Greatest Hits: Decade #1 cover

Greatest Hits: Decade #1

Carrie Underwood · 2014

100 min · 25 tracks · country music

A compilation of emotive storytelling and powerful vocals that define a decade of country music excellence.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Something in the Water Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Jesus, Take the Wheel — This track exemplifies Underwood's blend of storytelling and faith, resonating deeply with audiences and showcasing her vocal prowess.
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    Before He Cheats — An anthem of empowerment and revenge, this song has become emblematic of Underwood's strong female narratives within country music.
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    Blown Away — With its dramatic lyrics and production, this track highlights Underwood's ability to convey deep emotion while pushing musical boundaries.
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    Little Toy Guns — This song stands out for its poignant commentary on childhood innocence and domestic struggles, reflecting a more contemporary sound in her catalog.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

This compilation highlights Underwood's career but lacks a cohesive narrative flow typical of original albums.

What we noticed

  • The album features 25 tracks, with the first 20 being studio recordings of Underwood's hits, followed by five writing session worktapes.
  • Several songs prominently feature themes of resilience and personal storytelling, which are hallmarks of Underwood's style.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • celebratory sing-along moments
  • heartfelt storytelling throughout
  • steady pacing for road trips
  • cathartic ballads for reflection
  • nostalgic anthems from the past

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced excitement
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A compilation that showcases her most notable work, ideal for new listeners.
Themes
faith-driven storytelling· female empowerment anthems· childhood innocence· emotional resilience
Career context
By the time 'Greatest Hits: Decade #1' was released in January 2014, Carrie Underwood had established herself as a leading figure in country music following her win on 'American Idol' in 2005. This album marks a significant milestone, showcasing her evolution over ten years and featuring iconic singles that propelled her to commercial success and critical acclaim.
Stylistic neighbors
Miranda Lambert· Kacey Musgraves· Taylor Swift

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Something in the Water Start here 3:58
  • 2 Little Toy Guns 3:31
  • 3 Inside Your Heaven 4:04
  • 4 Jesus, Take the Wheel 3:46
  • 5 Don’t Forget to Remember Me 4:00
  • 6 Before He Cheats 3:20
  • 7 Wasted 4:34
  • 8 So Small 3:46
  • 9 All‐American Girl 3:33
  • 10 Last Name 4:02
  • 11 Just a Dream 4:45
  • 12 I Told You So 4:19

Disc 2

  • 1 Cowboy Casanova 3:57
  • 2 Temporary Home 4:28
  • 3 Undo It 2:57
  • 4 Mama’s Song 4:01
  • 5 Remind Me 4:14
  • 6 Good Girl 3:25
  • 7 Blown Away 4:00
  • 8 Two Black Cadillacs 4:58
  • 9 See You Again 4:08
  • 10 How Great Thou Art (Live from ACM Presents: Girls’ Night Out) 4:47
  • 11 So Small (writing session worktape 1/24/07) 4:07
  • 12 Last Name (writing session worktape 1/22/07) 3:59
  • 13 Mama’s Song (writing session worktape 2/5/09) 3:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata