Carrie Underwood, winner of American Idol Season 4, is back with her fourth studio album Blown Away.  This one is a much different album than all her others.  Upon listening to it, I really feel like it is country mixed with Florence + The Machine.  It's a very different sounding album from what Carrie has released in the past, but I'm loving it.  I definitely think it is my favorite album of hers with Carnival Ride coming in at a close second.

1.  Good Girl - 6/10


This is one of those classic Carrie upbeat pop/country songs that usually do well on the charts.  It never wowed me to begin with, and even now it seems like one of the weakest tracks.  It doesn't have the atmospheric feel that the other songs do and so it seems out of place.  Good, on its own, but less than stellar when accompanied.

2.  Blown Away - 10/10


This has to be my favorite track off the album.  The song starts off with plucking violin strings that sound like the rain drops plopping on the ground, and it has a great atmosphere to it.  Then Carrie launches into a deep, eerie voice before she begins belting out the chorus.  I think what I love most about this song is that it literally paints a picture in my head.  Everything from her voice, to the instruments accompanying her, they all combine to create a masterpiece of a song that should be the standard to which other country artists should hold themselves.  It's really incredible.

3.  Two Black Cadillacs - 10/10


The powerful, emotional music doesn't slow down with this track.  I don't usually cry listening to music, but I was on the verge of tears with this one.  It's just so hauntingly beautiful, and it showcases Carrie's talent as a storyteller the best out of all the songs.  The last minute of the song even sounds like some of the stuff on Madonna's Ray of Light.  It's got that ethereal quality to it.  It also sounds like an apocalyptic track if you take away the lyrics; I could see it in a movie as ferocious thunderstorms roar and the world is crumbling around everyone.  Just thought I'd share that interesting insight with you guys.

4.  See You Again - 8/10


This is one of those great uplifting songs that change the mood after the previous macabre song.  Once again, it's got a great orchestral feel to it that elevates the song into new territory.  It's not a standout on the album, but if it were released as a single I think it could do extremely well.

5.  Do You Think About Me - 8/10


This couldn't be a more classic country tune.  Carrie's talking about her sweetheart, sitting outside, and he's wrapping a blanket around her.  "I can't stop smiling" - How much more cliché can you get?  It's a cute, innocent Carrie singing about her love.  You have to give her props for signing a straight up country love song.

6.  Forever Changed - 9/10


This is one of those beautiful country songs that pulls at your heartstrings.  The way Carrie sings about a woman who has "forever changed" is absolutely gut wrenching, and she shows off her emotive power in this track.  It's a beautiful, serene ballad that you can't help but close your eyes and soak in the lyrics.  Stunning.

7.  Nobody Ever Told You - 5/10


This is a classic country tune, but it's quite lackluster.  Even Carrie sounds bored singing it.  I really don't understand how this one made it onto the album.  The background singers make me crack up laughing because they sound like some chorus of animals from a Disney film (specifically The Little Mermaid).

8.  One Way Ticket - 8/10


This is just a fun, kooky Carrie jam.  It's got a little reggae feel to it, and it's a feel-good party tune.  "Life is like a ride on a party bus" basically sums it all up.  Carrie's carefree on this track and it comes off well.  "Lick it like a lollipop"?  Not so sure about that one Carrie, but whatevs.

9.  Thank God for Hometowns - 9/10


One of the best songs on the album.  Carrie sings about how she finds out someone she didn't know has died, but through the power of hometowns you all feel connected and there is "all the love to go around." It's a great nod towards the community one builds in a hometown, and it's one that I'm sure would resonate in a lot of people.

10. Good In Goodbye - 8/10


This is a really beautiful ballad that Carrie once again stirs something deep within you.  It's about letting someone go even though you still love them and will never forget the times you shared together.  It's hard, but sometimes "life leads you down a different road" because you will ultimately "see the reason why."  Really great song.

11. Leave Love Alone - 7/10


This is a good average country song.  There's nothing too special about it, but it's a nice change from the previous somber songs.  Fun-loving Carrie is always entertaining to listen to.

12. Cupid's Got a Shotgun - 8/10


This is one of those fast-paced rockin' country tracks that Carrie shines on.  I don't necessarily like the lyrics because they're a little cheesy, but Carrie's voice levels it out for me.  I'm sure she could release this one as a single and get some good success with it.

13. Wine After Whiskey - 8/10


This is another one of my favorites from the album.  Carrie really lets her emotions flow on this one, and relates the love with her boyfriend to having wine after whiskey.  Once again, she remarks it's "for the best" and it was "right to let you go," but she still has feelings.  Beautiful display of her vocals.

14. Who Are You - 9/10


This is the perfect way to end the album.  Carrie pulls out all the stops on this one.  She belts and her vocals are flawless, the emotion oozes out of the song and the instrumental is captivating.  It combines all the great elements of Ms. Country Superstar and shows us why she is as successful as she is.


Tracks to Check Out: 'Blown Away,' 'Two Black Cadillacs,' 'Forever Changed,' 'Thank God for Hometowns' and 'Who Are You'

Overall Rating: 8/10