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Some Hearts
Studio album by
Carrie Underwood
ReleasedNovember 15, 2005 (2005-11-15)
Recorded2005
GenreCountry pop
Length54:04
Label
Producer
Carrie Underwood chronology
Some Hearts
(2005) 		Carnival Ride
(2007)
Singles from Some Hearts
  1. "Jesus, Take the Wheel"
    Released: October 18, 2005
  2. "Some Hearts"
    Released: November 7, 2005
  3. "Don't Forget to Remember Me"
    Released: March 13, 2006
  4. "Before He Cheats"
    Released: August 2006
  5. "Wasted"
    Released: February 6, 2007

Some Hearts is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Carrie Underwood. It was released on November 15, 2005, by Arista Nashville. The album was recorded shortly after Underwood's win on American Idol and marked her transition from television fame to mainstream country music. Blending contemporary country and pop influences, Some Hearts features production from Mark Bright and Dann Huff. It includes the singles "Jesus, Take the Wheel", "Don't Forget to Remember Me", "Before He Cheats", "Wasted", and the title track. Songs such as "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "Before He Cheats" became major crossover hits, with the latter becoming one of the best-selling country singles of all time.

Upon release, the album received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Underwood's vocal performance while noting its polished production. It was a commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and topping the Top Country Albums chart, where it became the best-selling country album of both 2006 and 2007. Some Hearts earned Underwood multiple awards, including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Certified nine times Platinum by the RIAA, it remains the best-selling debut album by a solo female country artist and one of the most successful country albums of the 2000s.

Background and development

[edit]
Underwood co-wrote "Jesus, Take the Wheel" with Brett James.

About the song "Jesus, Take the Wheel", co-writer Brett James said it was written at Hillary Lindsey's house, with the original title being "When Jesus Takes the Wheel", and that there was no specific artist in mind to record the song.[1] In 2016, singer Hillary Scott said she was initially offered the song while Underwood was on American Idol.[2] Following her win, Underwood traveled back to her home in Oklahoma before heading again to Los Angeles for the American Idols Live tour rehearsals.[3] At the time, Underwood told People, "This is my time to see the world. Home will be there when I get back." She later bought her first home in the Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tennessee in November 2005 before selling it in 2007.[4] Billboard article from October 2005 first announced the name of the debut album, but mentioned "I Ain't in Checotah Anymore" and "What Else You Got" as tracks, with the latter being cut from the finished record.[5] According to co-writer Chris Tompkins, the song "Before He Cheats" was written in two hours at his home, and was initially meant for Gretchen Wilson's second album, with a more humorous delivery, until Underwood recorded it.[6] Recording of the album took place in three months, while Underwood was touring, and she met with writers such as Hillary Lindsey and Rivers Rutherford at Karian Studios during a writing session.[7]

Promotion

[edit]

Singles

[edit]

Carrie Underwood's American Idol winning single "Inside Your Heaven", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 five months before the release of Some Hearts,[8] is included on the album as a bonus track.[9]

The first single from the album, "Jesus, Take the Wheel", was No. 1 on Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for six consecutive weeks[10][11] and reached No. 20 on Billboard Hot 100.[12] Included in CMT's 40 Greatest Songs of the Decade at number 4,[13] "Jesus, Take the Wheel" was reported to have been sold more than 1 million ringtones and was certified Platinum in August 2008, the first achievement by a country artist for two Platinum Mastertone ranked songs.[14] As of February 2016, it has sold 2,473,000 copies in the United States and has been certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA.[15] "Some Hearts", written by Diane Warren and originally recorded by Marshall Crenshaw in 1989, was released to pop and adult contemporary radio only[16] and eventually reached number 12 on the Adult Contemporary chart.[17] As of June 2011, it has sold 207,000 copies.[18]

