Carrie Underwood: ‘Storyteller’ Album Review

It’s been about three years since we’ve heard a new full-length studio album from Carrie Underwood. The seven-time Grammy winner released ‘Storyteller,’ on October 23rd, and the new mom’s 5th studio album definitely doesn’t disappoint. It features 13 songs that cover a variety of topics, each their own story, accompanied by Carrie’s killer pipes. Along with the highly-anticipated album, Carrie will be taking her new music on the road for ‘The Storyteller Tour – Stories in the Round,’ kicking off January 30, 2016 which includes a stop in New England at Boston’s TD Garden on February 23rd.

1.) ‘Renegade Runaway’ – Written by Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, and Hillary Lindsey.
Impression: The opening song on the album has a ‘Wild West’ feel with prominent banjo supported by Underwood’s dynamic vocals. Carrie tells a story about a girl who is nothing but bad news, advising that you stay away. This girl is good at getting what she wants from you then leaving you in the dust. Sound familiar, guys? ‘Renegade Runaway’ is a high-energy, powerful song and sets the bar high for the rest of the songs on the album.
Favorite Lyrics: That pretty face, love you, leave you, play you like a heartbreak bandit…

2.) ‘Dirty Laundry’ –  Written by Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, and Hillary Lindsey.
Impression: Carrie Underwood shows her sassy side with this song about none other than a cheater. The song refers literally to a dirty button-down shirt, stained with lipstick and red wine from a man’s infidelities. But what makes the song so clever is that it also refers to the slang definition of airing someone’s dirty laundry – making their secrets public. It’s got a catchy chorus that’s easy to sing along to and who doesn’t love when Carrie gets a little cheeky?
Favorite Lyrics: And there’s a little wine stain on the pocket of your white cotton thread. Well, you drink beer and whiskey, boy, and you know I don’t drink red…

3.) ‘Church Bells’ – Written by Zach Crowell, Brett James, and Hillary Lindsey.
Impression: The third track on the album, ‘Church Bells’ tells the story of Jenny, a beautiful girl who caught the eye of a wealthy man. The two married and lived the picture perfect life on the outside. The story takes a dark turn as the second verse of the song reveals an abusive relationship. It’s a dramatic storyline that’s written beautifully and kind of reminds us of Carrie’s 2012 hit, ‘Two Black Cadillacs.’ While the lyrics of the chorus essentially stay the same, it represents something different each time it’s sung. It’s a brilliant song and Carrie’s impeccable vocals bring it to life.
Favorite Lyrics: Fold your hands and close your eyes, yeah, it’s all gonna be alright, and just listen to the church bells ringing, ringing…

4.) ‘Heartbeat’ –  Written by Carrie Underwood, Zach Crowell, and Hillary Lindsey.
Impression: Carrie Underwood tells a love story with ‘Heartbeat,’ the second single off the album. The ballad is about longing to get away from all the noise and crowds and just being alone with the one you love. The lyrics paint a picture of an intimate setting that’s so far from the city you get the feeling of being the only two people in the world. The low-key instrumentals of the song showcase Underwood’s phenomenal vocals and Sam Hunt lends his voice to the chorus, which only gives us more to love about this track.
Favorite Lyrics: Saying everything without making a sound, a cricket choir in the background, underneath a harvest moon, standing on your shoes in my bare feet, dancing to the rhythm of your heartbeat…

5.) ‘Smoke Break’ – Written by Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, and Hillary Lindsey.
Impression: ‘Smoke Break,’ the lead single off the album, tells the stories of two characters – a hard working mom of four and a man from the country who pursued a big-city job. While listeners may not relate specifically to these two individual characters, the message of the song is very much relatable. From time to time, everyone feels like they need a little break and a little relief from the stress and pressures of life.
Favorite Lyric: I don’t drink, but sometimes I wanna pop that top, take a swig and make the world stop and watch it fade away…

6.) ‘Choctaw County Affair’ – Written by Jason White.
Impression: The story in ‘Choctaw County Affair’ would make for a really good episode of Law and Order and while Carrie’s no stranger to cheating songs, it’s not that kind of affair. The song is about this Bonnie & Clyde-type couple who were involved in a love triangle and may or may not have killed someone. There’s a lot of characterization in just three and a half minutes and the story will quickly draw you in. As far as the music, this track has the most twang and sounds very Bluesy – definitely making it stand out on the album (In a good way.)
Favorite Lyrics: They say we got tangled in a love triangle, a fatal game of truth or dare. But the truth remains a mystery and now it’s ancient history, It’s a Choctaw County affair…

