Carrie Underwood | Greatest Hits Decade #1

[jenglisbe]

Apr 8, 2014 9:08:06 GMT -5 layne said:

Carrie sounds great as always. With the mix of writers on this, I expected so much more of a song though.

Was it always intended as a one-off for this show? That might explain why more work wasn't put into the lyric; I am sure the song will serve its purpose on this special.

[neally]

I agree with other before me that the song is ultra-generic. Other than for Carrie's top vocals, I would not want to listen to it again, unless the studio version has something else to offer.

[layne]

Apr 8, 2014 9:23:30 GMT -5 jenglisbe said:

Apr 8, 2014 9:08:06 GMT -5 layne said:

Carrie sounds great as always. With the mix of writers on this, I expected so much more of a song though.

Was it always intended as a one-off for this show? That might explain why more work wasn't put into the lyric; I am sure the song will serve its purpose on this special.

Everything I've read makes me believe this song was written specifically for this show. With that in mind and knowing you don't have to worry about making it "for radio", I feel like it's missing the epicness I expected. I'm sure my expectations are just too high. Sometimes I think too many writers are involved and this might be one of those cases.

[desertfloods]

Carrie sounds great, but I'm not crazy about the song, tbh.

[carrieidol1]

I'm confused as to what people are looking for? I see a lot of complaints about the lyrics... I don't think it's meant to be some kind of analytical, layered, story-telling song. It seems more like a simple prayer of safety; I'd be a little mind-f**ked (pardon) if it were any more than that... Sure, it is not Grammy 'Song of the Year' material, but it's a beautiful and subtle prayer put to music, and I think that's all it's supposed to be.

Also... at the very big climax, what are the lyrics?....

"keep our eyes on the heavens, and give us grace ??????"

[14887fan]

The lyrics are generic and boring as hell so I just hope that it's not put onto the upcoming album, 'tis all.

[misterscribbs]

Apr 8, 2014 11:30:19 GMT -5 carrieidol1 said:

I'm confused as to what people are looking for? I see a lot of complaints about the lyrics... I don't think it's meant to be some kind of analytical, layered, story-telling song. It seems more like a simple prayer of safety; I'd be a little mind-f**ked (pardon) if it were any more than that... Sure, it is not Grammy 'Song of the Year' material, but it's a beautiful and subtle prayer put to music, and I think that's all it's supposed to be.

Also... at the very big climax, what are the lyrics?....

"keep our eyes on the heavens, and give us grace ??????"

It's just the fact that there are cheesy metaphors at every corner in the song. There's nothing original to it. As already mentioned, with the writers involved here, this song could have been a masterpiece.

[cufan7]

Maybe it was a last minute sort of thing?

But even if, I think it works just fine for the occasion and her voice sounds beautiful.

[spencer]

Apr 8, 2014 12:04:05 GMT -5 misterscribbs said:

Apr 8, 2014 11:30:19 GMT -5 carrieidol1 said:

I'm confused as to what people are looking for? I see a lot of complaints about the lyrics... I don't think it's meant to be some kind of analytical, layered, story-telling song. It seems more like a simple prayer of safety; I'd be a little mind-f**ked (pardon) if it were any more than that... Sure, it is not Grammy 'Song of the Year' material, but it's a beautiful and subtle prayer put to music, and I think that's all it's supposed to be.

Also... at the very big climax, what are the lyrics?....

"keep our eyes on the heavens, and give us grace ??????"

It's just the fact that there are cheesy metaphors at every corner in the song. There's nothing original to it. As already mentioned, with the writers involved here, this song could have been a masterpiece.

Just a personal observation, the content of our verbal interactions on a daily basis on both personal and professional levels are full of 'cheesy' metaphors .It's called 'LIFE' and LIVING. The radio is overloaded with so-called 'generic' material especially but not excluded to country radio for quite some time now, if not forever. The lyrics of this song are un embellished , uncluttered , the melody is beautiful, and the delivery is poignant, heartfelt, and soaring. Like a prayer, it evokes a picture and message that touches 'this' listener.

[jptexas]

Preach brother^^^

If the song evokes an emotion, especially to the military, it's done it's thing.
Sometimes we tend to overthink everything. It's basically a prayer set to music. She sang the hell out of it, it's all good.

