Cassadee Pope, ‘I Am Invincible’ [Listen]

Cassadee Pope’s pop and rock influences punch through “I Am Invincible” like a hammer through glass. The soaring ballad comes raining down around you as you listen. It’s like being caught in a devastating storm without an umbrella.

Not everyone will want an umbrella. In fact, by releasing “I Am Invincible” as a first single from a new album, the singer is counting on most people to ride out the storm. Pope holds nothing back as she surges for notes she’s not shown she can hit before, and then brings them back in one piece.

But that doesn’t come until the climatic end. Acoustic guitar, keys and light percussion back her during a soft — if heavily produced — introduction.

“Broken glass inside, won’t cut through me / Pain behind my eyes, I turn to strength / Oh I will fight, I will survive,” Pope sings. Each verse is brief and emotionally open-ended. The song is meant to inspire, and Brett Boyett and Nash Overstreet’s chorus should do just that:

“I’m invincible / I’m unbreakable / I’m a diamond cut to last / I’m unstoppable / I’m a hero / Like a phoenix from the ash.”

Pope sings of survival in the face of all obstacles, but it’s her voice, not the message, that takes over this song. Even her biggest fans will raise an eyebrow and drop a jaw when she goes after the bridge, and the final, powerful chorus.

Heavy rock guitars and a background mandolin share space with keyboard orchestration to create an imposing sound. It all fits this singer very well. She’s banking on it fitting radio as well.

Why Fans Will Love It: During "I Am Invincible," Pope recalls Kelly Clarkson, a singer who could have had more country success if she'd given it her full attention.

Key Lyrics: "I’m invincible / I’m unbreakable / I’m a diamond cut to last / I’m unstoppable / I’m a hero / Like a phoenix from the ash."

Did You Know?: Songwriter Overstreet is part of the pop-rock band Hot Chelle Rae.

Listen to Cassadee Pope, “I Am Invincible”