Country Universe

Sunday Selections: February 7, 2016

February 7, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 5

We just kind of can’t with this year’s ACM nominees.

Single Review: Reba McEntire, “Just Like Them Horses”

February 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 8

It’s hard to put into words how exquisitely beautiful this record is. But if you’re familiar with Reba McEntire’s body of work, I’ll start by saying this. It could be dropped, as is, into the middle of the For My Broken Heart album and not only fit in, but elevate that collection.

Single Review: Tim McGraw, “Humble and Kind”

February 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 5

There are a lot of great songs about parents wishing their kids find happiness and success. Some, like “I Hope You Dance,” have even become standards.

Sunday Selections: January 31, 2016

January 31, 2016 Ben Foster 7

The final week of January was a big one for Aubrie Sellers, who gave her first television performance, released her first album, and appears poised for an outstanding 2016. Elsewhere a fairly light news week which includes a short but solid list of new releases as well as troubles for Jamey Johnson, Tyler Farr and Katie Armiger.

Nashville Scene‘s 16th Annual Country Music Critics’ Poll – The Year of Chris Stapleton

January 29, 2016 Ben Foster 2

This week Nashville Scene released the results of its 16th annual country music critics poll. Country Universe is proud to be represented with voter participation from Kevin Coyne, Tara Seetharam, Jonathan Keefe and Sam Gazdziak. The article also includes published commentary from Sam and Tara.

Single Review: Brandy Clark, “Girl Next Door”

January 28, 2016 Larry Rogowin 9

Brandy Clark has been responsible for some of the best songs in country music this decade – much of them from her extraordinary debut album, 12 Stories (2013).

Single Review: Dierks Bentley, “Somewhere On a Beach”

January 24, 2016 Sam Gazdziak 7

Dierks Bentley has, in a quiet and underrated way, become one of the most consistent hitmakers in country music today. He’s also one of the few singers out there who’s unafraid to color outside the established lines for country singers in the 2010s.

Sunday Selections: January 24, 2016

January 24, 2016 Jonathan Keefe 10

The biggest story of the past week is the death of Glenn Frey, whose work with the Eagles has, for better or worse, influenced multiple generations of country artists.

Single Review: Jana Kramer, “Said No One Ever”

January 22, 2016 Ben Foster 7

Jana Kramer’s long list of quotations attributed to “no one ever” includes, but is by no means limited to, “Wish you’d talk more about yourself”, “Sucks to be rich”, “I don’t need your love and affection”, “I don’t need to be your one and only,” “Love is always real on reality TV”, “Don’t want love to last forever”, and “My Heisman and my Grammy came so damn easy”.

Single Review: Chris Young featuring Cassadee Pope, “Think of You”

January 19, 2016 Ben Foster 8

Chris Young’s new duet single portrays a recently broken up man and woman revisiting the stomping grounds they once shared as a couple. The verses are laced with small details that make it easy for the listener to picture the scene. Young notes the “same old bar, same burned out lights,” while asking “Why in the hell does it feel like a different place?”