The short version: Easton Corbin makes his return with a song that, while not bad, is still below his talent level. Writers: Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins Rating: 6/10 The long version: If the next trend we see in country music is artists proclaiming how country they are, count me out. Granted, songs like… Continue reading Song Review: Easton Corbin - “Somebody’s Gotta Be Country”
Month: January 2019
EP Review: Farewell Angelina - ‘Women & Wine’
The short version: The melodic construction and harmonies are spectacular on Farewell Angelina’s sophomore EP, but it could benefit even more from sharper writing and stickier hooks. Aside from this, the short length of the project doesn’t give it time to really grab the listener the way it should. Favorite tracks: “Ghosts,” “Baby,” “I Feel You” Least… Continue reading EP Review: Farewell Angelina - ‘Women & Wine’
Album Review: Whiskey Shivers - ‘Smothered and Covered’
The short version: I can’t believe I’m reviewing a covers album, but Whiskey Shivers deliver what might be one of the funnest albums of 2019 with ‘Smothered and Covered.’ Favorite tracks: “Sandstorm,” “Lithium,” “Goodbye Earl,” “The Trooper,” “Losing My Religion” Least favorite track: … “Rainbow Connection” I guess? The long version: Forget the fact that… Continue reading Album Review: Whiskey Shivers - ‘Smothered and Covered’
Album Review: Clay Walker - ‘Long Live The Cowboy’
The short version: Clay Walker stumbles on ‘Long Live The Cowboy,’ his first album in nine years. Favorite tracks: “Makes Me Want To Stay,” “Love Is The Like The Rain,” “Napkin” Least favorite track: “Little Miss Whiskey” Rating: 4/10 The long version: I wish I was a little more excited about the idea of a… Continue reading Album Review: Clay Walker - ‘Long Live The Cowboy’
Song Review: Travis Denning - “After A Few”
The short version: “After A Few” finds Travis Denning playing to more generic territory than his solid debut single. Despite this, “After A Few” still somehow works well. Writers: Travis Denning, Kelly Archerback Rating: 6/10 The long version: Let’s be honest – it’s (usually) not that exciting anymore to hear a new male artist has… Continue reading Song Review: Travis Denning - “After A Few”
Album Review: Flatland Cavalry - ‘Homeland Insecurity’
The short version: ‘Homeland Insecurity’ struck me more as “solid” than “great” on the first few listens, but with every listen after, there’s more layers to this project than what initially meets the eye. Favorite tracks: “Come Back Down,” “Living By Moonlight,” “Years From Now,” “Pretty Women,” “Ashes,” “Sleeping Alone” Least favorite track: “Old School”… Continue reading Album Review: Flatland Cavalry - ‘Homeland Insecurity’
Song Review: Maren Morris - “GIRL”
The short version: Maren Morris’ “GIRL” carries a strong message with a strong vocal delivery, but it lacks the right amount of punch to elevate its status. Writers: Maren Morris, Sarah Aarons, Greg Kurstin Rating: 6/10 The long version: Bro-country may be dead, but female artists are arguably faring worse than ever before in mainstream… Continue reading Song Review: Maren Morris - “GIRL”
Album Review: Cody Johnson - ‘Ain’t Nothin’ To It’
The short version: Cody Johnson’s Ain’t Nothin’ To It is an album made solely for his fans, and whether that’s a good or bad thing will depend on your past opinions of his work. Favorite tracks: “Monday Morning Merle,” “Dear Rodeo,” “Fenceposts,” “Noise,” “Long Haired Country Boy (w/ The Rockin’ CJB)” Least favorite track: “Doubt… Continue reading Album Review: Cody Johnson - ‘Ain’t Nothin’ To It’
Album Review: The Steel Woods - ‘Old News’
The short version: The Steel Woods’ sophomore effort is somehow even better than their debut album. It’s a striking concept record filled with great stories, fantastic riffs and some of their stickiest hooks yet. In short, it’s an early contender for one of 2019’s best albums. Favorite tracks: “Rock That Says My Name,” “Without You,”… Continue reading Album Review: The Steel Woods - ‘Old News’
Pop Goes The Country Vol. 3: Gene Autry - “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1949)
Pop Goes The Country is an ongoing feature where I explore country music’s biggest crossover hits. Last time on “Pop Goes The Country,” we explored the effects of cigarettes and harmful addictions. This time, we’re taking a hard right turn toward … a Christmas carol?!? At any rate, I guess I better get this out… Continue reading Pop Goes The Country Vol. 3: Gene Autry - “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1949)
The Musical Divide 