Brett James – Country Universe

The Twenty Best Singles of 2016

December 31, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 10

Our Best of 2016 retrospective begins with a look at the year’s best singles.

A Country Music Conversation, Day 10: “I Hold On” to “If I Die Young”

December 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 11

Day 10 features tracks from Dierks Bentley, Lee Ann Womack, Keith Urban, Amy Dalley, and The Band Perry.

Single Review: Carrie Underwood, “Church Bells”

April 4, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 17

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

Single Review: Jason Aldean, “Gonna Know We Were Here”

November 18, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 4

Trite, pointless radio filler that doesn’t bother to make an attempt at originality or substance.

2015 ACM Awards: Country Universe Viewer’s Guide

April 19, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 14

The fiftieth annual Academy of Country Music Awards air tonight, and Country Universe has you covered! Here’s a rundown of all of the major categories, along with some commentary from our writers about who should

2015 ACM Awards: Nominations & Analysis

January 31, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 14

The third most prestigious country music industry award nominations – but the most important ones handed out in the spring – have been announced. Here’s a rundown of all the major categories, along with some

Single Review: Easton Corbin, “Baby Be My Love Song”

December 19, 2014 Ben Foster 9

“Baby Be My Love Song” Easton Corbin Written by Jim Collins and Brett James Easton Corbin was a refreshing arrival at country radio when he first hit airwaves a half-decade ago, toeing the line between what

CMA Awards 2014: Staff Predictions and Picks

November 2, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 32

Despite the Grammys and even the ACM’s demonstrating more consistent taste over the past few years, the CMA’s remain the most significant industry awards that honor country music. This year’s slate of nominees gives the

Single Review: Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water”

September 29, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 50

“Something in the Water” Carrie Underwood Written by Chris DeStefano, Brett James, and Carrie Underwood If anybody’s going to sing a song about the power of the water to cleanse your soul, it should be

2014 CMA Nominations

September 6, 2014 Kevin John Coyne 50

This year’s CMA nominees are the best in years, with multiple nominations for Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandy Clark. Country radio may still be shunning women, but their embrace by CMA voters suggests that