Country Universe

Brad Paisley, “I’m Still A Guy”

February 19, 2008 Leeann Ward 24

With the follow up single to his thought provoking “Letter To Me”, Brad Paisley returns to the jocularity of another novelty song that has become his signature vantage point. It perpetuates the sentiment that while

Michael Dean Church, “Why Can’t You Forgive Me”

February 18, 2008 Leeann Ward 8

Newcomer Michael Dean Church may have a hit on his hands. “Why Can’t You Forgive Me” is an up-tempo song that is full of pop culture references that will surely draw in its listeners on

LeAnn Rimes, “Good Friend and a Glass of Wine”

February 18, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 8

LeAnn Rimes, the youngest veteran in recent country music history, takes a stab at writing herself a girl power anthem and acquits herself nicely. Rimes is simply a better singer now that she’s singing her

Jennifer Hanson, “73”

February 18, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 8

As Hanson reminisces about her childhood while looking through pictures, she stops to wonder how her life would have been different if her parents hadn’t gotten divorced, and had stayed in love instead. The song

Jo Dee Messina, “I’m Done”

February 18, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 13

Dripping with bitterness and resignation, Jo Dee Messina’s new single “I’m Done” captures the anger and frustration that comes with being the back-up girl. Messina is the modern queen of the kiss-off song, and she’s

Montgomery Gentry, “Back When I Knew it All”

February 16, 2008 Leeann Ward 15

Coming off the heels of their single “What Do You Think About That”, Montgomery Gentry supplies their listeners with another up-tempo song that is bound to be successful on country music radio. This song, with

Country Universe mentioned in the new issue of Country Weekly

February 14, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 13

This week’s issue of Country Weekly, dated February 25, has a brief mention of Country Universe on page 60. The clipping mentions last month’s feature, The Fifty Best Debut Singles of All-Time, which you can

Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists: Vince Gill

February 11, 2008 Leeann Ward 20

I am excited to introduce a new feature to Country Universe. From time to time, we will be choosing an artist and counting down our favorite songs by that particular artist. The rules are very

2008 Grammy Live Blog

February 10, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 208

Okay, y’all. Thanks for a fun night, especially in the comments. Let’s do this again when the ACM’s roll around! 11:30 Let me just say that Grammy voters never cease to amaze me. I’m tremendously

A Few Post-Pre-Show, Pre-Show-Show Grammy Observations

February 10, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 1

I’ll be live-blogging the show when it starts at eight. I’m hoping it’s heavy on nostalgia, given it’s the fiftieth anniversary. I’m already 1 for 9 from My Wish List, but last year was super