Country Universe

A Trisha Yearwood Retrospective, Part One: 1991-1992

August 16, 2019 Jonathan Keefe 4

As she prepares the release of her first country album in twelve years, Country Universe looks back on the distinguished career of Trisha Yearwood.

A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #880-#871

August 15, 2019 Kevin John Coyne 6

Vince Gill sings with Dolly Parton and Patty Loveless, while Willie Nelson teams up with Julio Iglesias.

Where Did You Come From? Where Did You Go? 25 Years of “Cotton Eye Joe”

August 12, 2019 Jonathan Keefe 6

It’s a fool’s game trying to predict which songs will truly endure. The biggest pop hits of 1994 were Ace of Base’s “The Sign,” All-4-One’s cover of John Michael Montgomery’s “I Swear,” and Boyz II

A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #890-#881

August 7, 2019 Kevin John Coyne 9

Some odd choices for otherwise worthy artists here, as well as two of the best duets of all time.

A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #900-#891

July 31, 2019 Kevin John Coyne 5

This part of the list kicks off with an antidote for the heat waves hitting across America.

A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #910-#901

July 25, 2019 Kevin John Coyne 5

Many appeals to sentimentality this time around, some more mawkish than others.

Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert, “It All Comes Out in the Wash” and “Locomotive”

July 24, 2019 Kevin John Coyne 3

Two new Miranda Lambert tracks cover some very familiar territory.

Single Reviews: Carrie Underwood, “Love Wins” and “Southbound”

July 23, 2019 Kevin John Coyne 5

The weakest singles of Carrie Underwood’s career cast a light on how poorly her new label is handling her latest album.

A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #920-#911

July 22, 2019 Kevin John Coyne 6

A lot of first (and some only) entries in this part of the list.

Single Reviews: Brad Paisley, “Bucked Off” and “My Miracle”

July 21, 2019 Kevin John Coyne 3

This pair of Brad Paisley singles play to his known strengths and perhaps reveal some new ones.