14887fan
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Post by 14887fan on Oct 22, 2015 23:24:42 GMT -5
Country's Lord, Savior, and one and only Hope™ has released her finest record yet. Available everywhere, deluxe at Target. Eat your hearts out.
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14887fan
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Post by 14887fan on Oct 22, 2015 23:30:40 GMT -5
Highlights: the whole album.
Lowlights: when you hit the last second of the album and you have to get up to change your pants.
Y'all. This is good. "Smoke Break" and "Heartbeat" are the weakest things on this album. They saved the best for the full release. Those who are looking for twang Carrie, see: "Renegade Runaway", "Dirty Laundry", "Choctaw County Affair" (an iconic smash waiting to happen), "Like I'll Never Love You Again", and "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted". Those who are looking for pop-Country Carrie, see: "Heartbeat", "Chaser" (godly), "Relapse" (I'm weak), "Clock Don't Stop", and "Mexico".
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dm2081
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Post by dm2081 on Oct 22, 2015 23:43:06 GMT -5
A lot of the songs sounded pretty similar to me. Not bad, but nothing earth shattering either. Definitely has a 80s rock vibe to it IMO, like she's been listening to some Heart, Joan Jett and .38 Special. They'd be fools to not release "Like I'll Never Lose You Again", its the standout on the album. "Mexico" and "Dirty Laundry" were pretty good as well.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2015 23:46:17 GMT -5
Chaser is quite possibly one of her best songs to date. Other highlights for me are "Clock Don't Stop", "Renegade Runaway" and "Smoke Break". In terms of her albums I'd probably rank this behind her debut and Blown Away and maybe tied with Carnival Ride? My opinion of course might change with more listens.
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leilamaurizia
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Post by leilamaurizia on Oct 23, 2015 7:26:49 GMT -5
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leilamaurizia
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Post by leilamaurizia on Oct 23, 2015 7:40:26 GMT -5
Aside from Smoke Break, the other song Carrie's performing on the Today show from Storyteller is this... Choctaw served as the anchor for the whole album. Next single? I'm all for it!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2015 8:59:37 GMT -5
All the songs were at the very least good. This is her BEST album yet, that is truth. Chaser didn't stand out to me like it did for others, maybe after more listens. As it stand right now the singles for me are...
1. Smoke Break
2. Church Bells
3. Choctaw County Affair
4. Dirty Laundry
5. Renegade Runaway
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ant
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Post by ant on Oct 23, 2015 9:09:53 GMT -5
All the songs were at the very least good. This is her BEST album yet, that is truth. Chaser didn't stand out to me like it did for others, maybe after more listens. As it stand right now the singles for me are... 1. Smoke Break 2. Church Bells 3. Choctaw County Affair 4. Dirty Laundry 5. Renegade Runaway I like these single choices too, I just feel like there may need to be a ballad/slower one in there somewhere. But these are the strongest on the album, so it's difficult to choose singles...ugh. |
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kml567
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Post by kml567 on Oct 23, 2015 9:45:36 GMT -5
Is Carrie pushing "Heartbeat" to pop radio next? Heard it on Z100/Elvis Duran Show (Pop radio station in NYC) after the Carrie interview. Elvis sold it to pop listeners as a Carrie/Sam Hunt collab.
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Stephen
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Post by Stephen on Oct 23, 2015 10:08:54 GMT -5
Is Carrie pushing "Heartbeat" to pop radio next? Heard it on Z100/Elvis Duran Show (Pop radio station in NYC) after the Carrie interview. Elvis sold it to pop listeners as a Carrie/Sam Hunt collab. Nah. She always interviews with them because she has a pretty sizable pop fan base, but I doubt this will get a push. They played Good Girl and Cowboy Casanova during those album cycles and nothing ever came of it, so I doubt it. |
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Dustin J.
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Post by Dustin J. on Oct 23, 2015 10:48:23 GMT -5
I don't think this album is anything different for Carrie...she builds on where she's had past success. She's the best vocalist in any genre of music (in my opinion) and that shows on nearly every single song. The album itself, much like her last few albums, is certainly very pop-ish. With her last two singles, I honestly thought this album might have a little more country-flavor...but I also understand country isn't country any more.
