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“Independence Day” is marginal, but I wouldn’t consider “Whiskey Lullaby” a murder ballad. It’s more a maudlin tale of suicide IMO. Still, I consider this very much akin to “Independence Day” in both style and sound, but I think Gretchen Peters’ song is a lot more effective in its subtlety.
And I think you hit the nail on the head about the dichotomy between lyric and performance here. Good review.
I don’t even think Whiskey Lullaby is suicide per se, just someone drinking to such a degree they end up dead. It’s a great song, though.
This one could have been interesting if not for the production and lack of vocal subtlety, as you say, Jonathan.
The cover picture is very strange, too.
I totally see where “Whiskey Lullaby” isn’t a murder ballad. But it is as dark a lyric as this.
And yes, the cover photo is strange. Perfect example for the disconnect between lyric and performance.
I do enjoy the Gretchen Peters song a lot more, too. At least she had the guts to finish it and provide an outcome for the parents and 8 year old girl. No such luck here. Would it have been too dark to see the outcome of the tornado coming through?
I love “Indpendence Day” and Martina’s version although it is country/pop is my favourite Gretchen Peters just was too subtle for me.
The version of “Banks Of The Ohio” that I have in my collection is Olivia Newton John’s and that is also a favourite.
I have not heard this single of Carrie’s but I love her music.
Definitely one of the strongest lyrics Underwood has tackled in recent memory. The production is loud as usual, but I don’t think it detracts from the overall strength of the song. I do have to disagree that she interprets the song poorly though. I think she imbues a strong and genuine sense of empathy into the lyric, and she really seems to connect with the desperation of the protagonist. Subtlety has never been one of Underwood’s strengths, but I don’t think this particular storyline necessarily calls for it – McBride’s performance of “Independence Day” was hardly subtle, but her powerful performance added to the forcefulness of the song’s message. That’s not to say that “Blown Away” is in the same league as “Independence Day,” but I would consider it a solid record on its own merits.
To me, the cover art just says “Trying way too hard to be sexy.” I imagine the hair is supposed to look windblown, but it just looks like a hot mess.