Country Universe

A Country Music Conversation: Sirius Top 1000 Country Songs of All Time, #480-#471

August 25, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 16

A few nuggets from the goldmine in this section, but the rest of it should’ve gotten the shaft.

Album Review: Taylor Swift, folklore

August 24, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 5

Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album is the purest showcase yet for her formidable songwriting talents.

In Memoriam: Justin Townes Earle (1982-2020)

August 24, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 2

Americana artist Justin Townes Earle has passed away at the age of 38.

Yesterday’s Songs: August 20, 1997

August 20, 2020 Zackary Kephart 5

We revive an old Country Universe favorite by looking at the top songs on this date in 1997.

Album Review Roundup: Arlo McKinley, Eric Paslay, and Gretchen Peters

August 20, 2020 Zackary Kephart 1

Arlo McKinley lives up to expectations, Eric Paslay suffers from a sophomore slump, and Gretchen Peters honors Mickey Newbury.

Album Review Roundup: Caylee Hammack, Orville Peck, and Mo Pitney

August 18, 2020 Zackary Kephart 6

Caylee Hammack releases a solid debut, Orville Peck inches closer to greatness and Mo Pitney suffers from a sophomore slump.

Single Review Roundup: Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, and Clay Walker

August 16, 2020 Zackary Kephart 5

Miranda Lambert releases the followup to “Bluebird,” Darius Rucker offers escapism, and Clay Walker returns.

Album Review: The Chicks, Gaslighter

August 13, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 11

With Gaslighter, the Chicks take complete artistic control and fully reclaim their own narrative. In doing so, they produce their most essential album to date.

Country Music Hall of Fame Class of 2020: Hank Williams, Jr, Marty Stuart, and Dean Dillon

August 12, 2020 Kevin John Coyne 4

An excellent set of inductees this year.

Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists: Gary Allan

August 10, 2020 Zackary Kephart 10

They’re only the best Gary Allan songs I ever had.