Articles by Kevin John Coyne
Retro Single Review: George Strait, “Marina Del Rey”
1982 | Peak: #6
“Marina Del Rey” was an early attempt by George Strait at recording a pensive and thoughtful ballad.
He wasn’t quite ready for it, yet. The lyrics are appropriately longing and sentimental for times gone by, but Strait hasn’t yet developed enough as a vocalist to pull off the mature performance required.
Retro Single Review: Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton, “We’ll Get Ahead Someday”
1968 | Peak : #5
Porter & Dolly scored a double-sided hit single in 1968, with both sides establishing a subgenre within their catalog.
The A-side, “We’ll Get Ahead Someday”, became their first top five hit. It’s the first single of theirs that casts them as the playfully quarreling husband and wife.
Retro Single Review: George Strait, “If You’re Thinking You Want a Stranger (There’s One Coming Home)”
1982 | Peak: #3
If Strait’s voice wasn’t so distinctive and familiar, you could be forgiven for mistaking this for Johnny Lee’s “Looking For Love.”
Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, “I’d Love You All Over Again”
1991 | Peak: #1
One of the cool things about country music is that it gives voice to older thoughts, emotions, and milestones.
It’s hard to imagine a pop star celebrating ten years of marriage on their debut album, that’s for sure. Written as a gift to his wife, Jackson honors their matrimony with a simple statement of awe and appreciation.