Country Universe

Grammy Flashback: Best Male Country Vocal Performance

February 3, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 6

Updated for 2008 While the Grammys have honored country music from the very first ceremony in 1959, they did not begin honoring by gender until 1965, when the country categories were expanded along with the

Sara Evans, “Some Things Never Change”

February 2, 2008 Leeann Ward 3

I thought about easing into this by waxing poetic about what a big fan I’ve been of Sara Evans over the years. While it would all be true, I have opted to just get right

Crystal Shawanda, “You Can Let Go”

February 1, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 108

You don’t hear country voices like this that much anymore. It seems like most women to come down the pike over the past few years have been belting divas are growling redneck girls. Newcomer Crystal

Blake Shelton, “Home”

February 1, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 21

Well, what can I say? I love this Michael Bublé song. I also love Blake Shelton’s pure country vocals. What I don’t love is the two of them being put together. I’m reminded of when

My Country Music History

January 30, 2008 Leeann Ward 15

A big Country Universe welcome to Leeann, a familiar face from the comments who will now be contributing for the site. As she’s already demonstrated through her contributions in the comments, she’s well-versed on country

Carrie Underwood’s Charming New Video

January 28, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 21

I caught the new Carrie Underwood video last night for the first time, following a link at CMT. I couldn’t shake the smile off of my face while watching it. She shows so much personality

Miranda Lambert tops Nashville Scene Critics Poll

January 27, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 11

Once again, it’s ladies first in the world of country music critics. The highly praised Crazy Ex-Girlfriend tops the eighth annual Nashville Scene Critics Poll for Best Country Album of 2007, with Miranda Lambert outpacing

Jewel, “Stronger Woman”

January 25, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 19

Love it. Intelligent, sincere and just plain well-written. I don’t know that Jewel is going to find that country music is any friendlier to smart women than the pop scene that she left behind, but

Dierks Bentley, “Trying to Stop Your Leaving”

January 25, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 17

I’m a sucker for a train song that uses steel guitar to make that lonesome whistle sound. So before Bentley’s vocals even kicked in, I was hooked. I love the rise and fall in intensity,

Taylor Swift, “Picture to Burn”

January 25, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 20

I think this is going to be a crystallizing record for Taylor Swift. It’s been selling briskly as a download long before it was ever released as a single, and it speaks more directly to