Country Universe

Kellie Pickler, “I Wonder”

February 3, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 9

Kellie Pickler, “I Wonder” This is very heartfelt and sincere. Pickler speaks rhetorically to the mother who didn’t stick around to raise her. Her performance is perfectly delivered, with subtlety and understatement. The production overwhelms

Jason Aldean, “Johnny Cash”

February 3, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 52

Jason Aldean, “Johnny Cash” You’re setting yourself up for criticism when you name drop one of music’s biggest historical icons in a song title, and it’s gratuitious to boot. The line in the chorus is

Grammy Flashback: Record of the Year

January 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

At the Grammys, there are four big categories, where recordings, songs and artists from all musical genres compete against one another: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best

Montgomery Gentry, “Lucky Man”

January 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

Montgomery Gentry, “Lucky Man” The vocal sounds worn down at times, but it works well given the song’s message. One of their better singles, “Lucky Man” is a timely reminder of what it means to

Four Rare Olivia Newton-John Albums Hit iTunes

January 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

Olivia Newton-John has inked a digital distribution deal with Digital Music Group, Inc. (DMGI), effective immediately. This deal provides distribution for four rare Newton-John albums, two of which have only been released in specialty stores

Chicks, Jackson, Gill & Cash Dominate Scene Poll

January 27, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 6

The results of the 7th Annual Country Music Critics’ Poll have been released by Nashville Scene, and just like they did on the Country Universe Top Singles and Top Albums lists for 2006, the Dixie

Video of the Day: “Keep Me In Your Heart”

January 26, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

For Dad.

Review: Luke Bryan, “All My Friends Say”

January 25, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 4

Luke Bryan, “All My Friends Say” This is what I’m talking about when I write that you need a memorable song to launch a new artist. Who hasn’t drank way too much and had to

Lonestar, “Nothing to Prove”

January 25, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 2

Lonestar, “Nothing to Prove” Lonestar is starting to remind me of Restless Heart. When at their peak, they sounded great on the radio and racked up the hits. They haven’t changed their sound much, and

Parton Reissues On the Way

January 25, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 3

Billboard is reporting the the upcoming reissues of the classic Dolly Parton albums Coat of Many Colors, Jolene and My Tennessee Mountain Home will feature multiple bonus tracks, most of which are unreleased studio recordings