Brett James – Country Universe

Every No. 1 Single of the 2000s: Martina McBride, “Blessed”

May 29, 2025 Kevin John Coyne 15

A heartfelt expression of gratitude.

Every No. 1 Single of the 2000s: Jessica Andrews, “Who I Am”

May 6, 2025 Kevin John Coyne 14

Jessica Andrews and her not quite autobiographical hit.

Pam Tillis Ranked: #150-#101

May 1, 2022 Kevin John Coyne 1

This batch of fifty entries is the first to include major chart hits, with three of Pam’s top forty entries in the mix.

Single Review: Kenny Chesney, “Knowing You”

March 26, 2021 Kevin John Coyne 4

A satisfying late career moment from an artist approaching his thirtieth year of recording country music.

Single Reviews: Carrie Underwood, “Love Wins” and “Southbound”

July 23, 2019 Kevin John Coyne 5

The weakest singles of Carrie Underwood’s career cast a light on how poorly her new label is handling her latest album.

The Twenty Best Singles of 2016

December 31, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 9

Our Best of 2016 retrospective begins with a look at the year’s best singles.

A Country Music Conversation, Day 10: “I Hold On” to “If I Die Young”

December 5, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 10

Day 10 features tracks from Dierks Bentley, Lee Ann Womack, Keith Urban, Amy Dalley, and The Band Perry.

Single Review: Carrie Underwood, “Church Bells”

April 4, 2016 Kevin John Coyne 15

Miranda Lambert may have the reputation as the genre’s rebel girl, but I’d be a lot more nervous about crossing Carrie Underwood.

Single Review: Jason Aldean, “Gonna Know We Were Here”

November 18, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 4

Trite, pointless radio filler that doesn’t bother to make an attempt at originality or substance.

2015 ACM Awards: Country Universe Viewer’s Guide

April 19, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 14

The fiftieth annual Academy of Country Music Awards air tonight, and Country Universe has you covered! Here’s a rundown of all of the major categories, along with some commentary from our writers about who should