Country Universe

Mark Chesnutt, “When You Love Her Like Crazy”

March 21, 2008 Leeann Ward 5

Mark Chesnutt has one of the purest voices in country music. It seems that he can breathe emotion into a ballad with very little effort. After a string of cover songs, it is nice to

100 Greatest Women, #95: Sylvia

March 20, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 11

100 Greatest Women #95 Sylvia Some artists produce music that changes the sound of their time. Others adapt to the current time, shaping their sound to match what’s currently popular. Sylvia is one of the

Discussion: Favorite Drinking Songs?

March 17, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 27

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! As someone who is half-Irish, it’s something of a national holiday for me. Unfortunately, I’m full-“working adult”, so the closest I’ll come to the sauce today is by listening to my

News: Carrie Underwood will join Grand Ole Opry

March 16, 2008 Leeann Ward 18

Last night, Carrie Underwood was surprised to be invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. The invitation was extended by Randy Travis, in a touching exchange, after she finished singing his song, “I Told You

100 Greatest Women, #96: Allison Moorer

March 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 13

100 Greatest Women #96 Allison Moorer One of the definitive female artists of Americana music. Allison Moorer was the second musical artist to emerge from her family, with an older sister who goes by the

100 Greatest Women, #97: Barbara Fairchild

March 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 2

100 Greatest Women #97 Barbara Fairchild Much like Jeannie Kendall was locked into cheating songs as soon as “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away” topped the charts, country and gospel star Barbara Fairchild found herself trapped

Carrie Underwood, “Last Name”

March 15, 2008 Leeann Ward 27

The glaringly obvious comparison to Alan Jackson’s “I Don’t Even Know Your Name” cannot be overlooked here. Likewise, the comparison to Carrie’s own “Before He Cheats” is also rather evident. Moreover, this song doesn’t do

Willie Nelson, “You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore”

March 15, 2008 Leeann Ward 2

Willie Nelson’s voice is as thrilling as ever these days. It is unique and unpolished, but it is dripping with charisma. “You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore” finds his voice still strong and vibrant, in

Randy Travis, “Faith In You”

March 14, 2008 Leeann Ward 19

As a point of interest, “Faith In You” is being offered as a free download on randytravis.com as a show of appreciation to his dedicated fans over the years. For the record, I am one

Garth Brooks, “Midnight Sun”

March 14, 2008 Leeann Ward 4

Garth Brooks might have been wise to follow his own advice to his wife, Trisha Yearwood. He is credited for encouraging Trisha to step it up a notch for her latest studio effort, which is