Single Review: Carrie Underwood, "Mama's Song"
300.jpg” alt=”” width=”150″ height=”185″ />Love ain’t no fairytale.
The latest single from Carrie Underwood knows and embraces this. I can’t remember another wedding song that is so understated in its declarations. As she prepares to marry, she reassures her mother that this man is good. That’s pretty much it.
Pretty much it on paper, at least. But notice how the term is repeated – “He is good, so good.” Underwood chooses to emphasize those five words more than any others in the song, singing them as if just being good is enough to qualm a worried mother’s fears for her daughter’s future.
But it is enough. Loyalty, respect, and faithfulness are the only virtues she’s proclaiming, and in truth, that’s setting the bar pretty high. No doubt this will be a successful marriage if he clears it.
That being said, the tenderness of the lyric and Underwood’s typically stellar vocal delivery cannot fully mask that the song’s structure isn’t as tight as it should be, with a reference to “this crazy thing called life” detracting from the actual subject matter of the song. The sentiments get a bit jumbled, with the focus not being entirely clear.
“Mama’s Song” attempts to be a song about three things at once: a daughter helping her mother let go, thanking her mother for what she’s done, and praising the man she’s marrying to her mother. By trying to get all three accomplished in one song, each individual purpose is shortchanged. It succeeds in getting the praising done, but falls a little short on the other two.
And as is often the case with Underwood singles, there is one component too many in the production. The song glides along so peacefully that the strings that surface toward the end of song kick the whole thing up a notch, but the sudden appearance of backing vocalists are an unwelcome intrusion, undermining the mood that the song had successfully established. These missteps gum up the works enough to keep the song from reaching its full potential.
So it’s good, so good. But it isn’t great.
Written by Kara Dioguardi, Marti Frederiksen, Luke Laird, and Carrie Underwood
Grade: B
Listen: Mama’s Song
I don’t think this is the best single by any means from Play on but I think Carrie’s vocals on this song are just perfect!
Now that being said I think Kevin is right in saying that the song and lyrics are not developed enough in this song and that more could have been done to it.
But I still love it and it is a great song that my mother and I share a love for.
Spot On review.
I liked this song at first (in 2009), but after a while, it just got tiring. However, I predict that it will probably do well, considering Underwood’s recent marriage. (which might have been a factor in the whole singles release?)
Personally, I wish she’d gone the other route and picked one of the (most likely) more unheard tracks from Play On such as “Someday When I Stop Loving You” or “What Can I Say”…… I hope either one will be the fifth single.
GRADE: C
Just heard it….C- would be generous
And, I would like to add that, even though it was probably a marketing ploy for more single sales, AND a I actually enjoyed the 3 singles, that it bothers me that Underwood and Co. [maybe Underwood didn’t have much say, or whatever] have decided to have the last three singles (“Temporary Home,” “Undo It,” & “Mama’s Song”) be the promo singles that were released on iTunes weeks before Play On was officially released. [even though I think that “TH” and “UI” were good single choices]
…..I guess I’m just making a mountain out of a molehill. ;)
(Sorry for the double post)
The song is pretty and sweet, and her vocals are outstanding. But I agree that the lyrics could have been much stronger. I think I am mostly disappointed that Someday When I Stopped Loving You is not the next single, as that is the best song on the album by far. lol But Mama’s Song is perfect for where Carrie is right now in her life, I guess. I just hope they release Someday When I Stop Loving You next.
“He is good, so good.”
Apparently we’re a bit divided on that line. It’s actually my least favorite part of the whole song. I just think it sounds too vague and bland to be worth drawing out and repeating so much. I found the song as a whole to be quite uninteresting.
Carrie has been frustrating me quite a bit lately. She’s SUCH a devastatingly good singer! But for me, her choice of material leaves a lot to be desired.
This is definitely not the best selection from “Play On”, but it’s being released because of her recent nuptials. Her fans are obviously sticking by her through thick and thin, seeing as it made a huge debut at #55 on the Country charts when it’s not even being released as a single until September 13.
I would’ve rather seen “Someday When I Stop Loving You” or “What Can I Say?” (feat. Sons of Sylvia) get released. Fortunately, I’m on board with this one, too, because of the OUTSTANDING vocal she gives. Yes, she gives unbelievable vocals in every one of her songs, but this one is so elegant and raw. I love it, and she really shines when that simple line, “He is good, so good.” comes around.
I think your review is 100% spot-on.
Really? I found this song kind of boring, and thought the songwriting was lazy at best. The only thing elevating it, again, is her singing.