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leilamaurizia
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Post by leilamaurizia on Oct 23, 2015 11:04:07 GMT -5
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Post by draggintheriver on Oct 23, 2015 12:19:27 GMT -5
The wait is finally over! I've been so excited for October for a while now. I was highly anticipating Jana and Carrie's newest albums. I feel as if Carrie really out did herself on this one. There are so many memorable tracks on Storyteller. She did a great job introducing a new sound, while still offering a few pop country tracks to round out the mix. I'm so excited for this album era. Renegade Runaway
Pretty sure this song is a shoo-in to be a single at some point during this album era. I've listened to this song on repeat for a while prior to the release. I like how it was teased in the Smoke Break music video. It's not my favorite song from the album, but it's a great song nonetheless.
Dirty Laundry
Before the album's release I honestly didn't bother looking up any of the songwriters for the tracks. A part of me was hoping this was the same song written by Sunny Sweeney. Never the less this is an amazing song. The production is on point, and I keep wanting to go back to put it on repeat. It's one of the stand out tracks from the album for me. I'd love for it to become a single during the era.
Church Bells
One of my favorites from the album. What's not to love about a present day 'Fancy'? This is easily one of Carrie's biggest hits of her career. I'm dying for a live performance of this gem.
Heartbeat
I've had this on repeat since it released before the album. I think it's a great song, and seems pretty radio friendly to me. Probably a possible single. I didn't know Sam Hunt was the one singing backup vocals until Carrie tweeted about it. It influenced me enough to finally cave and listen to Sam Hunt's debut album.
Smoke Break
Smoke Break is my favorite song at country radio right now. It's a great song that almost everyone can relate to. I still believe it deserves to be the lead single from Storyteller. I do wish it was the first song on the track list, as I feel like it easily sets the tone for this amazing album.
Choctaw County Affair
The title alone had me interested. My mind ran wild thinking of all the possible stories that it could portray. After playing it for the first time it blew me away. It's a sound we've never heard from Carrie. I'd absolutely love for this to be a single. It does make me wonder if it's too country for country radio. Regardless this is going to be one of my favorite songs to hear Carrie sing live.
Like I'll Never Love You Again
This is a classic Carrie Underwood ballad that I'm a sucker for. It could easily find a home on country radio.
Chaser
This is another song that just feels like a Carrie Underwood song. I think it's easily one of the best songs she's cut to date. I would root for this to become a single if there weren't already so many songs worthy of being smash hits in the making.
Relapse
It's a decent song. If by chance one song was to be shipped to pop radio I would want it to be this one. It's one of the few tracks that still has room to grow on me.
Clock Don't Stop
A very catchy pop country song. Potential single if the more country sounding tracks slip through.
The Girl You Think I Am
Beautiful song. I love the story behind it. Carrie's vocals are so great on this track. 'The Girl You Think I Am' could easily have been a track on the Some Hearts album era.
Mexico
This is a fun little song. Doubt it will ever become a single, but I would love for it to get a random video treatment where it continues the story from the 'Something Bad' music video.
What I Never Knew I Always Wanted
I couldn't think of a better song to wrap the album up with. Carrie's voice are so beautiful on this one. Even if it never becomes a single, I would love for it to get a random video treatment. There's a very emotional music video waiting to happen for this gem.