[carrieidol1]

So has anyone figured out what the line is saying that I asked about above? I still cannot figure it out! "Keep our eyes on the heavens and give us grace ------"?

[14887fan]

Apr 8, 2014 15:44:49 GMT -5 carrieidol1 said:

So has anyone figured out what the line is saying that I asked about above? I still cannot figure it out! "Keep our eyes on the heavens and give us grace ------"?

Chorus:
God keep us safe
Safe tonight
Keep our eyes toward the skies
Send down an army of angels
To make us brave
And keep us strong and not afraid
God keep us safe.

The "keep our eyes on the heavens and give us grace" line leads into the "send down an army of angels" line for the final chorus.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, though. Amateur YouTube videos can be difficult to hear clearly.

[Typo]

Carrie told KAT 103.7 on the ACM red carpet that she's "almost decided on a lead single." That excites me, obviously, but I really hope she isn't rushing this album. I mean, she's only been seriously co-writing for ~2 months.

[carrieidol1]

Apr 8, 2014 17:36:04 GMT -5 Typo said:

Carrie told KAT 103.7 on the ACM red carpet that she's "almost decided on a lead single." That excites me, obviously, but I really hope she isn't rushing this album. I mean, she's only been seriously co-writing for ~2 months.

She has said before that she writes on and off during tours, too. So in addition to the songs she's been writing the past couple months, it's possible she already knew of a few songs she intended to include on this next album. Also, if she has only "almost decided" on a lead single, that could mean anything from like 2-6 months or so in terms of a release. I have a feeling her label wants her to have a holiday season release, though, so she may be pressured to rush a little bit. Nevertheless, I'm sure her continued song writing and singing growth will shine through on this next project, and I don't think I could possibly be any more excited!

Also, thanks for the lyric clarification above!

[countrygirl918]

Wow, if she's already thinking about deciding on a lead single, then I'm feeling pretty darn confident we're getting a Q4 2014 album release.

[desertfloods]

Apr 8, 2014 17:36:04 GMT -5 Typo said:

Carrie told KAT 103.7 on the ACM red carpet that she's "almost decided on a lead single." That excites me, obviously, but I really hope she isn't rushing this album. I mean, she's only been seriously co-writing for ~2 months.

Wow, I didn't expect this kind of news so soon!

But.... could this be a case like Blown Away song, where she is just so clear on 1 or 2 standout songs that she just builds the rest of the album around it?

Apr 8, 2014 11:30:19 GMT -5 carrieidol1 said:

I'm confused as to what people are looking for? I see a lot of complaints about the lyrics... I don't think it's meant to be some kind of analytical, layered, story-telling song. It seems more like a simple prayer of safety; I'd be a little mind-f**ked (pardon) if it were any more than that... Sure, it is not Grammy 'Song of the Year' material, but it's a beautiful and subtle prayer put to music, and I think that's all it's supposed to be.

Also... at the very big climax, what are the lyrics?....

"keep our eyes on the heavens, and give us grace ??????"

Great idea to have a prayer song, but the lyrics are just too generic. Had it not been for Carrie's heartfelt vocals, the song wouldn't have much effect, imo.

[pklongbeach]

Just a few thoughts on the song itself; I think some of you seem not quite ready yet to view Carrie as an artist with a particular sound/style/messege.
If you start to piece together co-writes like See You Again / Temporary Home / Theres a Place for Us / ... and start to accept that this is who this artist is, then really Keep Us Safe is not only a pinnacle moment for her in this particular writing and thematic style but it is also by far the best of the crop.
Speaking soley as a music writer, sometimes things just come together and fit perfectly. And I believe this is as close as Carrie has come, this style, to really nailing it!
But the other thing I think you have to be willing to do is accept that lyrically, Carrie is at her best when she states things clearly and bluntly. And sometimes people who are looking for more interest in the lyric can lose sight of the concept of simplicity. Is there no simpler lyric than "You Are So Beautiful, to me.."?
The lyric in See You Again is almost "too" simple until you allow it to hit you right in the head "I will see you again, This is not where it ends, I will carry you with me, till I see you again". Simple? Yes. But when you speak those words aloud, there is such simple honest strength to them that its almost heartbreaking.
But I think you have to be willing to recieve the messege. Otherwise, yes it sounds too formulatic.
Jesus, Take The Wheel was, for me, a complete train wreck until I realized that she was singing every word with the heart and soul of someone who wanted me to understand the messege. Then it didn't matter that the concept to the song was almost rediculous. It can have you in tears if you accept the messege the way the artist wants you to.

