Jonathan Keefe

4 days ago | countryuniverse.net | Jonathan Keefe

Turnpike Troubadours and Marlon Williams are this week’s standout releases. Jesse WellesMiddleThe political songs have the exact same smug veneer of “principled centrist” condescension as South Park, toxic in ways that undercut whatever points he might have. Outside of that mode, he can certainly write a memorable and clever tune, though the vocals are quite rough.

5 days ago | countryuniverse.net | Jonathan Keefe

An Opry grand dame and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer are among today’s collaborative artists. “Superlover”Allison Russell featuring Annie LennoxWritten by JT Nero and Allison RussellKevin John Coyne: What a beautiful pair of vocal performances and what a gorgeous arrangement. Wow, do I wish they were in service of a better song. I understand the challenges right now to trying to capture the moment and make any kind of appeal for hope and love.

1 week ago | countryuniverse.net | Jonathan Keefe

Two solid efforts, courtesy of Brothers Osborne and S.G. Goodman. “Fire Sign”S.G. GoodmanWritten by S.G. GoodmanJonathan Keefe: I can’t remember the last time a lyric took me out the way, “I’ve been livin’ like the sun don’t shine / On the same dog’s ass every day,” and it’s to Goodman’s unending credit that her use of humor in no way undercuts the frustration that drives this record.

1 week ago | countryuniverse.net | Jonathan Keefe

Our perspectives on the new singles from Tanner Adell and Jordan Davis. “Going Blonde”Tanner AdellWritten by Tanner AdellJK: There is not one thing about the title “Going Blonde” or the hilarious cover art for this single that prepared me for what Adell’s narrative is actually about here. Part of me was expecting a pointed jab at the genre’s current A-list, courtesy of one of the many talented WOC who’ve been marginalized.

1 week ago | countryuniverse.net | Jonathan Keefe

Valerie June and Raleigh Keegan lead a very strong batch of new releases. Matt DanielThe Poet Opens with a clever song about Impostor Syndrome, then spends the rest of the record proving that he’s got plenty of goods to stand out in a saturated market for this style of neo-traditionalism. And I’m real not mad at how much his vocal tone sounds like early Sturgill. Valerie JuneOwls, Omens, and Oracles A new career-best, and she’s never put her inimitable voice to better or wider-ranging use.