Carrie Underwood fans everywhere have been eagerly awaiting the release of the country singer’s newest album, Play On.
Underwood’s third album since her victory on American Idol just four years ago, Play On, features the artist’s unique style fans have grown to love, with tweaks to add variety.
The album opens with the single, “Cowboy Casanova.” This song layers Underwood’s strong vocals over a driving guitar and fiddle combination with a strong drumbeat to convey a tone similar to Underwood’s earlier single, “Before He Cheats.” The lyrics of the track warn of the dangers of dating a “bad boy,” and show Underwood’s tough, angry side.
The tone is quickly mellowed, however, with songs such as “Mama’s Song.” This reflective track uses light acoustic plucking and a soft beat to describe Underwood’s quest for a gentleman. The gentle vocals are reflective of “Jesus Take the Wheel” in both pitch and styling.
Similarly, another slow track, “Someday When I Stop Loving You,” combines the singer’s soaring vocals with a light melody and mild beat, to tell the tale of lost love. More melancholy than “Mama’s Song,” “Someday When I Stop Loving You” presents a style similar to “So Small,” one of Underwood’s first singles.
However, Play On is not devoid of the spunk Underwood fans have grown to adore. The fifth track on the album, “Undo It,” includes a strong country-rock guitar melody with a booming beat to create a powerful, vengeful tone similar to that of the singer’s earlier song, “Last Name.” The lyrics to “Undo It” reflect anger and frustration, revealing Underwood’s tenacity.
Sprinkled amongst the tracks previously mentioned are many other pieces, such as “Quitter,” an upbeat, traditional country song featuring steel guitar and quick drumming, or “Temporary Home,” a slower song, which tells the tale of a foster child moved from place to place. The songs are arranged so the tone never settles in one place, constant with the variety as the focus of the album.
The album ends with its title track, “Play On,” which is designed to encourage listeners. The uplifting lyrics, made all the more effective by Underwood’s impressive vocal capacity, urge listeners to persevere through tough times and mistakes. The song serves to tie together the other 12 tracks and finish the album on a positive note.
Play On is a varied album, quilting together every aspect of Underwood’s musical style and personality. It provides something for every listener, whether they’re seeking traditional country, driving rock or mellow pop. The album will be available for purchase from all major music retailers on Nov. 3.