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| "Blown Away" (c) 2012 Arista Nashville/19 Recordings |
Considering, that four months have passed since the initial release of this album, I have to say that this review has been long overdue. As always, below I shall do a song-by-song review of the album (just because it's easier that way!) and give my overall thoughts and rating at the end.
1. "Good Girl" : Like I said, back with a vengeance! The lead single from the album, Carrie unleashes her fierce side with this song. Following the path set be her previous hits like "Before He Cheats", "Cowboy Casanova" and "Last Name", "Good Girl" is an aggressive warning to a naive girl about thinking twice before falling for that guy. Fantastic way to open up the album.
2. "Blown Away": My favorite song and possibly the best on this album. "Blown Away" is so dark,so biographical and so irresistibly honest that I had this song on repeat even before I had heard the whole album! Brilliant stuff, this one, and really represents the entire album. Dealing with issues like household abuse is no easy feat, and just for that Carrie deserves praise, because it's her first time working with such dark material.
3. "Two Black Cadillacs": Another highlight of the album, and another dark song. It tells the story of two women arriving at the funeral of a man who cheated on them. Just listening to the lyrics gives me chills everytime. Awesome!
4. "See You Again": At song no.4, it's time to go back to the sunshine and goodness of classic Carrie. This is a feel good, sentimental song with pop overtones. Very listenable and friendly, and quite honest. I like it!
5. "Do You Think About Me": Again, Carrie returns to her politeness and friendliness and gives us a song wondering about whether her lover still misses her. It's the kind of song that would have been perfect for Lady Antebellum, but Carrie pulls it off with ease. It's these kinds of songs I love the most, just saying.
6. "Forever Changed": A beautiful ballad telling the story of a girl's mom who is battling Alzheimer's. It's heartbreaking and delivered with tenderness. The lyrical content is really deep and this is just a very well written song overall.
7. "Nobody Ever Told You": First there was Lady Gaga's "Born This Way", then Katy Perry's "Firework", Selena Gomez's "Who Says" and Pink's "Perfect". Not wanting to be left out, Carrie delivers "Nobody Ever Told You". An uplifting, positive song about loving yourself and not bothering about what people think about you. It's another first for Carrie and she does it her way. Very nice, and a must listen for all you people out there who, let's say, are a bit uncomfortable about your self image. Another highlight of the album!
8. "One Way Ticket": Who put this song on here!? Was my first thought when I heard this. It's a Caribbean/summer/beach song and is perfect for the summer, but just doesn't fit onto the album! Good song, but a bit out of place among all the power ballads and country songs... Hmm, anyway, "Grab yourself a drink with a pink umbrella..."
9. "Thank God For Hometowns": If you're from a small town (like me) you'll definitely relate to this song. It's sweet, nostalgic and makes you want to go home. Or at least call your mom and catch up a bit.
10. "Good In Goodbye": A song about letting go and saying goodbye. "Yes, sometimes, there's good in goodbye." An unmemorable song, but for a #10 track, good stuff.
11. "Leave Love Alone": A fun, pure country song, with no pretensions. Carrie is in her element like always! She stretches her powerful voice all over the place in this one while maintaining her country twang.
12. "Cupid's Got A Shotgun": Another loud, fast country song. Carrie describes the feeling of being "under attack" from love. Go Carrie! Fiddles all over the place! This song made me want to buy a pair of boots and do a hoedown. Or buy a shotgun.
13. "Wine After Whiskey": One of my favorite songs on the album. Reminds me of the Randy Travis type music. I always find myself humming this song at odd times. Really memorable and honest.
14. "Who Are You": This song can have two interpretations. It's either about a person who you love or just about God. I think it's two birds with one stone. Good song and a great way to close the album. Tip: If you're a church singer, this is a great choice!
Carrie Underwood can do no wrong really. "Blown Away" has some songs the kind of which she has never done before, and also some classic Carrie-sounding ones. The bad? After the first three awesome songs, Carrie kind of puts away her sword and becomes tame and predictable. The good? Almost all the songs are great, and while not entirely groundbreaking (as advertised) are great additions to your country collection.
Carrie tries very hard to make this album a crossover hit in the likes of Shania Twain and Taylor Swift, but in the end she has to settle for plain, safe ol' country. Don't get me wrong, this is a great album, just not as innovative and different compared to her previous albums. It's two steps forward and one step back. If you love country music, American Idol, or just Carrie Underwood, this is a no brainer. I suggest you buy this just for the fantastic first three songs!
RATING: ★★★★
What are your thoughts? Have you heard this album? Or plan to? Do you agree with my views? Comment! Let's get some conversation going! Remember, if you like my blog, you can "join" via the "Follow" button on your right! I'm also on Twitter @IAmGaryWright. See you there!