Okay, let's talk about Carrie Underwood songs. Seriously, whether you're a die-hard fan who knows every lyric to "Before He Cheats" or someone just discovering her music after hearing "Ghost Story" on the radio, figuring out her massive catalog can feel... overwhelming. Which album had that one song? What are the *best* songs by Carrie Underwood for a road trip? Did she write that hit herself? Where do you even start? That's exactly why I'm diving deep here.
I remember when I first tried looking up songs by Carrie Underwood online. It was frustrating! Lots of basic lists, maybe a top 10, but nothing that really helped me understand the *why* behind the songs or how to find the deeper cuts. You deserve better than that.
The Foundation: Carrie's Major Studio Albums & Career Timeline
Carrie didn't just appear out of nowhere (though winning American Idol sure felt like it!). Her discography tells a story. Let's break down each album – the vibe, the era, where those songs by Carrie Underwood fit in her journey. Knowing this context makes listening way richer.
A Deeper Look at Each Carrie Underwood Album
Some albums feel like snapshots of where she was at that exact moment. Like, listening to "Some Hearts" now? Pure early-career energy. "Cry Pretty"? You can hear the life experience pouring in.
| Album Title | Release Year | Signature Sound | Key Tracks (Beyond the Obvious Singles) | Album Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Some Hearts | 2005 | Classic Country/Pop-Crossover | Wasted, Lessons Learned, Don't Forget to Remember Me | Debut explosion, highest-selling solo female debut in country history. |
| Carnival Ride | 2007 | Bigger Production, Rock Edge | Wheel of the World, Just a Dream, I Know You Won't | Showed artistic growth beyond the debut, grittier themes. |
| Play On | 2009 | Pop-Country Blend, Optimistic | Temporary Home, What Can I Say (feat. Sons of Sylvia), Someday When I Stop Loving You | Introduced more introspective songwriting, first major co-writes. |
| Blown Away | 2012 | Dark, Thematic, Cinematic | Two Black Cadillacs, Do You Think About Me, Wine After Whiskey | Critically acclaimed, bold storytelling, Grammy winner (Best Country Solo Performance - "Blown Away"). |
| Storyteller | 2015 | Southern Rock, Story-Driven | Choctaw County Affair, The Girl You Think I Am, Relapse | Return to rockier roots, strong female narratives. |
| Cry Pretty | 2018 | Raw, Personal, Genre-Blending | Backsliding, Low, Drinking Alone | First album as a mother, deeply personal themes, increased production role. |
| My Gift (Christmas) | 2020 | Traditional/Classic Christmas | Let There Be Peace (with John Legend), O Holy Night (with her son Isaiah), Hallelujah (with John Legend) | Heartfelt faith-based holiday collection. |
| My Savior (Gospel) | 2021 | Traditional Hymns & Gospel | Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Blessed Assurance, Victory In Jesus | Return to her gospel roots, pure vocal showcase. |
| Denim & Rhinestones | 2022 | 80s-Inspired, Fun, Uplifting | Crazy Angels, Faster, Wanted Woman | Focus on fun, energy, and big choruses after heavier projects. |
Honestly, "Blown Away" (the album) still gives me chills. It's so dark and powerful, unlike anything else she'd done before. But I get why "Denim & Rhinestones" is appealing if you just want a good time. It’s pure, polished fun – less depth maybe, but undeniably catchy. Not every song by Carrie Underwood needs to shatter your soul, sometimes you just wanna sing along.
Beyond the Singles: Deep Cuts & Fan Favorites You NEED to Hear
Look, everyone knows "Before He Cheats" or "Jesus, Take the Wheel." But some of the best songs by Carrie Underwood never got the radio play they deserved. These are the tracks fans obsess over at concerts. Let's uncover those gems.
Ever been at a Carrie concert when the opening chords of "Wheel of the World" start? The *real* fans lose it. That feeling is what these tracks are all about.
Essential Deep Cuts
- I Know You Won't (Carnival Ride): Heartbreak stripped bare. Just Carrie, a piano, and gut-wrenching emotion. Arguably her rawest vocal performance ever.
- Someday When I Stop Loving You (Play On): Pure country heartache. Steel guitar, aching vocals, lyrics that cut deep. For those post-breakup drives.
- Do You Think About Me (Blown Away): A mid-tempo gem with a killer melody and relatable lyrics about lingering feelings. Should have been a single.
- Choctaw County Affair (Storyteller): A murder ballad dripping with southern gothic atmosphere. Storytelling at its finest.
- Backsliding (Cry Pretty): A sexy, bluesy slow burn about temptation. Shows a different, more vulnerable side. So good.
- Wine After Whiskey (Blown Away): Comparing a past intense love to a current weaker one. Poignant and beautifully sung.
