Single Reviews – Page 146 – Country Universe

Dixie Chicks, “The Long Way Around”

January 9, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 16

Dixie Chicks, “The Long Way Around” The Chicks pen and deliver their very own emancipation proclamation with this phenomenal single. Opening with an acoustic guitar hook that borrows heavily from “Go Your Own Way”, the

Carrie Underwood, “Wasted”

January 4, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

Carrie Underwood, “Wasted” The fourth official country single from the mega-selling Some Hearts is also the album-opener, and it’s a strongly written declaration that life must have a purpose, or it will have been wasted.

Review: Heartland, “Built to Last”

January 3, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 8

Heartland, “Built to Last” A beautiful tribute inspired by a 50th Anniversary party, this is the kind of record that raises the collective dignity of country music. Not sappy, devoid of cliche – just honest,

Tim McGraw, “Last Dollar (Fly Away)”

January 3, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 89

Tim McGraw, “Last Dollar (Fly Away)” I love the song. It’s a wry twist on the “I’m poor, but rich because I have you” nonsense that often passes for a love song in country music.

Alan Jackson, “A Woman’s Love”

January 3, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

Alan Jackson, “A Woman’s Love” I’m a big fan of Like Red On a Rose, the current Alison Krauss-produced Jackson set, because it puts a very familiar voice in an entirely new surrounding. The change

Review: Sugarland, “Settlin'”

January 1, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 5

Sugarland, “Settlin’” Lead singer Jennifer Nettles is absolutely on fire here, turning in a scorching performance that almost makes you forget that this is basically a rewrite of “Something More”, right down to the obligatory

Review: Carolina Rain, “Isn’t She”

January 1, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 12

Carolina Rain, “Isn’t She” They’re a great vocal group doing an unfortunate Rascal Flatts impression. To their credit, they sound better than the supergroup – none of the annoying nasal whining that defines RF’s sound

Review: Ashley Monroe with Ronnie Dunn, “I Don’t Want To”

January 1, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 19

Ashley Monroe with Ronnie Dunn, “I Don’t Want To” Monroe impressed me with her debut single, “Satisfied.” I still really dig her voice, though she throws in a few too many trills here. She’ll gain

Single Reviews: December 2, 2006

December 2, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

All apologies for the site going quiet, but blogging couldn’t compete with Wii-ing. Here’s a long overdue rundown of recent singles. AARON TIPPIN, “He Believed” Nice, heartfelt ode to a father that could’ve devolved into

Single Reviews: September 28, 2006

September 28, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 1

CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON, “Taking Back My Brave” This is much better than her last single. Lyrically strong, with a good vocal performance. The production kinda just lays there, though. Could’ve used more muscle. DARRYL WORLEY,