Carrie Underwood - "Smoke Break"

[Deleted]

This is probably my second favorite Carrie lead behind "Cowboy Casanova". Usually, I'm not extremely enthusiastic about her leads but I like the mellow more restrained vibe in this and I think it's smart of her to change it up a bit.

[Deleted]

This is a weak song to choose as a lead single. I didn't think much about it for my first few listens, but after watching the video, I like it more now. Still, it kinda lacks 'catchiness'. This could be sung by almost anyone and you'd never think "Hey, that sounds like Carrie!" Well, that's my opinion.

[Deleted]

Aug 31, 2015 17:32:44 GMT -5 samsager3 said:

Aug 31, 2015 12:06:51 GMT -5 carrieidol1 said:

It really isn't your place, nor is it anyone's place, to "warn" posters of others, especially of entire fan-bases. It contributes nothing to the discussion, and comes off incredibly shady... After all, this is a discussion board.

Back to the topic! I'm happy with 56k, although that does seem low considering the huge splash SB made last week. Is 56k from a full week of sales? How does that reporting work?

Also, for what it's worth, using the 18.4% sales decline figure mentioned above regarding Apple Music, "Smoke Break" would have likely sold closer to 70k. Obviously that's a very rough estimate, but still worth noting, I think.

Thank you for tell me what is and isn't my place to tel other posters u appreciate it. Anyways I'm in no way trying to start a fight so this is all I'll say on the matter, yes this is a discussion board that gets derailed every time someone has a negative opinion of Carrie underwood I'm sorry that's just how I feel but I fell it's not getting anywhere fighting so let's end it there.

If you feel that way, why do you post in a Carrie thread? I mean is it to cause trouble, or what, cause you aren't always constructive.

[desertfloods]

Aug 31, 2015 19:12:58 GMT -5 carrieidol1 said:

Aug 31, 2015 18:53:02 GMT -5 ant said:

This song just doesn't give me that big impacting lead single feel that I've gotten with her other lead singles. It's just very "meh" and honestly a little boring to me. As a HUGE Carrie fan for about 8-9 years, I feel really disappointed with this. Do I hate the song? No. But it's really nowhere near on par with "Jesus, Take the Wheel", "So Small", "Cowboy Casanova", "Good Girl", or "Something in the Water". Every time a lead single from Carrie has dropped, I would have it on repeat constantly and I don't feel like I've listened to this one anywhere near as much as her past ones. I hope this isn't representative of the album as a whole, and the 2nd single is something more along the lines of her past work.  I really got my hopes up with "Something in the Water" and "Little Toy Guns" because I could hear the progression in Carrie's voice and sound, but this isn't representative of that at all.

I love the song, but I'm with you on this one. I haven't listened to "Smoke Break" nearly as much as I have Carrie's past lead singles... For me, it's "meh" too, relative to some of her other stuff. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'd gander a guess that you and I are both into Carrie's big/climactic/message songs, right? I just don't think I missed that so much because SITW and LTG are so recent, but I do agree. In the long run, this is far from being my favorite Carrie song. I do love that it represents somewhat of an artistic revolution for Carrie, though, and I think that's why I've been so excited about this song despite not listening on repeat like I have her other lead singles.

I think it might take some fans a while to take in the more laid back sound of the new album (that's what she claimed about the album right?). Just because we have all been so used to her big/climactic style for 10 years now, since Idol days really.

Although this isn't my favourite single from her, but I'm ready for a change to be very honest. I would love to have a Carrie album that actually feels more relaxing to listen to. Her albums so far had mainly been dramatic and loud. It's time to get some new fans too hopefully, with the newer sound.

[ant]

Aug 31, 2015 19:12:58 GMT -5 carrieidol1 said:

Aug 31, 2015 18:53:02 GMT -5 ant said:

This song just doesn't give me that big impacting lead single feel that I've gotten with her other lead singles. It's just very "meh" and honestly a little boring to me. As a HUGE Carrie fan for about 8-9 years, I feel really disappointed with this. Do I hate the song? No. But it's really nowhere near on par with "Jesus, Take the Wheel", "So Small", "Cowboy Casanova", "Good Girl", or "Something in the Water". Every time a lead single from Carrie has dropped, I would have it on repeat constantly and I don't feel like I've listened to this one anywhere near as much as her past ones. I hope this isn't representative of the album as a whole, and the 2nd single is something more along the lines of her past work.  I really got my hopes up with "Something in the Water" and "Little Toy Guns" because I could hear the progression in Carrie's voice and sound, but this isn't representative of that at all.

