Country Universe

Dixie Chicks, “The Long Way Around”

January 9, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 16

Dixie Chicks, “The Long Way Around” The Chicks pen and deliver their very own emancipation proclamation with this phenomenal single. Opening with an acoustic guitar hook that borrows heavily from “Go Your Own Way”, the

Grammy Flashback: Best Country Vocal Performance, Female

January 8, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 7

While the Grammys have honored country music from the very first ceremony in 1959, they did not begin honoring by gender until 1965, when the country categories were expanded along with the other genre categories.

Carrie Underwood, “Wasted”

January 4, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

Carrie Underwood, “Wasted” The fourth official country single from the mega-selling Some Hearts is also the album-opener, and it’s a strongly written declaration that life must have a purpose, or it will have been wasted.

Review: Heartland, “Built to Last”

January 3, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 8

Heartland, “Built to Last” A beautiful tribute inspired by a 50th Anniversary party, this is the kind of record that raises the collective dignity of country music. Not sappy, devoid of cliche – just honest,

Tim McGraw, “Last Dollar (Fly Away)”

January 3, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 89

Tim McGraw, “Last Dollar (Fly Away)” I love the song. It’s a wry twist on the “I’m poor, but rich because I have you” nonsense that often passes for a love song in country music.

Alan Jackson, “A Woman’s Love”

January 3, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

Alan Jackson, “A Woman’s Love” I’m a big fan of Like Red On a Rose, the current Alison Krauss-produced Jackson set, because it puts a very familiar voice in an entirely new surrounding. The change

Opry Star Del Reeves Dies at 73

January 3, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 2

Grand Ole Opry star Del Reeves has died at age 73. The cause of death has not been announced, but he passed away at his home. Here’s a summary of his career, via allmusic: Del

Surprise Hits & Misses of 2006

January 1, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 0

2006 was a year of surprises on the charts, with some new albums wildly exceeding expectations. Here are some particularly successful projects that weren’t expected to do so well, along with some unexpected misses that

2006’s Big Christmas Release? Carrie’s 2005 Album!

January 1, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

For the first time since Shania Twain dominated three Christmas seasons in a row with her mega-selling Come On Over, an album from the previous year has completely schooled all the 2006 releases at retail.

Review: Sugarland, “Settlin'”

January 1, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 5

Sugarland, “Settlin’” Lead singer Jennifer Nettles is absolutely on fire here, turning in a scorching performance that almost makes you forget that this is basically a rewrite of “Something More”, right down to the obligatory