Carnival Ride (CD+DVD)

 (287 customer reviews)

While most country stars go forward and reach for mainstream pop records, like Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood went in reverse. Her first disc had more than a few pop elements but this disc starts off with a foot stomper, "Flat on The Floor" and doesn't let up with fiddles, twang and chorus after chorus that will make you want to shout them out of your car windows. To say she has made a solid country disc in the vein of vintage Reba or Dolly is an understatement.

Underwood has even learned some new vocal tricks, as if she needed more, "Get Out of This Town," builds from an already assured vocal into a firestorm. Underwood isn't afraid to just go with the vocal and give a stronger reading as well. That was evident in her cover of "I'll Stand By You," which was simply stunning.

"Carnival Ride," is void of any weak tracks and this day and age that's a rare finding, some are stronger than others but, Jebus, the girl is giving her all to prove that she's a more than just...Read more

The second album from Carrie Underwood packs slightly less punch than her debut, but is still more than enough to further cement her place in the contemporary country hierarchy. Solidly country, this album showcases Underwood as a singer/songwriter with writing credits on four of the tracks - first single "So Small"; the excellent "All American Girl"; "Crazy Dreams" and the comedy track "Last Name". (If you liked Alan Jackson's "I Don't Even Know Your Name", you'll see lots of similarities to the aforementioned "Last Name".)

All the tracks are worth a listen, but some are immediately worth an instant replay. My recommendations are:

Flat on the Floor - a hard-rocking track with attitude
All-American Girl - instant single material with heartwarming lyrics
So Small - soaring first single about not sweating the small stuff
Just a Dream - a tear jerker with a wonderful chorus
Crazy Dreams - catchy beat just slightly reminiscent of Pink Floyd's...Read more

Wow. After the amazing success of Carrie Underwood's debut CD Some Hearts, I was very worried that Carnival Ride would be a let down. How can someone so new to the music industry hit it out of the park on her first 2 at bats? When So Small was released I was pleasantly surprised. Great message, voice, talent. But - could the rest of the CD be as good? YES! Right from the first song I was tapping my foot and singing along. By the time I got to All-American Girl, So Small & Just A Dream I was crying. Get Out of this Town had me thinking about Some Hearts & Crazy Dreams had me flashing back to AI & Nashville Star (not just Carrie, but ALL my favorites that are now on their way). Then WOW, Carrie just SINGS and drags you in emotionally with I Know You Won't, You Won't Find This and I Told You So (Randy Travis will be proud). In between, I am given Last Name (which I love but my husband says is NOT appropriate for the kids) and The More Boys I Meet - thank you Carrie - they are great, fun...Read more