Blog Critics Music Review: Carrie Underwood-Play On

[teesharky]

@blogcritics Music Review: Carrie Underwood – Play On Music Review: Carrie Underwood ? Play On - Blogcritics Music

Most of the tracks on Carrie Underwood’s latest album, Play On, would not be out of place on her previous efforts – the multi-platinum-selling 2005 debut Some Hearts and the acclaimed 2007 follow-up Carnival Ride. Her songs address human frailty, trust, the never-ending quest for happiness and love in all its various shades and forms, and her powerful voice is a refreshing and juicy joy.

Underwood has demonstrated admirable consistency in her career since winning the fourth season of American Idol though some would dismiss her decision to stick to her area of expertise as simply “playing it safe.” Play On, laden with 13 tracks, is a superb effort, an enjoyable blend of bouncy country-pop awash in contemporary rhymes and rhythms. It is music that shows off her talent. At the same time, the Grammy winner doesn’t disappoint listeners who have come to expect poignant storytelling from her.

With the help of a highly skilled batch of songwriters, Underwood has become known for touching ballads and spirit-lifting anthems about struggle, loss and survival. The melancholy gem “Temporary Home” and the soothing “Mama’s Song,” about getting a mother to accept her daughter’s new man, are fine examples. In the same vein, “Someday When I Stop Loving You,” “Change” and “Look At Me” are haunting standout tracks that speak to overcoming doubt and casting fear aside.

But Underwood also manages to shine on more energetic fare like “Cowboy Casanova,” a percussion-laden track that recalls her smash hit “Before He Cheats.” Then there’s “Undo It” and “Unapologize,” two soft rock-flavoured songs that take men to task about their roles in relationships.

Among my other easy favourites are the stellar and inspirational title track and the gorgeous, well-executed collabo “What Can I Say?” (with notable vocal contributions from Sons of Sylvia). But Play On is not without flaw, as ambitious tracks like “Quitter” and the folksy, bluegrass-tinged “Songs Like This” fall short of the mark.

Still, on Underwood’s third studio album, her sensitivity and soulfulness echo at all the right moments. Equally compelling selling points for the CD include the singer’s impressive vocalizations and technical wizardry of such producers as Karlo DiGuardio and Marti Frederikson. With Play On, Underwood proves she has what it takes to keep her country queen crown firmly in place.

BEST TRACKS: “Someday When I Stop Loving You,” “Temporary Home,” “What Can I Say?” and “Play On”

[Mirasa45A]

But Play On is not without flaw, as ambitious tracks like “Quitter” and the folksy, bluegrass-tinged “Songs Like This” fall short of the mark.

Ooh, I love "Song Like This" --especially the drum sound !!

And, I love "Quitter" too !!

[robinannhunt]

I like this review. I guess reviewer don't quite get unappoligize either.

[Robert]

Ooh, I love "Song Like This" --especially the drum sound !!

And, I love "Quitter" too !!

Yep, me too. Oh Well - Different Strokes...

All in all - a great revue.

[allirishgirl]

Ooh, I love "Song Like This" --especially the drum sound !!

And, I love "Quitter" too !!

i also love SLT

but otherwise that was a very nice review.

[kewlie78189]

SLT is amazing!

[love_you_carrie]

great review! STL is my least fav on the album, we all have our opinions.

[utlovescarrie]

I also love SLT -one of my favs!

[Carrie_Rocks_The_House]

Great review

[Cathie Wynkoop]

SLT and Quitter are 2 of my favorites on the cd. I love sassy Carrie!

But.....it takes all kinds to make the world go 'round!!

[epicamends]

I read one review a while back that said you really had to listen carefully to the lyrics of "Unapologize" to understand it. I don't quite get that, as once again the message seems pretty clear to me, so I'm not sure whether some reviewers actually listened to it.

All in all, though, a great review!!

Karlo DiGuardio

[Claire2004]

I love that they included Play On as one of the best tracks, as I was afraid I'm one of the few ones who like it

SWISLY a favorite of both fans and critics - will definitely be a smash hit, I hope it will be a single

[epicamends]

I love that they included Play On as one of the best tracks, as I was afraid I'm one of the few ones who like it

It took me a little while to completely warm up to it, but lately I've found it getting stuck in my head quite a bit. It's not my favorite, but I definitely like it.