Randy Lewis on Carrie Underwood's new album, 'Play On'

"American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood releases her third album, "Play On," today. Times staff writer Randy Lewis weighs in:

If there's a slam-dunk aspect to Carrie Underwood's third album, it's that she's handed her "American Idol" benefactors a theme song for the next episode of "Idol Gives Back." That song is "Change," an exercise in social responsibility that challenges the listener to stay open to the possibility that a small gesture can make a big difference.

Underwood puts that idea across convincingly -- it's one that also would do wonders for her music. Unfortunately, there are no small gestures here. As on 2007's "Carnival Ride," Underwood and producer Mark Bright lunge for one climactic crescendo after another at the expense of vocal nuance, lyric subtlety and even aural clarity, thanks to the excessive sonic compression again applied to most tracks. 

Of course, the same formula has helped her sell more albums than any other "Idol" alum, but "Play On" exhibits a distressing lack of dimension for a singer with Underwood's obvious abilities.

Read the full review on the L.A. Times' music blog Pop & Hiss.

-- Denise Martin

Photo: Carrie Underwood. Credit: Associated Press

Comments

[Megan]

Play On is a phenomenal album--arguably Carrie's best. There is only one song on there that would be considered mediocre (This Time). It is an all around masterpiece, from every aspect. Vocals are outstanding, and what pleased me was the country sound to the album: I'm so happy to see she's not headed in the "pop crossover" direction. She's in country music, and she is here to STAY. A must have for sure, 5 stars!

[Bruce]

Who is this guy? Does he know music - at all! Is he speaking in a language that we, as consumers, are suppose to understand? This guy is about as off base as they come. This 3rd album of Carrie's is fantastic. Better than anything she has put out to date. It shows a lot of growth, she challenges herself on this CD and she shows a different aspect of her personality to her audience. Did someone pay this guy just to write a bad review? Forget him - get the CD and listen to it yourself. You will be GLAD you did.

[Jan]

I think this review is way off, and I wonder if this guy is even listening to the same album that is the #1 album in the country right now.....

I think Carrie just gets better with every album. The songs on this album are great and the album as a whole is unified and good, good. Don't read reviews in order to make a buying decision..........go get the album and see for yourself; you'll LOVE it...I guarantee it!