This song owes a lot to Carrie’s outstanding vocals. Too bad, it’s full of cliches and the message wasn’t delivered clearly. “Look at Me”, “Someday When I Stop Loving You” and “What Can I Say?” are better than this one.
I agree with the review.
The line “He is good, he is so good.” may convey two meanings which could be the reason for being repeated. The first mention is where “He” is “God”. God is good and has provided a very good man to her. That leads to the second mention where the “He” is referring to her husband-to-be.
While simple, the lyrics are not understated as much as having deep, rich meaning.
I think it’s just “okay” as a single, and may not reach #1. I agree that Carrie delivers vocally. The song is about 30 seconds longer than it should be, probably because it is trying to touch too many themes. Also, I have enjoyed seeing her playing the piano in clips from her concert performances of the song.
The line “He is good, he is so good.” may convey two meanings which could be the reason for being repeated. The first mention is where “He” is “God”. God is good and has provided a very good man to her. That leads to the second mention where the “He” is referring to her husband-to-be.
The double meaning of the song was intentional, according to Carrie:
Meh…I don’t feel like the God meaning works, even though they did intend it. Why would you ever say, “God treats your little girl like a real man should”? That’s kinda weird.
I do think she sings it prettily, and I get why they wouldn’t want to release “Someday When I Stop Loving You” right after her wedding. But come on, Arista. Nobody but the serious fans will remember this several years from now.
Why would you ever say, “God treats your little girl like a real man should”? That’s kinda weird.
That’s what throws me off, too.
I do think she sings it prettily, and I get why they wouldn’t want to release “Someday When I Stop Loving You” right after her wedding. But come on, Arista. Nobody but the serious fans will remember this several years from now.
There was a poll over at her fan club about six weeks ago that asked for favorite and least favorite choices for the fourth single. I’m almost positive “Mama’s Song” won for least favorite, and by a lot. At least in terms of the response on the Internet, very few fans are happy with this choice of single.
So either Arista thought this song would resonate with the general public, or Carrie really pushed for it, and my gut feeling is that it was more so the latter. As frustrated as I am with this choice of single, I’m happy that Carrie did something for herself.
Shania Twain did the same thing with “Rock This Country.” Ended up the her lowest-charting single from Come On Over. Radio even forced a single after that one, and it did better.
Let me clarify:
For EACH chorus, it is:
He (God) is good, he (God) is so good,
he (Mike) treats his little girl like a real man should
Quote by Kevin John Coyne in review:
“the song’s structure isn’t as tight as it should be, with a reference to ‘this crazy thing called life’”
Perhaps Carrie would do well to heed the words of one John Lennon, who once said, “Life is what happens when you’re making plans.”
“He (God) is good, he (God) is so good,
he (Mike) treats his little girl like a real man should”
But if that’s it, it’s confusing. If you’re talking about two different entities (God and Mike) in the same chorus, you gotta make some distinction, not call them by the same pronoun! :p
Tell that to the Gospels. Ever try to find the right antecedent in Matthew or Luke? lol
I’m just gonna go ahead and reject the double meaning in the chorus, because that interpretation takes a loosely structured song and launches it to incoherence.
Anybody remember Reba’s cover of “Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands” back in ’95? They really botched up the pronoun switches, especially in the second verse. Joy White’s “Why Do I Feel So Good” from her debut album had the same problem.
I didn’t originally pick up on a double-meaning myself, but I can see what led others to that conclusion. But it is definitely confusing, and if it was intentional, then I don’t think they pulled it off very effectively.
When “Play On” was released last November, I did enjoy this song, and thought spoke the truth about what any mother wants for her daughter when she gets married.
In hindsight, I feel like the song is stale. Perhaps that’s due to the fact that this song is about a woman in a serious relationship who is looking forward to marrying the man of her dreams; when that moment passed for Carrie, it feels like the song lost a bit of its intial personal appeal.
Carrie’s vocal is gorgeous, and do feel her emotion both live and in-studio when she performs
“Mama’s Song,” but a deep personal connection can’t always save a song as bland as this. I’ve often thought of this song as a (much) weaker version of “Don’t Forget To Remember Me” from her debut album.
Although I think this is Carrie’s weakest single from “Play On,” it’s the obvious choice because of her recent marriage, and Artista also seems to love to release Carrie’s co-writes as singles.
I do think this song will have a touching (and personal) video, as evidenced by recent talk that Carrie’s mother, sisters, and Mike make appearances in the video. This could increase Carrie’s accessibility as an artist, especially knowing how intent she is about keeping her personal life private. Letting people in on a little bit of who Carrie is an individual could open people up to a whole new side of her.
I also think this is the last weak single that could be released from the “Play On” eara; every other song on the album is solid, and some of the cuts are golden.
There’s only room for improvement from this point forward, and Carrie’s credibility as an artist could be moved up several notches, if she choses to release prime cuts like “Someday When I Stop Loving You,” “What Can I Say,” “Look At Me,” or even a solid and joyful midtempo like “Songs Like This” or “This Time.”
I’m interested to see what Carrie’s next direction will be, but none of the other choices would be unwise, either. I’m pullling for “What Can I Say” or “Someday When I Stop Loving You” for the next singles.
It would be interesting if Underwood took an approach as Shania did in between The Woman In Me and Come On Over, where she pulled three or four more singles [bringing the count up to seven or eight singles] from Play On (since she has a lot more GREAT songs that could be singles from PO). In doing so, she’d have more time to develop a strong fourth album…. Just a thought. ;)
“It would be interesting if Underwood took an approach as Shania did in between The Woman In Me and Come On Over, where she pulled three or four more singles [bringing the count up to seven or eight singles] from Play On (since she has a lot more GREAT songs that could be singles from PO). In doing so, she’d have more time to develop a strong fourth album…. Just a thought. ;)”
Carrie herself has said she wants to release at least six or seven singles from PO before moving on to an album of new material.
She typically takes almost two full years between albums, which could mean she should work off the current album and tour until at least fall of next year.
It sounds as if she has quite a few side projects planned, with mention of the Randy Travis tribute, Soul Sufer acting part, and there’s also rumor that she recorded something for a Christmas album. I
It would be interesting if Underwood took an approach as Shania did in between The Woman In Me and Come On Over, where she pulled three or four more singles [bringing the count up to seven or eight singles] from Play On (since she has a lot more GREAT songs that could be singles from PO). In doing so, she’d have more time to develop a strong fourth album…. Just a thought. ;)
I like that idea! I would love it if “This Time” and “Someday When I Stop Loving You” were both released. And “Songs Like This” as an album closer (unless there is room for one more..then “What Can I Say” as final single).
Sorry, in my post above, I forgot to quote that first paragraph. (It is a post from Zack).
The life cycle of an Underwood single is certainly short enough to pull off six or seven singles from one album. She must’ve had four hits in the time that it took Lee Brice to go top ten.
When’s the last time somebody went as deep as six or seven singles from one album? I know Kenny Chesney pulled six from “When the Sun Goes Down.” I can’t think of another recent one off the top of my head.
Tim McGraw released seven singles from his “Let it Go” album, all of which reached the Top 20.
1. “Last Dollar (Fly Away)”
2. “I Need You.”
3. “If You’re Reading This”
4. “Suspicions”
5. “Kristofferson”
6. “Let it Go”
7. “Nothin’ to Die For”
That’s pretty thorough, if you ask me!
Still hate that they didn’t put out “Between the River and Me.”
That could be an interesting feature. Albums with six or more singles, and the singles they missed.
The most frustrating thing about that McGraw situation, too, is that at least three of those singles should have stayed filler. That’s the thing: most albums don’t have that many cuts that would actually make sense as singles (Come on Over, as in so many situations, is a big exception). Even on, like, Miranda Lambert’s latest, which I like, there are only four or five that fit the bill snugly.
K said: “I’ve often thought of this song as a (much) weaker version of “Don’t Forget To Remember Me” from her debut album.”
YES. A thousand times this. Mama’s Song is kind of a coming of age song in a way (which is kind of weird since she did that a while back), leading to an unfavourable comparison to the superior “Don’t Forget To Remember Me”.
Her vocals are flawless as always, and I’m really digging this singing version of Carrie on “Play On” that doesn’t belt as much as she did on “Carnival Ride” (even though I f’ing love those belt-y songs), but the lyrics and arrangement could be much better on this particular song.
What I REALLY dislike about the song is that it’s so much weaker than several other songs on the album. I’m just hoping they’ll release a few more singles off this album, so it becomes even clearer to people who might not have gotten “Play On” just how gifted a vocalist this girl is.
OK , I guess I’m going to be the “odd man out” from the crowd. I agree, this is not Carrie’s best song from Play On–but i decided that for me-the whloe CD is so good, it is hard to give each song the attention it deserves. I’m sure there will be other singles from Play On. I liked this song a lot but it was not one of my favorites. After finding out it was the new single I really listened to it closely. The music is beautiful! Carrie sounds like an angel with those perfect vocals! I’m in love with it now! Mama’s song is beautifully different!!!
First of all, I love Carrie, and what is up with her not getting a nomination for EOTY at the CMA’s. Then I thought, these were the dumb people that gave Taylor Swift FVOTY and EOTY last year…what a joke! Anyway, I do love Mama’s Song, but it is kinda sleepy. I’m praying the next single is Unappologize and then end her album with What Can I Say…LOVE both of those songs!
…this song is lyrically only convincing if you look at it from the point of view of a daughter trying to convince her mother, who’s been less than fortunate in her own marriage, that her future son-in-law is a better man than her husband was. nonetheless, it’s well performed and sounds pretty good, but on the whole not the most obvious pick to be released as a single.
Okay.. upon listening to other singles that is charting to Billboard Hot Country Songs, I think this will stand out. hrg, and it’s not a good thing :(
I mean ‘on’ Billboard Hot Country Songs not ‘to’.
I can’t believe people are complainging about double meanings and confusing lyrics are unbelievable! This is a lovely song that Carrie co-wrote for her mom and you people are trying to dissect it. It’s the love Carrie has for her mom and the new video is beautiful! Country Universe, in the past, has never been kind to Carrie but is to Taylor=shame on you.
“Country Universe, in the past, has never been kind to Carrie but is to Taylor=shame on you.”
Say whaaaat
Are you serious? Country Universe has never been kind to Carrie Underwood? It’s one thing to be disappointed in a review, but at least give credit where credit is due. Kevin and Tara are half of Country Universe and they’re honest, but very kind to Carrie Underwood. Accusations are much more effective when they’re not ridiculously sweeping.
…uh… what? CU is really good to CU. They stand up for her when others don’t give her a fair chance and they always commend her when she deserves it.
On topic: the video is out and it’s brilliant. Shaun Silva does good again! Thoughts?
http://www.vevo.com/watch/carrie-underwood/mamas-song/GBE431000211
Yeah…as Stephen shows us, our initials are even the same.:)
You must have us confused with The 9513 ;)
Agree that the video is lovely. It speaks volumes more than the song itself.
Country Universe has always been fair, balanced, and kind to Carrie. Anyone who visits this site regularly knows Kevin and Tara are two of her biggest supporters in the blogging world.
She receives criticism, but it’s no more or less than any other artist. If she’s criticized, it’s never for her talent, but does voice a lot of frusturation about wanting her to record material that lives up to her undeniable talent.
The “Mama’s Song” video is touching and simple- I think including Carrie, Carol, Mike and her family shows Carrie’s connection to the song. Carrie has made it clear she wants to keep her personal and proffesional lives seperate- the fact that she felt strongly enough to stray from that says a lot about her connection to the song to me.
I don’t think the video “speaks” more than the song itself, but I think putting such personal touches of Carrie’s life into the video was an excellent way to make the message of the song more personal, which seemed to be an issue when listening to the song alone- it could come off as trite and too simple to a listeners ear, but seeing the personal connection and emotion brings it to a new level.
“She receives criticism, but it’s no more or less than any other artist. If she’s criticized, it’s never for her talent, but does voice a lot of frusturation about wanting her to record material that lives up to her undeniable talent.”
That’s my only grip with Carrie. She’s incredibly talented, but she hasn’t found very many songs that I feel are “worthy” of her talent. She sings the heck out of any song she can, of course. I’ve come to expect flawless vocals from her, I just want some better songs next go around.
Even though I am not crazy over the song, I will say that the video is spectacular and touching. (Wouldn’t be surprised if this video takes top honors at the next CMT awards).
It seems like great videos are coming out of the woodwork!! (Lambert’s “Only Prettier,” Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue,” and now Underwood).
I don’t think the video “speaks” more than the song itself, but I think putting such personal touches of Carrie’s life into the video was an excellent way to make the message of the song more personal…
I love the personal element, though I worry that it comes off as self-indulgent. But what really strikes me about the video is how it transforms Carrie’s reassurance to her mom from “I’m safe in the arms of a man” to “I’m safe in the arms of love.” The lyrics aren’t able to illustrate and hone in on the comfort of love the way the video does. The scenes in the car are so beautifully shot.
…I may have totally lost my mind, but the background vocals have become my favorite part of the record. They sound like “spirits” of some kind, as if this mother-daughter exchange is not just about these two particular people, but is representative of a certain spiritual growth that all people must experience – a moment of allowing love to lead, accepting that it changes shape over time, but never has to die. It’s like the spirits of those who have gone before are smiling down on the conversation and perhaps reaching out to the scared mother, passing on their wisdom and serenity so that she’ll be able to embrace her daughter’s final ascent into adulthood.
Not currently high on something, I promise!
