Country Universe

Open Thread

September 17, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 41

For real this time. Not a leading question in sight. What’s on your mind?

Jessica Simpson, “Remember That”

September 17, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 22

Jessica Simpson’s second country single is a good deal better than her first. It’s still conversational in style, but instead of trying to convince a guy to come on over, she’s trying to convince a

Belated though this post may be, it is richly deserved. In country music this year, Grandpa has been turning up everywhere. On the title track of Darius Rucker’s new album, he’s giving Darius sage advice

Kristy Lee Cook, Why Wait

September 16, 2008 Guest Contributor 27

Kristy Lee Cook Why Wait This review must be prefaced with a somewhat humorous anecdote: A week or so ago, the writers of Country Universe convened online to discuss upcoming content for the website, and

Discussion: All-Female Country Tour

September 16, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 44

This topic was suggested by reader “vp”, who figured that Country Universe would be a good place to discuss this quote from Carrie Underwood: Meanwhile, Underwood has plans. Maybe these plans will even include Faith

Discussion: Playin’ Favorites

September 15, 2008 Dan Milliken 60

Sure, we want all of our little country music-singing babies to grow up strong and healthy and produce great material. Because we love all of them equally, right? Right. But admit it: you’ve got a

Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance”

September 15, 2008 Guest Contributor 20

I Hope You Dance Lee Ann Womack 2000 Written by Mark D. Sanders & Tia Sillers Although her traditional leanings are the cornerstone of her career, the most notable song of Lee Ann Womack’s career

Video Review: Taylor Swift, “Love Story”

September 15, 2008 Dan Milliken 41

There’s nothing I could say about Taylor Swift that hasn’t already been said – and that’s the point. She knows how to score that attention; she knows how to make the dough. With a strong

The Lost Trailers, Holler Back

September 15, 2008 Dan Milliken 24

The Lost Trailers Holler Back In retrospect, the news that The Lost Trailers had recorded their own version of “Chicken Fried” should have been a warning. It turns out that the group’s fifth studio album

Darius Rucker, Learn to Live

September 14, 2008 Guest Contributor 14

Darius Rucker Learn to Live On his first country single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” Darius Rucker delivers an honest, heartfelt performance of a pensive ballad about love lost and the mark that it