Cry Pretty Album Reviews

[Claire2004]

Country Standard Time review:

Carrie Underwood's life was reading straight from the storybooks: one of the few American Idol Winners with ongoing success; a professional athlete for a husband; a beautiful baby boy. The string of great fortune turned sharply in 2017, when Underwood began the unfathomable experience of three consecutive lost pregnancies. This was atop a frightening fall at her home that ended with her face in nearly 50 stitches. Sharing these moments with her fans makes the beamingly-beautiful singer (seriously, check out the "See You Again" video where she looks as much like an angel as you're likely to see walking around) more human.The recent lowpoints in Underwood's life clearly fed "Cry Pretty," but not overfed. If anything, they reinject some tenderness into her catalog that it sometimes lacks. The Oklahoman has a voice with incredible horsepower. That instrument can outrun the emotion in some of those booming story songs about other people (think of all those "Two Black Cadillacs" knockoffs). The listener doesn't have to wonder as much about Underwood's interior feelings as a mother with songs like "The Bullet" - a timely take on the legacy of gun violence, or "Spinning Bottles," about the loneliness of an addict's lover. Like many country records, there's a complicated relationship with alcohol. For some of the tracks, getting sad and loaded is precisely the ticket ("Ghosts on the Stereo" and "Drinking Alone"). But it's not all glum, or even exclusively country - "Southbound" goes right for a joyous dance groove. Debut single "Love Wins" brings a wheelbarrow of epic-sounding inspiration, and "Low" is just a jaw-dropper of a torch song vocal - the ball's in Martina's court.
Underwood is more involved than ever with the composing and recording. But she's still smart enough to enlist Nashville's songwriting and producing superpowers. Hillary Lindsey (who's been involved with 11 Carrie Underwood's number 1s) contributes to more than half the tracks, and David Garcia (who produced the uber-popular "Meant To Be") handles production. Throw in Underwood's hemi-powered pipes, some emotional rawness, and it's all a potent potion. There are more than enough highlights here to call this a winning welcome-back to an artist with a hard-earned smile.

Carrie Underwood - Cry Pretty


Very nice review. Not counted on metacritic, but I want to share it anyway because of its positive take on the album. If you have time, please head on over to the link to visit the site.

 

[teesharky]

^ ooh thanks! Country Standard Time is an important country review. I was curious how the rest of the country bloggers felt.

Taste of Country-- GOOD
Sound of Country- GREAT
Country Standard- GREAT

We are missing: Country Universe
Nash Country Weekly
Saving Country Music---------****** This will be a disaster haha

 

[Claire2004]

^What was that now defunct country music site that hated everything Carrie puts out? We used to argue with the guy on social media lol.

 

[simonplay]

^ ooh thanks! Country Standard Time is an important country review. I was curious how the rest of the country bloggers felt.

Taste of Country-- GOOD
Sound of Country- GREAT
Country Standard- GREAT

We are missing: Country Universe
Nash Country Weekly
Saving Country Music---------****** This will be a disaster haha

I'm dying to read the Saving Country Music review and the haters in the comments haha! It will be a mess!

 

[txacar]

I noticed The Guardian is on the Metacritic list. Ughl! Worst thing I've ever read. No way that's what that guy is hearing when he listens to this album. He's sick.

 

[teesharky]

^ He is a hater clearly. And if he heard about the miscarriages I hope he eats crow. He claimed the sadness was feigned ant it was all a commercialized stunt to sell albums- like a formula.

He also said it wasn't personal. Dude- it doesn't GET more perrsonal than writing about the loss of 3 children. Bless your heart, mother****er. lol

 

[Josh]

People should remind everyone on twitter who bought tickets to redeem the album.. I wish the numbers were higher than 210k lol

https://www.billboard.com/articles/...pretty-on-course-for-no-1-debut-billboard-200

 

[teesharky]

200k is exvellent and way better than most of us expected. But yes people need to redeem
the albums.

 

[Josh]

Guys we need help in the USer reviews for Cry Pretty on Metacritic. It was up to 8/10, but some haters just dragged it down to 6.8/10 and it keeps fallihng.

Anyone that hasn't submitted a review yet-- please do so. It takes 5 minutes. Thanks!

How do you do it?

 

[Josh]

^ He is a hater clearly. And if he heard about the miscarriages I hope he eats crow. He claimed the sadness was feigned ant it was all a commercialized stunt to sell albums- like a formula.

He also said it wasn't personal. Dude- it doesn't GET more perrsonal than writing about the loss of 3 children. Bless your heart, mother****er. lol

Who the hell is this person? Can you link to this review?

 

[liz278]

People should remind everyone on twitter who bought tickets to redeem the album.. I wish the numbers were higher than 210k lol

https://www.billboard.com/articles/...pretty-on-course-for-no-1-debut-billboard-200

I just got an email saying that my 3 albums were sent today.

 

[Carrieroxmysox2011]

Guys we need help in the USer reviews for Cry Pretty on Metacritic. It was up to 8/10, but some haters just dragged it down to 6.8/10 and it keeps fallihng.

