April 2016 – Country Universe

Single Review: Trisha Yearwood, “Broken”

April 25, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 2

One of six popular songs that Trisha Yearwood recorded for The Passion: New Orleans, “Broken” transcends its adult rock origins through its reinvention as Mary’s plaintive wail after the death of her son on the cross.

Sunday Selections: April 24, 2016

April 24, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 6

Another week, another music legend gone.

Sunday Selections: April 17, 2016

April 17, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 2

After what seems like months of ever-louder hype, Sturgill Simpson’s latest album finally arrived.

Sunday Selections: April 10, 2016

April 10, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 2

The death of Merle Haggard, a legend among legends, casts a pall over this week.

A Collection of Merle Haggard Favorites

April 9, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 6

Merle Haggard passing away isn’t only a huge loss because of his legacy. It’s a huge loss because he was still a vital artist making new, good music that added to that legacy.

In Memoriam: Merle Haggard, 1937-2016

April 8, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 1

Merle Haggard died on Wednesday at age 79. Juli Thanki writes for The Tennessean: Over the length of his half-century career, Mr. Haggard recorded 38 No. 1 country singles and wrote some of the genre’s most

Single Review: Kenny Chesney, “Noise”

April 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 5

“We didn’t turn it on, but we can’t turn it off.”

Single Review: Blake Shelton, “Came Here to Forget”

April 4, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 2

This is the strongest song that Blake Shelton has recorded in a very long time. It’s incisively bitter, with a cold cynicism that drips with the unvarnished truth.

Single Review: Carrie Underwood, “Church Bells”

April 4, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 15

Miranda Lambert may have the reputation as the genre’s rebel girl, but I’d be a lot more nervous about crossing Carrie Underwood.

2016 ACM Awards: Winners List

April 3, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 6

Entertainer: Jason Aldean