Some Hearts
Some Hearts is the debut studio album by American country music singer and songwriter Carrie Underwood, released on November 15, 2005, by Arista Nashville.[1] Recorded in the months following her win as the fourth season champion of the reality television series American Idol in May 2005, the album marks Underwood's transition from contestant to recording artist.[2] The record, produced primarily by Dann Huff, features a mix of country pop ballads and uptempo tracks, with Underwood co-writing three songs: "The Night Before (Life Goes On)", "Lessons Learned", and "Starts with Goodbye".[3] It spawned four number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart—"Jesus, Take the Wheel", "Don't Forget to Remember Me", "Wasted", and "Before He Cheats"—along with the title track, which peaked at number 20 on the same chart.[4] "Jesus, Take the Wheel" also earned Underwood two of her first three Grammy Awards in 2007 for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.[5] Some Hearts achieved massive commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 315,000 copies and topping the Top Country Albums chart.[6] Certified nine times platinum by the RIAA (9× Platinum) as of 2025 for shipments of nine million units in the United States, it is the best-selling debut album by any country artist in the 2000s.[7] The album was named the top country album of the 2000s decade by Billboard and remains Underwood's highest-selling release worldwide, with over 11 million equivalent album units sold globally as of 2025.[8][9]Background and production
Development
Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of American Idol on May 25, 2005, which immediately drew interest from record labels, leading to her signing a deal with Arista Nashville, a division of Sony Music Nashville, shortly thereafter. This victory marked the launch of her professional music career, with the label quickly moving to develop her debut album. Following the signing, Underwood engaged in an extensive song pitching process, where she received and reviewed numerous demos from Nashville songwriters and publishers to curate the tracklist for Some Hearts. She selected songs that resonated personally and fit her vision, including the lead single "Jesus, Take the Wheel," co-written by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, and Gordie Sampson, which captured a narrative of faith and redemption. Another key track, "Before He Cheats," originally pitched to Gretchen Wilson, was chosen for its bold storytelling and attitude, aligning with Underwood's desire for empowering anthems.[10][11] The production team was assembled with Mark Bright and Dann Huff at the helm, selected for their expertise in blending country traditions with pop sensibilities, which suited Underwood's emerging style. Initial demo recordings took place in Nashville studios during the summer of 2005, allowing Underwood to experiment with arrangements and vocal deliveries on the chosen material.[12] Underwood played an active role in shaping the album's direction, emphasizing a balance between her country roots and broader pop appeal to reach a wide audience, while ensuring the songs reflected authentic emotions and diversity in tempo and themes. She focused on original material over covers to highlight fresh voices in country music.[12]Recording process
The recording of Some Hearts took place primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, at studios including Sound Stage Studios, The Sound Kitchen, Blackbird Studios, and Starstruck Studios, with additional sessions at The Plant Recording Studios in Sausalito, California, and Electrokitty Recording in Seattle, Washington.[13] Following Underwood's victory on the fourth season of American Idol on May 25, 2005, the sessions occurred over the subsequent summer months, spanning roughly three months and allowing her to balance intensive media obligations with studio work.[12] This compressed timeline reflected the rapid transition from reality television to professional recording, as Underwood noted the challenge of selecting and finalizing tracks amid ongoing promotional demands.[12] The production emphasized live instrumentation to capture an organic country sound, featuring contributions from musicians on drums, bass, guitars, piano, and steel guitar across the sessions.[13] String arrangements added depth to select tracks, with Jonathan Yudkin composing and arranging strings for songs like "Jesus, Take the Wheel," while Paul Buckmaster handled arrangements and conduction for "Lessons Learned" and "Starts with Goodbye," recorded with orchestral sessions engineered at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood, California.[13] Underwood's vocal performances were tracked to highlight her versatility, drawing from a pool of songs chosen during the development phase to showcase a range of styles and avoid repetition on the album.[12] Challenges during recording included adapting the material to suit Underwood's voice and style, as producers Mark Bright and Dann Huff—known for their contrasting approaches—guided the selection of nearly every track that made the final cut.[12] Mixing occurred at Starstruck Studios, MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and The Sound Kitchen, with mastering at MasterMix in Nashville and Gateway Mastering in Portland, Maine, ensuring a polished yet authentic presentation.[13]Personnel
