Carrie Underwood "Denim & Rhinestones" Album Review

Multi-platform superstar Carrie Underwood has released her highly anticipated album Denim & Rhinestones. Underwood manages to charter new territory while remaining true to her roots.

This is her first full country record since the 2018 Cry Pretty album. In that time, Underwood released the Christmas album My Gift and the gospel album My Savior. Both of these projects were passion projects from the singer. Denim & Rhinestones seems to bring together all of Underwood's favorite influences: rhythmic pop, rock 'n'roll, and down-home country. She co-produced the record with David Garcia, as well as co-writing most of the songs.

The lead single "Ghost Story" gave fans a taste of what can be found throughout the album. Underwood brings her signature vocal range into the forefront as she sings about haunting a former flame. The song, and its title, is imaginative and ahead of its time.

Underwood expands her pop-country feel on the majority of the tracks. The title song "Denim & Rhinestones" feels like a trip back in time to when Dolly Parton brought a whole new meaning to denim and rhinestones. It's groovy and has a catchy melody to go along with it. "We go together like denim and rhinestones, you're the smooth and i'm the shine, we're the neon dancing all night."

"Crazy Angels" is the pop-rock anthem Underwood was born to make. The lyrics leave no doubt it's still a country song underneath the flare. "You know where to find me on a Sunday morning, but tonight i come with a whiskey warning, sweet heart with a wild side, girl next door with a rebel smile." When Underwood shared to American Songwriter, "I think this whole album ended up being a big reflection of me as a person and as an artist," one can't help but wonder if the lyrics in "Crazy Angels" really are about herself.

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