7.) ‘Like I’ll Never Love You Again’ – Written by Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, and Liz Rose.
Impression: One could probably guess from the title, ‘Like I’ll Never Love You Again’ is another love song. This song is sexy and romantic as Underwood sings about sharing a special night with someone. The slow tempo and steady beat make it the perfect song for a slow dance.
Favorite Lyrics: You look so good in this light. Oh yeah, you look like nothing but mine…

8.) ‘Chaser’ – Written by Carrie Underwood, Mike Elizondo, and Hilary Lindsey.
Impression: Another song on the slower side, ‘Chaser’ is about finally saying goodbye to someone who always puts you in second place, despite how heartbreaking that might be. The boy in this song always has someone else on his mind; he’s always chasing some other girl and looking for something better. It builds up to a strong chorus which has a creative play on words that fans are sure to love.
Favorite Lyrics: You can follow her tracks, you can try to win her back, put the miles on your tires til you run out of gas. I’m done letting you be my heartbreaker, so go ahead and chase her…

9.) ‘Relapse’ – Written by Ben Caver, Sara Haze, and Brett James.
Impression: This track also follows the pattern of starting off slower and building up to a powerful chorus. The song is about being addicted to someone and convincing the other person, or yourself, that just one more time won’t hurt. As the song intensifies, the lyrics reflect the thoughts that are running through the addicts mind to justify their actions.
Favorite Lyrics: One or two little sips, I’m alright, I can quit…

10.) ‘Clock Don’t Stop’ –  Written by Blair Daly, Chris Destefano, and Hillary Lindsey.
Impression: The moral of this story is not to waste time being mad at, or fighting, with someone you love. Agree to disagree because the clock doesn’t stop and once time has passed you can’t get it back. While this song has a great message it also seriously showcases those powerhouse vocals Underwood’s fans know and love.
Favorite Lyrics: We’ll make it right tomorrow, but tomorrow’s not a sure thing…

11.) ‘The Girl You Think I Am’ –  Written by Carrie Underwood, David Hodges, and Hillary Lindsey.
Impression: This sweet song will tug at your heartstrings. It’s another love song, but this one is about a father’s love for his daughter. The lyrics describe how daddy’s little girl will always be brave, strong, and beautiful in his eyes no matter what flaws she has or mistakes she makes. This one will make you want to call your dad and tell him that you love him.
Favorite Lyrics: I got my flaws and I’ve got regrets, and I know there’s more on the road ahead. When I wonder if I’ll ever measure up, oh, I thank God for a father’s love…

12.) ‘Mexico’ – Written by Kathleen Higgins, Jamie Moore, and Derrick Adam Southerland.
Impression: The story behind ‘Mexico’ is about two people who’ve just committed a crime that could cost them 25 to life if they get caught. They’re running from the law and their plan is to split up and meet each other in Mexico. Before even hearing the lyrics to this song, the music gives you that Old West outlaw feeling. While this may not be a song that listeners can personally relate to, it’s definitely fun!
Favorite Lyrics: Suntan, seaside, feeling that breeze blow. We’ll be sipping that smooth Don Julio. Oh, oh, oh, I’ll meet you in Mexico…

13.) ‘What I Never Knew I Always Wanted’ – Written by Carrie Underwood, Brett James and Hillary Lindsey.
Impression: This one gets a big, “Awww!” The final song on the album is one that Carrie dedicated to her husband, Mike Fisher, and son, Isaiah. ‘What I Never Knew I Always Wanted’ is about discovering that life can surprise you with so much more than you had planned for yourself. The song is soft and slow as Carrie describes tender and intimate moments with her family. From the sounds of it, it’s one of the most personal songs on the record. We’re completely smitten and you will be too.
Favorite Lyrics: I didn’t know there was a hole, something missing in my soul, ’til you filled it up with your love…

‘Storyteller’ has something for everyone – it’s a good combination of strong, edgy songs and soft, romantic ballads. For this album, Carrie has taken the opportunity to play around with some new sounds without completely abandoning what her fans know and love. Despite the break between studio albums and becoming a mom, Carrie still seems to be at the top of her game. We here at NECM don’t seem to be the only ones loving Underwood’s new record as the album debuted at the top of the charts.

You can purchase Carrie Underwood’s ‘Storyteller‘ on iTunes here.