Dan…
Not even the craziest Carrie fan would think of something like that… But I guess I understand where it comes from as the video is really beautiful, simple and touching. I think this is the best video Carrie has ever done. Congrats to Shaun Silva for a great job. And if there were some kind of CMT Awards for Best Supporting Actress, mama Underwood would get it hands down!
I agree with you, Celso.
This video is one of, if not, Carrie’s absolute finest! Shaun Silva did an immaculate job (as usual) making this video. I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes the video honors at next year’s CMAs and ACMs, as well as top honors at the CMTs, as well.
Fantastic job on all parts!
I also love the video. I wasn’t originally sold on the song itself, but that was a great video. I think just about ALL of Carrie’s videos have been fantastic, and the new one is definitely up to standard.
I just laughed out loud, Dan.
Then again, maybe I should say…
Carrie’s new video is good, so good.
Uh…You sure have a way with words, Dan.:)
I must say (I don’t remember anyone saying this before), but I think the intimate feel of the video really works towards it’s overall appeal.
I can say that my first impression of “Mama’s Song” was that it was too bland and I didn’t dislike it, but it wasn’t something I was going to buy. However, after watching the video, I definitely like the song more than I first did and I think it’s starting to grow on me.
I agree with the review though. It’s good but not great!
This song is beautiful. But I still can’t get over the fact that Carrie despices her own hometown.
Tara,
You made some excellent points, many of which I agree with. However, I think my prospective is a bit different, possibly due to the fact that I think Carrie and Mike have done more than enough to show their love and commitment to each other, and visual elements have little to do with how people view them as a couple.
The video does enhance that, but I don’t think it shows anything groundbreaking that Carrie fans didn’t already know based on her public commments and such.
I mean no disrespect to Carrie or the director- the video is beautifully done, emotional, and heartfelt. I can certaintly see how the video would alter the prospectives of some fans though.
Wildcat,
Where in the world would you get the idea that Carrie “despises her own hometown? I’ve always gotten the impression that Carrie is extremely loyal to Oklahoma, and she mentions her roots every chance she gets. Are you aware she started her own foundation to help her hometown, and she’s donated her own money to bulid an animal shelter there?
K, to be clear: my opinion of the video (and song) is separate from my opinion of Carrie & Mike. My comment was referring strictly to the video. By no means do I think Carrie needs to prove to the public that she’s in a loving, committed relationship. As a fan of Carrie the “person,” I see that, and I know that.
But if you examine the song on its own, devoid of context, it comes off as slightly one-dimensional, because it was clumsily written. The video adds depth to the song and, at least for me, gives it a different, more profound meaning. Telling your mother that you’ve found “home” with your soul mate is much more beautiful to me than telling your mother that you’ve found someone who keeps his promises and treats you right. The scenes in the car really capture that peaceful feeling of “home.”
Maybe I’m just a sap.
Wildcat, have you seen this?
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfqY-fVB9Cc
Enjoyed that video, Tara. Carrie seems so sincere.
Tara– That video encompasses all of the reasons why I love Ms. Underwood, she is a VERY modest person and has always been someone with their feet on the ground. This video shows the reasons why Underwood is the perfect ambassador for Country music [humbleness, apreciation for her roots, kindness, and I could go on and on… it also helps that she has got one heck of a voice] in its’ modern years.
Tara – I see what you mean about mentioning home etc and it works for a personal picture of Carrie the person, but I think Carrie the role model is what Carrie may have tried for in in this song and video also and the lyrics are an important message to young hopeful girls, especially today, that there are good people out there and that they should wait for someone who will treat them good and keep promises and not settle for an abuser or a cheater which so many do. The other message is to honor your mother –
to other posters- as for Carrie’s charity to her hometown,right now they are building a new animal shelter because of Carrie’s generosity AND I am a fan of Carrie’s and other singers and I find Country Universe to be very fair in articles and comments. That’s why I read the blogs here.
Most of Carrie’s songs have shot up the Country charts so slow that I thought “Mama’s Song” would fail compared to her previous releases.
Consider how shocked I was when I saw today’s Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and saw it had climbed all the way up to #2.
Is Carrie going to hit #1 on the chart AGAIN? Even if she doesn’t, “Mama’s Song” would still continue Carrie’s streak of EVERY single one of her officia since “Jesus Take the Wheel” hitting #2 (three songs) or #1 (the rest).
What will Carrie have to release that country radio WON’T play?
“Most of Carrie’s songs have shot up the Country charts so slow…”
That doesn’t even make sense, I meant fast.
Now this song is what i would call boring
this song is boring, slow and just down right unpleasant. This song repeats itself over and over again. songs like this make country music as a whole, look bad. Every time I hear this song I just hate it. It’s not country music.