2012 – Page 6 – Country Universe

Single Review: Kacey Musgraves, "Merry Go 'Round"

September 10, 2012 Ben Foster 9

A delicious, absorbing slice of country storytelling, flavored with a strong dose of everyday realism.

2012 CMA Nominations

September 5, 2012 Ben Foster 60

The list of nominees for the 46th annual Country Music Association Awards has been released. Eric Church had a big breakthrough this past year, and such is reflected in the nominee list – Church leads the pack with five nominations. Current favorite power couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert follow with four each, including a shared Song of the Year nod for their co-write “Over You.”

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, "Tall, Tall Trees"

September 2, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 3

1995 | Peak:#1

Leave it to Alan Jackson to find a #1 single on a Roger Miller box set.

Single Review: Joanna Smith, "We Can't Be Friends"

September 1, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 4

Listening to the new Joanna Smith single, I’m reminded of when Lee Ann Womack first hit it big. I was impressed by her taste in material and I thought the production of her records was impeccable.

Single Review: Darius Rucker, "True Believers"

August 29, 2012 Ben Foster 2

Darius Rucker – the former Blowfish with the strong distinctive voice, and now a streak of six Top 3 country hits thanks to a reliable strategy of playing it safe. The #17-peaking “I Got Nothin'” may have interrupted Rucker’s hot streak for now, but his new release “True Believers” should be just mediocre enough to get him back into the automatic add club.