I love the song, but I'm with you on this one. I haven't listened to "Smoke Break" nearly as much as I have Carrie's past lead singles... For me, it's "meh" too, relative to some of her other stuff. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'd gander a guess that you and I are both into Carrie's big/climactic/message songs, right? I just don't think I missed that so much because SITW and LTG are so recent, but I do agree. In the long run, this is far from being my favorite Carrie song. I do love that it represents somewhat of an artistic revolution for Carrie, though, and I think that's why I've been so excited about this song despite not listening on repeat like I have her other lead singles.

I love her big/message songs, but I also love her rocking mid/uptempos ("Before He Cheats", "Last Name", "Cowboy Casanova", "Good Girl", etc) although a lot of people seem to hate on those.  I'm glad this lead single isn't another boy basher, but I can't help but feel like she could've picked something more "epic" or perhaps with a better message than just needing a "smoke break".  I think the only reason this song is doing so well and on its way to #1 is because it's a lead single by Carrie Underwood.  If she (or any other artist really) had released this as a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th single, etc it would probably struggle to crack the Top 10.  If this weren't her lead single, I definitely think her Top 3 streak would've been over with.

[Marv]

I seriously doubt if this standout song would have struggled on the charts even if it had been the second, fourth or even FIFTH single from her CD, and with no regards whatsoever to music critics, most of whom don't 'get' what country music is in the first place.

When they went apopleptic over LTG it made many of them look really foolish after they totally misinterpreted it; some of the biggest pop CDs of the past three decades were also panned by critics starting with George Michael's 'Faith' which became the first CD with 6 top 5 singles including 4 #1s, a record broken by Janet Jackson 2+ years later.

This is definitely among the best lead singles in quite awhile, and if those folks who get bent out of shape on account of the anti-PC subject had a life, they'd find something really worth having a meltdown over.

[dm2081]

Yeah the message in this song is something country radio loves to eat up, so I doubt this would be struggling if it were a 4th or 5th single. Big Star + singing about extremely relatable material + radio friendly = BIG hit.

[samsager3]

Aug 31, 2015 19:34:15 GMT -5 @adam1995 said:

Aug 31, 2015 17:32:44 GMT -5 samsager3 said:

Thank you for tell me what is and isn't my place to tel other posters u appreciate it. Anyways I'm in no way trying to start a fight so this is all I'll say on the matter, yes this is a discussion board that gets derailed every time someone has a negative opinion of Carrie underwood I'm sorry that's just how I feel but I fell it's not getting anywhere fighting so let's end it there.

If you feel that way, why do you post in a Carrie thread? I mean is it to cause trouble, or what, cause you aren't always constructive.

I post my opinion as to give a differing opinion of what is offered by her fanbase all the time and criticism doesn't always have to be constructive you know I can not like something not find anything redeemable about it which is how I feel about some of her recent stuff well most of it.but as I have said numerous times I actually really like this song.

[desertfloods]

Actually quite a number of fans have posted about their slight disappointment in the single. Myself included. And nobody attacked us.
It's actually more annoying to me that people think ALL her fans always blindly love everything she does. It's like back when Taylor was country, people assume you can't like both of them. We might be long-time Carrie fans, but we are all still individuals with different personal taste.

[tim]

Aug 31, 2015 20:53:24 GMT -5 ant said:

I love her big/message songs, but I also love her rocking mid/uptempos ("Before He Cheats", "Last Name", "Cowboy Casanova", "Good Girl", etc) although a lot of people seem to hate on those.  I'm glad this lead single isn't another boy basher, but I can't help but feel like she could've picked something more "epic" or perhaps with a better message than just needing a "smoke break".  I think the only reason this song is doing so well and on its way to #1 is because it's a lead single by Carrie Underwood.  If she (or any other artist really) had released this as a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th single, etc it would probably struggle to crack the Top 10.  If this weren't her lead single, I definitely think her Top 3 streak would've been over with.

I have to disagree on both points. For starters, Carrie just delivered two back to back "epic" songs with strong messages, and going back to "Blown Away" a majority of her singles to radio fall into the "epic" category. It was kind of time for a break from these kind of songs, otherwise she might pigeonhole herself strictly into the "epic" category. And for Carrie fans like myself I much prefer her when she's in a "Smoke Break" kind of mode versus the overly produced songs from most of her discography. That said, I can certainly understand why her "epic" songs certainly encompass a big part of her fanbase...but at the same time she has fans like myself that likes her music, voice, and production stripped down.

