Some Hearts

Carrie Underwood’s 2005 debut album, <i>Some Hearts</i>, has gone seven times platinum in the U.S. alone. And with her smash hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” it’s easy to understand Underwood’s overnight success. Built on a moving power ballad, the song is elegantly trimmed with warm, rootsy instruments and powerful string arrangements. Over this, Underwood sings a gripping narrative on faith and mortality. The album’s title track is a catchy standout that infuses a Nashville-flavored anthemic hit with innovative production that has more in common with over-the-top arena rock. She pulls harder on those heartstrings with “Don’t Forget To Remember Me,” but it’s in songs like the sassy “Before He Cheats” where Underwood reveals her true grit, singing about the other woman with a tough fervor on par with Miranda Lambert.