it's never too late for a memorial

JUST A DREAM
Carrie Underwood
Carnival Ride

Rating: A-

It is undeniable that Some Hearts is pop through and through but with Carnival Ride, Carrie Underwood managed to crossover from mainstream pop to country so smoothly scoring one number one after another, whereas veterans like Jewel, Michelle Branch and Jessica Simpson (whose career is heading for a train wreck at this point) are having a hard time gaining impressive audience impression, let alone produce a smash country hit.

Just A Dream, Underwood's fourth single off her sophomore effort tells of a story of a widow mourning the loss of her husband because of war. It may seem to be trying a bit hard to induce sentiments for a non-stand-out song but that's how Carrie's vocal delivery is. Just wait till the big, emotional crescendo when her hauntingly powerful voice pleads for everyone to let themselves be pulled in and feel her agony.

Even if Underwood's releases seem to be formulaic of how she was with the promotion of Some Hearts, Just A Dream still manages to be a magnificent tribute to war-stricken lovers. Now as to why the song writers would want to name this as "Carrie's Song" is beyond my understanding.

*******

Baby, why'd you leave me? Why'd you have to go? I was countin' on forever, now I'll never know. I can't even breathe.