Country Universe

Single Review: Chris Young, “Lonely Eyes”

August 7, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 12

“Lonely Eyes” Chris Young The thing about Chris Young is that he’s a great traditional country singer. I think that’s his preference, too.

CU10 Flashback: The Civil Wars – A New Music Discovery

August 5, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 1

News broke today that the Civil Wars have officially broken up, after a year-long hiatus. It was just under five years ago that we first wrote about the Grammy winning duo, back when they were

Song Talk: Papa Don’t Preach!

July 30, 2014 Leeann Ward 28

It’s fun to think of our favorite endearing songs about dads. We’ve even done it here at Country Universe a time or two. But let’s face it, dad’s aren’t always right and they’re not always

There are a lot of great country songs chronicling the breakup of a relationship, but it’s the female characters who have often shown a particular propensity for leaving their lovers by car. Sometimes she changes her mind

CU10 Flashback: Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain and Gender in Country Music

July 23, 2014 Tara Seetharam 7

In 2008, I was finishing up my degree in journalism and trying to understand what it meant to be a professional writer. I wanted to write about music, but the divide between fan and critic

Country Universe Turns 10

July 22, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 14

Ten years ago, in the dog days of Summer 2004, blogging was catching on in the political world. I thought it would be cool to do a country music and politics blog. I think it

Song Talk: Songs About Songs

July 17, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 17

Songs have such a big impact on our life experience that they sometimes inspire songs of their own. It’s a cool theme that I wish more singers and songwriters would explore. Here are some of

Song Talk: Music that Moves Me

July 12, 2014 Leeann Ward 10

My local Public Radio station has a wonderful series called Music that Moves Me, which was conceived and originally produced by the inimitable Suzanne Nance who has now (sadly for us, but happily for her)

Single Review: Brad Paisley, “River Bank”

July 7, 2014 Ben Foster 13

“River Bank”
Brad Paisley

Written by Brad Paisley and Kelley Lovelace

Brad Paisley has become a fairly reliable competitor in country radio’s annual summer song rodeo. He offers a 2014 entry that is listenable and likable, if not as memorable as last year’s “Beat This Summer.”

100 Greatest Men: #21. Elvis Presley

July 6, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 10

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List From the vantage point of history, he is the indisputable King of Rock & Roll. But he earned that title through his ability to perform country, blues, and R&B