Released: October 23, 2007

By: Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood continues to prove her strength as a country artist while still appealing to large audiences with the release of her sophomore album Carnival Ride.

The songs on this album are perhaps more fun overall than on Some Hearts. She starts with with the intense and vocally powerful “Flat on the Floor,” has a follow-up to “Before He Cheats” with “Last Name” and gives a tribute to those like her former self on “Crazy Dreams.”

Her vocals are almost spot-on perfection. She masters the technical challenge of “I Know You Won’t,” but struggles to show emotion sometimes, like in the chorus of “I Told You So.” But her ability to sing about a war widow on “Just a Dream” will be enough to bring you to tears.

Final say: You’ll spend your tickets well on this ride. ★★★★☆