Lastly, I have to agree with Marv that this song likely would be a hit whether it was the first or last single and wouldn't struggle to make it into the top ten. It's just an easy going and fun song that leaves you not having to think to hard about whats going on.

Anyways, all this to say I think this is very refreshing single from Carrie and makes me very excited to see what she has in store for us going into the next era as the Female Vocalist of the Year ;)

[leilamaurizia]

That 56k is shocking relative to previous Carrie lead singles but in the sales environment nowadays, not so. Speaking for myself, my buying habits have certainly been changed by Spotify Premium and Apple Music's free 3-month trial. Aside from streaming, by choosing the option to make a track or album "available offline," it's as if you've 'purchased' the track or album already. So, why buy? Nowadays, I just buy Carrie stuff or buy from artists who I feel I want to support with an actual purchase. I can assume I'm not alone in this thinking and that diehard fans and those unfamiliar with streaming services comprise majority of actual purchasers these days.

There's an article I read re: Miley's release of a free album. It connected that with Beyonce's surprise release and how artists nowadays can release passion projects that they know won't appeal to everyone. They can be more free with their artistry and whims because chasing after that sales goal isn't as feasible now as before. That model of rolling out a lead single and building momentum for an album release, ideally in the fall, is obsolete. It was an interesting perspective and joins in the increasing number of commentaries on how streaming has drastically changed the landscape.

[bboat11]

I love Carrie's epic message songs too. However, I am glad to see her release something a bit easier-going in nature, because I would hate to see her become an artist who is pigeon-holed into making a certain kind of music. I also love each of Martina McBride's epic message songs, which have brought her a lot of fame, but they have brought her a lot of criticism from people who feel that that is all she releases. She absolutely nails that type of material, but a lot of casual fans grew tired of it and jumped ship around the time Carrie rose to stardom, and frankly her voice is starting to wear out a bit after singing those songs several times a week on tour for 20+ years, despite her flawless vocal techniques. Now, Carrie herself has stated that she has trouble singing all of her songs on tour, which is almost identical to what I have heard Martina say through the years. And yet at this point, Carrie releases epic message songs more frequently than Martina ever did. I think Carrie needs to change things up, before her casual fans start to get bored and before she starts to wear herself out. So far, this song is a step in the right direction!

I really like this song so far. I am proud to say, I am one of the 56k! Lol! It may not be a stadium-rocker, but somehow I do still get an anthemic vibe from it. To me it is sneakily catchy, and gets stuck in my head despite not overtly being an ear-worm. Carrie's Top 3 streak is going to be completely fine. She is more on fire now than ever before! And if this album is different sonically, it may be just what she needs to keep the general masses intrigued and keep her momentum building.

[Deleted]

Aug 31, 2015 22:24:32 GMT -5 samsager3 said:

Aug 31, 2015 19:34:15 GMT -5 @adam1995 said:

If you feel that way, why do you post in a Carrie thread? I mean is it to cause trouble, or what, cause you aren't always constructive.

I post my opinion as to give a differing opinion of what is offered by her fanbase all the time and criticism doesn't always have to be constructive you know I can not like something not find anything redeemable about it which is how I feel about some of her recent stuff well most of it.but as I have said numerous times I actually really like this song.

Well, the conversation you provide isn't constructive. You attack Carrie's fans, because you claim they attack you.

[sgtoddball]

You folks have lost me on Carrie singing only epic message songs. Dating back to last era I only found 2 of the 4 singles to be Epic message songs, Blown Away, and See You Again and more recently Something in the Water. I don't think Good Girl, Two Black Cadillac's or Little Toy Guns were epic message songs. Outside of Good Girl, I did find all those songs to be more interesting than this single though. This is a good song but I'm not sure it will stand out amongst all the others in Carrie Underwood's catalog.

[ant]

I'm not saying EVERY Carrie single needs to be a big epic vocal powerhouse, but I simply feel like this was a weak choice for a lead single. It's not really getting me excited about the album like the past lead singles have.

[sgtoddball]

Sept 1, 2015 7:49:08 GMT -5 ant said:

I'm not saying EVERY Carrie single needs to be a big epic vocal powerhouse, but I simply feel like this was a weak choice for a lead single. It's not really getting me excited about the album like the past lead singles have.

