 Jonathan Keefe 0

A country artist covering Bob Seger? In this case, it’s better in theory than in execution.

Single Review: Old 97s feat. Brandi Carlile, “Good With God”

February 1, 2017 Jonathan Keefe 4

Bring on the hellfire and brimstone: Old 97s and Brandi Carlile are ready.

Single Review: Drake White, “Makin’ Me Look Good Again”

January 31, 2017 Jonathan Keefe 4

By all rights, “Makin’ Me Look Good Again” should be White’s star-making turn.

Single Review: Candi Carpenter, “Burn the Bed”

January 30, 2017 Jonathan Keefe 2

Carpenter sounds like a woman who is ready to strike a match.

Sunday Selections: January 29, 2017

January 29, 2017 Jonathan Keefe 3

Could it be we’re finally hearing what we’ve been hoping for?

Country Universe Favorites Dominate Nashville Scene’s Annual Critics’ Survey

January 27, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 6

Miranda Lambert, Brandy Clark, Margo Price, and Sturgill Simpson had the best albums of 2016, according to the annual Nashville Scene survey of country music critics.