Country Universe

Retro Single Review: Shania Twain, “Dance With the One That Brought You”

June 28, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 15

Her entire debut album has a retro feel, but “Dance With the One That Brought You” is the one track that sounds vintage without sounding dated.

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow”

June 27, 2011 Leeann Ward 2

1990 | Peak: #2

Alan Jackson’s fourth single picks up the tempo in all the best ways. The tune is very memorable, thanks to an exuberant melody and decidedly country production, but the lyrics are anything but lightweight.

Retro Single Review: George Strait, “Unwound”

June 26, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 2

George Strait has had access to top drawer material for almost three decades now. But like any new artist, he needed a dose of luck to get a great song right off the bat.

Retro Single Review: Tim McGraw, “Welcome to the Club”

June 26, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 4

1992 | Peak: #47

Tim McGraw’s debut single showcases his ear for a good song, even if his skills as an interpreter haven’t quite caught up with him yet.

100 Greatest Men: #87. Billy Walker

June 25, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 4

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List

Known affectionately as the Tall Texan, Billy Walker was a B-list hitmaker at radio, but an A-lister on the Grand Ole Opry stage and on syndicated television.

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, “Wanted”

June 25, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 2

1990 | Peak: #3

A really great country singer can take a mediocre song and make it sound great. That’s what Alan Jackson does here.

Retro Single Review: Dolly Parton, “Something Fishy”

June 25, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 3

1967 | Peak: #17

If Parton hadn’t recorded this herself first, she could’ve pitched it to Loretta Lynn, who might’ve elevated this to something a bit above purely ridiculous.

Retro Single Review: Shania Twain, “What Made You Say That”

June 25, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 11

1993 | Peak: #55

The video got the attention of Mutt Lange and Sean Penn, but Shania Twain’s first single made little impression beyond that at radio and retail.

Album Review: Gary Nicholson, Texas Songbook

June 22, 2011 Guest Contributor 3

Gary Nicholson
Texas Songbook

Written by Bob Losche

Texas Songbook is the latest album from country/blues singer/songwriter Gary Nicholson, a recent inductee into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame. Nicholson is best known for writing familiar radio hits such as”The Trouble With the Truth” (Patty Loveless), “One More Last Chance” (Vince Gill), “Squeeze Me In” (Garth Brooks/Trisha Yearwood), and “She Couldn’t Change Me” (Montgomery Gentry), among many others.

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, “Here in the Real World”

June 21, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 6

1990 | Peak: #3

Some songs seem so obvious that it’s amazing nobody ever wrote them before. “Here in the Real World” is one of those songs.