Country Universe

Johnny Cash, “Sunday Morning Coming Down”

August 10, 2008 Guest Contributor 7

Sunday Morning Coming Down Johnny Cash 1970 Written by Kris Kristofferson On a 1971 episode of his television show Johnny Cash and Friends, the Man in Black defied the show’s executives by staying true to

Saturday Discussion: Most Recent Purchase

August 9, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 40

I don't spend much on music these days, but I try to catch good deals at used record stores and such. Last weekend, I picked up Dierks Bentley's Modern Day Drifter for $3.99. I'm diggin'

Introducing Blake: A New Name at Country Universe

August 9, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

I’m very excited to introduce Blake, a new writer for Country Universe. He shares our commitment to high-quality writing and informed commentary on country music, and we expect his contributions to be invaluable! – K.

Josh Turner, “Everything Is Fine”

August 9, 2008 Leeann Ward 2

Two of my favorite things about Josh Turner are aptly displayed in “Everything Is Fine.” One is that he utilizes his lower register to great effect. Furthermore, his fine vocals are supported by a decidedly

Friday Discussion: CMA Single, 2008

August 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 33

So what should this year's Single nominees be at the CMA awards? To be eligible, the song must have been released between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. This category's a bit of a

LeAnn Rimes, "What I Cannot Change"

August 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 16

Simply put, this is the finest single of LeAnn Rimes' career, which already stretches longer than a decade and has included such gems as “Blue” and “Probably Wouldn't Be This Way.” Rimes co-wrote this spin

Melissa Lawson, “What If It All Goes Right”

August 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 20

The good thing about reality singing competitions: a strong singer gets a shot at stardom that they might not get otherwise. The bad thing about reality singing competitions: if they win, they’re saddled with a

Josh Gracin, “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)”

August 8, 2008 Leeann Ward 6

While this song may not be quite as steamy as Sara Evans’ latest single, “Love You With All My Heart”, it seems to focus on the intimacies of the Gracin relationship. As indicated in the

Thursday Discussion: Embarrassing Albums

August 7, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 47

We all have our guilty pleasures, but some of the albums I've bought with my own money are downright embarrassing, especially now that I can buy them online. Gone are the days of avoiding eye

Sound Off: The McClymonts

August 7, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 7

Our occasional feature spotlighting new artists continues today, as we turn our attention to another Aussie country act: The McClymonts. This sister act has already gained popularity in their home country. Here's a bit of