The production of Some Hearts was led by Mark Bright and Dann Huff, with Bright producing tracks 1 ("Wasted"), 2 ("Don't Forget to Remember Me"), 4 ("Jesus, Take the Wheel"), 5 ("The Night Before (Life Goes On)"), 7 ("Before He Cheats"), and 10 ("I Ain't in Checotah Anymore"); Huff produced tracks 3 ("Some Hearts"), 6 ("Lessons Learned"), 8 ("Starts with Goodbye"), 9 ("That's Where It Is"), 11 ("The More Boys I Meet"), and 12 ("Whenever You Remember"). The bonus track 13 ("Inside Your Heaven") on select editions was produced by Desmond Child.[14] Key musicians contributing to the album included guitarists Dann Huff (electric guitar on multiple tracks), Ilya Toshinsky (acoustic guitar), Tom Bukovac (electric and acoustic guitar), and J.T. Corenflos (electric guitar); bassist Jimmie Lee Sloas (on several tracks); and drummers Shannon Forrest, Chris McHugh, and Lonnie Wilson. Other notable performers were steel guitarists Paul Franklin and Mike Johnson, keyboardists Charlie Judge and Steve Nathan, and percussionist Eric Darken, with full band lineups varying per track to support the country-pop arrangements.[15][14] Background vocals were provided by Perry Coleman (on tracks including 2, 6, 9, 11, and 12), Lisa Cochran (on tracks 2, 6, 7, 8, 11–12), Hillary Lindsey (on tracks 1 and 8), and others such as Wes Hightower and Morgane Hayes. String arrangements featured contributions from violinists like Joel Derouin, Sid Page, and Roberto Cani, cellists Suzie Katayama and Larry Corbett, with sections arranged to enhance emotional ballads.[14][16][15] Recording and mixing were handled by engineers including Steve Marcantonio (primary recording engineer on many tracks) and Justin Niebank (mixing engineer across the album), with additional assistance from Mark Hagen and Derek Bason.[14][17]Music and content
Musical style
Some Hearts exemplifies country pop as its primary genre, infused with rock and gospel elements that enhance its crossover appeal by merging twangy guitars with sleek, radio-friendly production. The album's sound prioritizes accessibility, drawing listeners from both country and pop audiences through a polished aesthetic that tempers rustic instrumentation with contemporary sheen. Producers Mark Bright and Dann Huff crafted this hybrid, ensuring the tracks feel vibrant and versatile without alienating core country fans.[18][19] Upbeat songs like "Don't Forget to Remember Me" highlight traditional country staples such as fiddle and pedal steel guitar, delivering an energetic, rootsy bounce that evokes classic Nashville twang. Ballads, exemplified by "Jesus, Take the Wheel," shift to piano-led compositions augmented by orchestral swells, infusing a gospel-like emotional resonance and dramatic build. These contrasting sonic textures create a dynamic flow, balancing lively rhythms with introspective moments across the record.[20] The album's style reflects influences from Shania Twain's pop-infused country anthems and Faith Hill's emotive balladry, while Huff's rock pedigree imparts a gritty edge to selections like "Before He Cheats," where bluesy guitar riffs and aggressive dynamics add intensity to the country framework. This fusion underscores the album's innovative approach to genre blending, positioning it as a bridge between eras of country music.[19][21] The standard edition comprises 11 tracks with a total duration of 43:05, allowing for a diverse exploration of its stylistic palette while maintaining cohesive production values.[22]Themes and songwriting
The album Some Hearts delves into central themes of empowerment, faith, young love, and small-town life through its narrative-driven lyrics. In "Before He Cheats," the protagonist enacts revenge on a cheating partner by vandalizing his car, serving as a bold statement of female empowerment and standing up against infidelity.[23] Similarly, "Jesus, Take the Wheel" portrays a desperate mother in a driving crisis who relinquishes control to divine intervention, highlighting themes of faith and redemption in moments of vulnerability.[24] The title track "Some Hearts" captures the unexpected joy and resilience of young love, depicting two unlikely souls finding fortune together despite life's uncertainties.[12] Meanwhile, "I Ain't in Checotah Anymore" reflects on the transition from rural simplicity to urban challenges, evoking nostalgia for small-town roots in Checotah, Oklahoma.