Kevin John Coyne

Retro Single Review: Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton, "Please Don't Stop Loving Me"

July 21, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 1

1974 | Peak: #1

Their only chart-topping duet served as the mid-point between five consecutive #1 singles for Parton, while earning Wagoner his first #1 single since 1962.

Retro Single Review: George Strait, "Baby Blue"

July 21, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 1

1988 | Peak: #1

Another one of Strait’s smoothest pop performances, with just enough country touches in the production to keep his traditionalist credentials intact.

Single Review: Jason Aldean, "Take a Little Ride"

July 19, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 9

The lead single from Jason Aldean’s upcoming album is everything that you expect it to be.

Single Review: Tyler Farr, "Hello Goodbye"

July 17, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 5

There’s an endearing story about Faith Hill early in her career. When she was recording “Piece of My Heart”, she expressed that she had never heard the Janis Joplin original. Listening to her cover, that’s quite clear.

Single Review: Her & Kings County, "Family Tree"

July 17, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 11

I don’t even know where to begin.

Banjos. Hand claps. Dogs with fleas. Fergie with a country accent.

In Memoriam: Kitty Wells, 1919-2012

July 16, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 3

Just a few weeks shy of her 93rd birthday, the Queen of Country Music has passed away.

Kitty Wells was the first female country superstar, and for many years, the only consistent female hit-maker.

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, "Gone Country"

July 14, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 7

“I hear down there, it’s changed, you see. They’re not as backward as they used to be.”

100 Greatest Men: #46. Dwight Yoakam

July 13, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 14

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List

One of the strongest voices of the New Traditionalist movement, Dwight Yoakam revitalized the Bakersfield sound as he shot to stardom in 1986.

Single Review: Rascal Flatts, "Come Wake Me Up"

July 12, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 5

“Come Wake Me Up” is the best composition that Rascal Flatts has tackled in a very long time, and the opening verse is a beautiful throwback to the sound of their best song to date, “I’m Movin’ On.”

Single Review: Big & Rich, "That's Why I Pray"

July 9, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 7

Scattershot social commentary, too wide in scope and too narrow in perspective.

Here’s how it works: