Country Universe

Single Review: Justin Moore, "Point at You"

May 16, 2013 Ben Foster 3

A song about a narrator whose woman completes him is a worthwhile concept, so long as one avoids pouring on the syrup. But in this case, the execution falls very flat.

Single Review: Hunter Hayes, "I Want Crazy"

May 11, 2013 Kevin John Coyne 7

Hunter Hayes just scored a decently big pop hit with “Wanted”, which was initially his first big country hit. Perhaps that’s why he’s taking a cue from the pop market, and re-releasing his first album in an expanded edition called (Encore) this summer.

Single Review: Chris Young, "Aw Naw"

May 11, 2013 Kevin John Coyne 8

It’s hard not to root for Chris Young. He can really sing and his music would sound identifiably country if it was released twenty years ago, making it sound like Hank Williams in comparison to what’s passing for it these days.

Win a Copy of Randy Rogers Band’s Trouble

May 1, 2013 Ben Foster 15

UPDATE: Contest closed. Congratulations to winner Brandy!

In Memoriam: George Jones (1931-2013)

April 26, 2013 Kevin John Coyne 14

Rest in Peace, Possum.

An extensive tribute piece to follow. In the meantime, enjoy the voice that will remain immortal and share your memories and favorite songs in the comments.

Single Review: Scotty McCreery, “See You Tonight”

April 24, 2013 Ben Foster 6

Scotty McCreery has stated in interviews that his main goal with his upcoming second album is to get a Top 10 radio hit. First single “See You Tonight” makes that goal a little too obvious.

100 Greatest Men: #29. Alabama

April 20, 2013 Kevin John Coyne 9

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List

In the early eighties, a new kind of country band surfaced, structured like the rock bands that came before them, but deeply grounded in country instrumentation. Alabama were the pioneers of the field, and they reached a level of superstardom beyond most bands of any genre during their peak.

100 Greatest Men: #30. Jim Reeves

April 20, 2013 Kevin John Coyne 4

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List

Gentleman Jim Reeves started off as a hardcore country singer, but his smooth crossover stylings would become synonymous with the Nashville Sound, combining with tragedy to grant him country music immortality only a dozen years into his career.

Album Review: The Mavericks, <em>In Time</em>

April 20, 2013 Ben Foster 8

The Mavericks
In Time

A reminder of the magic that can happen when a strong lyric meets a fresh, engaging production and a vocal performance that cuts right to the bone.

Single Review: Lori McKenna, "Salt"

April 18, 2013 Kevin John Coyne 7

“Hearts don’t fly, but they can run like hell when they have to.”

Lori McKenna’s greatest gift as a writer is her ability to weave brilliantly constructed metaphors together with remarkably specific and quite often mundane details of small town, working class life.