- Relapse (Storyteller): Rock edge meets addiction metaphor. Powerful and cathartic.
- Clock Don't Stop (Denim & Rhinestones): Fantastic deep cut from the latest album. Great beat, relatable theme about slowing down.
Carrie Underwood's Biggest Chart-Topping Hits
Let's be real, part of searching for songs by Carrie Underwood is finding those undeniable smashes. These are the ones that dominated radio, won awards, and cemented her status. But how do they stack up?
| Song Title | Album | Peak Chart Position (US Country) | Key Awards/Nominations | Why It Resonates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jesus, Take the Wheel | Some Hearts | #1 | Grammy: Best Female Country Vocal Performance (Won), Single of the Year (ACM, CMA Won) | Powerful faith & surrender narrative, vocal showcase. |
| Before He Cheats | Some Hearts | #1 | Grammy: Best Female Country Vocal Performance (Won), Song of the Year (ACM, CMA Won) | Iconic revenge anthem, cross-genre appeal. |
| Blown Away | Blown Away | #1 | Grammy: Best Country Solo Performance (Won) | Dark cinematic storytelling, dramatic production. |
| Something in the Water | Greatest Hits: Decade #1 | #1 | Grammy: Best Country Solo Performance (Won) | Gospel-infused rebirth anthem, huge vocal moment. |
| Church Bells | Storyteller | #1 | CMA Awards Nomination | Story of domestic violence survival, powerful chorus. |
| Cry Pretty | Cry Pretty | #1 | ACM Awards Nomination | Raw vulnerability, embracing emotion. |
| Ghost Story | Denim & Rhinestones | #1 | Recent Hit | Haunting metaphor for lingering memories, sophisticated production. |
| Undo It | Play On | #1 | High Radio Play | Angry, catchy kiss-off anthem. |
What's wild is how diverse her #1 songs are. From vengeful anthems ("Before He Cheats") to spiritual awakenings ("Something in the Water") to haunting metaphors ("Ghost Story"). That range is why people keep searching for songs by Carrie Underwood – she delivers different moods.
I gotta admit, while "Before He Cheats" is iconic, I sometimes skip it now. Overplayed? Maybe. But "Blown Away" or "Church Bells"? I crank those up every single time. There's just more layers to peel back. That said, the sheer power of "Something in the Water" live... chills. Absolute chills. It showcases why her songs connect so deeply.
Collaborations & Duets: Carrie's Voice Alongside Other Stars
Carrie doesn't just sing alone. Some of the most interesting songs by Carrie Underwood happen when she teams up. These duets often reveal new sides of her artistry.
Anyone else remember the buzz when the Brad Paisley duet "Remind Me" dropped? Or how unexpectedly cool her rock collabs sound?
Standout Carrie Underwood Collaborations
- Remind Me (with Brad Paisley): Pure country duet magic. Won CMA Musical Event of the Year. That chemistry!
- Somethin' Bad (with Miranda Lambert): Country's leading ladies teaming up for a fiery, tongue-in-cheek anthem. Concert staple.
- The Fighter (with Keith Urban): Super catchy pop-country duet, massive radio hit. Great balance of their voices.
- Only Us (with Dan + Shay): Beautiful ballad featured in the movie "Dear Evan Hansen". Showcases her softer side.
- If I Didn't Love You (Jason Aldean cover feat. Carrie): Carrie absolutely elevates this rock-country track. Her vocals blend surprisingly well.
- Heartbeat (feat. Sam Hunt) [Remix]: The remix added a different flavor to this sweet song. Controversial among fans? Maybe. Interesting? Definitely.
- Ever Ever After (for Enchanted): Disney magic meets Carrie's powerful pipes. Still a fan favorite.
Hunting down these collaborations is part of the fun when exploring songs by Carrie Underwood. They often pop up on other artists' albums or soundtracks, so you might miss them otherwise!
The Songwriter: How Much Does Carrie Underwood Write Her Own Songs?
This is a big question when people look into songs by Carrie Underwood. Early on, she relied more on outside writers (think "Jesus, Take the Wheel" or "Before He Cheats" – she didn't write those). But that changed dramatically.
