ant
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Post by ant on Oct 28, 2015 7:37:20 GMT -5
I definitely think "Heartbeat" is next. I do think it would be a good choice for a single, but my only issue is that I feel like "Renegade Runaway", "Dirty Laundry", "Church Bells", and "Choctaw County Affair" ALL need to be singles as well. It would be such a shame to see any of those go unreleased. I can only imagine the epic-ness of the music videos for those songs. Which would mean we have to cross our fingers that the label will give us 6 singles, which seems unlikely considering most of us are even doubting 5.
If I had to cut one of the songs mentioned above (RR, DL, CB, or CCA) from getting a single release, I honestly don't know which one I'd pick to remain as an album track.
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jptexas
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Post by jptexas on Oct 28, 2015 7:42:16 GMT -5
It definitely looks like Heartbeat will be a single, but I'm not sure of it as Single no.2. Smoke Break and Heartbeat back-to-back... they both don't really represent the album that well, imo. I see your point, those two songs are more mellow compared to the other more upbeat songs. They might be trying to ease her fans to the newer style. Remember, it was JTTW, then the mellower DFTRM before they released the career exploding BHC.
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leilamaurizia
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Post by leilamaurizia on Oct 28, 2015 8:04:13 GMT -5
At this point in her promotion, Carrie has already had televised performances of "Smoke Break" on Fallon, Today, Ellen, and Kimmel... and she'll perform SB again at the CMAs. Wasted opportunities, IMO. I know the reasoning behind the release of SB as the lead and I know it's critically acclaimed even by traditionalist country bloggers, but it is not an attention-getter or an I-must-get-that-album song. Gotta say, I felt redeemed in my opinion (aka less of a bad fan) when Carrie said it wasn't her first choice and she was surprised the label chose it. I'm frustrated actually that it took a precious single slot in what will probably be the usual 4 single slots. Anyway, what's done is done and my armchair critiquing is just that. I just wish she could perform another song, any other Storyteller song, at the CMAs but it will be SB as it's still climbing the airplay chart. Maybe in another high-profile appearance, she can sing Choctaw with Travis Meadows on harmonica and The McCrary Sisters on bgv and make my dream come true.
In the meantime, here's a fan vid of Carrie performing RR:
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desertfloods
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Post by desertfloods on Oct 28, 2015 8:05:54 GMT -5
It definitely looks like Heartbeat will be a single, but I'm not sure of it as Single no.2. Smoke Break and Heartbeat back-to-back... they both don't really represent the album that well, imo. I see your point, those two songs are more mellow compared to the other more upbeat songs. They might be trying to ease her fans to the newer style. Remember, it was JTTW, then the mellower DFTRM before they released the career exploding BHC. 'Jesus Take The Wheel' was a HUGE hit (and that song isn't what I consider laid-back). Much easier for 'Don't Forget To Remember Me' to follow that. Reception for 'Smoke Break' though, has been lukewarm. Personally, I don't think it's wise to follow that up with another mellow song. And I can imagine if I am casual fan, I'd check out the album after hearing those 2 singles, only to be disappointed that 75% of the album sounds nothing like these songs. There's so much 'drama' on the album, but there's not even a hint of that in SB and Heartbeat.
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leilamaurizia
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Post by leilamaurizia on Oct 28, 2015 8:26:06 GMT -5
Carrie Underwood to Headline New Year's Concert in NYCETA: Updated promo schedule: October 22- iHeartCountry Album Release Party 22- *replay* Jimmy Fallon (NBC) (interview + Smoke Break) 23- Today Show (NBC) 27- Ellen (interview + Smoke Break) 27- Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) (interview + outdoor mini-concert)November 2- Country's Greatest Crossover Hits (ABC) 2- Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS) 4- CMA Awards (ABC) 5- Project Runway Finale (Lifetime) 22- American Music Awards (ABC) December 6- Sinatra 100-- An All-Star Grammy Concert (CBS) 17- American Country Countdown’s Top 10 Stories of 2015 (FOX) 31- Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest (ABC) Spying on Carrie's competition, 5 SOS will be on Ellen Oct. 23rd + Fallon Oct. 27th + Today show Oct 28th + AMAs Nov. 22nd. Andrea Bocelli will be on Live w/ Kelly & Michael Oct. 28th. Blake Shelton will be on Fallon Oct. 26th + Seth Meyers Oct 27th.
