Carrie Underwood and Point Of Grace Release New Albums

Opry.com’s Guide To What’s New In Country.

Blown Away

On her fourth studio album, Blown Away, Carrie Underwood delivers a 14-song collection that covers a vast expanse of emotional territory. Song titles range from small-town life, wine & whiskey, cupid, goodbyes, shotguns, Cadillacs, and (you guessed it) being blown away. It’s her most ambitious project yet.

“I’m excited about Blown Away becuase I really think it will blow people away,” Carrie says. “I felt so great writing for this album. I feel like we really just took it to new places. I feel like I have better stuff than ever and the songs are incredible. There’s something for everybody on this album, and I am very excited.”

She celebrates small-town living in “Thank God For Hometowns,” explores the fragility of life in “Forever Changed,” tackles abuse and betrayal (plus sweet revenge, of course) with tracks “Blown Away” and “Two Black Cadillacs,” and heads for an island-flavored escape in “One Way Ticket.” Musically, the songs range from rollicking up-tempo anthems like her smash first single, “Good Girl” to steel guitar-laced country lament. This musical diversity throughout the album is the foundation of Carrie’s artistry.

And since this Oklahoma-native is a fan of all types of music, she’s purposefully planted herself in the country music format (and fits right in with the Opry family), but still explores many other musical influences.

“I feel like I’ve taken all of my albums into as many different directions as possible while still keeping them cohesive,” Carrie says. “I love this album from start to finish and love every song on it. There’s not one single song that’s like another song I’ve done. I think it’s my best album. I really do think there’s something for everyone.”

“Getting personal definitely has to be something inspired,” Carrie says of writing for the album. “I won’t just get personal for the sake of getting personal. It has to just happen on its own and kind of come out, gates open, and it comes out in song form. It’s not something I try to do by saying I need to write a love song, I can’t do that. Just sometimes, that’s where we go and I have noticed I am a little quicker to go there than I was before.”

Think you know Carrie and her musical style? Think again. Blown Away is likely to catch you by surprise, particularly the title track that includes swirling, atmospheric production and intense lyrics about abuse and revenge.

“I got chills,” Carrie says of the first time she heard it. “I remember where I was and called my manager and said, ‘Do not let anyone else have this song. It’s my song.’ It’s such a visual song. You listen to it and you can see everything that is happening. It’s so dramatic. I’m not a drama person, but when you can make a movie in song form in 3 and a half minutes, it’s surreal.”

Read more.

Carrie’s in opry.com’s New Music Spotlight celebrating her new album. Click the image below to see exclusive interviews, watch videos, enter to win an autographed guitar, copy of the album, and more! Here’s part one of the three-part interview video:

A Thousand Little Things

Point Of Grace also released new music this week while they’re celebrating 20 years together. Their 12th record showcases again the beautiful harmonies, encouraging lyrics, and graceful melodies that Shelley Breen, Denise Jones and Leigh Cappillino are known for, and A Thousand Little Things reminds us to be mindful of the multitude of blessings God has given us. And what the world needs now – more than ever – is to remember how important gratitude is, each and every day.

The women have been posting on their website the story behind the song, taking turns to talk about different parts of the track list. Here are a few of the comments, but click here to preview some of the tracks, read about the story, and more.

MIGHT BE TODAY
“I love songs that are encouraging and remind us to keep hanging on and looking up. That is what this song does for me. We have all been through a tough day, season, or year. In the midst of those times, it is hard to think that life will ever change or get better.” -Denise

YOU BE THE ONE
“I had a very difficult time singing this song… I realized the difficulty was due to the challenge it set forth. Often times I sit back and let others be the encourager; that shoulder to lean on and so on… but this song wants everyone to do their part, including me! This can be extremely tough if you are like me and you think you don’t have the compassion or the “wisdom” to be THAT one.” -Leigh

I BELIEVE IN YOU
“As a parent, I think we all have dreams and hopes for them. When they are toddlers, you try and teach them right from wrong, how to share, and play nice. You share with them bible stories and teach them about Jesus. As they grown older, you hope that those things will continue to build upon into their adulthood. BUT being a teenager is hard and they face lots of pressure and decisions every day. Will they make the right decision all the time? Probably not. Our relationship with them is so utterly important though. We dedicated this song on the record to Spence, Price, Darby Mae, and Caroline.” -Denise

It’s not too late to see this trio on the Opry stage tonight! They’ll be stepping into the circle for tonight’s Tuesday Night Opry, along with Dustin Lynch, Steve Holy, Elizabeth Cook, Del McCoury Band, and more. Click here for tickets! OR, click here to tune in!

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