Is Denim & Rhinestones a good place to start with Carrie Underwood?

Yes, Denim & Rhinestones is recommended as a starting point for new Carrie Underwood listeners. A vibrant blend of contemporary country pop, infused with heartfelt storytelling and catchy melodies that capture the essence of modern life. Released on June 10, 2022, Denim & Rhinestones is Carrie Underwood's ninth studio album, following her critically acclaimed record Cry Pretty from 2018. At this point in her career, Underwood was solidifying her position as a leading figure in country music while exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience with a fresh sound.

Who is Denim & Rhinestones for?

Denim & Rhinestones works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, heartfelt lyrics with vibrant melodies and for upbeat gatherings.

How many songs are on Denim & Rhinestones?

Denim & Rhinestones has 12 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Denim & Rhinestones

Carrie Underwood · 2022

38 min · 12 tracks · country music

A vibrant blend of contemporary country pop, infused with heartfelt storytelling and catchy melodies that capture the essence of modern life.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Denim & Rhinestones Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Ghost Story — This track stands out for its haunting narrative about love lost, showcasing Underwood's vocal prowess and emotional depth through vivid imagery.
→
Hate My Heart — With an infectious melody and relatable lyrics about heartache, this song encapsulates the album's exploration of love's complexities while maintaining a playful tone.
→
Burn — The poignant lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and reflection on past relationships, making it a deeply resonant moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album blends upbeat and emotional tracks with strong production, though it follows familiar country-pop templates.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a high-energy tempo, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's mood.
Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
heartfelt lyrics with vibrant melodies
for upbeat gatherings
consistent flow for easy listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking experimental soundscapes
prefer longer immersive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and engagement with contemporary themes in her later career.
Themes: love's complexities· small-town heartache
Career context: Released on June 10, 2022, Denim & Rhinestones is Carrie Underwood's ninth studio album, following her critically acclaimed record Cry Pretty from 2018. At this point in her career, Underwood was solidifying her position as a leading figure in country music while exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience with a fresh sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Miranda Lambert· Kacey Musgraves· Taylor Swift