[25] Songwriting on Some Hearts draws from established Nashville talents, with Underwood co-writing one bonus track: "I Ain't in Checotah Anymore." Prominent contributors include Diane Warren, who wrote the title track "Some Hearts," as well as "Lessons Learned" and "Whenever You Remember," infusing the album with emotional depth and universal appeal. Hillary Lindsey also played a key role, co-writing multiple songs such as "Jesus, Take the Wheel" with Brett James and Gordie Sampson, "Starts with Goodbye" with Brett James, and "Wasted." The lyrics prioritize relatable, story-based narratives that connect with listeners through everyday struggles and triumphs, rather than strictly personal anecdotes.[12] The album's diversity lies in its blend of introspective heartbreak ballads and soaring anthemic choruses, allowing for a broad emotional spectrum. Tracks like "Starts with Goodbye" and "Lessons Learned" explore closure after loss with poignant vulnerability, while uptempo numbers such as "Before He Cheats" and "We're Young and Beautiful" deliver empowering, high-energy hooks. "Wasted," the album's opening song, addresses themes of regret and the destructive cycle of alcohol addiction, urging reflection on lives derailed by substance abuse.[26] Underwood and her producers selected songs to showcase her vocal and emotional range, aiming for variety to keep listeners engaged without delving into overly autobiographical territory. In interviews, she emphasized choosing tracks that felt diverse yet cohesive, focusing on stories that resonated universally rather than mirroring her own experiences exclusively.[12] This approach ensured Some Hearts balanced vulnerability with strength, establishing Underwood as a versatile storyteller early in her career.Track listing
The standard edition of Some Hearts, released on November 15, 2005, contains 11 tracks with a total runtime of 43:05.[18] Certain editions, including a 2006 special edition and international releases, append two additional tracks—"Whenever You Remember" and "I Ain't in Checotah Anymore"—bringing the count to 13, while select pressings feature "Inside Your Heaven" as a bonus track.[1] The album has no explicit content.[27]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Wasted" | Hillary Lindsey, Marv Green, Troy Verges | 4:34 |
| 2. | "Don't Forget to Remember Me" | Morgane Hayes, Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley | 4:00 |
| 3. | "Some Hearts" | Diane Warren | 3:48 |
| 4. | "Jesus, Take the Wheel" | Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson | 3:46 |
| 5. | "The Night Before (Life Goes On)" | Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher, Jimmy Olander | 3:54 |
| 6. | "Lessons Learned" | Diane Warren | 4:09 |
| 7. | "Before He Cheats" | Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear | 3:19 |
| 8. | "Starts with Goodbye" | Brett James, Hillary Lindsey | 4:07 |
| 9. | "I Just Can't Live a Lie" | Wayne Hector, Steve Robson | 3:59 |
| 10. | "We're Young and Beautiful" | Steve McEwan, Rivers Rutherford | 3:54 |
| 11. | "That's Where It Is" | Greg Becker, Melissa Peirce, Steve Robson | 3:35 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12. | "Whenever You Remember" | Diane Warren | 3:47 |
| 13. | "I Ain't in Checotah Anymore" | Carrie Underwood, Angelo Petraglia, Trey Bruce | 3:21 |
| 14. | "Inside Your Heaven" (bonus track on select editions) | Andreas Carlsson, Per Nylén, Savan Kotecha | 3:43 |
Release and promotion
Singles
The lead single from Some Hearts, "Jesus, Take the Wheel", was released on October 18, 2005.[28] It debuted at number 39 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reached number 1 for six weeks in early 2006, marking Underwood's first chart-topper in that format. The song also peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.[29] At the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007, it won Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.[5] Subsequent singles from the album continued to build on this success. "Some Hearts", released in late 2005 as the title track single, peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 20 on the Hot Country Songs chart, and number 12 on the Adult Contemporary chart.[29][30] "Before He Cheats", issued on January 16, 2006, became a crossover hit, reaching number 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks and number 8 on the Hot 100, where it spent 64 weeks.[31][32] It has been certified 11× Platinum by the RIAA, denoting 11 million units sold in the United States.[33] "Don't Forget to Remember Me", released March 13, 2006, topped the Hot Country Songs chart and reached number 49 on the Hot 100.[34] "Wasted", the final single, was sent to country radio on January 29, 2007, and peaked at number 1 on Hot Country Songs while hitting number 37 on the Hot 100.[34][35]| Single | Release Date | Hot Country Songs Peak | Hot 100 Peak | RIAA Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Jesus, Take the Wheel" | October 18, 2005 | 1 | 20 | 3× Platinum |