And there is it. I truly believe Carrie is becoming "An Artist" not just a pretty girl trying to learn how to write songs, and ending up with simple concepts. I truly think, she is making every effort to express her heart and send a messege. And her messege is Clear!
Some mya just not like the messege. And that is another discussion entirely. But accepting that she chose a concept and fleshed it out with a solid attractive melody and lyrics that speak straight to the heart of the listener, she is finding her voice as a writer more and more clearly.
Some may just not like the messege.
I don't like the messege Taylor Swift sends, but I don't deny that the repetitive adolesant style of writing that she uses is effective and artistic. IT IS.

I just may not like the messege.

[43dudleyvillas]

Apr 8, 2014 11:30:19 GMT -5 carrieidol1 said:

I'm confused as to what people are looking for? I see a lot of complaints about the lyrics... I don't think it's meant to be some kind of analytical, layered, story-telling song. It seems more like a simple prayer of safety; I'd be a little mind-f**ked (pardon) if it were any more than that... Sure, it is not Grammy 'Song of the Year' material, but it's a beautiful and subtle prayer put to music, and I think that's all it's supposed to be.

What it comes down to for me is that hearing Carrie's voice sound as beautiful as it does here (with phrasing and vocal nuances coming through even in subpar audio), and knowing what she can do with great lyrics, I feel almost cheated when she sings lyrics whose only color is what her voice gives them. A great voice should combine with great songs, anything less feels like settling, to me.

Look, I have my biases, too. I'm not much for power ballads. A little bombast goes a long way for me, and I often find power ballads to be schmaltzy. I have to laugh at myself, though, because Carrie generally finds a way to make me somewhat appreciate her power ballads anyway, and I find it endearing that Carrie is so resolute in her sentimentality, so fearless in not chasing "cool points." Still, I liked that Blown Away moved away from that style of song. While I find the power of Carrie's voice to be impressive, I find it the expressiveness of her voice to be even more so, and generally speaking, I find that I can hear that better when she isn't singing "big" (though I don't think Carrie gets enough credit for her phrasing and emotive effectiveness when she is belting). I also prefer descriptive lyrics with specific images to ground them in reality. One of the major ways in which Blown Away represented a big forward stride for Carrie, I think, was in how the songs (including Carrie's cowrites) painted vivid scenes with more consistency than her previous albums (the next step for Carrie as a songwriter is to work on writing better narratives). In this respect, Blown Away felt more like the rightful successor to the broad-ranging and at times cinematic Carnival Ride.

All that said...I will say I've reconsidered the "Keep Us Safe" lyrics a bit. I think "Keep Us Safe" works better if understood as a prayer of someone who has been deployed rather than a general prayer for all facing the trials of life. Or, at least, if we see the song as presenting the doubts and fears of a soldier as a lens through which we view a civilian's doubts and fears (but really, that works much better within the context of this ACM salute than outside of it, since it's overly common to refer to life's tribulations as a battle/war). The "deserts grow cold/rivers run dry" bit feels trite as a metaphor, but I can take it as a literal depiction of where soldiers find themselves when in a battle zone and the unexpected foreign terrain that they face. The rest of the first verse, with its reference to a "storm" and "the dawn," also works better for me as a literal depiction instead of metaphor, save for one line. I'm not sure how to take "We give up on each other without thinking twice" -- that may make sense in a civilian context, but it doesn't in an armed services context, as far as I know. I still wish the imagery here were grittier in depicting the combat theater -- that way, it could pack more of a punch on its own and work better on a metaphorical level.

