While most country stars go forward and reach for mainstream pop records, like Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood went in reverse. Her first disc had more than a few pop elements but this disc starts off with a foot stomper, "Flat on The Floor" and doesn't let up with fiddles, twang and chorus after chorus that will make you want to shout them out of your car windows. To say she has made a solid country disc in the vein of vintage Reba or Dolly is an understatement.
Underwood has even learned some new vocal tricks, as if she needed more, "Get Out of This Town," builds from an already assured vocal into a firestorm. Underwood isn't afraid to just go with the vocal and give a stronger reading as well. That was evident in her cover of "I'll Stand By You," which was simply stunning.
"Carnival Ride," is void of any weak tracks and this day and age that's a rare finding, some are stronger than others but, Jebus, the girl is giving her all to prove that she's a more than just a pretty face who sings country, she's trying to prove it's in her blood. And when you hear "You Won't Find This," that brings about that sing songy chorus that Shania Twain loves so much, you'll be a happy camper with your purchase. Carnival Ride
The second album from Carrie Underwood packs slightly less punch than her debut, but is still more than enough to further cement her place in the contemporary country hierarchy. Solidly country, this album showcases Underwood as a singer/songwriter with writing credits on four of the tracks - first single "So Small"; the excellent "All American Girl"; "Crazy Dreams" and the comedy track "Last Name". (If you liked Alan Jackson's "I Don't Even Know Your Name", you'll see lots of similarities to the aforementioned "Last Name".)
All the tracks are worth a listen, but some are immediately worth an instant replay. My recommendations are:
Flat on the Floor - a hard-rocking track with attitude
All-American Girl - instant single material with heartwarming lyrics
So Small - soaring first single about not sweating the small stuff
Just a Dream - a tear jerker with a wonderful chorus
Crazy Dreams - catchy beat just slightly reminiscent of Pink Floyd's "Education"
I Told You So - slow ballad written by Randy Travis
Wheel of the World - an easy listening track with inspired backing music
If the four tracks on which she has songwriting credits are any indication, Carrie Underwood has nowhere to go but up - should be a wild ride. (4.5 stars)
Amanda Richards, October 23, 2007
Wow. After the amazing success of Carrie Underwood's debut CD Some Hearts, I was very worried that Carnival Ride would be a let down. How can someone so new to the music industry hit it out of the park on her first 2 at bats? When So Small was released I was pleasantly surprised. Great message, voice, talent. But - could the rest of the CD be as good? YES! Right from the first song I was tapping my foot and singing along. By the time I got to All-American Girl, So Small & Just A Dream I was crying. Get Out of this Town had me thinking about Some Hearts & Crazy Dreams had me flashing back to AI & Nashville Star (not just Carrie, but ALL my favorites that are now on their way). Then WOW, Carrie just SINGS and drags you in emotionally with I Know You Won't, You Won't Find This and I Told You So (Randy Travis will be proud). In between, I am given Last Name (which I love but my husband says is NOT appropriate for the kids) and The More Boys I Meet - thank you Carrie - they are great, fun songs. The CD ends with two more great songs Twisted & Wheel of the World. The more I listen to this CD the more I love it. Have it on the ipod, the computer and in the car! Carrie you did it again (sorry if I doubted you a little - it will never happen again!)
Okay, I was nervous to hear this album. I LOVED her debut and I love So Small but sometimes artists just fail on Sophomore albums. Okay, that is so not the case here. She is amazing! She knows just the right songs that suit her. If you are a fan of Carrie my biggest recommendation is to go get this album. Easily one of my favorites. Every song is amazing and it showcases her voice perfectly.
Even better than her first CD, if that was possible. I love the music and I love the words to the songs. The themes are current and thought-provoking. My favorites are "All American Girl" and "Just a Dream". Carrie runs the gamut of emotions on this CD. Definitely worth every penny! This CD will stay in my player for who knows how long!
This album is "Some Hearts" times ten!! Love it all tracks are amazing, some must-listen are definitely So Small, of course, Wheel of the world(my personal fav after "so small"), "All american girl", "Get out of this town", amd "Just a dream" Underwood's voice sounds great and so neat, just love it! can't stop listening to it, she's one of the BEST country singers out there! I think she might even overcome Faith Hill, though she's still awesome as well. If you bought Some Hearts and you loved/liked it, then this is a great choice to purchase an album, it's totally worth it; Carrie shows deep stuff in here.
All I can say is that she is the closest thing to the real deal in a long time. This young woman has the chops to be around for a very, very long time, much to our delight. Carnival Ride is a more mature collection and her classy hand shows in the selection and even some of the writing. Her voice is again clear and a balm to the ears, even the louder cuts.
I haven't taken this CD out of my home system since I got it and I'm purchasing a second copy for my car. What a breath of fresh air to have a talented young artist break away from the field of pole dancing objects being thrown in our faces. She dresses impeccably, behaves impeccably and has a voice that causes, no, forces my eyes closed just so I can enjoy the moment. Also amazing is that she offers her talent without apology. Carrie is in a class by herself, she obviously has the rare quality of surrounding herself with good, sane, and smart people and actually loves her Mom and Dad. Who knew a good kid could still make it in the current music market? - Carrie Underwood Carnival Ride - Beautiful Voice - Carnival Ride - American Idol'
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