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jenglisbe
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Post by jenglisbe on Oct 28, 2015 8:30:02 GMT -5
Reception for 'Smoke Break' though, has been lukewarm. Personally, I don't think it's wise to follow that up with another mellow song. And I can imagine if I am casual fan, I'd check out the album after hearing those 2 singles, only to be disappointed that 75% of the album sounds nothing like these songs. There's so much 'drama' on the album, but there's not even a hint of that in SB and Heartbeat. Well, the opposite was true with the last album where they released 2 really dramatic singles ("BA" and "TBC"), which were basically the only 2 songs of that type on the album.
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ant
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Post by ant on Oct 28, 2015 8:39:32 GMT -5
My main reason for not wanting "Heartbeat" as the 2nd single is because the American Music Awards are coming up, and I'd like her to slay the audience and viewers with one of the album's better tracks, like "Dirty Laundry" or "Renegade Runaway". Although "Heartbeat" does have some crossover appeal.
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leilamaurizia
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Post by leilamaurizia on Oct 28, 2015 8:49:56 GMT -5
My promo list was just copied and pasted at CF without credit. Really?! Is it soooo hard to say where you got something from? (with thanks to leilamaurizia at Pulse) <--- copy and paste that
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carrieidol1
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Post by carrieidol1 on Oct 28, 2015 8:56:38 GMT -5
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NeRD
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Post by NeRD on Oct 28, 2015 9:11:09 GMT -5
I definitely think "Heartbeat" is next. I do think it would be a good choice for a single, but my only issue is that I feel like "Renegade Runaway", "Dirty Laundry", "Church Bells", and "Choctaw County Affair" ALL need to be singles as well. It would be such a shame to see any of those go unreleased. I can only imagine the epic-ness of the music videos for those songs. Which would mean we have to cross our fingers that the label will give us 6 singles, which seems unlikely considering most of us are even doubting 5. If I had to cut one of the songs mentioned above (RR, DL, CB, or CCA) from getting a single release, I honestly don't know which one I'd pick to remain as an album track. In my opinion RR is the weakest of the pack here. But like I said, I'm almost sure it will be released so with those left, either Dirty Laundry or Church Bells will be cut as CCA will obviously be released. If not, it would almost be as big of a disgrace for them not releasing OWT last era. Church Bells is very similar to TBC thematically speaking so I would almost prefer they go with Dirty Laundry
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leilamaurizia
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Post by leilamaurizia on Oct 28, 2015 9:13:04 GMT -5
Thanks! I'm suddenly thrown back to the post-Idol TWoP days when defending Carrie against bashers (aka Bo fans) was at its peak. I would take such a long time writing posts and then lo and behold, my posts would suddenly appear on other messageboards as if the impostor poster wrote them. Grrr! Anyway, back to Storyteller, I get the appeal of Heartbeat. Among the 4 pre-release tracks, I ended up playing Hb the most often. It certainly looks likely to be a single, with the Sam Hunt connection and the acoustic version. So is RR if the preview in the SB video is any indication. My personal choices would be a variation of Choctaw, Church Bells, and Dirty Laundry though for those 3 remaining slots. My 2 top favorites from the album (at this time) will probably not be released--- Relapse and Chaser.
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ant
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Post by ant on Oct 28, 2015 9:24:10 GMT -5
I definitely think "Heartbeat" is next. I do think it would be a good choice for a single, but my only issue is that I feel like "Renegade Runaway", "Dirty Laundry", "Church Bells", and "Choctaw County Affair" ALL need to be singles as well. It would be such a shame to see any of those go unreleased. I can only imagine the epic-ness of the music videos for those songs. Which would mean we have to cross our fingers that the label will give us 6 singles, which seems unlikely considering most of us are even doubting 5. If I had to cut one of the songs mentioned above (RR, DL, CB, or CCA) from getting a single release, I honestly don't know which one I'd pick to remain as an album track. In my opinion RR is the weakest of the pack here. But like I said, I'm almost sure it will be released so with those left, either Dirty Laundry or Church Bells will be cut as CCA will obviously be released. If not, it would almost be as big of a disgrace for them not releasing OWT last era. Church Bells is very similar to TBC thematically speaking so I would almost prefer they go with Dirty Laundry That is a good point about Church Bells being similar to Two Black Cadillacs. In that case, it should probably go: 1. Smoke Break (ugh) ------------------------- 2. Heartbeat 3. Renegade Runaway 4. Choctaw County Affair 5. Dirty Laundry I don't know if this is an indication of single potential, but at the iHeartRadio concert last week, the new tracks aside from SB she played were the 4 listed above.