I agree with layne that this may be a case of too many writers in the room. But I at least feel like I can understand why otherwise generic references to "home" and "valleys" were chosen, and my opinion of the lyrics has evolved from "Ugh, were they even trying?" to "defensible." Musically, the song is a bit predictable -- the orchestral swells, the thrilling big note toward the end. Still, Carrie sells it with her voice and her complete emotional investment in the message of the song. I especially like the country curls in her phrasing.

As a charity single, this is fine, and I hope it sells scads of copies and raises lots of money for a good cause. But I hope that the songwriting on Carrie's next album will build on Blown Away's descriptiveness and show a stronger narrative element on its songs.

Apr 4, 2014 9:09:20 GMT -5 jenglisbe said:

But her more pop songs aren't pushed to pop, so I actually don't get the crossover appeal anyway. Only country audiences are hearing these songs, really.

The current state of country radio being what it is, there is more audience overlap than ever with the Hot AC and even the Top-40 format. The difference between the country and pop formats is really more about lifestyle depiction than sound (well, except insomuch as today's country radio playlists run a few years behind the hot pop sound of the day). I'm not endorsing or justifying this (in fact, I've said in the Country Forum that I do not allow country radio to alter my definition of country music). With all that in mind, I think the return on investment to Hot AC and AC promotion has diminished. A Top-40 crossover would obviously generate more sales, but it would be very expensive, and may also put Carrie and Arista Nashville in the position of having to split sales royalties with a Sony New York label (not to mention ceding control of song marketing to Sony New York, which has proven to be problematic in the past).

Apr 8, 2014 18:26:14 GMT -5 carrieidol1 said:

Apr 8, 2014 17:36:04 GMT -5 Typo said:

Carrie told KAT 103.7 on the ACM red carpet that she's "almost decided on a lead single." That excites me, obviously, but I really hope she isn't rushing this album. I mean, she's only been seriously co-writing for ~2 months.

She has said before that she writes on and off during tours, too. So in addition to the songs she's been writing the past couple months, it's possible she already knew of a few songs she intended to include on this next album. Also, if she has only "almost decided" on a lead single, that could mean anything from like 2-6 months or so in terms of a release. I have a feeling her label wants her to have a holiday season release, though, so she may be pressured to rush a little bit. Nevertheless, I'm sure her continued song writing and singing growth will shine through on this next project, and I don't think I could possibly be any more excited!

I was under the impression that Carrie had said the exact opposite about writing during tours -- I thought she had said that she doesn't multitask well, and that when she's on tour, she's on tour, when she's writing, she's writing, etc. I do think she said something about how her team is always listening to outside songs, though, so perhaps they found some outside songs around which to write and build an album. And perhaps there is another "Wine After Whiskey" or two that got left over from the Blown Away writing sessions that will fit the new album.

I'm with Typo here. I hope that Carrie doesn't rush the new album even though I'm sure that as carrieidol1 suggests, Arista Nashville is anxious for a holiday season release this year. I still remember that in The Tennessean interview promoting Blown Away, Carrie mentioned that when she and her team reviewed her songwriting, they found that her best cowrites seemed to come at the beginning of the songwriting period because long stretches of intensive songwriting burned her out. If that's still the case, then I hope that Carrie has found a good & productive writing rhythm this year.

Is it possible that her confidence about the lead single is connected to her recent tweet about having cowritten a "SMASH"? Last December, Little Big Town announced via Twitter that they would release a new single called "Day Drinking" in the spring of 2014, only to walk that back in a February CMT interview, saying that they had only just started recording for a new album and were still going through song submissions. Sometimes, an album takes form relatively quickly, sometimes it takes longer to reveal itself. If Carrie's next album comes together relatively quickly, I hope that it's due to inspiration and not a schedule. I also hope any schedule still allows Carrie and her collaborators to focus on the details, in the lyrics, in the interpretation, in the music, and in the production. I heard more of that attention to detail on Blown Away and really hope that Carrie's next album follows suit.

[countryfan1985]

Carrie sounded fantastic on Keep Us Safe and she is awesome.

[desertfloods]

Apr 9, 2014 14:27:42 GMT -5 43dudleyvillas said:

What it comes down to for me is that hearing Carrie's voice sound as beautiful as it does here (with phrasing and vocal nuances coming through even in subpar audio), and knowing what she can do with great lyrics, I feel almost cheated when she sings lyrics whose only color is what her voice gives them. A great voice should combine with great songs, anything less feels like settling, to me.

Look, I have my biases, too. I'm not much for power ballads. A little bombast goes a long way for me, and I often find power ballads to be schmaltzy. I have to laugh at myself, though, because Carrie generally finds a way to make me somewhat appreciate her power ballads anyway, and I find it endearing that Carrie is so resolute in her sentimentality, so fearless in not chasing "cool points." Still, I liked that Blown Away moved away from that style of song. While I find the power of Carrie's voice to be impressive, I find it the expressiveness of her voice to be even more so, and generally speaking, I find that I can hear that better when she isn't singing "big" (though I don't think Carrie gets enough credit for her phrasing and emotive effectiveness when she is belting). I also prefer descriptive lyrics with specific images to ground them in reality. One of the major ways in which Blown Away represented a big forward stride for Carrie, I think, was in how the songs (including Carrie's cowrites) painted vivid scenes with more consistency than her previous albums (the next step for Carrie as a songwriter is to work on writing better narratives). In this respect, Blown Away felt more like the rightful successor to the broad-ranging and at times cinematic Carnival Ride.

Exactly how I feel about the song.

I don't need the song to have some deep, complicated lyrics. Simplicity does work when it's done right, which I think, worked for "See You Again" but failed for "Mama's Song". The lyrics for "Keep Us Safe" felt like it was a last-minute job. I'd prefer to have the lyrics to be a bit more descriptive, more personal... that's what prayers are about, to me anyway.

Same like dudley, I was glad to see BA album had more variations in songs and moved away from power ballads as well. I hope Carrie keeps exploring in this direction for the new album.

[carrieidol1]

Admittedly, I'm a sucker for Carrie's cliche, cheesy, and climactic ballads. My most played song from Carrie is "So Small"... So "Keep Us Safe" is kinda right up my alley of preference. I do appreciate artistic and lyrical strides, but I think there's value to be found in both simplistic power ballads AND narrative mid/up-tempos. I think, also, the simplistic power ballads are what sells as opposed to narrative-type songs, generally speaking. Carrie's style of song seems to be what sells the most; comparing to Miranda and Kacey who are very narrative-themed and somewhat struggle in the sales department, relative to Carrie at least. Whether this is a reflection of country audiences' inability to grasp, connect with, and accept in-depth narrative songs, I'm not sure... Nevertheless, I guess I'm just trying to say that I don't think Carrie's style of writing straight forward ballads should be looked at as something that needs work, or needs to be changed, because there's a certain beauty and innocence to be found in Carrie's writing. It's nice to listen to a sweet and inspirational ballad that allows for a number of interpretations and reaches a wide range of people. Carrie is known for her wide ranging demographic; hence her consistent radio success. She appeals to little girls and boys to old women and men, and everyone in between. Part of how this came to be, I think, is because her songs are designed to include and appeal to everyone in her audience(s). I think there's a lot of value in the ability to reach a wide range of people. So while I love and value the steps Carrie took during the writing process of BA, I don't think she should be scrutinized for writing songs like "Keep Us Safe", because there's much value to be found in simplistic power ballads in addition to narrative-based songs. I apologize if this post is a mess, I'm on my phone.

[misterscribbs]

I for one have no problem with Carrie and her team wanting to write solid radio hits for an album. But what I'm afraid of is that she is becoming so comfortable with mediocre song writing because it sells as well as it has in the past. Granted, these types of songs may still sell, but it's her fifth album. It's time for true artistic growth to show, and to show clearly. There's simply no better voice in country music, but it's time for the songs to match the voice. No matter how you interpret "Keep Us Safe", it isn't anywhere close to a step up.

[countrygirl918]

I have no doubt that there will be continued artistic growth on her next album, as Blown Away showed incredible strides in "true artistic growth". Carrie has shown that she can be an incredible songwriter. I'd consider "Two Black Cadillacs" and "Wine After Whiskey" to be near the top of her catalogue as far as great songwriting, and not just for her co-written songs but for all songs that have appeared on her albums. And of course the much talked about "Oklahoma Wind" (still such a shame that will never appear on any of her albums).

