Play On

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...Read more

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...Read more

Carrie's new album is very solid from top to bottom, and it contains quite a wide range of music. From pop-country crossover hits like "Cowboy Casanova" and "Undo It" -- to classic country ballads like "Look At Me", and "Someday When I Stop Loving You". Carrie's vocals on the ballads are nothing short of breathtaking, and she also co-wrote over half the songs on this album -- more than she has ever written before. There seems to be more slow ballads on this CD than her previous releases, but they are very strong and enjoyable if you're a Carrie Underwood fan!

"What Can I Say" is a super powerful future single, with a very strong vocal performance. "Mama's Song" has gorgeous vocals, and very sweet lyrics. "This Time" and "Quitter" are fun, relaxed, and nice simple songs. "Change" is a catchy song, with lyrics that make you think about how we live, and what we give. The title track - "Play On" - is very radio friendly, super catchy, and will likely be another huge...Read more