Country Universe

2007 CMA Awards Live Blog

November 7, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 53

Winners: Entertainer – Kenny Chesney Male Vocalist – Brad Paisley Female Vocalist – Carrie Underwood Vocal Duo – Sugarland Vocal Group – Rascal Flatts Horizon – Taylor Swift Album – George Strait, It Just Comes

2007 CMA Awards: Predictions & Personal Picks

November 6, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 8

Here are my predictions and personal picks for the 2006 CMA Awards, which airs live on ABC at 8 Eastern/7 Central on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Feel free to disagree in the comments, and don’t forget

Carrie Underwood, Carnival Ride

November 4, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 16

Carrie Underwood Carnival Ride Carrie Underwood’s been spending a lot of her time lately rebutting her detractors, or as she calls them, “the haters.” Let me go on the record and say, I’m not a

Say What? – John Rich

October 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 35

Reader Roger Newcomb suggested a thread covering recent statements from John Rich of Big & Rich regarding homosexuality. The first comment was made on a radio show in Nashville, as Rich was discussing why he

In Memoriam – Porter Wagoner: 1927-2007

October 28, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 7

Porter Wagoner passed away today, and he leaves behind a unique void that I don’t believe can ever be filled. He was country music’s ambassador, the man who loved to rock a flashy Nudie suit,

Toby Keith, “Get My Drink On”

October 28, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 5

There are a few great songs on Big Dog Daddy that are destined to be hits as soon as they’re sent to radio, and this is one of them. Relentless in his determination to drown

Reba McEntire featuring Justin Timberlake, “The Only Promise That Remains”

October 28, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

Who would’ve guessed that one of the most country things on Reba’s recent Duets project would be her collaboration with Justin Timberlake on a song that he wrote specifically for the occasion? He’s there as

Bon Jovi featuring LeAnn Rimes, “Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore”

October 28, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 4

This is featured on the latest studio albums from both artists. It’s a high point on the Bon Jovi set, where Rimes injects some needed vibrancy with her soaring vocals. Tacked on the end of

Gary Allan, Living Hard

October 26, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 3

Gary Allan Living Hard Country music is long on love song singers but short on philosophers. Too many albums released feature interchangeable romances and ruminations, tales of love gone wrong, love gone right and everything

Brooks & Dunn, “God Must Be Busy”

October 25, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 23

Way back when I was a freshman in college, my theology professor made an observation that still resonates with me today: “If you’ve never had doubt, you don’t really have faith.” This is a song