"Don't Forget to Remember Me" is the third single from the album. It reached number one on the Mediabase Country Chart,[19] number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart,[10] and number 49 on the Hot 100.[12] The song has sold 403,000 copies in the United States and has been certified Gold by the RIAA as of August 12, 2013.[20] "Before He Cheats" was released as the next single, and climbed into the top twenty of the Hot Country Songs chart before the release of a music video. It subsequently peaked at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart for five consecutive weeks.[10] and at number eight on the Hot 100.[12] "Before He Cheats" spent 64 consecutive weeks on the Hot 100, before finally falling off in late November 2007.[12] "Before He Cheats" reached No. 6 on the 2007 Hot 100 Year-End Chart,[21] and was named the 2007 Single of the Year by the Country Music Association.[22] It is Underwood's best selling single and had sold 4,312,000 digital downloads as of August 2016, making it the third best-selling country song of all time.[23] It is also the third best-selling song by an American Idol contestant in the United States (behind Phillip Phillips' Home and Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"),[24] and the sixth longest-charting single in the history of the Hot 100.[25] It has been certified 7× Platinum by the RIAA.[26] "Wasted" also proved another successful hit for Underwood by peaking at number one for three consecutive weeks on the Hot Country Songs chart, and going to number 37 on the Hot 100.[12] The song has sold 705,000 copies in the United States and has been certified Platinum in August 2015.[27]

Tour

[edit]
Further information: Carrie Underwood: Live 2006

To promote Some Hearts, Underwood embarked on her very first solo tour, which was called Carrie Underwood: Live 2006. The tour started April 4, 2006 and ended November 30 of the same year.

20th Anniversary Edition

[edit]

In May 2025, Underwood announced a vinyl special edition of the album to commemorate twenty years since the album's debut.[28] Available for pre-order on November 14 through Target, ahead of the album's anniversary date,[29] it features an all-new alternate cover, an exclusive photo booklet, and four live tracks from her 2005 session at Nashville's Blackbird Studios.[30]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
About.comStarStarStarStarHalf star[31]
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[32]
Digital SpyStarStarStar[33]
Entertainment WeeklyC[34]
Robert Christgau(choice cut)[35]
Slant MagazineStarStarHalf star[36]
Stylus MagazineB[37]
USA TodayStarStarStar[38]

The album received mixed reviews from music critics, with most of them criticizing the slick production and lyrical content.

Penny Rondinella of About.com gave a positive review to the album, awarding it with a four-and-a-half stars out of five and said: "American Idol Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood's debut album is just as expected, a country feel with some pop added to it. Lots of variety in her vocals, which tells me she has true talent."[31] AllMusic gave it 4 out of 5 stars and classified the album as "as anthemic country pop", suited for both country and adult contemporary radio, noting that Underwood's debut effectively captured this balance and showcased her strong vocal performance. It further stated that Underwood delivered a convincing performance across different styles, sounding equally at ease on emotional tracks like "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and the soaring pop-driven "Some Hearts," while bringing a passionate edge to "Before He Cheats."[32] USA Today wrote that Underwood "understands the difference between vocal pyrotechnics and genuine interpretation", noting that while Some Hearts includes a few showy pop moments, it also reveals a "refreshing genuineness" and maturity that highlights her growth and potential as an artist.[38]

However, Slant Magazine criticized Some Hearts for lacking originality, arguing that many songs imitate the styles of other country artists, though it acknowledged the album's strong potential for producing multiple hit singles.[36] Digital Spy described Some Hearts as "equal parts soft rock and country", noting that its mandolin and fiddle sounds are often drowned out by surging guitars and drivetime drums. The review characterized the songs as "anthemic and perfect for long, lonely car journeys, blessed with big choruses and bittersweet lyrics," while also remarking that they felt "a bit old-fashioned."[33] In particular, Chris Willman of Entertainment Weekly said: "Among the Idol classes, Carrie Underwood was refreshing—but now that she's going up against country's big girls with the release of Some Hearts, you mostly notice how even the best songs on this slick debut don't stack up against the worst on Sara's or Lee Ann's latest."[34]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Some Hearts awards and nominations
Award Category Result Ref.
41st Academy of Country Music Awards Album of the Year Won [39]
2006 Billboard Music Awards Album of the Year Won [40]
Country Album of the Year Won
Female Billboard 200 Album Artist of the Year Won
2007 American Music Awards Favorite Country Album Won [41]
2009 Billboard Music Awards Country Album of the Decade Won [42]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Some Hearts debuted at number two on the Billboard 200,[43] behind Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005) and number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums[44] selling 315,000 copies in its first week.[45] The large first week sales of Some Hearts made it the biggest debut of any country artist since the advent of the SoundScan system in 1991.[46] It was also the fifth best first-week sales for any American Idol contestant, behind Ruben Studdard's Soulful, her own Play On and Carnival Ride, and Clay Aiken's Measure of a Man, which sold over 417,000 copies,[47][48] 318,000 copies,[49] 527,000 copies[49][50] and 613,000 copies,[48] respectively, in their first weeks. In the week of December 25, 2006, the album's fifty-eighth week on the chart, the album rose back up to number six on the Billboard 200 chart,[51] after selling close to 300,000 copies.[52]

