Storyteller
by Carrie Underwood
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Oct 23, 2015
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 167 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 106 out of 167
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 167
  3. Negative: 58 out of 167
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  1. AlexE345
    Jan 12, 2020
    10
    The Storyteller is by far Carrie Underwood’s best effort. It is her most country-leaning album, though still showing pop sides to it. The outlaw country type songs “Renegade Runaway” and “Choctaw County Affair” shine, as well as the powerful ballads “Relapse” and “Chaser.” Having the amazing songs “Church Bells”, “Choctaw County Affair”, “Chaser”, and “Relapse” on the same album is a riskyThe Storyteller is by far Carrie Underwood’s best effort. It is her most country-leaning album, though still showing pop sides to it. The outlaw country type songs “Renegade Runaway” and “Choctaw County Affair” shine, as well as the powerful ballads “Relapse” and “Chaser.” Having the amazing songs “Church Bells”, “Choctaw County Affair”, “Chaser”, and “Relapse” on the same album is a risky move, but the way Underwood pulls it off is beyond stardom. She is a living legend, and Storyteller proves that.… Expand
  2. honeybubble
    Nov 8, 2018
    0
    This isn’t even music. It’s an over produced slug fest of the most cliche sickening elements of country music. No wonder her sales get worse and worse.
  3. Waylon
    Nov 8, 2018
    0
    Yawn. Does she ever sing with real emotion? No. She’s a faux artist. There are no good songs on this dreadful album.
  4. Luci899
    Nov 8, 2018
    0
    Another terrible album by Carrie. She is one of the worst songwriters. She should stick to singing. She can’t write and she really can’t act. Embarrassment to country music.
  5. manningn15
    Oct 8, 2018
    10
    This was Carrie Underwood's best work to date before she released Cry Pretty. Storyteller is my favorite album of 2015 and is one of my favorite albums of all time. She is still my favorite singer, the best country singer, and one of the best singers of all time. I loved ever song that was on the album. My favorite's are What I Never Knew I Always Wanted, Heartbeat, Church Bells, SmokeThis was Carrie Underwood's best work to date before she released Cry Pretty. Storyteller is my favorite album of 2015 and is one of my favorite albums of all time. She is still my favorite singer, the best country singer, and one of the best singers of all time. I loved ever song that was on the album. My favorite's are What I Never Knew I Always Wanted, Heartbeat, Church Bells, Smoke Break, Clock Don't Stop, Renegade Runaway, and Dirty Laundry. The music video for Heartbeat was beautiful and well filmed. The music video for Smoke Break had a great storyline and was very well filmed and directed. Carrie Underwood continues to give out stupendous music and great videos. I also really loved the album cover she looked gorgeous as always and her hair, makeup, and outfit was fantastic and I liked the the kind of old dusty looking background. A+.… Expand
  6. noahmanning14
    Nov 24, 2016
    10
    As always Carrie Underwood does not disappoint. The name of the album is storyteller, and that's just what is does tell a story. On Storyteller Carrie Underwood tells stories of falling in love, heartbreak, and betrayal and she turns them into the amazing songs you hear on Storyteller. I say that there is not one song off this album that is bad, but their are some that stand out from theAs always Carrie Underwood does not disappoint. The name of the album is storyteller, and that's just what is does tell a story. On Storyteller Carrie Underwood tells stories of falling in love, heartbreak, and betrayal and she turns them into the amazing songs you hear on Storyteller. I say that there is not one song off this album that is bad, but their are some that stand out from the rest and they are Renegade Runaway, Heartbeat, Clock Don't Stop, Smoke Break, and Church Bells. So that's why this is one of my favorite country album of all time.… Expand
  7. CriticMLT
    Jul 5, 2016
    7
    I have to admit that i am not a huge fan of country music but when i listened to this album i was really surprised. Carrie is one of the best vocalist in the country industry and she is my favorite country artist that there is right now. This album Is very well produced and she can tell a story with songs that you will fall in love with them. She is a pure country Idol in my opinion andI have to admit that i am not a huge fan of country music but when i listened to this album i was really surprised. Carrie is one of the best vocalist in the country industry and she is my favorite country artist that there is right now. This album Is very well produced and she can tell a story with songs that you will fall in love with them. She is a pure country Idol in my opinion and deserve more success than she have already achieved.
    my score:
    1. Renegade Runaway 8/10
    2. Dirty Laundry 9/10
    3. Church Bells 8/10
    4. Heartbeat 8/10
    5. Smoke Break 7/10
    6. Choctaw County Affair 8/10
    7. Like L'ii Never Love You Again 7/10
    8. Chaser 7/10
    9. Relapse 7/10
    10, Clock Don't Stop 8/10
    11. The Girl You Think I Am 7/10
    12. Mexico 7/10
    13. What i never knew i always wanted 7/10
    overall: 75    … Expand
  8. musiccritique
    Jun 4, 2016
    10
    Carrie Underwood shines with this new rock-infused sound. Moving away from her standard country-pop fare that has helped her stay the reigning Queen of Country, (Blown Away, Before He Cheats, Good Girl), she instead tries her hand at a less polished, glossy sound.