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jenglisbe
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Post by jenglisbe on Oct 28, 2015 9:48:39 GMT -5
My promo list was just copied and pasted at CF without credit. Really?! Is it soooo hard to say where you got something from? (with thanks to leilamaurizia at Pulse) <--- copy and paste that You mean her list of appearances? I don't visit CF so I don't know how it was presented, but I don't really see a list of appearances as something that needs to be credited to someone. No offense, but that isn't original work or something that takes a lot of research. But maybe you are talking about something else.
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carrieidol1
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Post by carrieidol1 on Oct 28, 2015 9:53:04 GMT -5
My promo list was just copied and pasted at CF without credit. Really?! Is it soooo hard to say where you got something from? (with thanks to leilamaurizia at Pulse) <--- copy and paste that You mean her list of appearances? I don't visit CF so I don't know how it was presented, but I don't really see a list of appearances as something that needs to be credited to someone. No offense, but that isn't original work or something that takes a lot of research. But maybe you are talking about something else. It's the principle of just copying/pasting something that someone else created without giving due credit. Doesn't matter how difficult or long, it's still not right. I'm sure she isn't going to lose sleep over it, but I'd be annoyed too. It was copied/pasted verbatim. Even the part about her competition.
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desertfloods
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Post by desertfloods on Oct 28, 2015 9:54:39 GMT -5
^^ Ehh...no. If you quote anyone word for word (and this case, a complete copy and paste, down to formatting and spacing), you should credit.
Might not be some original material, but she took the time and effort to compile everything nicely to make all Carrie fans' life easier.
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jenglisbe
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Post by jenglisbe on Oct 28, 2015 9:59:32 GMT -5
You say "everything" like it is hundreds of lines and that took hours to compile. Personally I just don't see it as a big deal, but no use in this taking up more of the thread.
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leilamaurizia
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Post by leilamaurizia on Oct 28, 2015 10:03:27 GMT -5
As a lawyer, yes, I can argue that that list, exactly the way it was written, is copyrighted from the time of creation [See: the Berne Convention]. The information may have come from news sources but it was my compilation, my choice to list those news items that specific way, my exact list. If the poster on CF had copied it and revised it in a different way, put it in paragraph form or listed it his own way, no problem, but he copied and pasted exactly my post including the "ETA:" As I indicated with the "I'm bored" Carrie tweet, it's not a BIG deal that I'd actually file a case or anything like that. It's more of respect and unwritten rules when it comes to messageboard etiquette. Similar to the way I like giving a shout out when a Carrie fan gets the scoop on something. Or when someone here gets something from ukmix and mentions ukmix. It's not hard to do at all. (ETA: Oh and the 'competition,' thanks for reminding me carrieidol1 . I was the one who researched the promo schedules of 5SOS, Blake and Andrea Bocelli, not that CF poster) Anyway, back to Storyteller....
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Peterawr
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Post by Peterawr on Oct 28, 2015 10:17:42 GMT -5
I wanted to like this album so badly. I appreciate the stories and everything, but few of the songs really clicked for me.
The two stand-outs by far are Church Bells and Relapse. I REALLY like CCA and think it's a totally new venture for her, though it's not something I would listen to every day. Despite CB being similar thematically to TBC, I think it should get a release - it's an ear worm. I would love to see them release Relapse because it's pretty different as well, but that's one song I'm not holding out hope on for a single release. I think Renegade Runaway is a bit of an over-done theme for her. Dirty Laundry isn't one of my favorites, but it makes sense as a single.
I would choose the singles as follows Smoke Break Dirty Laundry Church Bells Relapse Choctaw County Affair
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jenglisbe
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Post by jenglisbe on Oct 28, 2015 10:40:38 GMT -5
"Dirty Laundry" may be emerging as my favorite track. There's something kind of smoky about it, and it has an urban influence. Carrie's vocal has a sly swagger to it that is more believable than on something like "Mexico" (which I like, but come on; you don't believe her in the story). I have the chorus stuck in my head (love the melody and the way she sings "All those midnights sneaking in/'I'm late again, oh I'm so sorry'/All the Ajax in the world ain't gonna clean your dirty laundry"). It's also one of those songs were the title is used in different ways.
