Entertainment

Carrie Underwood stays with pop infused country for latest effort

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

CD Review: Carrie Underwood-Play On

Tags:

entertainment

REVIEW (WJRT) -- (11/05/09)--She's won America's highest rated television show, sold nearly 10 million albums in the U.S., is a multiple Grammy Award winner, and at 26, she's already a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

So on her third CD, "Play On," which hit stores this week, Underwood has pretty much stayed with the formula, mixing traditional country songs with a touch of pop, rock and dance.

First song and first single, "Cowboy Casanova" has taken country airwaves by storm. It's Underwood's fastest rising single to date, selling more than 110,000 copies the first week it was available on iTunes.

It's also the biggest crossover song on the album, with a stomping dance beat under Underwood's warnings about a playboy.

More: Follow us on Twitter

"Quitter" is another non-traditional country song. The singing on the first verse is odd and choppy, but once the chorus kicks in, she lets loose. But the intro sounds amateur.

A very personal track co-written by Underwood follows in "Mama's Song," a soft, slow song about generations of mothers trying to let daughters grow up and move on.

Underwood says in an interview posted on her official YouTube Channel that the song began as a wedding song about a mother giving away her daughter, but it evolved into something much deeper.

"I wanted to leave it really general," Underwood says. "So it could be, you know, even if your mom is kind of letting you go, not to a man specifically, but letting you go and God will take care of my daughter."

"Undo It" is another personal song, with Underwood singing about relationships gone bad to the point where she regrets ever handing her heart to anyone in the first place. The jangly chords and upbeat tempo mix well with Underwood's angry, sassy vocals.

Underwood really gets into "Songs Like This," injecting her powerful voice into a rollicking, spiteful tale about deceit and revenge.

Another country-pop crossover song is found in "This Time," which has heavy steel guitar tones over a dance beat and Underwood singing about a perfect evening.

"Look At Me" is a tearful ballad featuring Vince Gill harmonizing with Underwood during the chorus. Originally recorded by Alan Jackson for the "Billy: The Early Years" soundtrack, Underwood truly makes the song her own.

Underwood hearkens her "American Idol" beginnings on "What Can I Say," bringing in Sons of Sylvia for backup, and the title track -- a mid-tempo song about fighting through adversity -- rounds out the album.

Several songs from "Play On" could and likely will be successful radio hits. And the girl who has taken over country airwaves -- and award shows -- won't be letting go of the reigns any time soon. -- Josh Daunt

The ABC12 Listening Room staff: James Chesna, editor-in-chief; Josh Daunt, managing editor, photographer; Beth McEnroe, staff writer, photographer; Gwen Mikolajczak, staff writer; Eric Fletcher, chief photographer; Randy Cox, photographer; Chris Carr, photographer; Jessica Reid, contributing photographer; LeeAlan Weddel, contributing editor, writer; Shawn Light, contributing writer; Robin Chan, contributing writer.