Like all American Idol produced albums, there is always some inconsistency with production and etc... There is the slightest bit of this on Carrie's album. We first began to truly see this with Fantasia's exceptional debut, Ruben sophomore effort (better than his debut Soulful), and of course multi-platinum pop-rocker Kelly Clarkson's Grammy deserving Breakaway. SOME HEARTS presents a truly credible country album without the American Idol aspect attached, which may mark the first American Idol debut to officially shed that image.
Carrie's debut is just as expected-a country set that has some pop sensibilities. The emphasis is on some because for the most part, this album will appeal to those who loved Carrie on American Idol as well as those who love a good country album. The pop sensibility comes with such a track as the excellent "Some Hearts" which features driving guitars, slick production and Carrie rising to a high E. Despite that, Carrie sings her heart out on this appropriate title track.
On her opening track "Wasted", as with ever American Idol album, Carrie's grabs the audience's attention with a well written selection that shows off Carrie's pure upper register. That is followed by an incredibly country influenced "Don't Forget to Remember Me", which isn't a bad track, but it slightly lessens the heightened momentum created by the great "Wasted". Nonetheless, that is where "Some Hearts" and the touching first single "Jesus Take The Wheel," which is made of a stunning piano, string, and electric guitar driven arrangement, throw the album back into full swing. Other notable highlights from SOME HEARTS include "Before He Cheats" which uses a bluesy production sound mixed with the first time that I've personally heard Carrie achieve some much needed grit to her pure voice. Selections "Whenever Your Remember" and "I Ain't in Chocatoe No More" also steal the show. There are some other tracks of less notability, yet it is important to note that this album is consistent for the most part lending many great tracks besides the major ones such as "We're Young and Beautiful" and "Starts with Goodbye".
While this album has a few flaws (Carrie over sings slightly on "When you're Beautiful"), for the most part it is well produced, Carrie's pitch is impeccable, and it is just a fine, well rounded debut. Where this album is concerned- a big fat 4 stars from a non-Carrie fan for this very fine debut. Some Hearts
It's rare that I buy a cd and like every track, especially when it is an artist that I have had no prior knowledge of. I heard of Carrie Underwood, but I'm not a watcher of American Idol. I just knew that she won, and that she was a country girl. I read some reviews and I was curious, so I went ahead and bought the cd. I'm glad I did! I have to say I am really impressed with the songs here. Carrie has a great voice, and knows how to be emotive and powerful. The first single "Jesus, Take The Wheel" is powerful and moving. She really shines on the ballads. Other favorites I have on the cd include "Before He Cheats", "Starts With Goodbye", "Don't Forget To Remember Me", "That's Where It Is", "The Night Before (Life Goes On)", "I Ain't In Checotah Anymore", and more. Overall a great debut album... I look forward to seeing where she goes in her career!
Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice were the 1st and second place winners in last years American Idol. Bo's album comes out next momth. Carrie's is here. What a fantastic album! The song selection here is pretty strong as is the production. The songs all sound like they would have fit right in on a Martina or Faith album. This does NOT sound like the winner of some TV singing contest, Carrie sounds like she's been doing this her whole life and has been given a shot at the big time. She sounds very natural through out the album. I hope "Before He Cheats" gets released as a single. The song shows a very different side of Carrie than the rest of the album. Musically it reminds me of "There Is No Arizona", lyrically, it's just scary!!! It's about a woman seeking revenge after he's cheated on her. Great song, but like they say Hell hath no fury..... Carrie clearly has a career ahead of her. This could be the start of a long running career.
Proving that she has transcended the fluff and fakery of the world's biggest talent show, Carrie Underwood delivers what is not only the best and most cohesive album by any "AI" alumnus to date, but also the best female vocal performance of any album of 2005. This is not the shy wallflower we all saw singing her heart out on "American Idol" . . . this is a confident country-pop diva ready to take the world by storm.
"Some Hearts" is fourteen immaculate country-pop gems, each single-worthy in its own right, but also working perfectly to achieve the kind of unified tone and texture that more artists should strive for. When I first listened to this album, I was immediately struck by how good these songs are--how good ALL of them are. In an age when the typical genre album has seventy-five percent filler or more, it's refreshing to encounter one that you can listen to from start to finish, with no thought or need of skipping around. "Some Hearts" is beautifully crafted and perfectly paced, and in terms of pure artistry it is miles ahead of most of the competition--country, pop, R & B, or otherwise.
Carrie Underwood's vocals on this album are a wonder and a marvel to behold. Her crystalline mezzo-soprano soars from beautiful delicate lows to thunderous, rafter-shaking highs with ease and authority. She has proved once and for all that she is not just a technically-proficient vocalist but one who has soul, presence, and tremendous empathy with her material. Forget the old talk of her being a stiff and lifeless performer. On this album Carrie is a commanding and compelling diva in full control--and her new-found confidence is a joy to witness.
With this debut release, Carrie has set a high bar not only for herself but for all of her contemporaries as well. This is one of the best albums of 2005 and it heralds the emergence of a major new female talent.
Just call her Miss Underwood, if you're nasty. - Carrie - Music - American Idol - Country Music'
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