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cufan7
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Post by cufan7 on Oct 28, 2015 11:35:22 GMT -5
Why are we all so certain "Choctaw" will be a single? If I remember correctly, Carrie seems to not perform future singles during the early promo of the album.
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14887fan
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Post by 14887fan on Oct 28, 2015 13:53:29 GMT -5
Maybe her opening at #2 is a good thing. It'll really validate her next GH set in ten years when she releases "Decade #2." Queen!
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jptexas
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Post by jptexas on Oct 28, 2015 15:23:05 GMT -5
Why are we all so certain "Choctaw" will be a single? If I remember correctly, Carrie seems to not perform future singles during the early promo of the album. I agree. I like Church Bells a lot more than Cocktaw.
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jenglisbe
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Post by jenglisbe on Oct 28, 2015 16:08:18 GMT -5
I get that "Heartbeat" would fit current country radio and do well, but I don't see why that means it should be a single. What I mean is, Carrie has more than proven her commercial appeal at this point, so why not start taking some risks? Making some bold choices is the kind of thing that adds to a legacy, certainly more than releasing radio-friendly songs that sort of come and go. Risky songs like "Independence Day," "The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia," and "Girl Crush" are career highlights.
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musicfan134
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Post by musicfan134 on Oct 28, 2015 16:16:32 GMT -5
Well, I'm happy to say the album is growing on me decently enough. I've decided to post my full review of the album.
However...and I might be the only Carrie fan who feels this way...I do NOT like "Choctaw County Affair". My initial response to it was eh, but honestly? I'm already starting to skip it. It might be the first Carrie song that...I genuinely dislike. I don't know what it is about that song but I just feel like Carrie's trying too hard with it I guess. I don't like the song itself, I don't like how Carrie sings it, I don't like how it sounds R&B but it's obviously country. I honestly listen to it and I can't help but think Carrie is trying to be a poor man's Reba.
The rest of the album, however, is growing on me. I'm really starting to get into both "Dirty Laundry" and "Church Bells" and they are quickly going from okay songs to great songs to me. "Heartbeat" and "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted" are starting to grow on me even more too. This album, for me at least, has definitely been a grower in that the first couple times I listened to it I wasn't floored like I normally am, but it's getting better as time goes on. (That happened with me and the Blown Away album as well, just an FYI.)
A week ago, I ranked Carrie's albums: 1) Some Hearts/Carnival Ride (depending on the day), 3) Blown Away 4) Play On and a distant 5) Storyteller. Now? I would put Storyteller above Play On and I eventually see it passing Blown Away. Still not too sure it's gonna get to the SH/CR level, but the only thing that would stop it from reaching that level (and I'm just being honest) is CCA. (I really DO NOT like that song...)
Here is my review of the tracks:
Renegade Runaway-I like this as an album opener--it's very reminiscent of "Flat on the Floor". I think this will be a big one at concerts and while I think it will be a single, I don't want it to be simply because there are better, stronger options.
Dirty Laundry- I really like this one. It's different, but good different. The lyrics make this song for me.
Church Bells-I'd put this one slightly above Dirty Laundry. I like this one musically more than lyrically though. Heartbeat-Liked this initially, love it now. Think it will be a single and think it deserves to be.
Smoke Break-I'll be honest...this one was never one of my favorites. I liked when it first came out but now...eh.
CCA-Bad. Next.
Like I'll Never Love You Again-I like this one but not as much as I love "Heartbeat".
Chaser-My second favorite song on the album. Reminds me of SH era Carrie. Relapse-Favorite song on the album and I'm only loving it more and more with every listen. Reminds me of Kelly Clarkson's "Addicted" and that's definitely a good thing to me.
Clock Don't Stop-It's okay, I don't skip it yet but I think I will eventually start skipping it. I have trouble remembering this one exists tbh.
The Girl You Think I Am-This was a standout to me initially, and continues to be. I really like this song. Mexico-I see this one is popular, but honestly...this one hasn't clicked well with me. I don't dislike it (it's not CCA), but eh. Vocally though, she shines though. I will say that. What I Never Knew I Always Wanted-Hands down her best album closer. I love this song, and I'm loving it the more I listen.
As a whole-this album has the cohesiveness of Some Hearts, the depth of Blown Away, the country/twang/fun of Carnival Ride and the emotion of Play On. Technically, I think it's her best album. The highs of the album are among the best of her career, and the only thing keeping this from being her best album is honestly "Choctaw County Affair." I just don't like that song.
