Articles by Kevin John Coyne
Single Review: Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
In some parallel universe where I had actual musical talent and the opportunity to record an album, I suspect I’d forgo the pile of demo tapes sent to unknown artists and just look for awesome album cuts from great songwriters.
Matraca Berg’s catalog of recorded cuts would be a good place to start, an epiphany that serves Kenny Chesney well. Berg is usually associated with female artists, and indeed, this song was originally recorded by Deana Carter, who also co-wrote the song. But Berg’s pen has been responsible for some great moments from Keith Urban and Randy Travis, so it’s no surprise that Chesney does well with this one.
The 30 Day Song Challenge: Day 27
Today’s category is…
A Song That Expresses Your World View (Or Somethin’ Like That.)
Here are the staff picks:
Kevin Coyne: “Something Worth Leaving Behind” – Lee Ann Womack
Live your life for yourself, your life dies with you. Live it for others, it lives on long after you’re gone.
Single Review: Dolly Parton, “Together You and I”
When Dolly Parton writes a song, chances are it’s going to be a great one. Only Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson rival her in that regard.
“Together You and I” is no exception to the rule. It’s a beautiful love song, with imagery that’s sweet without being sappy. She sings it wonderfully, with those little trills that have caused more goosebumps in the past forty years than a million cool breezes on warm summer nights.
The 30 Day Song Challenge: Day 23
Today’s category is…
An Oldie But Goodie.
Here are the staff picks:
Kevin Coyne: “Tell It to the Rain” – The 4 Seasons
You can tell it’s the mid-sixties because they’re dabbling a bit with production gimmicks. I think it’s their coolest sounding record, one of their best compositions, and Frankie Valli at the peak of his vocal prowess.
5 Five-Second Single Reviews: Laura Alaina, Rodney Atkins, Sara Evans, Joe Nichols, Kellie Pickler
Lauren Alaina, “Like My Mother Does” (Listen)
Written by Nathan Chapman, Liz Rose and Nicole Williams
Not bad, but not nearly enough to acquit her from those pending desecration charges.