Some Hearts became the best-selling album of 2006 in all genres in the United States.[53] The album was also the best-selling country album in the United States of both 2006 and 2007, making Underwood the first female artist in Billboard history to earn back-to-back honors for Top Country Album.[54] Additionally, it was the best-selling female country album of 2005, 2006 and 2007.[55] On Billboard 200, the album had a run of 137 consecutive weeks on the chart, the second-longest for any album released in 2005, behind Nickelback's All the Right Reasons, making it the sixth album with the most weeks spent on such a chart since 2000.[56][57] On the week dated December 12, 2009, under the changes of Billboard's rules, the album re-entered the Billboard 200, at number 132.[58] It also appeared on the Billboard Year-End Chart for 2009, coming in at number 158 for album sales that year.[59] On the week dated for August 14, 2010, the album climbed back onto the Billboard 200, reaching No. 191.[60] On the week dated for December 5, 2010, the album once again appeared, reaching No. 192.[61] On the week dated for December 8, 2012, the album once again landed onto the Billboard 200, reaching No. 69.[62]

Some Hearts has since been certified nine times Platinum by the RIAA,[63] and is the fastest-selling debut country album in the history of the SoundScan era,[64][65] the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history,[66] the best-selling Country album of the last 10 years,[67] and the best-selling album by an American Idol alumni in the U.S.[68] As of December 2015, it has sold over 7,450,000 copies in the United States.[69][70] On October 24, 2016, the album was certified 8× Platinum by the RIAA.[71] By December 2007, Some Hearts had sold over 7 million copies worldwide.[72] Worldwide sales stand at 10 million copies.[70] In December 2009, Billboard announced that the album was the biggest-selling country album of the 2000s decade.[73] On August 6, 2016 issue of Billboard, Some Hearts reached No. 7 on the All-time Country Albums chart.[74] In October 2021, the album was certified nine times Platinum, with the single "Before He Cheats" certified seven times Platinum.[75]

Some Hearts won Album of the Year at the 2007 Academy of Country Music Awards,[39] while "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "Before He Cheats" both won Single of the Year at the 2006 Academy of Country Music Awards[76] and 2007 Country Music Association Awards, respectively.[77] At the 49th Grammy Awards, in 2007, Underwood won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Jesus, Take the Wheel".[78] The following year, at the 50th Grammy Awards, Underwood won the Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Before He Cheats", also winning Best Country Song for the songwriters as well as being nominated for Song of the Year.[79]

Track listing

[edit]

Dann Huff produced tracks 3, 6, 8, 9, 11, and 12, Desmond Child produced "Inside Your Heaven", and Mark Bright produced the rest.

Some Hearts – Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Wasted"
4:34
2."Don't Forget to Remember Me"
4:00
3."Some Hearts"Diane Warren3:48
4."Jesus, Take the Wheel"
3:46
5."The Night Before (Life Goes On)"
3:54
6."Lessons Learned"Warren4:09
7."Before He Cheats"
3:19
8."Starts with Goodbye"
4:06
9."I Just Can't Live a Lie"
3:59
10."We're Young and Beautiful"
3:53
11."That's Where It Is"
3:35
12."Whenever You Remember"Warren3:47
13."I Ain't in Checotah Anymore"
3:21
14."Inside Your Heaven" (bonus track)
3:45
Total length:54:04
Some Hearts – 20th anniversary edition[29]
No.TitleLength
15."Wasted" (live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005) 
16."Some Hearts" (live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005) 
17."Jesus, Take the Wheel" (live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005) 
18."Inside Your Heaven" (live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005) 