Anyone that hasn't submitted a review yet-- please do so. It takes 5 minutes. Thanks!

I made an account but canf figure out how to do it.

 

[Smokyiiis]

[FONT=&quot]The Diamondback Review: [/FONT]

[h=1]Review: Carrie Underwood is as strong as ever on ‘Cry Pretty’[/h][FONT=&quot]
Country music can be generic. So many mainstream country songs fit the traditional stereotypes of the banjo-strummin' ode to a truck, beer or the objectification of a woman.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]However, Carrie Underwood's latest album Cry Pretty, much like the rest of her discography, soars far beyond the ordinary daze of country twang.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Poised and mature, her sixth studio album effortlessly differentiates itself through the masterful lyricism and savvy falsettos that trademark Underwood's undeniable talent, even over a decade after her American Idol win.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]The first few lines of the opening title track serve as an affirmation for the whole album: "I'm sorry, but I'm just a girl not usually the kind to show my heart to the world."[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Underwood appropriately trades the honky-tonk of past swaggering country bangers like "Before He Cheats" or "Cowboy Casanova" for a multitude of slower songs, with the grace and conviction that come with years in the music industry. The organic sense of vulnerability conveyed throughout the entire album leaves the listener with the impression of having just sat down and talked for hours with Underwood herself.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]While most songs lean toward the slower side of things, a few upbeat tracks stand out with their catchiness and dance appeal. "Southbound" is a delightfully airy ode to summertime romps in the sun, probably the most reminiscent song of the past Underwood persona. "End Up With You" is an open-minded plea for a happy ending, with simple strums of a guitar and minimalistic production to focus the spotlight on the message on the end goal written into the lyrics.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]In a close race for the album's best ballad, "Ghosts on the Stereo," a tribute to Underwood's late musical influences and how they have shaped her, earns the crown as her croons and coos make you want to grab a drink and listen to "Hank, Haggard and Jones" alongside her.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]What truly makes the album a substantial deviation from mainstream country is its courage to delve into societal topics often taboo across genres, let alone country. "Love Wins" is an unapologetic proclamation of universal love, applicable to people of all orientations and identities. Underwood boldly comments on the testy topic of gun violence in "The Bullet," a powerful, masterfully thoughtful piece with a message that deeply resonates with the listener.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]While most of Cry Pretty proves consistently captivating, two true standouts emerge ahead of the rest. "The Song We Used to Make Love To" tiptoes along the delicate line of country-pop crossover in the most intriguing way, as Underwood passionately reflects on her past. "Drinking Alone" is a sexy slow-burner with enough grit and attitude to make it the tune you'll be humming after a full listen-through.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]By the end of it, Underwood proves on Cry Pretty that she has strategically maintained her stronghold of country regality, as this album portrays her dynamic evolution not only as a musician, but as a person as well.[/FONT]

 

[DaisyTweets]

After reading some of the reviews and how they got it and commented constructively, it sure makes you wonder what in the world the ones who reviewed the cd so negatively were they even listening to the right cd????? My goodness!!! Sure glad I don't pay any attention to reviews. They don't really amount to a hill of beans.

I posted the other day that I think some of the reviewers just recycled old reviews, just swapping out the old song titles with the new ones. And I'm thinking more and more, that's exactly what they did. Or they spent no time really listening to the music and the songs. It's sad actually that that's how someone can do their job.

 

[Kizmet311]

The Diamondback Review:

Review: Carrie Underwood is as strong as ever on ‘Cry Pretty’


Country music can be generic. So many mainstream country songs fit the traditional stereotypes of the banjo-strummin' ode to a truck, beer or the objectification of a woman.

However, Carrie Underwood's latest album Cry Pretty, much like the rest of her discography, soars far beyond the ordinary daze of country twang.
Poised and mature, her sixth studio album effortlessly differentiates itself through the masterful lyricism and savvy falsettos that trademark Underwood's undeniable talent, even over a decade after her American Idol win.
The first few lines of the opening title track serve as an affirmation for the whole album: "I'm sorry, but I'm just a girl not usually the kind to show my heart to the world."
Underwood appropriately trades the honky-tonk of past swaggering country bangers like "Before He Cheats" or "Cowboy Casanova" for a multitude of slower songs, with the grace and conviction that come with years in the music industry. The organic sense of vulnerability conveyed throughout the entire album leaves the listener with the impression of having just sat down and talked for hours with Underwood herself.
While most songs lean toward the slower side of things, a few upbeat tracks stand out with their catchiness and dance appeal. "Southbound" is a delightfully airy ode to summertime romps in the sun, probably the most reminiscent song of the past Underwood persona. "End Up With You" is an open-minded plea for a happy ending, with simple strums of a guitar and minimalistic production to focus the spotlight on the message on the end goal written into the lyrics.
In a close race for the album's best ballad, "Ghosts on the Stereo," a tribute to Underwood's late musical influences and how they have shaped her, earns the crown as her croons and coos make you want to grab a drink and listen to "Hank, Haggard and Jones" alongside her.
What truly makes the album a substantial deviation from mainstream country is its courage to delve into societal topics often taboo across genres, let alone country. "Love Wins" is an unapologetic proclamation of universal love, applicable to people of all orientations and identities. Underwood boldly comments on the testy topic of gun violence in "The Bullet," a powerful, masterfully thoughtful piece with a message that deeply resonates with the listener.
While most of Cry Pretty proves consistently captivating, two true standouts emerge ahead of the rest. "The Song We Used to Make Love To" tiptoes along the delicate line of country-pop crossover in the most intriguing way, as Underwood passionately reflects on her past. "Drinking Alone" is a sexy slow-burner with enough grit and attitude to make it the tune you'll be humming after a full listen-through.
By the end of it, Underwood proves on Cry Pretty that she has strategically maintained her stronghold of country regality, as this album portrays her dynamic evolution not only as a musician, but as a person as well.

