Country Universe

Faith Hill, “Red Umbrella”

September 15, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

If “Lost” revisited the smoky romance of “Breathe”, “Red Umbrella” is just as reminiscent of Hill’s whimsical pop-country confections “This Kiss” and “If My Heart Had Wings.” Her joy-filled performance and the candy-sweet production come

Sugarland, “Stay”

September 13, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 29

This their finest single to date. Jennifer Nettle turns in an achingly vulnerable vocal, with only an acoustic guitar backing her up for most of the song. “Stay” is the story of the other

Gretchen Wilson, “You Don’t Have to Go Home”

September 13, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

Good enough. She sounds fully engaged, it’s up-tempo and rowdy without being in-your-face obnoxious, and every detail from this last call scene sounds authentic and believable. It’s certainly more realistic than “All Jacked Up.” I

Craig Morgan, “International Harvester”

September 13, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

Forgive me, but the awkward writing int he chorus keeps making me think that he’s married to his sister. Anyway, cute stuff. Any time I’ve been caught behind a tractor it’s been okay to pass

Dolly Parton, "Better Get to Livin'"

September 8, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 14

Today’s country music is heavy on stars but light on icons. Dolly Parton, my friends, is an icon. Her new single, “Better Get to Livin’”, is one of the best singles of the

Chuck Wicks, “Stealing Cinderella”

September 8, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 48

I realize that I’m supposed to be swept away by the charm of this story, a young man asking a father for his daughter’s hand. All I could think of listening to this,

Jypsi, “Love is a Drug”

September 8, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 15

All of the fiery fiddle and the production magic can’t create enough of a distraction from the problems with this record: the song is terrible and the vocals are even worse. That this is

Halfway to Hazard, “The Devil and the Cross”

September 8, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

Similar in theme to the recent Big & Rich single “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace”, but stronger in execution. The “prodigal son” theme has been done before, but by weaving in a believable storyline,

Album Reviews: 16 Biggest Hits (Alabama, Diamond Rio, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, Dolly Parton)

September 2, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

Since their merger a couple of years back, Sony BMG has been combining their budget title lines. Originating with Sony, the 16 Biggest Hits series has been intended to provide a good career overview of

2007 CMA Nominations: The Good, The Bad and The…Really?

September 2, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 4

Ya gotta love the CMAs. It’s the most politically-motivated award show the genre offers up, but at the same time, factions in its membership can tilt the balance and deliver some surprise nominations and dark