Get ready folks! It’s time to play a new album on your music player because country superstar, Carrie Underwood is back with her third studio album, Play On. If her previous 2 albums are any indication of what to expect from her, this latest album should have success written all over it.
With a very Kelly Clarkson-esque cover picture on her album, it gives the impression that Carrie Underwood is trying to cross over to the more pop side of country music. After all, that’s how she’s managed to sell more record copies than any other American Idol winner. Simon Cowell was right in saying that Carrie Underwood would become the biggest American Idol singer (in album sales) in Idol history.
So how do the new songs fare compared to the high expectations that Carrie Underwood set from her first 2 albums, Some Hearts and Carnival Ride? I’d have to say quite good actually. I can easily see quite a number of songs making it onto the Billboard’s Top 10 Country Songs list.
Her first single, “Cowboy Casanova”, was released ahead of time but it got people buzzing in anticipation of her new album. It has a very aggressive guitar riff in the opening that paves the way for Carrie to sing about how country boys can be so dangerous yet irresistible at the same time. It’s a rather cliché song with lyrics comparing guys to “a disease”, “a curse” and “like a drug”, but for her, it’s a proven record seller.
Another song that I particularly liked is “Mama’s Song”. It’s a touching ballad about how mothers shouldn’t worry too much about their daughter getting married as the man is treating her like a real man should. A drastic change from the loud and upbeat first single, but I’m loving it.
If you thought “Cowboy Casanova” portrayed the country starlet’s bad-girl side, think again. The song, “Songs Like This” is like Carrie gone vamp. With lyrics like “Wanna find some boy, rip his heart right out” and “How easy sweet revenge rolls off my lips”, coupled with a wicked banjo, I’ve a feeling that this song will appeal to many teenage girls.
That being said, Carrie Underwood definitely deserves credit for her song-writing as they feature in more than half of the songs in the album. Her maturity is evident in her song writing skills, but after 2 fabulous albums, one would expect better from her.
Title: Play On
Artiste: Carrie Underwood
Language: English
Record Label: 19/Arista Nashville
Release Date: Nov 2
Standout tracks: “Cowboy Casanova”, “Mama’s Song”, “Songs Like This”, “This Time”
Tracklist:
1. Cowboy Casanova
2. Quitter
3. Mama’s Song
4. Change
5. Undo It
6. Someday When I Stop Loving You
7. Songs Like This
8. Temporary Home
9. This Time
10. Look at me
11. Unapologize
12. What Can I Say (feat. Sons of Sylvia)
13. Play On
6 Comments at "Carrie Underwood Plays On"
actually kelly has sold more than any other idol..check ur figures before reporting
u have to take into account that kelly is 2 years ahead in terms of album sales. first time seeing your articles Aj. haha, meet up soon?
As of 12 August 2009
Kelly Clarkson: 4 albums released- 10,242,449 album sales
Carrie Underwood: 2 albums released- 9,647,405 album sales (Note that first week album sales for Play On sold 318,000)
Both of them are great singers, but Carrie will edge out Kelly at this rate. Therefore, my sentence about Carrie Underwood being the best American Idol still stands. Thanks for reading my article.
Any hey Gilbert! I need your help regarding my mac!
Sources:
Album sales as of 12 August 2009
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9189004/American-Idol-Album-Sales
The first week sales of Carrie Underwood from here.
http://www.billboard.com/news/carrie-underwood-claims-second-no-1-on-billboard-1004041710.story#/news/carrie-underwood-claims-second-no-1-on-billboard-1004041710.story
hey, i would have to agree with amanda.
You may argue that Carrie’s album tally is at 9.6 million, while Kelly’s is at 10.2 million. But your source (http://www.scribd.com/doc/9189004/American-Idol-Album-Sales) only paints the picture in the United States.
The thing about Kelly Clarkson is that she has global appeal – her pop/rock tracks chart well internationally. For example, Carrie Underwood’s best selling album, Some Hearts, stands at a remarkable 6.7million total. Kelly Clarkson’s best selling album, on the other hand, has sold over 12 million copies worldwide.
And that is Kelly’s advantage over Carrie – her appeal is global, whilst Carrie’s country girl image is only marketable in the United States.
Secondly, there is really no argument about who the better singer is. Commercially, Carrie is very marketable. But in terms of artistry and vocal talent, Kelly is the clear winner. (Simon Cowell and famed producer Max Martin have said so themselves)
(p.s In what way does Play On look anything like what Kelly Clarkon has done previously?)
Kelly Clarkson has sold more than Carrie Underwood. Kelly has sold more than 20 million worldwide. Kelly is much more creative, artistic, versatile, and talented. She appeals to people all over the world. Carrie is way overrated, takes no chances, and is boring.
[...] “Last Name”, “Just A Dream”, “I Told You So”). Be sure to check out her recent release, Play On, where the singer takes more control of her music and co-authors 7 of its 13 [...]
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