Kevin John Coyne

2016 CMA Nominations

August 31, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 13

This year’s CMA Nominations have been announced, and there are some major changes afoot, including some surprising inclusions (Maren Morris!) and even more surprising omissions (Blake Shelton!) Here’s who will compete this fall at the

Single Review: Miranda Lambert, “Vice”

July 28, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

“When it hurts this good, you’ve got to play it twice.”

Album Review: Brandy Clark, Big Day in a Small Town

July 18, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 3

One of the rare concept albums that lives up to its conceit while each song still able to stand on its own, Big Day in a Small Town demonstrates as well that Brandy Clark’s debut album wasn’t a fluke. She really is this good.

Single Review: Eric Church, “Record Year”

July 11, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

“Record Year” is cleverly written, intertwining turns of phrase with musical references that will satisfy everyone from the casual country fan (Red Headed Stranger) to the scholarly one (New Grass Revival.)

Single Review: Jason Aldean, “Lights Come On”

July 11, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 5

Perhaps this is a song best heard in its proper context.

Dixie Chicks Revisited: Home

July 7, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

Recorded in Texas during their standoff with their record label, Home threw out the rulebook completely.

Single Review: Keith Urban, “Wasted Time”

June 10, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 5

To his credit, you can tell a Keith Urban record is a Keith Urban record as soon as it starts.

Single Review: Luke Bryan, “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day”

June 10, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

Any singer or songwriter attempting to write the definitive country pride anthem needs to take one long look at this title and walk away.

Single Review: Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.”

June 3, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 23

A baffling mix of romanticism and religious imagery, Florida Georgia Line’s attempt at respectable music only puts their musical incompetence into sharper relief.

Dixie Chicks Revisited: Fly

June 2, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

Last night, the Dixie Chicks kicked off the North American leg of their MMXVI tour, their fourth headlining tour across the United States. Sixteen years ago, they launched their first, in support of their second major label release, Fly.