Country Universe

Single Review: Trace Adkins, “Watered Down”

April 17, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 6

Trace Adkins has always been at his most interesting when he’s been at his most reflective.

Single Review: Chris Stapleton, “Broken Halos”

April 14, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 2

Stapleton previews the first of two albums he will be releasing this year, and it has all of the elements that conspired to make him the surprise success story of the past three years.

Single Review: Garth Brooks, “Ask Me How I Know”

April 13, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 5

“Ask Me How I Know” is a solid record that is likely to be overlooked because of who is singing it.

Single Review: Miranda Lambert, “Tin Man”

April 12, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 15

Miranda Lambert strikes up a pair of strange conversations on The Weight of These Wings.

Single Review: Thomas Rhett featuring Maren Morris, “Craving You”

April 11, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 17

A quick history lesson for today’s country artists.

Single Review: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Hope the High Road”

April 10, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 0

After two outstanding solo albums, Jason Isbell has finally achieved the notoriety and credibility to match his overwhelming talent as a singer and a songwriter.

Single Review: Little Big Town, “Happy People”

April 8, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 8

Little Big Town have a great song in “Happy People,” full of wisdom and life advice that would probably save the world if everyone adhered to it.

2017 ACM Awards: List of Winners

April 3, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 6

Here is the complete list of winners for the 2017 Academy of Country Music Awards.

2017 ACM Awards: Predictions and Personal Picks

April 2, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 11

Brothers Osborne, Lori McKenna, Maren Morris, and Jon Pardi are already winners. Here are our predictions and picks for the rest of this year’s ACM ballot.

Single Review: Brad Paisley, “Heaven South”

April 1, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 5

“Heaven South” is derivative of pretty much every “Hey, isn’t the south great?” song that’s ever been a hit.