Starting around "Play On" (2009), you see her name in the writing credits more and more. By the time "Cry Pretty" (2018) rolled around, she co-wrote nearly every track and even co-produced the album. It's a huge shift!
| Album | Approx. % of Songs Co-Written by Carrie | Notable Songs She Co-Wrote | Evolution Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Some Hearts | ~0% | None on standard edition | Debut focused on finding her voice via established songs. |
| Carnival Ride | ~20% | So Small, All-American Girl | First significant writing contributions, including singles. |
| Play On | ~50% | Temporary Home, Undo It, Someday When I Stop Loving You | Major step up in writing involvement, tackling deeper themes. |
| Blown Away | ~60% | Good Girl, Two Black Cadillacs, Wine After Whiskey | Co-writing key singles and fan-favorite deep cuts. |
| Storyteller | ~90% | Smoke Break, Church Bells, Heartbeat, Relapse | Near-total creative control over songwriting direction. |
| Cry Pretty | 100% | Cry Pretty, Love Wins, The Bullet, Backsliding | Co-wrote every song, also co-produced the entire album. |
| Denim & Rhinestones | ~80% | Ghost Story, Hate My Heart, Crazy Angels | Strong writing presence continues, focusing on fun and energy. |
So, if you connect more with her later work, chances are you're connecting *directly* with her own experiences and perspectives poured into those songs by Carrie Underwood. It adds a whole other layer of meaning.
Finding Carrie Underwood Music: Streaming, Purchasing & Physical Copies
Okay, let's get practical. You know *what* you want to hear, but *where* do you actually find all these songs by Carrie Underwood? It's not always straightforward, especially with deluxe editions, live tracks, and collaborations scattered around.
Finding Specific Types of Carrie Underwood Songs
- Major Streaming Services (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music): Your best bet for core albums, most singles, and popular collaborations. Use search terms like "songs by Carrie Underwood," "Carrie Underwood deep cuts playlist," or "Carrie Underwood duets." Playlists curated by fans or the platform are gold.
- Purchasing Digital Downloads (iTunes, Amazon Music Store): Ideal if you want to own specific tracks or albums forever, especially rare collaborations or soundtrack appearances that might rotate off streaming services. Sometimes cheaper than streaming long-term.
- Physical Copies (CDs, Vinyl): Crucial for collectors, audiophiles, or fans who want the full experience (booklets with lyrics and credits!). Check Amazon, Barnes & Noble, dedicated music stores, or Carrie's official webstore. Vinyl releases of "Some Hearts" and "Blown Away" are particularly sought after. Some bonus tracks only appear on physical releases!
- YouTube: Great for music videos, live performances (official and fan-recorded), lyric videos, and finding obscure tracks or collaborations not easily available elsewhere. Search "Carrie Underwood rare live" or "Carrie Underwood [song title] live [year]".
- Official Carrie Underwood Website/Store: Source for exclusive bundles, signed copies, and direct support. Sometimes offers unique live albums or EPs.
Pro Tip: If a specific collaboration or soundtrack song is missing from major streaming services, YouTube or purchasing the digital track/download album is usually your best bet. It's frustrating, but happens!
Your Questions Answered: Carrie Underwood Songs FAQ
Let's tackle those burning questions people actually type into Google about songs by Carrie Underwood. No fluff, just the info you need.
What was Carrie Underwood's very first single?
The very first single released was "Inside Your Heaven" right after she won American Idol in 2005. It was a cover and a pop crossover hit. But her first *country* single, and the one that truly launched her career, was "Jesus, Take the Wheel" from her debut album "Some Hearts," released later that same year.
Has Carrie Underwood ever written a song for someone else?
Yes! While primarily writing for herself, she co-wrote "The Champion" with Christopher Bridges (Ludacris) for the Super Bowl LII, featuring Ludacris. She also co-wrote "Mama's Song" which was recorded by Miranda Lambert for her album "Four The Record," though Carrie later recorded her own version for her "Play On: Deluxe Edition."
What Carrie Underwood song has won the most awards?
"Before He Cheats" is arguably her most decorated *single*. It won Grammys (Best Female Country Vocal Performance), ACM Awards (Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year), and CMA Awards (Single of the Year, Song of the Year). "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "Blown Away" also have significant award hauls.
Does Carrie Underwood write her own songs?
She does now, extensively! While she didn't write the hits on her debut album, her songwriting involvement grew rapidly. She co-wrote nearly everything on "Storyteller" and "Cry Pretty" (where she co-wrote 100% of the tracks and co-produced). Early albums had less involvement. See the detailed table above for the breakdown!
What Carrie Underwood songs are good for working out?
Look for the high-energy, driving beats: "Good Girl," "Last Name," "Undo It," "Cowboy Casanova," "Champion," "Smoke Break." Songs like "Church Bells" and "Blown Away" also have powerful buildups perfect for pushing through. Honestly, cranking "Before He Cheats" when you're mad at the treadmill works wonders!
What is considered Carrie Underwood's signature song?
"Before He Cheats" is undeniably her signature smash. It transcended country music and became a massive pop culture phenomenon. "Jesus, Take the Wheel" is a close second, defining her powerful vocal and faith-based roots. "Blown Away" is her signature for its darker, cinematic storytelling.
Where can I find a complete list of all songs by Carrie Underwood?
