Country Universe

Album Review: Gretchen Peters, Blackbirds

March 23, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 2

Gretchen Peters Blackbirds More so than her artfully-turned phrases and her novel, evocative imagery, perhaps Gretchen Peters’ greatest gift as a songwriter is her mastery of perspective. Peters’ ability to shift her narrative voice to

Single Review: Gary Allan, “Hangover Tonight”

March 21, 2015 Leeann Ward 57

“Hangover Tonight” Gary Allan Written by Gary Allan, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure, and Chris Stapleton With its play on the word “hangover” and its playful production, Allan’s latest single has a happy and silly vibe

Single Review: Michael Ray, “Kiss You in the Morning”

March 18, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 9

“Kiss You in the Morning” Michael Ray Written by Larry Michael White and Justin Tyler Wilson Launching a new artist with this generic a single does a tremendous disservice to their budding career. “Kiss You

Discussion: Play the New Stuff, or Stick to the Hits?

March 17, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 12

Shania Twain is returning to the road for the first time in more than a decade, and she’s calling it her farewell tour. Well, technically, she’s calling it the Rock This Country tour, but it’s

Single Review: Lady Antebellum, “Long Stretch of Love”

March 16, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 5

“Long Stretch of Love” Lady Antebellum Written by David Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley, and Hillary Scott A woefully anemic rocker. Lady Antebellum have never exactly been known for over-the-top emoting, but this might be

Single Review: Florida Georgia Line, “Sippin’ on Fire”

March 14, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 19

“Sippin’ on Fire” Florida Georgia Line Written by Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, and Cole Taylor There isn’t much logic in hoping for a successful act to abandon the formula that has gotten them where they

Single Review: Luke Bryan, “Games”

March 12, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 5

“Games” Luke Bryan Written by Luke Bryan and Ashley Gorley Luke Bryan’s latest (and apparently final) Spring Break compilation is being promoted with the new single, “Games.” Thematically, it doesn’t connect much to the Spring

Single Review: Kacey Musgraves, “Biscuits”

March 9, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 16

“Biscuits” Kacey Musgraves Written by Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, and Kacey Musgraves If you’re already a fan of Kacey Musgraves, you’ve heard most of this before. “Biscuits” combines elements of “Follow Your Arrow” and “The

Six Pack: Classic Country Songs for International Women’s Day

March 8, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 22

Today is International Women’s Day. Historically speaking, country music has never enjoyed a reputation for being socially progressive. For the general public, the definitive statement the genre made was “Stand By Your Man.” That Tammy

Single Review: Frankie Ballard, “Young & Crazy”

March 8, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 3

“Young & Crazy” Frankie Ballard Written by Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, and Shane McAnally “Young & Crazy” is like a used car that’s been refurbished by a crack team of mechanics. From a distance, it