Carrie Underwood, ‘Smoke Break’ [Listen]
Carrie Underwood’s new country single is called “Smoke Break,” and it’s a song her fans will line up to support. Those who thought the superstar was too polished to write and record a blue collar anthem are proven wrong on this first single from the upcoming Storyteller album.
Underwood sings of needing a break from life’s grind, something she’s no doubt experiencing in new ways since having a baby in February. The first verse is dedicated to moms, especially those doing it on their own.
“She’s a small town hardworking woman just trying to make a living / Working three jobs, feeding four little mouths in a run down kitchen / When you’re never doing nothing and doing nothing but giving / It’s hard to be a good wife and good mom and a good Christian,” Underwood sings to begin "Smoke Break."
Producer Jay Joyce replaces longtime board-man Mark Bright for Underwood’s next chapter. The sound isn’t edgy or overly progressive like albums from Eric Church or Little Big Town. It’s a familiar voice delivered in a familiar way. She starts soft before soaring into the chorus:
“She said I don’t drink / But sometimes I need a stiff drink / Sipping from the highball glass / Let the world fade away / She said I don’t smoke / But sometimes I need a need a long drag / I know it might sound bad / But sometimes I need a smoke break.”
The final verse sums her new song up nicely. “Smoke Break” is easy to wear, and adaptable to life’s changing circumstances. “When the day gets long, when the work’s all done / When the sun sets, when you need to forget / Grab that cup, fill it up / Sip it slow, and let it all go.”
Is that Carrie Underwood singing or Toby Keith? Thematically a broader audience will appreciate this song, including fans who might not have loved the varnish of previous albums.
Why Fans Will Love It: "Smoke Break" hits like the first sip of good whiskey. It's a song everyone can relate to.
Key Lyrics: "She said I don’t smoke / But sometimes I need a need a long drag / I know it might sound bad / But sometimes I need a smoke break."
Did You Know?: Underwood co-wrote the song with Hillary Lindsey and Chris DeStefano
Listen to Carrie Underwood, "Smoke Break"
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