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Carnival Ride (by Carrie Underwood, Country)

common sense media says

Nice-girl country-pop from Idol winner.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking
See all 15 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this American Idol winner's naughtiest lyrics are quite tame. "Last Name" talks about drinking too much tequila, going to bed with someone, and waking up married to them. There are some minor classic stereotypes such as dads going fishing or playing ball with their sons but not their daughters ("All-American Girl").

Positive messages: Some gender stereotypes: Dads only fish and play ball with their sons, etc.
Violence: One song references a soldier's funeral, but there's no violent imagery.
Sex: The raciest lyric is "It started out 'hey cutie, where you from?' and then it turned into 'oh no, what have I done?'" -- just a little playful innuendo.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: A mention of Cuervo tequila.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: "Last Name" describes a surprising morning after too much tequila.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Carnival Ride

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the lyrics of "Just a Dream," which describes the grief of a young woman who has lost her sweetheart to war. Has your family experienced a recent death or tragedy? How do you deal with all the sad, complicated feelings? Do you know anyone with a family member who has been killed in Iraq? How can you help them heal?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Diehard fans of Carrie Underwood will enjoy the dreamy, hurt-girl ballads on CARNIVAL RIDE ("I Know You Won't" and "You Won't Find This"). New listeners are more likely to be charmed by the cleverness of the more playful tunes like "Last Name," a rock-infused romp describing a night of indiscretion in Las Vegas. "Just A Dream," the most poignant and poetic offering, describes a young girl at her soldier-sweetheart's funeral, and might inspire family discussion or offer some comfort to those who've lost loved ones in Iraq.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Carrie Underwood attacks the 13 slickly produced country-pop confections on Carnival Ride with her usual full-tilt delivery, once again showcasing her strong voice and emotive abilities while leaving little room for subtlety.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: October 23, 2007
Label: Arista
Genre: Country
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

brib89
teen, 16 years old
9
 
i think it is really good
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ccbluebonnet
teen, 15 years old
8
 
perfect for everyone
another clean, loveable, CD by Carrie Underwood!!! Love everything about it
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Katy0
teen, 17 years old
9
 
Nice Album
This is an enjoyable album.
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Nintendofan
adult
 
Feel good Pop Country blend perfect for the whole family!
This is really a CD you can play with your five-year old in the room without ever feeling embarressed. The lyrics of all the songs are so clean, and some even promote a positive message, such as the importance of family, parent-child relationships, and the "love conquers all" truth. Carrie's voice is really what is in the spotlight on this CD, though. She has such an incredible talent, and can hit such incredibly high notes with such clarity. Definately a CD the whole family can listen to!
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Marshall78
parent of 3 , and 3 , 4 , 4 , 7 , 9 year old
7
 
Most Requested By My 6 Kids
I love this cd! Evey night my kids (6 Kids) get to vote on what they want to hear and this is one of the most requested.
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cat3758
teen, 15 years old
 
funny!!@@!!@@
Carrie underwood is nice and so funny. She writes awesome music, but some lyrics are inappropriate for some kids. But she is a christian and really doesn't swear. This is why i like Carrie underwood
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leftbehindcrazed8
teen, 14 years old
10
 
awesome!
This is the perfect CD for country music loving tweens. Carrie Underwood is a great model, although the song "Last Name" may be a little iffy. She runs of and elopes while drinking...but this is still a great pick!
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golden96
teen, 15 years old
10
 
:)
Love it. She is my favorite singer!
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2
teen, 18 years old
 
this is one of the best cd that you can lisen to
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KimmieSu
adult
 
great CD
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Hilly
teen, 15 years old
9
 
Great CD!
Again, Carrie rocks. I think Some Hearts was a little bit better, but this is still great music. So Small has a positive message, and it is very good! My Top 3 -So Small -All-American Girl -Twisted
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mango.grl
teen, 16 years old
10
 
Great Music
This music is good if you want to kick back and relax. I really like it.
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tjmorris
teen, 18 years old
 
AMAZING!!
Everytime I hear Carrie sings, I am amazed. She has an incredible gift, and so far has used it for good only. She is a great role model for kids and has a great voice. Parts to watch out for include in the song "Last Name", Carrie talks about getting hitched in Vegas, but does not condone claiming in the song that, "My Momma would be so ashamed." Overall, it is a great CD, and I can't wait to see Carrie's career sky-rocket in the future!! 5 stars.
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amilki
teen, 15 years old
 
wonderful!
i heard all American girl and it was beautiful i wish i could have the album it is not really an issue but a song mentions too much teguila
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soccerplayer17
teen, 14 years old
9
 
she is a really sweet artist. :)
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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