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.indulgecountry
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"You left a mark on my face // And brought a dozen red flags in a vase"
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Post by .indulgecountry on Oct 23, 2015 12:33:21 GMT -5
This album is fantastic! I'll try to post more thoughts later but omg I'm loving this album so much.  |
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ant
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Post by ant on Oct 23, 2015 12:35:29 GMT -5
The more I think about it, the more I think "Mexico" may actually make for a great single.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2015 16:40:05 GMT -5
I sampled this earlier today. I'll take a listen tonight. Have to say I'm a bit nervous by the heavy Pop sound, but the lyrics to pretty much all of the songs sounded good, and if there's any artist who can truly make a Pop song sound Country with its story/lyrics, it's Carrie (Not Sam Hunt), so I'm excited to listen! :)
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Post by brinkeronline on Oct 23, 2015 16:58:27 GMT -5
A lot of the songs sounded pretty similar to me. Not bad, but nothing earth shattering either. Definitely has a 80s rock vibe to it IMO, like she's been listening to some Heart, Joan Jett and .38 Special. They'd be fools to not release "Like I'll Never Lose You Again", its the standout on the album. "Mexico" and "Dirty Laundry" were pretty good as well. Not a diss, but interesting that you find that a lot of songs sound the same, while having a Tyler Farr image as your avatar. To me, I have the same opinion of him, haha. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. : ) |
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dm2081
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Post by dm2081 on Oct 23, 2015 18:01:46 GMT -5
A lot of the songs sounded pretty similar to me. Not bad, but nothing earth shattering either. Definitely has a 80s rock vibe to it IMO, like she's been listening to some Heart, Joan Jett and .38 Special. They'd be fools to not release "Like I'll Never Lose You Again", its the standout on the album. "Mexico" and "Dirty Laundry" were pretty good as well. Not a diss, but interesting that you find that a lot of songs sound the same, while having a Tyler Farr image as your avatar. To me, I have the same opinion of him, haha. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. : ) I rushed through listening to the songs, so admittedly that could play a role in why so much sounded similar. What I meant though was there were a lot of big atmospheric Pop oriented songs, and the choruses and theme tended to overlap a bit. I did like some songs though, and nothing was as bad as "Little Toy Guns", which was awful IMO. Carrie will never be my favorite artist, but I will enjoy some songs from her every now and then. As for Tyler, I won't derail the thread, but his album is actually pretty diverse IMO. Don't make any judgements off the current single "Better In Boots", because there are far superior songs such as "Withdrawals" and the epic "Suffer In Peace". Most aren't a fan of Tyler's voice though, so I can relate because I often find Carrie's too be too much at times, and even headache inducing. |
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Post by brinkeronline on Oct 23, 2015 18:11:40 GMT -5
Not a diss, but interesting that you find that a lot of songs sound the same, while having a Tyler Farr image as your avatar. To me, I have the same opinion of him, haha. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. : ) I rushed through listening to the songs, so admittedly that could play a role in why so much sounded similar. What I meant though was there were a lot of big atmospheric Pop oriented songs, and the choruses and theme tended to overlap a bit. I did like some songs though, and nothing was as bad as "Little Toy Guns", which was awful IMO. Carrie will never be my favorite artist, but I will enjoy some songs from her every now and then. As for Tyler, I won't derail the thread, but his album is actually pretty diverse IMO. Don't make any judgements off the current single "Better In Boots", because there are far superior songs such as "Withdrawals" and the epic "Suffer In Peace". Most aren't a fan of Tyler's voice though, so I can relate because I often find Carrie's too be too much at times, and even headache inducing. Good to know - I'll keep in mind and check out more of his stuff. Keep trying with 'Storyteller'. It's really her best and SUPER unique throughout. |
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Post by George Strait Junkie on Oct 23, 2015 20:31:06 GMT -5
I'm not really a Carrie fan. She's either a hit or miss with me. And, Most of the time she's a miss. But, this record is her best ever the first I have bought.
Smoke Break is my favorite single of hers of all time and best on the album
here's my 1st ranking of songs (Target Edition)
1. Smoke Break
2. Heartbeat - This will be the next single
3. Choctaw County Affair
4. Like I'll Never Love You Again
5. Dirty Laundry
6. Church Bells
7. Mexico
8. The Girl You Think I Am
9. What I Never Knew I Always Wanted
10. Little Girl Don't Grow Up Too Fast (Target Bonus Track)
11. Heartbeat (Stripped) - (Target Bonus Track)
Songs i don't really care for
12. Renegade Runaway
13. Clock Don't Stop
14. Relapse
15. Chaser
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2015 22:00:02 GMT -5
Way too tired to post thoughts. I'll edit in the morning. Anyway, this is really strong. Is it country? Eh. Is it good? Yeah.
Ranks:
1. Church Bells
2. What I Never Knew I Always Wanted
3. Choctaw County Affair
4. The Girl You Think I Am
5. Little Girl Don't Grow Up Too Fast (Target)
6. Like I'll Never Love You Again
7. Dirty Laundry
8. Clock Don't Stop
9. Renegade Runaway
10. Mexico
11. Heartbeat (stripped)
12. Chaser
13. Relapse
14. Heartbeat
15. Smoke Break
I like "Smoke Break" but it really doesn't fit stylistically with the rest of the album. Anyway, there's a lot of beautiful songs on here. "Church Bells" is one of my favorite songs of 2015. I'll have more tomorrow.
