Carrie Underwood’s new album, Storyteller has lived up to expectations, as it continues to climb the charts week by week. Underwood has continued to slay the charts with her rhythmically dramatic ballads and relatable lyrics since her start on the reality vocal competition, American Idol in 2005. Since then she has broken and even set several records worldwide, her fan count growing with each single she releases. Storyteller is Underwood’s fifth studio album, produced by Mark Bright, Zach Crowell and Jay Joyce of Sony Music Nashville. The album was released on October 23, 2015 with two distinctive singles being played on country radio across the country.
The album’s lead single, Smoke Break, was released on August 21, 2015 and instantly became a hit, reaching #2 on country music airways. The song was written by Carrie Underwood, herself, along with some help from songwriters Chris DeStefano, and Hillary Lindsey. The ballad tells of ways people escape stress that comes with daily life, such as smoking and drinking which, unsurprisingly, sparked some criticism, saying that her message was bad for her younger fans. This, of course, didn’t keep people from listening to the country rock song and requesting it on the radio. As in any Carrie Underwood song, she continues to amaze with her vocals, soaring through the high notes effortlessly and effectively, leaving the listener craving for me. All in all, I would give this single a 9/10.
The second single from the album is titled Heartbeat, written by Underwood, Zach Crowell, and Ashley Gorley. Released on November 30, 2015, this single had a slower start than Smoke Break. Heartbeat only reached #18 on country airways, making is less successful than her previous single, though it is my preferred song from the entire album. The single, featuring backing vocals of country artist Sam Hunt, is a ballad that tells of the struggle and yearning for time with a loved one with a hectic work schedule. The song is speculated to be about her husband, Mike Fisher. Underwood’s vocals are just as great in this single. Her high note in the final chorus of the song leaves the listeners with chills and in awe of how well she can navigate her voice through different pitches in a fluid motion. I would give this song a 10/10.
The final song on the album, What I Never Knew I Always Wanted, is another ballad. Written by the singer, herself, Brett James and Hillary Lindsey, Carrie Underwood tells of her love for her newborn baby and of her unsuspected happiness her new son, Isaiah, has brought into her life. The song begins with a soft guitar melody accompanied by a two part vocal harmony that instantly gives the listener the feel of the song. It is a gentle and relaxing song, though unlike the others on the album, for she does not offer as many high notes, leaving more attention to be focused on the lyrics. However, with this, I also find it less enticing than the others. Having said this, I would rate the song a 7/10.
All in all, this is a well rounded album.I would recommend this to fellow country fans, but would probably warn fans predominantly of other genres against listening to it. The melodies and tone of her music isn’t for everyone and for me it’s more of a hit or miss situation. Regardless, there is no denying that Carrie Underwood is extremely talented and will always be known as a country music legend.