The sign of a Big Hit is when you hear a song and either hate it or loved it so much that you can't get enough of it. Songs that don't move haters and lovers generally are just average. This song has people that generally hate her stuff saying they are ok or like this and the people that typically love her stuff don't love this but find it just ok. This will be a hit because it's Carrie and because it's a lead single. I don't think this will be one of her biggest hits because of the song itself.

[carriekins]

Sept 1, 2015 7:49:08 GMT -5 ant said:

I'm not saying EVERY Carrie single needs to be a big epic vocal powerhouse, but I simply feel like this was a weak choice for a lead single. It's not really getting me excited about the album like the past lead singles have.

See, and for me, it's making me more excited for one of her albums than many of her previous lead singles have. I'm certainly a more casual Carrie fan than many people here (lest my username deceive you, my name is actually Carrie and it's a nickname LOL), but this song coupled with the information we have about the new album have me pumped that I may finally get the more country Carrie that I've always been hoping for. :)

[jonathanalan]

I must say I myself am a huge Carrie fan, so I don't want to sound typical when I say I am super excited for the album based on Smoke Break, but I am. We all know what Carrie's voice is capable of doing, so I am refreshed to have a lead single without such vocals. I love the classic country feel the song and instrumentation has and I am super excited to see her playing the guitar for the song. All of that makes me extremely eager to hear more and see what this album will be all about.

[bornfearless2000]

I need a SMOKE BREAK from all these debates

[onebuffalo]

Debuts at #44 up in Canada!

[14887fan]

TV debut will be made on Fallon on September 10.

[bamafan2102]

I am just not into this song. It's Wasted Part 2. I can't wait for the album though especially if she is going back to basics. Epic songs or not she has the best female voice in the business and I can listen to her all day long if the song is right. I haven't liked a single of hers in quite a while though.

[bboat11]

Sept 2, 2015 13:18:38 GMT -5 bamafan2102 said:

I am just not into this song. It's Wasted Part 2. I can't wait for the album though especially if she is going back to basics. Epic songs or not she has the best female voice in the business and I can listen to her all day long if the song is right. I haven't liked a single of hers in quite a while though.

How is this "Wasted" part 2? I am having trouble imagining any comparisons to that song, either lyrically or vocally. Unless it is just that that is one of her countrier-sounding hits.

[defying gravity]

I don't see any resemblance between "Wasted" and this song. "Wasted" is about living your life and not taking it for granted, instead of doing nothing and having it be wasted. "Smoke Break" is about stepping away from it all and taking a breath. The themes of the songs are quite opposite, actually.

[rjz]

Sept 2, 2015 13:18:38 GMT -5 bamafan2102 said:

I am just not into this song. It's Wasted Part 2. I can't wait for the album though especially if she is going back to basics. Epic songs or not she has the best female voice in the business and I can listen to her all day long if the song is right. I haven't liked a single of hers in quite a while though.

Lyrically of course, not similar. But I completely get it if you mean musically- I thought the chorus reminded me of something-musically it does remind me of the chorus in "Wasted".

[bamafan2102]

Female point of view-chorus-male point of view-chorus. The points of the two songs are opposite but the same. Stuck doing something or being somewhere and wanting to take a break or get away. Yes the subject matter of being beaten or being an addict doesn't match just wanting to step outside and smoke one but I just get the same vibe.

[bboat11]

The other thing I just cannot grasp is using "Wasted Part 2" as a justification for not liking this song. I love "Wasted"! I find it to be one of her best songs! I like this song, but it is nowhere near half the song that "Wasted" is! Haha so "Wasted Part 2" sounds like an unnecessary compliment from my perspective. But that is where it just comes down to a matter of opinion. :)

[bamafan2102]

Wasted is probably my favorite Carrie single. Did not say I disliked it. Just saying the structure is similar. Smoke Break is really just boring to me. I am sure the album will have songs that I love, it just won't be this one.

[rjz]

^^^

x2.

Just because I see similarities doesn't mean I am "justifying not liking it".

"Wasted" is tied for my favorite Carrie song.

Smoke Break is ok; I definitely like it better than the last two since I think she is more restrained; I get somewhat fatigued by her belting in some of her singles.
The video is good-her acting seems real.

[jenglisbe]

I am loving what is said here about Carrie and the song:
www.theguardian.com/music/2015/sep/01/dry-summer-country-music-carrie-underwood-sizzles?CMP=share_btn_tw
You might can find fault with the song, but can we not all appreciate that Carrie keeps releasing songs that are about something other than what most songs on country radio are about? She's talking about deep issues.