Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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34 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Crossing Over Never Seemed So Easy, November 3, 2009
Not since Shania Twain bared her midriff, and gained legions of fans outside of the country music scene, has there been a disc that blatantly wears its intentions on its (album) sleeve. Literally, the songwriting and producing credits are littered with a who's who of names that are ruling the charts in every genre. And with a longer listening, this album has to be Underwood's most focused. The melodies are smoother, "This Time" with its stuttering drum just below the mix and harmony is just so breezy and effective it leaves you with no choice but to tap your toes and sing-along to the chorus.
But that is what the whole album is built on, an inner arena feeling. It has a much fuller sound than carnival ride. It's grander, and oozing in bombast, "Cowboy Casanova" & "Songs Like This" give you just enough fiddle and twang to satisfy without purely catering to a pop audience. With such stellar production it is almost too easy to ignore the real star in all of this: Carrie Underwood. Her vocals and interpretation has grown, shockingly, from her last disc, which found her range expanding. "Someday When I Stop Loving You" & "Temporary Home," brings to mind the best of Martina McBride, heartbreaking beauty at its best.
Carrie Underwood is going for an even broader radio sound, but who isn't in country music today. Yes, there are a bigger array of genre bending producers that bring elements of R&B, Rock, etc., but it works so brilliantly that you can't fault her for it. If Underwood wasn't delivering such honest delivery and conviction this would be a four star disc, but she brings so much to the table vocally that is impossible to not feel that she has given her all to this project, you can feel her pushing for you to enjoy this disc. There is a faith and purity to this woman's delivery that brings to mind the best artists from Cline to Womack (whose latest CD isn't garnering as much attention as it deserves). Country music -- heck, music in general needs her.
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vocal magic from Carrie Underwood, November 4, 2009
I am a huge Carrie Underwood fan and was filled wih high anticipation for the release of her 3rd cd PLAY ON. As with any of my favorite performers I always listen the first time with a critical ear and upon first play I was not sure what I thought. I've now played it at least 5 more times and have certainly developed some feelings about this release. First, I must say that I think it is still shocking just what a true broad range Carrie has both with musicality and emotional delivery when tackling a song. And when a listener finds themselves listening to a new release real close with a critical ear that means you know you are listening to major talent and have expectations.
I agree that CARNIVAL RIDE was an advancement over the crital debut SOME HEARTS but I felt in some ways it did follow the same formula. On this, Carrie's 3rd venture we really see her taking creative chances and stepping out over that small country line. I always wonder who decides what is country, what is country pop and when is it a crossover. Country pop and crossover are often used as negative terms and to me any true artist needs to take chances as they spread their message and define their identity thru music. For me, Carrie Underwood possesses a natural, raw voice that delivers openly and honestly whether soaring with the high notes of a belter or caressing a gentle note of a ballad. Whatever she sings she brings her emotional interpretation and that honesty rings true. To me this is what country music is. Songs that tell stories and speak of strong feelings. Yes, some songs may lean more towards pop but you may be able to take the girl out of country but you can't take the country out of the girl.
Highlights here are the country pop COWBOY CASANOVA, SONGS LIKE THIS and UNDO on which her vocals are remarkable. Her tender vulnerable takes on SOMEDAY WHEN I STOP LOVING YOU, TEMPORARY HOME and LOOK AT ME are truly inspiring. WHAT CAN I SAY is a duet with Sons of Sylvia and interestingly I find it sounds country when Carrie sings but then it seems to change to rock when the group joins in. I love the song but they are no match for Carrie. I find the closing number PLAY ON to also be strong.
Bottom line, Carrie Underwood is a truly gifted vocalist with an amazing range. Whether belting or ballading her voice turns any song into a magical journey. Her voice is not put through machines to sound stronger or to use for dance tracks. What you hear is Carrie, pure and true. This is my favorite cd by Carrie and I give her the highest kudos for venturing out and taking chances on this cd. She is a true artist and I look forward to the rest of her career. This cd is a must buy and if you are wondering whether to buy it or not all I can say is THAT VOICE !! That is reason enough. Quality music from a quality artist.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What's wrong with pop/country?, November 11, 2009
Another excellent CD by Carrie Underwood. Immediately accessible, like the first CD, but with a much less classic country feel (which I guess upsets a few people judging by the reviews). However, for every fan she loses, she's likely to gain 10 by going in this direction. (It certainly hasn't hurt Taylor Swift). Top notch musical construction, excellent vocal production, easily digestible lyrics and catchy melodies, what more can you ask for? Other than some overly sentimental lyrics in places, I found almost every song to be a gem.
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