Wow, this reviewer just GETS IT! I love the first highlighted line so so much. I also fully agree with the second highlighted statement - That Song and DA are amazing and need to be singles for sure!

 

[txacar]

This is not a review per se. Just a hit job. Review is yet to come.

September 18, 2018[h=1]Carrie Underwood Team Going Too Far in Exploiting Personal Tragedy[/h]Trigger Random Notes 1 Comment

When you first heard about Carrie Underwood’s unfortunate fall and her need for hospitalization in November of 2017, it was hard not to feel bad for the country star regardless of how you felt about her music. Releasing the song “Cry Pretty” as part of the personal revelations about the injury made the story especially poignant. But as time went on with all of the overhyped face reveals and endless tabloid media stories on the matter, the whole thing began to feel opportunistic, if not downright exploitative of the unfortunate situation Carrie Underwood suffered.
Then came the release of Carrie Underwood tour dates for 2019, way ahead of when such things would normally be revealed, and coinciding with the announcement that she was pregnant. At that point you began to sense a pattern of personal details paralleling the news of music matters as a strategy to market her new record.
Now the big news over the same weekend Carrie released the new album Cry Pretty is that she experienced three miscarriages recently. Obviously this was a difficult experience for Underwood and her husband, and your heart can only go out to her as you imagine the grief she felt trying to add a fourth member to her young family. Beyond any music issues, the health and well-being of artists should always be a priority.
But at this point, utilizing Carrie Underwood’s personal matters to promote her music has become ridiculous and incredibly transparent, to the point of insulting the intelligence of the country music public. If you can’t see what’s going on here, you’re either not paying attention, or are so swept up in Carrie Underwood fandom, your perspective is without objectivity. Even then, elements of Carrie Underwood’s notoriously loyal fanbase are beginning to become fatigued by all of the tragic Carrie Underwood news, and its coinciding with important markers on her album release calendar. Revealing three miscarriages is probably something more fit for a late career biography as opposed to a way to bolster album sales.
Of course this is nothing new. Celebrities have been piggybacking personal information to important entertainment news to promote their careers for decades. We’ve just rarely see it employed with such a heavy hand, especially in country music. And you almost can’t blame Carrie Underwood and her team for choosing this route. With mainstream country radio offering little support to women, often they have to resort to other avenues of promotion to connect with an audience. And since country music media has devolved into nothing more than celebrity gossip mining and lifestyle reporting with the occasional foray into political rancor exploitation, riding Carrie Underwood’s personal tragedies for public attention is probably not a bad promotional strategy.
Still, it’s fair to question if it’s any of our business how many miscarriages Carrie Underwood has experienced, not to mention how hard it might be for Carrie Underwood herself to reveal such things just to keep her name in the news. Instead, the focus should be on the music, how this is the first record Carrie Underwood has co-produced, and why her label chose to pull promotion from her lead single two weeks before the album release, which is pretty unheard of from a major country artist, even if the song was scoring low.
The whole stretegy just smacks of desperation, while were witnessing the tabling off of yet another star in country music prematurely. Many artists reveal details of their personal lives to help create appeal and intrigue beyond their music. But we’ve never seen an artist go so hard in this direction as we’re seeing from the Carrie Underwood team.
– – – – – – – – –
Saving Country Music review Carrie Underwood’s new album is forthcoming.

 

[TOPDOG1001]

What’s hilarious is he’s doing exactly what he accuses Carrie of doing: writing an article that he knows will be ridiculous and polarizing to garner more hits on his website for publicity

 

[simonplay]

Well the album it's about all her problems in the past years, what they expect, that she talks about dinosaurs?? Lol everybody wanted a personal album from her but now it is too personal for some people, give her a break!

 

[DaisyTweets]

Did the knucklehead at saving country write the same kind of article when Mr. BS himself released his last album and all the articles about his divorce and new girlfriend. Or ML and her vague comments when she released her last album?

 

[PRGuy79]

That Saving Country Music review is a perfect example of sexism and the double standard that exists for women in much of society - but especially in country music. It is despicable. That view of the world is likely what is prevalent in many radio stations across this country, which would explain why women are virtually nonexistent in the Top 40 airplay.