Country Universe

Single Review: Brantley Gilbert, "Kick It In the Sticks"

July 15, 2012 Ben Foster 21

Brantley Gilbert originally released “Kick It In the Sticks” in 2010, and it failed to chart. But that was before the one-two punch of number-one hits “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” reversed his fortunes at radio. In light of Gilbert’s newly heightened commercial profile, the single is being re-released for another go-round at radio.

Much has not changed. It was a terrible song in 2010, and it’s still a terrible song now.

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, "Gone Country"

July 14, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 7

“I hear down there, it’s changed, you see. They’re not as backward as they used to be.”

100 Greatest Men: #46. Dwight Yoakam

July 13, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 14

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List

One of the strongest voices of the New Traditionalist movement, Dwight Yoakam revitalized the Bakersfield sound as he shot to stardom in 1986.

Single Review: Rascal Flatts, "Come Wake Me Up"

July 12, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 5

“Come Wake Me Up” is the best composition that Rascal Flatts has tackled in a very long time, and the opening verse is a beautiful throwback to the sound of their best song to date, “I’m Movin’ On.”

Album Review: Zac Brown Band, <i>Uncaged</i>

July 10, 2012 Ben Foster 3

Zac Brown Band
Uncaged

Uncaged may be the product of studio recording sessions, but it pulses with the energy of a live set.

Single Review: Pistol Annies, "Takin’ Pills"

July 9, 2012 Jonathan Keefe 11

A standout cut from the Pistol Annies’ terrific Hell on Heels album, “Takin’ Pills” served as a thesis statement for the project, introducing each individual member of the group by her reputation and her preferred vice and giving the group’s exploits a broad narrative arc.

Single Review: Big & Rich, "That's Why I Pray"

July 9, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 7

Scattershot social commentary, too wide in scope and too narrow in perspective.

Here’s how it works:

100 Greatest Men: #47. Rodney Crowell

July 8, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 10

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List

First as a songwriter, then as a new country superstar, and currently as an alternative country icon, Rodney Crowell has made an indelible mark on country music for nearly four decades.

Single Review: Jerrod Niemann, "Shinin' on Me"

July 7, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 3

I’ve got an idea about how we can stop the bleeding.

Let’s make it mandatory for all new country singles to have arrangements like the ones on Jerrod Niemann records. While we’re at it, let’s keep Zac Brown Band on retainer, too.

Single Review: Don Williams featuring Alison Krauss, "I Just Come Here For the Music"

July 6, 2012 Ben Foster 2

A musical pairing that combines two of the most beautifully understated, comforting voices in country music. How could it not be good? Happily, songwriters John Ramey, Bobby Taylor, and Doug Gill turn out a fine piece of hillbilly poetry worthy of both talents.