April 2015 – Country Universe

Single Review: Zac Brown Band, “Loving You Easy”

April 30, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 9

“Loving You Easy” Zac Brown Band Written by Al Anderson, Zac Brown, and Niko Moon Zac Brown Band’s groove was in danger of becoming a rut, and their new album, Jekyll + Hyde, is their

Daily Double Top Five: Best Duets and Harmony Vocals

April 28, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 13

Once again, technical difficulties derailed yesterday’s Daily Top Five. So we’re doubling down today. Ever notice how the Vocal Event categories at country award shows honor harmony vocals as much as they do real, full-fledged

Single Review: Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, “It’s all Going to Pot”

April 28, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 8

“It’s all Going to Pot” Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard Written by Buddy Cannon, Jamey Johnson, and Larry Shell Let’s answer all of the burning questions right away. 1. Do these two legends still sound

Album Review: Reba McEntire, Love Somebody

April 27, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 8

Reba McEntire Love Somebody This is the strongest album Reba McEntire has released in more than twenty years. Listening to Love Somebody is hearing a legend of the genre rediscover her own voice. She’s always

Daily Top Five: Favorite Debut Albums

April 26, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 32

As we’re prepping our 1993 lists, there have been many debut albums in consideration. That year brought the first studio sets from big stars like Tracy Byrd, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, and Clay

Daily Top Five: Favorites from your Least Favorites

April 25, 2015 Leeann Ward 56

If we’re honest with ourselves, we don’t like every single music choice that even our very favorite artists make, which is what inspired us to share our least favorite albums from our favorite artists. In

Daily Five: Least Favorites from Your Favorites

April 23, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 46

We’ve been way too upbeat lately with our Daily Fives! Today, we’re asking a different question about your favorite artists. What are the five albums from artists you usually love that really disappointed you? The

Single Review: Big & Rich, “Run Away With You”

April 23, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 3

“Run Away With You” Big & Rich Written by Michael Ray and John Rich One thing’s for sure about Big & Rich: They’re pros at what they do. They’ve correctly assessed the general sound and

Single Review: Canaan Smith, “Love You Like That”

April 23, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 4

“Love You Like That” Canaan Smith Written by Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, and Canaan Smith Do you want to write a love song or do you want to write a lust song?

Daily Top Five: Strengthen Country Radio

April 22, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 19

Actively writing single reviews again has me also looking at the radio charts again. What a bleak landscape of interchangeable singers and songs! I can’t remember things ever being this generic and bland. We flirted