| "Some Hearts" | October 29, 2005 | 20 | 20 | — |
| "Before He Cheats" | January 16, 2006 | 1 | 8 | 11× Platinum |
| "Don't Forget to Remember Me" | March 13, 2006 | 1 | 49 | — |
| "Wasted" | January 29, 2007 | 1 | 37 | — |
Marketing and tours
The promotion of Some Hearts leveraged Carrie Underwood's recent victory on the fourth season of American Idol, with her first post-Idol single "Inside Your Heaven" (separate from the album) serving as an initial teaser released in June 2005 to capitalize on her exposure from the show.[38] Underwood made her major television debut performing tracks from the album on The Today Show on November 14, 2005, just ahead of the record's release the following day.[39][40] Marketing efforts included wide retail distribution in the United States, with the album prominently available at Walmart stores as part of broader commercial tie-ins. Internationally, promotional advance copies were distributed in markets like Australia to build early buzz.[41] Limited outreach extended to Europe through standard release channels, though focused primarily on North American audiences. Single releases such as "Jesus, Take the Wheel" further amplified visibility as key promotional vehicles. To support the album, Underwood launched her first headlining tour, Carrie Underwood: Live 2006 (also known as the Some Hearts Tour), which commenced in April 2006 and concluded in October 2006. The tour encompassed approximately 42 headlining dates across North America, including festival appearances and opening slots for established acts, with setlists emphasizing tracks from Some Hearts alongside select covers.[42] In 2025, marking the album's 20th anniversary, Underwood announced a special edition vinyl reissue on May 19 via social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), featuring updated artwork, a photo booklet, and four live tracks recorded in 2005. The edition, exclusive to Target, was teased with pre-order details and nostalgic content to engage fans ahead of its November 14 release date.[43][44][45]Reception
Critical response
Upon its release, Some Hearts received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised Carrie Underwood's powerful vocals while often critiquing the album's polished, formulaic production and pop-leaning sound. AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting Underwood's versatility in delivering "soaring" performances on both ballads like "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and uptempo tracks, though he noted some songs felt "sappy" and cliché-ridden.[18] Similarly, Billboard later commended "Before He Cheats" as a standout track that showcased Underwood's attitude and vocal prowess, marking it as one of her most impactful singles from the debut.[46] Aggregated reviews on Metacritic gave the album a score of 69 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews" based on 10 critics.[47] Critics were divided on the album's stylistic direction, with some viewing its crossover appeal as a strength. Entertainment Weekly gave it a C grade, faulting the overproduction that made the tracks feel generic and overshadowed Underwood's raw talent.[48] Slant Magazine's Scott Shetler rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars, arguing that the record heavily imitated established country artists like Martina McBride and Gretchen Wilson, resulting in a lack of original personality and an overly formulaic approach that prioritized radio-friendly hits over innovation.[19] Country purists echoed concerns about its pop inclinations, with reviewers noting that elements like the glossy arrangements on tracks such as "Some Hearts" diluted traditional country roots in favor of broader commercial accessibility.[19] In retrospective assessments during the 2020s, Some Hearts has been reevaluated more favorably as a genre-defining debut that bridged country and pop for a new generation. American Songwriter described it in 2025 as one of the most famous and influential debut albums of the 2000s, crediting its role in launching Underwood as a major force in country music.[49] Taste of Country has similarly highlighted its enduring impact, positioning it as the best-selling solo female country debut ever and a pivotal record that expanded the genre's mainstream reach.[50]Awards and nominations
Upon its release, Some Hearts and its singles garnered significant recognition from major music industry organizations, reflecting Underwood's rapid rise in country music. By the end of 2007, the album and associated works had accumulated over 20 nominations across prestigious awards, resulting in approximately 10 wins.[51] At the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007, Underwood received five nominations related to Some Hearts, including Best New Artist (which she won), Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Jesus, Take the Wheel" (won), Best Country Song for "Jesus, Take the Wheel" (won), and Best Country Album for Some Hearts (nominated).[52][53] The album achieved further acclaim at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. In 2006, Underwood received four nominations and won two awards: Top New Female Vocalist and Single Record of the Year for "Jesus, Take the Wheel".[54] The following year, at the 2007 ACM Awards, Some Hearts won Album of the Year, while "Before He Cheats" secured Video of the Year; Underwood also won Top Female Vocalist and Vocal Event of the Year for her collaboration on "Building Bridges" (though the latter was not directly tied to the album). She received six ACM nominations across 2006 and 2007.[55][56] At the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in 2006, Underwood won the Horizon Award (now known as New Artist of the Year) and Female Vocalist of the Year, out of four nominations that year.[57][58] For singles from the album, "Jesus, Take the Wheel" won Single of the Year at the 2006 ACM Awards. "Before He Cheats" was nominated for Video of the Year at the 2007 CMT Music Awards but ultimately won that category, along with Female Video of the Year and Video Director of the Year.[59][60]| Award Ceremony | Year | Category | Winner/Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | 2007 | Best New Artist | Carrie Underwood | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2007 | Best Female Country Vocal Performance | "Jesus, Take the Wheel" | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2007 | Best Country Song | "Jesus, Take the Wheel" | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2007 | Best Country Album | Some Hearts | Nominated |
| ACM Awards | 2006 | Top New Female Vocalist | Carrie Underwood | Won |
| ACM Awards | 2007 | Album of the Year | Some Hearts | Won |
| ACM Awards | 2007 | Video of the Year | "Before He Cheats" | Won |
| ACM Awards | 2007 | Top Female Vocalist | Carrie Underwood | Won |
| CMA Awards | 2006 | Horizon Award | Carrie Underwood | Won |
| CMA Awards | 2006 | Female Vocalist of the Year | Carrie Underwood | Won |
| ACM Awards | 2006 | Single of the Year | "Jesus, Take the Wheel" | Won |
| CMT Music Awards | 2007 | Video of the Year | "Before He Cheats" | Won |
| CMT Music Awards | 2007 | Female Video of the Year | "Before He Cheats" | Won |
Commercial performance
Chart performance
Some Hearts debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 315,000 copies, marking the highest debut week for a female country artist at the time.[6] It simultaneously topped the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and remained there for a cumulative 27 weeks, the longest run for any country album in the 2000s decade.[61] The album's strong initial sales established it as the fastest-selling debut country album in Nielsen SoundScan history.[62] On the Billboard 200, Some Hearts charted for a total of 137 weeks, one of the longest runs for any album released in 2005.[63] For year-end rankings, it finished at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2006, the first country album to achieve that position, and also topped the Top Country Albums year-end chart for both 2006 and 2007, making Underwood the first female artist to lead that tally in consecutive years.[64][65] Internationally, the album peaked at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart and number three on the Canadian Country Albums chart.[66]Sales and certifications
Some Hearts achieved significant commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling country albums of all time. In the United States, the album was certified 9× Platinum by the RIAA in October 2021 for shipments exceeding 9 million units, following initial certifications starting in December 2005. By December 2015, it had sold 7.45 million copies in pure sales, and by September 2025, US pure sales reached 8.075 million copies. Worldwide, the album has sold 8.61 million copies in pure sales as of September 2025.[9] It earned 3× Platinum certification from Music Canada for 240,000 units shipped in that country. In Australia, the album received a Gold certification from ARIA for 35,000 units. These figures underscore its strong international performance alongside its domestic dominance.[67] The album set key sales milestones, including the fastest debut week for a country album since the introduction of Nielsen SoundScan tracking in 1991, with 315,000 copies sold in its first week. It also became the best-selling solo female country debut album of the 2000s.[68] The 20th anniversary edition, including a special vinyl release, was made available on November 14, 2025, generating renewed interest and contributing to ongoing sales momentum for the album.[69]| Region | Certification | Units Certified | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 9× Platinum (RIAA) | 9,000,000 | Billboard |
| Canada | 3× Platinum (Music Canada) | 240,000 | BestSellingAlbums.org |
| Australia | Gold (ARIA) | 35,000 | BestSellingAlbums.org |