Personnel

[edit]

As listed in liner notes.[80]

Notes

[edit]
  • All strings on "Jesus, Take the Wheel" performed and arranged by Jonathan Yudkin.
  • String section on "Lessons Learned" and "Starts with Goodbye":
    • Arranged and conducted by Paul Buckmaster
    • Violins – Cani, Susan Chatman, Joel Derouin, Endre Granat, Julian Hallmark, Mario de Leon, Michael Markman, Sid Page, Alyssa Park, Michele Richards, Teresa Stanisla, Josefina Vergara
    • Violas – Denyse Buffum, Andrew Duckles, Matt Funes, Shanti Randall
    • Cellos – Larry Corbett, Suzie Katayama, Steve Richards, Daniel Smith

Charts

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
List of singles from Some Hearts, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year
Year Single Peak chart positions Certifications
US Country[10] US[12] US AC[17] CAN[92]
2005 "Jesus, Take the Wheel" 1 20 23 —
"Some Hearts" — — 12 —
2006 "Don't Forget to Remember Me" 2 49 — —
"Before He Cheats"[a] 1 8 6 4
2007 "Wasted" 1 37 — 35

Certifications

[edit]
Some Hearts certifications
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[95] Gold 35,000^
Canada (Music Canada)[96] 3× Platinum 300,000^
United States (RIAA)[63] 9× Platinum 7,450,000[69]

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Some Hearts release history
Region Date Edition Ref.
United States November 15, 2005 Standard [97]
New Zealand [98]
Canada [99]
Australia [100]
Various November 14, 2025 20th anniversary [29]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Some Hearts

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
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.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Wasted"Hillary Lindsey, Marv Green, Troy Verges4:34
2."Don't Forget to Remember Me"Morgane Hayes, Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley4:00
3."Some Hearts"Diane Warren3:48
4."Jesus, Take the Wheel"Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson3:46
5."The Night Before (Life Goes On)"Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher, Jimmy Olander3:54
6."Lessons Learned"Diane Warren4:09
7."Before He Cheats"Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear3:19
8."Starts with Goodbye"Brett James, Hillary Lindsey4:07
9."I Just Can't Live a Lie"Wayne Hector, Steve Robson3:59
10."We're Young and Beautiful"Steve McEwan, Rivers Rutherford3:54
11."That's Where It Is"Greg Becker, Melissa Peirce, Steve Robson3:35
Bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
12."Whenever You Remember"Diane Warren3:47
13."I Ain't in Checotah Anymore"Carrie Underwood, Angelo Petraglia, Trey Bruce3:21
14."Inside Your Heaven" (bonus track on select editions)Andreas Carlsson, Per Nylén, Savan Kotecha3:43

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]
SingleRelease DateHot Country Songs PeakHot 100 PeakRIAA Certification
"Jesus, Take the Wheel"October 18, 20051203× Platinum
"Some Hearts"October 29, 20052020—
"Before He Cheats"January 16, 20061811× Platinum
"Don't Forget to Remember Me"March 13, 2006149—
"Wasted"January 29, 2007137—
The singles were released in a staggered manner from late 2005 through early 2007, helping to maintain chart presence and radio airplay for the album over an extended period. Most accompanying music videos were directed by Roman White, including those for "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "Before He Cheats", contributing to their visual storytelling and MTV/CMT rotation.[36][37] The five singles collectively generated over five million certified units in the United States, underscoring their commercial impact.

