Although she was not the first winner of Idol, she was one of the few that has achieved a high level of success, and for a good reason. I can say that her music speaks not only for itself, but for others and to others. However, without the person writing and/or performing that music, it would never be heard. Carrie Underwood has been a positive role model for young women and people in general, including her opening acts, Maddie and Tae and Runaway June.
What this presents is not only an engaging night of good music, but a statement championing female artists in another genre that has a tendency to incorporate clichés and catcalls in song; as told by, and Carrie's fellow tour mates, Maddie and Tae in their song "Girl in a Country Song," which they performed Sunday.
It was a very delightful experience, all the more better attending with one of the female champions in my life, my mother.
While I hadn't heard a lot of Runaway June's tunes, I heard a couple I recognized like the song that realizes love can be messy, but if you can love someone to ruin "Lipstick" instead of mascara, to go for it. Their most successful tune,"Buy my Own Drinks" was also on the roster, and reinforces the theme of female empowerment and independence, within the confines of a catchy tune.
Maddie and Tae were up next, and while their vocals sounded a little muddled under the instrumentals, the set still included some good songs like the aforementioned and songs like "Friends Don't," Die From a Broken Heart," and "Fly."
Now it was the set many have been waiting for, as Carrie took us all "Southbound" opening with that summer smash and feel good hit before she performed the "cautionary tale" involving a "Cowboy Casanova," a song that still sounds as good as it did a decade ago. Shortly after we heard the sister song about a similar type of sonuvagun that says "stay away!" ("Good Girl.")
After some of the catalog "Backsliding" Carrie performed one of her favorites from her most recent album. From what I have heard over the span of her albums is a steady progression and / While I am still determining the status of this album, my favorite is still the previous release. One of the songs I was hoping to hear, and the sound that many good girls may like to hear, is that of "Church Bells, and it did not disappoint.
To the pessimist, adding visual accompanient can serve as a distraction when it comes to an artist's shortcomings, and to answer the rhetoriquery, there were none with Carrie. The only time I was left dumbstruck as to what song was being foreshadowed was when I saw a crown, then after hearing the initial banjo it all made sense. On the other end of the spectrum, to where the visuals really stood out and enhanced the experience, was during the song "Drinking Alone.'" The pull down screens at varying lengths were used to portray a bar setting, and what made it even better was the saxophone and big daddy bass duet that set the tone for the song before it began.
There were other instances where the visuals did assist, such as the deteriorating building that assisted "Two Black Cadillacs,"symbolizing the eroding faith in that man's good name as his secret exposed. This song blew me away when I initially heard it eight years ago, and with its appropriate visual of a stormy sky, sparks flew. The last one I will mention may not have been the most interesting, but it was very effective and really hit the message home; family members mourning the loss of loved ones who had suffered the fate of "The Bullet," and its lasting effect on the people who have outlived their beloved relative.
While the latter focused on the harsh reality of loss, Carrie performed another song that simultaneously balances the tragedy with the faith that a reunion in the afterlife will be possible in "See You Again." the tune was played in a medley that also featured a song concerning Carrie's faith in the afterlife, "Temporary Home." It was nice because she played "I Know You Won't" and "Just a Dream" with a surprise cover center, which was more engaging than surprising as she hit those notes that Tyler of Aerosmith hit when the tune was released.
That was merely a warm up to a marathon of a medley that would follow songs such as "Low," "Something in the Water," and the crowd pleaser, as well as a favorite of two strong women, Carrie and my mother, "Jesus Take The Wheel." It was nice to hear "Wasted" as well, which does initiate thinking about one's life and current situation, considering what they may want to change but are fearful or indecisive, but it was the former that really pulls those heartstrings and instigates that urge to make that change for the better, while reminding one of the blessings present in their life.
The maramedley performed by Underwood and her tour mates paid tribute to several generations of female country artists that laid the foundation for future opry hopefuls. These artists included: Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Shania Twain, And Martina McBride. It was a notable tribute indeed, not only reinforcing the value that the female perspective has added to country music, and the message of female empowerment, but good songs added to the ever-expanding country cannon.
To have ended at that point would have been acceptable, but there is still more to say. A quote comes to mind when referring to "Before He Cheats." I bet you may be able to guess, but if you do not know, "Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned." This performance had even the guys singing along. It was a cautionary to warn prospective infidels and a little empowering, but not nearly as inspiring as "The Champion," a song that can score the triumph of any sexual orientation, and motivate the to the next level. Before she performed the tune she remarked that one of the most rewarding aspects of creating music is to hear the stories of what the songs have done for others, and how they have helped a person persevere. Little did she know that this "little hype song to work out to" (paraphrased) would have the impact that it did, so on this tour she chose a fan, after hearing their story and who they believe is their champion to perform Ludacris' verses.
If that was not enough, her encore proved that she had more to say and more inspiration to relay; whether on the notion that its okay to let it out, and you don't have to "Cry Pretty." The other, about the resilience of love and the power it can hold.
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