Play On; Carrie Underwood

It's been a while since I have posted any album reviews. Well that's because it takes time to listen to an album, do a little bit of research involved in it's making and then writing it down. I simply don't have that much time during exams. But the just released effort by Carrie Underwood forced me to put down a review because it exceeded my expectations. Underwood's third record Play On released on November 3rd was one of the record I was eagerly waiting for, from the moment I caught the news of it's productions.

Underwood took alot more risks this time by working with many people who have a stable career outside the country market. With names like Kara Dioguardi, Raine Maida, Chantal Kreviazuk, David Hodges, Max Martin and Savan Kotecha, many were wondering if Underwood was planning on something besides country this time round. 

However all that was washed away after just one hearing of the record. Yes, it's still a solid country record with light strokes of pop and adult contemporary. Frankly I'm happy about it. She has matured in sound and it's a good thing she experimented. And after all that, she still gives a strong product. This is one country album that is going to be staying on my shelves for a very long time.

The track listing is as follows;

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 ft. The Sons of Sylvia
13. Play On

As usual Underwood's vocals are a treat to experienced. The most compelling lyrics drenched in the finest country melodies, it's like a slice of heaven served to your pleasure. The album gives you a nice variety from love songs to power ballads to uptempo dance anthems to country finery. It's wholesome goodness.

If your looking for something to tap your feet and bang your head, give your ears a feast of 'Cowboy Casanova' and 'Undo It', where Underwood is heard going on about heart breakers and broken hearts. Her fiery vocals are enough to set any floor on fire and set you in the mood to strut your stuff. And if you're still in the mood for some more uptempo tracks, then lend an ear to 'Quitter', 'This Time' and 'Songs Like This'. These tracks offer you nothing but country and even more country. The latter is a particular favorite of mine, there is a playful sassy side to Underwood's vocal that you just can't help smiling upon hearing. The lyrics are really clever, got to hand it to the song-writers.

'Unapologize' is another fast number, I'm pretty sure if it is meant to be a single it will do crazy well on adult contemporary charts. Underwood's vocals are a masterclass, with the correct emotions to go along Underwood delivers a rock solid track. 

This record also features Underwood in her first ever joint effort in 'What Can I Say'. She brings around her fiddle player, Ashley Clark and his band-mates and gives an extremely smart love song. I find it quite surprising that Underwood's vocals are not out-shining Ashley's vocals. She has done an excellent job in harmonizing with her partner, and that my friends is the most important thing when you are recording a duet. It is supposed to look like a joint effort! Hats off to Underwood for a wonderful duet!

'Someday When I Stop Loving You', 'Temporary Home' and 'Look At Me' are some of the slower numbers on the record. Underwood gives her most heartfelt and soulful recordings ever on these track. The lyrics are crafted with excellence and Underwood's delicate finesse on the vocals is a joy. Very much reminiscent of her previous efforts but with more emotional sincerity and maturity, she simply amazes me! I'm damn glad she was discovered. It would have been a real shame for such a talent to go undiscovered.

And how can a Carrie Underwood record be complete without a thought provoking track?! Never!

That's one of the things I love most about the Country Queen. Besides the usual love, heart break, fun stuff and dance anthems she gives songs that make you think. Songs that are actually thought provoking. And this time around, she gives not one! Not two! But three such tracks!

'Mama's Song', 'Change' and 'Play On' are the three tracks that actually make a person think. 'Change' is a personal favorite of mine and the most favorite of mine amongst the whole bunch. Judge this by the fact alone, that I've played it 137 times since November 3rd. I'm that crazy about it! I would be extremely excited if this gets chosen as a single! It is my sincere request to all those reading the review to listen to it and drop in the comment section what you think about the concept of the song. I'm absolutely head over heels in love with it! 

Check it out here!

I can't say enough to describe how awesome this record has turned out to be. It definitely is one of the best records to be released this year and the wait has been totally worth it. I won't be surprised if this adds more millions to the millions she already has. And even with all that in her purse, the country super-star is extremely humble. 

Underwood, your the star! 

 Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)