Country Universe

Single Review: Montgomery Gentry, “Where I Come From”

July 14, 2011 Ben Foster 18

After being in the automatic add club for a good four years, Montgomery Gentry seems to have fallen off country radio’s map lately. Their last big hit was two years ago, and their three most recent singles all missed the Top 20. They’re back now for another attempt at getting back on the radio. “Where I Come From” is the duo’s first single release under their new label home Average Joe’s Entertainment. But it sounds like their new single “Where I Come From” is primarily trying to sound like all the Montgomery Gentry hits that came before it.

Introducing Ben Foster

July 13, 2011 Ben Foster 15

Country Universe is proud to introduce our newest staff writer, Ben Foster. Ben began his blogging career at his own 1-to-10 Country Music Review, which is essential daily reading for country music afici0nados. We are thrilled to have him on board! – KJC.

Hey, y’all! My name is Ben Foster. I was born a Yankee up in Michigan, near Detroit, and now I currently live in Russellville – a small town located right smack in Middle of Nowhere, Kentucky. Some of the regular readers may already have an idea of who I am, since I’ve been an active comment thread participant for well over a year now.

Retro Single Review: Tim McGraw, “Indian Outlaw”

July 13, 2011 Ben Foster 10

1994 | Peak: #8

The distinction of being Tim McGraw’s first Top 10 hit could hardly have gone to a more oddball song.

Ever had one of those songs that you used to enjoy when you were younger, but then you kind of… I dunno… grew up and then realized it wasn’t that good? This is one of those songs for me. It’s catchy, to be sure. Tim puts a lot of character and personality into his performance, and the fiddle and tom-tom-driven arrangement is infectious.

Single Review: Taylor Swift, “Sparks Fly”

July 12, 2011 Jonathan Keefe 22

Written by guest contributor Jonathan Keefe.

Compared to the cultural juggernaut that was Fearless, Taylor Swift’s Speak Now has underperformed at both retail and radio. The set’s fifth single, “Sparks Fly,” could turn things around for Swift, as it’s perhaps the most perfectly constructed single in a career built on tracks that are marvels of pop production and songwriting.

Summer Single Reviews Round-Up: Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Jerrod Niemann, Zac Brown Band, Dierks Bentley

July 12, 2011 Tara Seetharam 14

We’re halfway through the summer months, which means we’ve heard the handful of summer-oriented singles played on the radio approximately 17,283 times by now. In keeping with CU’s retro theme, let’s hit the singles we missed upon their initial release (sorry y’all!).

Luke Bryan, “Country Girl (Shake it For Me)”

Written by Luke Bryan & Dallas Davidson

Whereas Jason Aldean would likely have soaked this dance number in aggression, Bryan melts away its sexist edge by layering it with goofiness and playful energy. The result is a shamelessly catchy ditty that makes me want to shake it for the squirrels. Filed under: things I never thought I’d say. Grade: B

Retro Single Review: George Strait, “If You’re Thinking You Want a Stranger (There’s One Coming Home)”

July 11, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 2

1982 | Peak: #3

If Strait’s voice wasn’t so distinctive and familiar, you could be forgiven for mistaking this for Johnny Lee’s “Looking For Love.”

Retro Single Review: Tim McGraw, “Two Steppin’ Mind”

July 11, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 0

1993 | Peak: #71

The first two singles from Tim’s debut album had their good points. This one doesn’t.

Worth Reading: The Launch of Engine 145

July 11, 2011 Leeann Ward 8

Hark! I have exciting news for those of us who have been feeling a great void ever since the disbandment of The 9513! While we will continue to miss the esteemed country music blog, with Brady & Brody Vercher’s blessings, Engine 145 has just been launched to sort of take its place, or at least complement what The 9513 had begun.

Aside from its undeniably cool name, the even more awesome thing is that Engine 145 will be run by esteemed country music critic, Juli Thanki, who just so happens to be one of my personal favorite country music writers. She will be joined by several of our old favorites from The 9513 as well.

Single Reviews: Blake Shelton, “Honey Bee” and “God Gave Me You”

July 9, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 19

Though the genre has boasted some great album artists over the years, country music remains the most singles-driven format. Albums are often just singles with a bunch of filler. But what to do when the singles are the filler?

Retro Single Review: Dolly Parton, “Just Because I’m a Woman”

July 8, 2011 Leeann Ward 5

1968 | Peak: #17

While we continue to notice tangible gender inequities in country music today, particularly the ratio of male artists versus female artists that are played on mainstream radio, the gap between what male and female artists can sing about has narrowed considerably. Moreover, it’s certainly not uncommon to hear a range of topics from female singers that reveal the strength of independent minded, empowered women.