2015 – Page 27 – Country Universe

Single Review: The Swon Brothers, “Pray For You”

February 15, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 10

“Pray For You” The Swon Brothers Written by Jessi Alexander, Tommy Lee James, and Eric Paslay If you thought the only thing missing from today’s warmed-over, wannabe rock but we’re calling it country was mixing

Single Review: Tyler Farr, “A Guy Walks into a Bar”

February 15, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 3

“A Guy Walks into a Bar” Tyler Farr Written by Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton, and Brad Tursi Tyler Farr previews his second studio album with “A Guy Walks into a Bar”, which uses the classic joke

2015 Grammy Awards: Open Thread

February 8, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 54

Telecast Winners: Best Country Album: Miranda Lambert, Platinum Album of the Year: Beck, Morning Phase Best New Artist: Sam Smith Record of the Year: Sam Smith, “Stay With Me (Darkside Version)” Song of the Year:

2015 Grammy Awards: Predictions & Personal Picks

February 6, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 16

This year’s Grammy Awards air on Sunday, February 8, and country music will be represented with performances Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and the tantalizing pairing of Brandy Clark and Dwight Yoakam. Most of the awards

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

Album Review: Carrie Underwood, Greatest Hits: Decade #1

January 27, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 17

Carrie Underwood Greatest Hits: Decade #1 Hits compilations have become an odd thing in the digital age, as they give both hardcore and casual fans little reason to purchase. The new tracks can be downloaded

Album Review: Jon Pardi, Write You a Song

January 27, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 2

Jon Pardi Write You a Song A surprisingly entertaining debut effort, Jon Pardi’s relentless enthusiasm infuses even mediocre material with enough energy to make it listenable. Of course, that’s the advantage of a debut album.

Album Review: David Nail, I’m a Fire

January 27, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 7

David Nail I’m a Fire If he’s a fire, it’s one that doesn’t burn nearly enough. Three albums in, Nail continues to pair great potential with middling results. Despite having better pipes than most of

Kicking the Canon: Jonathan Keefe on Trisha Yearwood’s Hearts in Armor

January 24, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 1

Country Universe writer and editor Jonathan Keefe has contributed to an awesome new project called Kicking the Canon. Put together by In Review Online, Kicking the Canon attempts to expand on what has traditionally been

Miranda Lambert, Sturgill Simpson Dominate Nashville Scene Critics Poll

January 23, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 2

The results are in: Nashville Scene’s 15th Annual Country Music Critics Poll Miranda Lambert and Sturgill Simpson dominated this year’s results, with Maddie & Tae topping the Singles list for their progressive and timely hit,