Blown Away by Carrie's Voice

Carrie Underwood sure has come a long way since American Idol. A new career high point comes with the release of "Blown Away". She proves she's comfortable with both dark lyrics (Blown Away) and footloose optimistic ones (One Way Ticket). The latter reminds us all that life was meant to be a celebratory experience. The giddiness in her voice makes me want to believe. The cotton candy sticky sweet portion is delightful. "Good Girl" bears appropriate fangs as the latest tune telling women they deserve better than skank men. Carrie lends an exquisite softness to "Forever Changed" which delicately reintroduces the at times painful truism of change being the one true constant. Vocal flexibility hints at a long-term future full of wonderful peaks. Carrie has this quality in spades. Also, she's not of touch with her country roots either. It's amazing how both a compassionate maternal figure and devil may care hellcat can exist within the same vocal range, but there you have it. Not to sound too corny but "Blown Away" will  in fact blow you away. She's earned my respect.