Country Universe

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.

Single Review: Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, “Speak to a Girl”

March 26, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 7

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill preview their upcoming debut album with a remarkable single that showcases both vocalists at their best.

Single Review: Kenny Chesney, “Bar at the End of the World”

March 21, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 6

I know why Kenny Chesney keeps recording songs about drinking in beach towns around the world.

Single Review: Cole Swindell featuring Dierks Bentley, “Flatliner”

March 15, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 11

This is what Luke Bryan has wrought upon country music.

Artist Spotlight: Barry Zito

February 28, 2017 Sam Gazdziak 4

The latest crossover into country music comes by way of Barry Zito, the Cy Young Award-winning pitcher for the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants.

Album Review: Little Big Town, The Breaker

February 26, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 10

The Breaker is a top-notch collection of songs that yearn for a unifying sound.

Album Review: Alison Krauss, Windy City

February 24, 2017 Kevin John Coyne 10

The first great album of 2017 has arrived, as Alison Krauss returns from a long hiatus with a stunning collection of standards.