March 2008 – Page 4 – Country Universe

Gary Allan, “Learning How To Bend”

March 4, 2008 Leeann Ward 12

Gary Allan’s raw and powerful delivery on his second single, from his Living Hard album, is a great reason to turn on your radio! “Learning How To Bend” is a realistic, honest love song that

2008 ACM Nominations

March 4, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 33

Apparently, Entertainer of the Year will be fan-voted. Seriously. Analysis to come, but let me briefly say “Woo-hoo! Miranda Lambert!” ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Kenny Chesney Brad Paisley Rascal Flatts George Strait Keith Urban TOP

Heidi Newfield, “Johnny And June”

March 2, 2008 Leeann Ward 35

Heidi Newfield, the former lead singer of Trick Pony, tries her hand at a solo career with a song that drops the names of one of country music’s most beloved couples, Johnny and June Cash. When

Toby Keith, “She’s a Hottie”

March 1, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 7

It’s interesting that Toby Keith and Shania Twain started out on the same cross-country bus tour together. Both of them have become superstars on the strength of their con How Do I Get My Ex

Billy Gilman, “When You Come Home”

March 1, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 6

This is a beautiful song, no doubt. Gilman’s got the vocal chops to make it work, as well. The only thing that keeps it from taking off completely is the anemic production. It sounds more

Tim McGraw, “Kristofferson”

March 1, 2008 Leeann Ward 26

By now, I should know better than to allow a title that name drops intrigue me, because much more often than not, the song simply leaves me disappointed and annoyed that the name was simply