Country Universe

Little Big Town, “I’m With the Band”

August 8, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

This is mid-seventies country-rock done really, really well. If I didn’t already own the Almost Famous soundtrack, I’d swear this was on it. They’re letting their roots show, and it’s a flattering sound for them.

Mel Tillis, Vince Gill & Ralph Emery newest Hall of Famers

August 7, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 5

Singer-songwriter legends Mel Tillis & Vince Gill will join country media icon Ralph Emery in the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year. Tillis enters the Hall of Fame in the performer category for

Taylor Swift, “Our Song”

August 6, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 10

This song has been among the top country downloads for weeks, even though it’s yet to be a single. Hearing it, it’s easy to see why. Swift’s success is being powered by a startlingly passionate

Big & Rich, “Between Raising Hell & Amazing Grace”

August 6, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 3

The lyrics are great, and they should be knocking this one out of the park. Somehow, they just don’t. It sounded good within the context of the album, but it’s a bit of a slog

Jason Aldean, “Laughed Until We Cried”

August 6, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 5

I like the song and I like the artist, so it’s good to hear him back with something strong. This is a big improvement over “Johnny Cash.” I’m a sucker for these three act

Bad Moments in Album Cover Design

August 5, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

What the heck is going on with this album artwork for the new Reba CD? Who came up with the brilliant idea to take a quite stunning picture of Reba McEntire and put a ton

Looking Back as Country Universe Turns Three

August 3, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

It’s been three years since I was bored during a technology workshop, and decided to start a blog. What began as a way to kill time has evolved into a way of life. Throughout all

Review: Suzy Bogguss, “In Heaven”

August 2, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 4

Her voice is still as pure and clear as a mountain stream, and she instinctively knows the great truth about singing that too many women these days never learned: it’s not about power, it’s about

Alan Jackson, “It’s All About Him”

July 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 5

A spiritual ballad that absolutely soars. Borrowing the title from his wife Denise’s new book about their marriage, and co-written with her to boot, this is a classic country gospel song that you rarely hear

Carrie Underwood, “So Small”

July 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 12

She’s a little older, and a little wiser, this Carrie Underwood. Surfacing as a co-writer on the lead single from her mega-anticipated sophomore set, she’s singing about the importance of loving one another, and not