Reliable sources include her official website discography section (though sometimes not exhaustive), AllMusic.com (very detailed, includes writing credits), Wikipedia (check citations!), or comprehensive fan sites. Streaming services show albums but may miss non-album tracks or features. Combining sources is best.
What are Carrie Underwood's most popular songs on streaming platforms?
As of late 2023, tracks consistently topping her Spotify streams include "Before He Cheats," "Blown Away," "Jesus, Take the Wheel," "Church Bells," "The Champion," "Something in the Water," "Cry Pretty," "Smoke Break," and "Ghost Story." Duets like "Remind Me" and "The Fighter" also rank very high.
Does Carrie Underwood have any unreleased songs floating around?
Very few officially unreleased songs have leaked widely. Carrie and her team keep vaults pretty tight. You might find low-quality live snippets of covers or very early demos online, but don't expect a treasure trove of unheard originals. Fans keep hoping though!
The Live Experience: How Concert Songs Differ from Studio Versions
Finding recordings of songs by Carrie Underwood is one thing. Hearing them live? Whole different beast. Carrie is renowned as one of the best live vocalists in any genre, period. But she doesn't just replicate the album.
She often extends notes, adds powerhouse vocal runs, changes arrangements (like a rock edge for "Cowboy Casanova" or a stripped-down piano version of "I Know You Won't"), and interacts with the crowd in the middle of songs. That live energy is impossible to fully capture on a studio track.
Bootlegs (fan recordings) exist on YouTube, but the best way is obviously to see her tour. If you find a professionally released live album or DVD/Blu-Ray (like her "The Blown Away Tour: Live" or "The Storyteller Tour: Stories in the Round"), grab it. It's the closest you get without being there.
After seeing her live three times, I can tell you the studio version of "How Great Thou Art" is stunning, but live? It feels like a spiritual event. And "Blown Away" live with the full theatrics? Insane. Some argue her live vocals sometimes overshadow the studio takes – there's a rawness and power that studio polish can smooth over. Worth experiencing.
Carrie's Evolution: How Her Sound & Song Choices Have Changed
Listening to songs by Carrie Underwood chronologically is like listening to her grow up in public. The voice was always phenomenal, but the themes, the production, the confidence – it's evolved.
- Early Years (Some Hearts, Carnival Ride): Strong country roots mixed with pop accessibility. Themes of faith, young love, heartbreak, and empowerment. Big, polished production.
- Finding Her Voice (Play On, Blown Away): Increased songwriting input. "Play On" explored optimism and introspection. "Blown Away" was a massive artistic leap – dark, thematic, cinematic storytelling tackling abuse, revenge, loss.
- Maturity & Storytelling (Storyteller): A return to rockier sounds but with mature storytelling – female resilience, small-town life, complex relationships.
- Raw Vulnerability & Production Control (Cry Pretty): Following personal challenges (miscarriages, fall), this album was intensely personal. Raw vocals, genre-blending (country, pop, rock, R&B hints), and her first as co-producer. Themes of motherhood, heartache, societal issues, faith.
- Gospel & Christmas (My Gift, My Savior): Deep dives into her faith roots with traditional hymns and classic Christmas carols. Pure vocal showcases, less production focus.
- Fun & Energy (Denim & Rhinestones): A deliberate shift towards upbeat, 80s-inspired pop-rock-country. Focus on fun, love, big choruses, and less heavy emotional lifting compared to "Cry Pretty."
So, what kind of songs by Carrie Underwood resonate with you depends a lot on *which* Carrie Underwood era speaks to you. Want powerful anthems? Early albums or "Storyteller." Crave deep emotion? "Cry Pretty." Pure fun? "Denim & Rhinestones." Spiritual uplift? "My Savior." There's truly a phase for every mood.
Beyond the Music: Carrie's Impact Through Her Songs
It's not just about catchy tunes. Songs by Carrie Underwood often carry weight. "Jesus, Take the Wheel" became an anthem of faith for many. "Before He Cheats," while controversial to some, sparked endless conversations about female rage and empowerment (even if it's destructive!). "Church Bells" brought domestic violence narratives powerfully into mainstream country. "The Bullet" (from "Cry Pretty") tackled gun violence with heartbreaking poignancy. "Love Wins" directly addressed societal division.
She uses her platform. Whether it's faith, empowerment, social commentary, or simply capturing complex emotions, her songs often resonate on a level deeper than just entertainment. That connection is a huge part of why people keep searching, keep listening, and keep finding meaning in her music years after it's released.
Finding the right song by Carrie Underwood feels like finding the right words you couldn't quite say yourself. Hopefully, this guide gets you closer to that perfect track, whether it's a chart-topper, a hidden gem, or a live moment that gives you chills. Happy listening!
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