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carrieidol1
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Post by carrieidol1 on Oct 28, 2015 16:18:17 GMT -5
I get that "Heartbeat" would fit current country radio and do well, but I don't see why that means it should be a single. What I mean is, Carrie has more than proven her commercial appeal at this point, so why not start taking some risks? Making some bold choices is the kind of thing that adds to a legacy, certainly more than releasing radio-friendly songs that sort of come and go. Risky songs like "Independence Day," "The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia," and "Girl Crush" are career highlights. I hear ya! But they have to sell some albums, too. I think they should definitely take risks, but they should also try their best to keep radio supporting Carrie the way they have. I think releasing "Heartbeat" would do just that; maybe create some buzz and spike sales, too. Then, they can start making riskier decisions. With the relatively slow start to "Storyteller" in terms of sales, particularly with "Smoke Break", I think they should try and see if they can't get "Heartbeat" to heat things up in the sales and radio department before releasing riskier songs... But I agree, I think risk-taking is very important and I do think we'll see that from Carrie this time around.
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Typo
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Post by Typo on Oct 28, 2015 16:35:16 GMT -5
"Relapse" is featured in Vulture's Best New Music column: Underwood's new album dropped on the same day Adele decided she wanted to snatch everyone's wigs with "Hello." But let me tell you, this is her best since 2007's Carnival Ride. Storyteller is full of instant classics, but none are better than "Relapse," the spooky ode to love gone wrong. Calling out a lover that she can't quit like Jack Twist, Underwood's vocals soar while packing one helluva emotional punch
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Stephen
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Post by Stephen on Oct 28, 2015 17:41:45 GMT -5
"Relapse" is featured in Vulture's Best New Music column: Underwood's new album dropped on the same day Adele decided she wanted to snatch everyone's wigs with "Hello." But let me tell you, this is her best since 2007's Carnival Ride. Storyteller is full of instant classics, but none are better than "Relapse," the spooky ode to love gone wrong. Calling out a lover that she can't quit like Jack Twist, Underwood's vocals soar while packing one helluva emotional punch You're my CU stan soulmate. I saw this and I think it further proves this song should see release. One of her best interpretations to date.
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carrieidol1
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Post by carrieidol1 on Oct 28, 2015 18:04:28 GMT -5
I'm also on board with "Relapse"... Quickly becoming my favorite as well. Still trying to narrow it down; I have seven songs left that are battling it out for the top spot on my list:
In album track order:
"Dirty Laundry" "Church Bells" "Heartbeat" "Choctaw County Affair" "Relapse" "The Girl You Think I Am" "Mexico"
Honorable mentions: "Like I'll Never Love You Again", "Chaser", and "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted".
This is all still subject to change. I'm back and forth on so many, but I'm quickly realizing that this IS my favorite album from Carrie... Still need more time, though.
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desertfloods
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Post by desertfloods on Oct 28, 2015 18:54:30 GMT -5
After a week and the initial excitement has died down, the songs I keep coming back to (in no particular order) on repeats are Chaser, Relapse, Dirty Laundry, What I Never Knew I Always Wanted, The Girl You Think I Am. Yup, I guess that's my personal Top 5.
Somehow, I keep forgetting how Church Bells sound like. But when I hear it, it's great. I enjoy Church Bells chorus, production and overall melody, but I think the story doesn't click for me, as in, I'm not drawn to it. Clever writing about church bells signifying 3 different scenarios though.
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jenglisbe
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Post by jenglisbe on Oct 28, 2015 19:12:35 GMT -5
I get that "Heartbeat" would fit current country radio and do well, but I don't see why that means it should be a single. What I mean is, Carrie has more than proven her commercial appeal at this point, so why not start taking some risks? Making some bold choices is the kind of thing that adds to a legacy, certainly more than releasing radio-friendly songs that sort of come and go. Risky songs like "Independence Day," "The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia," and "Girl Crush" are career highlights. I hear ya! But they have to sell some albums, too. I think they should definitely take risks, but they should also try their best to keep radio supporting Carrie the way they have. Is there any indication that "Heartbeat" (and more so radio success) equals sales, though? Kelsea Ballerini had a #1 radio hit and has another one in the top 20, and she hasn't even sold 70k albums total. There are plenty of solo male artists out there who keep having radio hits yet have terrible album sales. "Girl Crush," meanwhile, started selling through the roof before radio even got behind it.
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