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 CeremonyYearCategoryWinner/NomineeResult
Grammy Awards2007Best New ArtistCarrie UnderwoodWon
Grammy Awards2007Best Female Country Vocal Performance"Jesus, Take the Wheel"Won
Grammy Awards2007Best Country Song"Jesus, Take the Wheel"Won
Grammy Awards2007Best Country AlbumSome HeartsNominated
ACM Awards2006Top New Female VocalistCarrie UnderwoodWon
ACM Awards2007Album of the YearSome HeartsWon
ACM Awards2007Video of the Year"Before He Cheats"Won
ACM Awards2007Top Female VocalistCarrie UnderwoodWon
CMA Awards2006Horizon AwardCarrie UnderwoodWon
CMA Awards2006Female Vocalist of the YearCarrie UnderwoodWon
ACM Awards2006Single of the Year"Jesus, Take the Wheel"Won
CMT Music Awards2007Video of the Year"Before He Cheats"Won
CMT Music Awards2007Female 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]
RegionCertificationUnits CertifiedSource
United States9× Platinum (RIAA)9,000,000Billboard
Canada3× Platinum (Music Canada)240,000BestSellingAlbums.org
AustraliaGold (ARIA)35,000BestSellingAlbums.org

Legacy and reissues

Cultural impact

The release of Some Hearts in 2005 marked a pivotal moment in Carrie Underwood's career, solidifying her as the most successful American Idol contestant to transition into a lasting music career and establishing her as a crossover icon between country and pop genres.[70][68] Following her season four victory on the show, the album's blend of heartfelt ballads and anthemic tracks like "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "Before He Cheats" propelled her from television fame to mainstream stardom, influencing a generation of reality TV alumni to pursue viable recording careers.[71] This success paved the way for Underwood's evolution into a multifaceted entertainer, with subsequent albums and ventures reinforcing her status as a genre-blending powerhouse.[49] In the realm of country music, Some Hearts revitalized the country-pop hybrid for younger listeners by introducing accessible, emotionally resonant themes wrapped in polished production that appealed beyond traditional audiences.[72] Tracks like "Before He Cheats" emerged as a defining female empowerment anthem, igniting conversations about female agency and revenge narratives in a male-dominated genre, and resonating particularly with young women through its bold storytelling.[73] The album's crossover appeal helped broaden country's reach, inspiring subsequent artists to experiment with genre fusion while maintaining narrative depth.[71] Some Hearts has left a notable imprint on pop culture, with its songs frequently referenced and performed in television contexts that highlight its enduring relevance. For instance, "Before He Cheats" has been featured in episodes of Family Guy and performed on shows like American Idol and The Kelly Clarkson Show, underscoring its role as a cultural touchstone for themes of heartbreak and resilience.[74][75] This visibility has contributed to the album's influence on emerging musicians, encouraging blends of country storytelling with pop accessibility in works by artists navigating similar genre boundaries.[71] As a milestone, Some Hearts stands as the best-selling debut country album by a female artist in the 21st century, a record that underscores its foundational role in modern country music.[76] Its lasting popularity is evident in streaming metrics, with the album surpassing 1 billion plays on Spotify by 2025, reflecting a dedicated global fan base that continues to engage with its tracks two decades later.[77]

Anniversary editions

The 2005 edition of Some Hearts featured the original tracks plus the bonus track "Inside Your Heaven".[78] In June 2020, the album received its first vinyl release as a double LP set, marking the debut of the record in that format with a custom etching on the fourth side.[79] Digital versions of the album became widely available on streaming platforms throughout the 2010s, enhancing accessibility for new listeners.[80] The most significant reissue to date is the Some Hearts 20th Anniversary Edition, announced on May 19, 2025, by eight-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood in partnership with Legacy Recordings.[43] Released on November 14, 2025, this Target-exclusive double-vinyl edition celebrates the album's milestone with the original 11 tracks pressed on two black LPs.[81] It incorporates four previously unreleased live tracks recorded during an early session at Blackbird Studios in Nashville on October 26, 2005: "Wasted", "Some Hearts", "Jesus, Take the Wheel", and "Inside Your Heaven".[69] The package features a new exclusive cover, a photobook with memorabilia, and maintains the album's classic artwork elements to evoke its debut era.[69] A digital edition of the 20th anniversary release became available for pre-order in September 2025, also including the four Blackbird Studios session tracks alongside the core album.[82] This reissue coincides with Underwood's continued prominence in country music, following her role as a judge on American Idol and ongoing performances.

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