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sbp17
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Post by sbp17 on Oct 24, 2015 2:34:36 GMT -5
Crossposting my thoughts from her other thread.
Finally got a chance to listen to it a couple of times. Overall, I like it but it could have been so much better. For the most part, the songs themselves are fantastic. This is definitely Carrie's best album lyrically. I'm just not a fan of the production. Much of it is very loud and poppy. It has elements of the current sound of country music from the likes of Hunt and Aldean that I'm just not a fan of for a country record. I would have preferred more an earlier The Band Perry type of production that I think could have still made the darker themes and distinctive melodies stand out but feel closer to country. It's strange that Smoke Break would be the first single because it is certainly not a reflection of the overall feel of the album.
Sometimes, it seems her vocal delivery or accent is a little too affected like on Dirty Laundry and Choctaw County Affair as compared with what seems her most natural voice on The Girl You Think I Am. But lyrically, DL and CCA are incredible, with CCA giving me The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia thematic vibes.
Three of the four slower ballads (Like I'll Never Love You Again, The Girl You Think I Am, What I Never Knew I Always Wanted) are the standouts to me. I love the softer vocal delivery and production. The chorus of Heartbeat was very promising when we got that clip early on but the verses really bring it down. Sometimes, I think the loud production works very well like on Chaser and Relapse even if I do not want them released as singles though they'd likely fit right in today.
Early favorites are The Girl You Think I Am, Church Bells, Chaser, Relapse, What I Never Knew I Always Wanted. Even most of the songs I think could be much better with different production are not bad. I just think they fall short of their potential. The only songs I don't particularly care for are Renegade Runaway, Heartbeat because of the verses, and Clock Don't Stop because of the chorus.
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Post by brinkeronline on Oct 24, 2015 12:58:54 GMT -5
Storyteller is predicted to sell less than 5 Seconds of Summer and land at #2 this week (after pre-sale and 1 day of sales).
With 6 days left of selling, I encourage any one who is on the fence about buying the album or anyone who was waiting until later to go out and get the record so we can see Carrie at #1, not a boy band.
Or at least stream the album (several times) on Spotify/Official YouTube/VEVO and buy a couple tracks. All counts towards Billboard 200 chart.
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layne
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Post by layne on Oct 24, 2015 13:00:16 GMT -5
This is probably her most mainstream radio friendly Album imo. I feel like it's similar to some of the Luke Bryan Albums in that it's full of songs that sound radio ready. I don't really hear a song that is Career defining though or that really stops me in my tracks and moves me. There are tons of very good ones but when I hear Dirty Laundry, Church Bells, and Choctaw County Affair, I don't feel like they are something she hasn't given us before. They sound different production wise but thematically they are they same as BHC, TBC and BA just with a different spin. I guess I was hoping for something similar to "The House That Built Me" "Girl Crush" or "Blown Away", in that the song just stops me in my tracks and really moves me.
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codyj100
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Post by codyj100 on Oct 25, 2015 1:44:24 GMT -5
Far too tired to post anything detailed right now. I just listened to the Target deluxe version in full one time through, and a few others repeatedly. I would put Storyteller behind Carnival Ride, but IMO it is her second best album to date. That could change and I could like it more as time goes on.
Album rankings:
1. Carnival Ride
2. Storyteller
3. Blown Away
4. Some Hearts
5. Play On
Storyteller Song Rankings:
1. "Church Bells"
2. "Choctaw County Affair"
3. "Like I'll Never Love You Again"
4. "Little Girl Don't Grow Up Too Fast" (Target Exclusive)
5. "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted"
6. "Smoke Break"
7. "Heartbeat" (stripped) [Target Exclusive]
8. "Mexico"
9. "Renegade Runaway"
10. "Clock Don't Stop"
11. "Relapse"
12. "Heartbeat"
13. "The Girl You Think I Am"
14. "Chaser"
15. "Dirty Laundry"
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someguy
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Post by someguy on Oct 25, 2015 2:52:59 GMT -5
I'll do a more detailed post later, but I'm impressed with this album. I'd say it's her best since Carnival Ride. My initial favourite song is "Choctaw County Affair", but there are a lot of great songs on here. Carrie sounds great, and for the most part the songs really deliver.
