July 2015 – Page 2 – Country Universe

The Best Singles of 1993, Part One: #40-#31

July 25, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 2

How strong a year for country music was 1993? Well, if our Best Albums list revealed how many great artists were overlooked, our Best Singles list reveals why there is so little room at the

Daily Top Five: Dog Songs

July 24, 2015 Leeann Ward 14

In tribute to my wonderful old dog who will be turning 14 in October, here are five of my favorite dog songs. Tom T. Hall, “Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine” Pirates of the Mississippi,

Single Review: Jennifer Nettles, “Sugar”

July 24, 2015 Ben Foster 18

“Sugar” Jennifer Nettles Written by Brandy Clark, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Jennifer Nettles A remarkable performance elevates an unremarkable song. If “Sugar” given a perfunctory performance by a lesser vocalist, I might not enjoy it at all.

Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists: Miranda Lambert

July 23, 2015 Leeann Ward 7

It would be futile of us to ignore the recent sad news of Miranda Lambert’s and Blake Shelton’s divorce announcement, since it is a reality. We, however, have no desire to participate in the speculation

Daily Top Five: Miranda Lambert

July 23, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 13

Later today, we will publish our latest edition of Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists. The newest entry in our long running series is written by Leeann Ward and will focus on Miranda Lambert. To whet

Daily Top Five: Favorite Tribute Albums

July 22, 2015 Leeann Ward 6

Some of my favorite albums are tribute albums, because I enjoy hearing artists cover or reinterpret songs that I know and love. Country music artists have participated in a wide range of tribute albums and

Single Review: Miranda Lambert with Little Big Town, “Smokin’ and Drinkin'”

July 21, 2015 Leeann Ward 7

“Smokin’ and Drinkin’” Miranda Lambert with Little Big Town Written by Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, and Shane McAnally Despite its title, Miranda Lambert’s “Smokin’ And Drinkin’” is not a rousing drinking party anthem. Instead, it

Daily Top Five: Favorite Friend Songs

July 21, 2015 Leeann Ward 14

Whether they’re about lovers and friends or simply platonic friendships, country music has a ton of songs about friends and tributes to friends. What are some of your favorite friend songs? Here’s my list: Dan

Single Review: Pat Green, “While I Was Away”

July 19, 2015 Leeann Ward 3

“While I Was Away” Pat Green Written by Zane Williams Pat Green forgoes the big productions of his big label days and blessedly revisits a more organic sound on “While I Was Away.”

Daily Top Five: Single Fathers

July 19, 2015 Leeann Ward 3

What are some of your favorite songs about single fathers? The songs that I’m listing for this post are specifically about situations where mothers are no longer in the picture, but don’t feel that you