[jptexas]

Apr 10, 2014 1:41:13 GMT -5 misterscribbs said:

I for one have no problem with Carrie and her team wanting to write solid radio hits for an album. But what I'm afraid of is that she is becoming so comfortable with mediocre song writing because it sells as well as it has in the past. Granted, these types of songs may still sell, but it's her fifth album. It's time for true artistic growth to show, and to show clearly. There's simply no better voice in country music, but it's time for the songs to match the voice. No matter how you interpret "Keep Us Safe", it isn't anywhere close to a step up.

You have to remember that those radio friendly "mediocre" songs like JTTW, BHC, Last Name all won Grammys.

[14887fan]

Apr 10, 2014 9:19:45 GMT -5 jptexas said:

Apr 10, 2014 1:41:13 GMT -5 misterscribbs said:

I for one have no problem with Carrie and her team wanting to write solid radio hits for an album. But what I'm afraid of is that she is becoming so comfortable with mediocre song writing because it sells as well as it has in the past. Granted, these types of songs may still sell, but it's her fifth album. It's time for true artistic growth to show, and to show clearly. There's simply no better voice in country music, but it's time for the songs to match the voice. No matter how you interpret "Keep Us Safe", it isn't anywhere close to a step up.

You have to remember that those radio friendly "mediocre" songs like JTTW, BHC, Last Name all won Grammys.

Probably not the songs mistercribbs was referring to. See; "Mama's Song", "Undo It", and for lyrical sake, "See You Again".

[Deleted]

Apr 10, 2014 1:41:13 GMT -5 misterscribbs said:

I for one have no problem with Carrie and her team wanting to write solid radio hits for an album. But what I'm afraid of is that she is becoming so comfortable with mediocre song writing because it sells as well as it has in the past. Granted, these types of songs may still sell, but it's her fifth album. It's time for true artistic growth to show, and to show clearly. There's simply no better voice in country music, but it's time for the songs to match the voice. No matter how you interpret "Keep Us Safe", it isn't anywhere close to a step up.

Exactly my thoughts as well.

Carrie HAS obviously grown with songs like TBC, WAW, and Blown Away.

However, Carrie's superstar status means her label has expectations and are kind of putting her in a box with GG, SYA, etc. Obviously, Carrie's style sells incredibly well, so her label will push for what sells and not what the best material is for Carrie artistically.

Carrie has said herself she likes to give fans what they want, and she tries to put something for "everyone" on her albums.
Problem is, Carrie's still a mainstream star, and I'm not sure she would record her best material at this point.

I think Carrie fans do realize her potential, so it's frustrating to see her take one step forward and two steps back.

However, I've resigned to believing that won't happen until long after Carrie stops being successful in the mainstream market.

As for "Keep Us Safe," I think it was written for a specific event, so I'm willing to let quality slide this time. As long as Carrie keeps progressing on her own albums, I'll be happy.

[jptexas]

Apr 10, 2014 9:49:32 GMT -5 14887fan said:

Apr 10, 2014 9:19:45 GMT -5 jptexas said:

You have to remember that those radio friendly "mediocre" songs like JTTW, BHC, Last Name all won Grammys.

Probably not the songs mistercribbs was referring to. See; "Mama's Song", "Undo It", and for lyrical sake, "See You Again".

I forgot Blown Away. I wonder if we demand all these supposed great lyrical songs from other country artists?
IMO, Carrie seems to be overly critiqued compared to other country artists. I'm just sayin. Even after Blown Away wins a Grammy, it's not even mentioned at the ACMs. Someday someone will write an all tell book describing all that goes on behind the scenes in the country music world. It'll make a great read.

[adwem]

[countrygirl918]

You can listen to a live stream of the induction here. Video is horrible quality, but it's better than nothing. Alternatively, I'm sure youtube videos will be popping up later.

[carrieidol1]

Apr 10, 2014 18:57:49 GMT -5 countrygirl918 said:

You can listen to a live stream of the induction here. Video is horrible quality, but it's better than nothing. Alternatively, I'm sure youtube videos will be popping up later.

Is Carrie doing a set? Or just a few collaborations?