Top 10 Carrie Underwood Songs

By: Billy Dukes  |  January 15, 2012
Carrie Underwood
Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

In Carrie Underwood's world, a song that only reaches No. 2 on the Billboard charts is a disappointment. Country music's original 'American Idol' has never had a hit chart lower; 10 singles have reached No. 1. While 'Jesus Take the Wheel' was her first country release, 'Inside Your Heaven' was her 'American Idol' finale song, and it quickly launched to No. 1 on the all-genre charts. Believe it or not, there was some doubt as to whether Underwood would stick to country or immediately try to flourish on pop radio. We think she made the right choice.

Both of the above mentioned songs can be found on this Top 10 Carrie Underwood songs list. It's filled with heavy metal for sales certifications, but more importantly, it's a list filled with memorable stories and a few lessons for men thinking about doing wrong by their women. The Top 10 Carrie Underwood songs list was comprised using chart and sales data, staff opinions and reader feedback.

 

In Carrie Underwood's world, a song that only reaches No. 2 on the Billboard charts is a disappointment. Country music's original 'American Idol' has never had a hit chart lower; 10 singles have reached No. 1.

Undo It

10

'Undo It'

From 'Play On' (2009)

 

 
One-time 'American Idol' judge Kara DioGuardi is this song's primary co-writer, although Underwood is responsible for the catchy tune's “Uh-uh-uh-Undo It,” vocals. She says she started “Na, na, na-ing” and DioGuardi, Luke Laird and Martin Frederiksen took over from there. 'Undo It' reached No. 1 and sold over a million singles. While the chorus is undeniably catchy, the meat of the song was criticized for being lacking depth. It would top many other artist's Top 10 list, but on the Top 10 Carrie Underwood Songs list it comes in at only No. 10.

 
All American Girl

9

'All-American Girl'

From 'Carnival Ride' (2007)

 

 
Underwood began sharing her songwriting with fans on the 'Carnival Ride' album, and 'All-American Girl' is without a doubt the best of her creations from that project. She admits it is autobiographical, although she's never gone into detail about who the guy that left his dreams behind for her was. Hopefully he's not the same fella who inspired 'Before He Cheats' or the No. 10 song on the Top 10 Carrie Underwood songs list. 'All-American' Girl wins points for a mega-cute video, but also because it reached No. 1 and sold nearly 1.5 million singles.

 
Mama's Song

8

'Mama's Song'

From 'Play On' (2009)

 

 
'Mama's Song' is a tough one to figure out. It wasn't Underwood's most commercially successful cut — selling less than the 500K thousand singles needed to go gold — and it didn't reach No. 1, but it was nominated for multiple awards, including a Grammy and BMI award. Her fans are somewhat split on this tender ballad from 'Play On.' On one hand, it comes off as a much-too-personal love letter to her mother about her hubby Mike Fisher, but she wrote it prior to her engagement. Depending on your point of view, it's either precious or too gooey to get through. You decide.

 
Cowboy Cassanova

7

'Cowboy Cassanova'

From 'Play On' (2009)

 

 
The music video for 'Cowboy Cassanova' earned Underwood a CMT Music Award for Video of the Year in 2010, and the song was nominated for a number of other honors including that year's ACM Song of they Year. Underwood's most scornful songs always come off as nothing but enjoyable theater, which makes her a more universally appealing artist than other females who sing their skepticism of a man's intentions. At the time, this No. 7 song on the list of Top 10 Carrie Underwood Songs was the fastest-rising single of her career. It peaked at No. 1 and is closing in on double platinum certification for two million singles sold.

 
Inside Your Heaven

6

'Inside Your Heaven'

Non-album Song

 

 
While 'Inside Your Heaven' was a dud on country charts, it is Underwood's only No. 1 on the all-genre charts. This was her debut single after being crowned winner of 'American Idol's' fourth season in 2005. In fact, it debuted at No. 1 in June 2005, and was named the top selling country single of 2005. Curiously, Bo Bice released the same song one week after Underwood. One need not consult the history books to discover which version did better.

 
Last Name

5

'Last Name'

From 'Carnival Ride' (2007)

 

 
The 2009 Grammy award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance went to Carrie Underwood for this song, No. 5 on the Top 10 Carrie Underwood Songs list. The video was a sort of sequel to 'Before He Cheats,' and this was the second time fans got to see Underwood's more spirited side. Would the girl who sings 'Jesus Take the Wheel' really be a part of a drunken wedding in the Sin City? Not likely, which is exactly why we loved this song so much. 'Last Name' reached No. 1 and sold over a million singles. It was another single from the 'Carnival Ride' album co-written by the singer herself.

 
I Told You So

4

'I Told You So' Feat. Randy Travis

From 'Carnival Ride' (2007)

 

 
This is by far the most traditional country song on our Top 10 Carrie Underwood Songs list. Even before the addition of duet partner Randy Travis, Underwood stripped away much of the pop and heavy production that often accompanies her radio hits. In April 2009, Underwood and Travis performed this song during Grand Ole Opry week on 'American Idol.' Any song that gets Travis a long overdue appearance on national television has to be special. The duet won a Grammy, but only reached No. 2 on the country charts. Despite a lack of commercial success — by Underwood standards — this pairing of two of the all-time greatest voices would be on the short list should aliens ever land and ask, “What is this country music?”

 
Just a Dream

3

'Just a Dream'

From 'Carnival Ride' (2007)

 

 
Songwriter Steve McEwan says this song was originally titled 'American Dream' because co-writer Gordie Sampson thought 'Just a Dream' was too bland. However, the trio (including co-writer Hillary Lindsey) ultimately decided 'American Dream' might draw criticism for sounding political. Whatever it's called, the heartbreaking lyrics left one reaching for a tissue after just one listen. Underwood's ability to surprise is what has made her a superstar, not the flashy reality television show.

 
Jesus Take the Wheel

2

'Jesus Take the Wheel'

From 'Some Hearts' (2005)

 

 
Underwood's debut country single won a lot of hardware for her mantel. It was nominated for all of the alphabet award shows, and took home a Grammy for Country Song of the Year in 2007. Perhaps the best thing about the lyrics, aside from emotional story they tell, is that songwriters Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson and Brett James found an original way to sing about religion. That's no easy accomplishment; just think about all the songs about God ever recorded. The No. 1 hit went platinum, selling fewer singles than only one song on the Top 10 Carrie Underwood Songs list…

 
Before he Cheats

1

'Before He Cheats'

From 'Some Hearts' (2005)

 

 
'Before He Cheats' sold more singles and charted higher than any other Carrie Underwood country song on the all-genre charts, reaching No. 8 in 2006. It's also inspired one of the Top 10 videos of the decade, and one of the best karaoke fails every uploaded to YouTube. Suddenly, we looked at this sweet little girl from Checotah, Okla. in a whole new way. The cute blonde who gave us 'Jesus Take the Wheel' and 'Don't Forget to Remember Me' is suddenly wearing black, faux-leather pants and a new attitude. This song made everything Underwood did much more interesting, which is why 'Before He Cheats' is the No. 1 song on the Top 10 Carrie Underwood Songs list.

 

What are Your Favorite Carrie Underwood Songs?

Did we miss one of your most-loved Underwood tunes? Don't think we ordered her hits in the right way? After taking a look at this list, please share your favorite Carrie Underwood songs in the comments section below. We'd love to hear from ya!

 
Filed Under: Category: Country Music News, Lists

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