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zaclord 🌈
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Post by zaclord 🌈 on Oct 25, 2015 11:33:52 GMT -5
I'm actually a little underwhelmed by this album. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but like layne mentioned above, there are no "Blown Away"'s on this album that you could just hand her a Grammy right now for. I also feel like there are too many murder/cheating/revenge/law-bending songs on this album. I like all of them, but it's like half the album almost... I was hoping for more songs like "Wine After Whiskey" and "Do You Think About Me" on this album rather than a whole album of "Two Black Cadillacs". Anyway, I've still had this on repeat and I do enjoy it. I just had really high expectations. Carrie albums ranking: 1. Some Hearts 2. Blown Away 3. Carnival Ride 4. Storyteller 5. Play On Storyteller tracks ranking: 1. What I Never Knew I Always Wanted (the only song I'm truly obsessed with on this album) 2. Heartbeat 3. Dirty Laundry 4. Chaser 5. Relapse 6. Like I'll Never Love You Again 7. Church Bells 8. Choctaw County Affair 9. Mexico 10. The Girl You Think I Am 11. Renegade Runaway 12. Smoke Break 13. Clock Don't Stop The things I really love about this album are her stellar vocal performance and the production on most of the songs. Where this album falls flat, ironically, is the lyrics to most of the songs. I feel like some of the songs could have been much better at telling the story (Renegade Runaway, Clock Don't Stop, Mexico) or they just weren't very interesting stories in my opinion (Church Bells, Renegade Runaway). I'm really hoping "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted" can somehow manage to become a single as that's easily my favorite on the album. I'm not expecting it though. I'm hoping they go for "Dirty Laundry" as a single over "Choctaw" and "Church" and "Renegade" and "Heartbeat", "Relapse", and "Chaser" fill up the last single slot. However, I'm already very prepared to be immensely disappointed with the single selection from this album. What I'd want: 1. Smoke Break (only because the past can't be undone) 2. What I Never Knew I Always Wanted 3. Dirty Laundry 4. Heartbeat/Relapse/Chaser 5. Heartbeat/Relapse/Chaser What I expect 1. Smoke Break 2. Renegade Runaway 3. Church Bells 4. Heartbeat 5. Choctaw County Affair maybe I'll get lucky and see "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted" and/or "Chaser" as singles since Carrie wrote them and almost all her singles she co-writes nowadays. But I almost guarantee we will (unfortunately) get Runaway Renegade (or reverse Cowboy Casanova as I call it) and "Heartbeat" (luckily). But that's okay, almost all her best songs go unreleased anyway - shoutout to "Starts With Goodbye", "I Know You Won't", "Flat On The Floor", "Someday When I Stop Loving You", "Do You Think About Me", and "Wine After Whiskey". I'll be adding "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted" to that list shortly I'm afraid. |
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carrieidol1
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Post by carrieidol1 on Oct 25, 2015 11:58:13 GMT -5
^ I think "Choctaw County Fair", should it become a single, is a lock for a Grammy win, or at least a nomination. I'd put "Dirty Laundry", "Church Bells", "Like I'll Never Love You Again", and "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted" in that category as well.
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zaclord 🌈
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Post by zaclord 🌈 on Oct 25, 2015 15:53:00 GMT -5
^ I think "Choctaw County Fair", should it become a single, is a lock for a Grammy win, or at least a nomination. I'd put "Dirty Laundry", "Church Bells", "Like I'll Never Love You Again", and "What I Never Knew I Always Wanted" in that category as well. Well I wasn't necessarily saying she won't win any Grammy's for this album, but more of that I don't hear any songs on this album that I listened to and thought, "Wow, that's definitely going to win a Grammy," like I did with "Blown Away" the song. "Last Name" won a Grammy and I wouldn't have said that for that song either. Carrie could very well walk away with several Grammy's from this album, I just don't there are any songs like "Blown Away", "Burning House", "Girl Crush", "Merry Go Round", "Follow Your Arrow", etc. etc. that are obvious award-winning, career-defining songs for Carrie on this album. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2015 17:23:42 GMT -5
I'm quite shocked that Chaser is among the worst songs of the album for many who have posted their reviews that far. I could safely say that it will end up in my top 5 Underwood songs of all time, it's that good.
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