Play On (Carrie Underwood album)
| Play On | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | November 3, 2009 | |||
| Studio | Maratone (Stockholm) | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Length | 48:20 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer | Mark Bright | |||
| Carrie Underwood chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Play On | ||||
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Play On is the third studio album by American country music singer Carrie Underwood. It was released in the United States on November 3, 2009, through 19 Recordings and Arista Nashville. The album was recorded primarily in Nashville and marked a continuation of Underwood's collaboration with producer Mark Bright. During its development, Underwood worked with a broad group of songwriters, including established figures within Nashville and collaborators from outside the country music genre such as Kara DioGuardi and Mike Elizondo. More than 60 songs were recorded during the writing and recording process before the final track listing was selected.
Play On is a pop album that incorporates elements of country, with songs which addresses themes of relationships, faith, and personal reflection. Additionally, the album includes uptempo tracks such as "Cowboy Casanova" and "Undo It", alongside ballads including "Temporary Home". It was noted as stylistic continuity with Underwood's previous albums, Some Hearts (2005) and Carnival Ride (2007). The album was supported by various television appearances, digital promotion, and Underwood's third headlining concert tour, the Play On Tour, which ran from 2010 to 2011 and later expanded to international dates. Four singles were released from the album, "Cowboy Casanova", "Temporary Home", "Undo It" and "Mama's Song", all of which received airplay on US country radio.
Play On debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts, selling over 300,000 copies in its first week. The album later received multi-platinum certification in the United States and charted in several international markets. Critical reception was mixed, with reviews commenting on Underwood's vocal consistency while differing on the album's emphasis on crossover-oriented pop frameworks within a country context. The album received multiple nominations and awards from industry organizations following its release.