    She mentioned in several interviews that her new sound would be more twangy country but that is not the case.This album sees    Carrie Underwood shines with this new rock-infused sound. Moving away from her standard country-pop fare that has helped her stay the reigning Queen of Country, (Blown Away, Before He Cheats, Good Girl), she instead tries her hand at a less polished, glossy sound.

    She mentioned in several interviews that her new sound would be more twangy country but that is not the case.This album sees the country star takes her now staple (story songs) and infuse them with rock and sometimes R&B elements which makes for a great album.

    The strongest songs on the album are indeed the story songs (Choctaw County Affair, Church Bells) while her ballads showcases her monstrous voice (The Girl You Think I Am, Relapse, Like I'll Never Love You Again). She's at her finest and fiercest when she's belting out rockers like Mexico, Renegade Runaway, and Smoke Break. Although the album is cohesive in regards to sound, it does not appear to match the album's title.

    Whereas Brandy Clark was successful in producing an album that told nothing but stories, Carrie missed her mark with this title. The look, the title, do not convey the overall attitude this album has. This album is a rocker and has lots of attitude and sass. It's a shame that the album cover is misleading. The album could have been entitled Renegade Runaway or The Girl You Think I Am or even more fitting Choctaw County Affair.

    Either way, this Carrie's strongest album to date. Although there is confusion on the actual sound of the album compared to the marketing pieces, it's still a country rocker. Potential singles: Choctaw County Affair, Chaser, Relapse, Dirty Laundry, and Clock Don't Stop.    … Expand
  9. andrefariabr
    May 8, 2016
    10
    Carrie is at her best! I can see a little of rock n roll here and that worked very well. Dirty Laundry, Church Bells and Smoke Break are the best songs!
  10. Dallasboi1992
    Jan 16, 2016
    10
    Hands down, Carrie Underwood's best album to date. Hard to pick a favorite from the album since it was so well done. From start to finish, great songs all around. I wouldn't be surprised to see Storyteller snag a few Grammy nominations.
  11. KrayGirll
    Dec 18, 2015
    1
    I've listened several times trying to like this album. I don't. I really love Carrie's voice and have purchased several of her songs. However, I won't from this one. They don't appeal to me at all. I wish she would use other types of songs and other song writers.
  12. Charlermphol
    Dec 8, 2015
    10
    Absolutely one of the best album in 2015!! I believe Carrie is one of the best ever in spite of her loyalty to country! She is a great country singer in this world!!
  13. ahmedcash
    Dec 4, 2015
    8
    A solid effort from Carrie Underwood that not only shows the ascending brilliancy of her albums, but also tells how much she developed as a person as well.
  14. guits13
    Nov 24, 2015
    10
    It's her best album so far, because it admits the concept she follows. Carrie has never made the intimate personal type of singer, but in this work she is really a storyteller, she presents beautiful stories with an impersonal character. Voice is really good as always and her songwriting has grown a bit.
  15. AdamLim233
    Nov 6, 2015
    10
    Must-listen:
    Dirty Laundry, Church Bells, Heartbeat, Chaser, Relapse, What I Never Knew I Always Wanted
    If you love rock stuffs, go for Renegade Runaway and Mexico.
    I love this album a lot. No fillers. Play the whole album, everyday!
  16. wilgnerreis
    Nov 4, 2015
    10
    Álbum maravilhoso, boas músicas com histórias que dariam belos clipes, vejo tudo o que a própria Carrie disse, cada música se liga historicamente. Perfeito sem duvidas, um dos melhores álbum dela.
  17. rockabella
    Oct 31, 2015
    10
    It's probably my favourite Carrie Underwood album as it's very cohesive with a great replay factor. The production is very good. I was sceptical after hearing Smoke Break first but actually it turns out that most tracks on the album are far better than Smoke Break and it doesn't really do the album as lead single justice in my opinion. Church Bells is one of the stand out tracks for me.
  18. AravindShyamLaL
    Oct 30, 2015
    10
    Storyteller is arguably Underwood's best album to date. It clearly indicates Underwood's improvement as a writer. The albums has more than a dozen single worthy tracks, which is amazing. "Clock Don't Stop","Renegade Runaway","Relapse","Heartbeat","Dirty Laundry" are some standout tracks.
    Storyteller clearly deserves a Best Country Album nod at the 2017 Grammys.
  19. amtam
    Oct 29, 2015
    9
    Great stuff, her best album. I initially found smoke break sub par when it first came out, but on hearing it in context of the album it sounds much better. Glad Carrie is upping her game when it comes to songs and not sticking with a particular formula. And her risks have been worth it, its a solid album.
  20. RedPhantom
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    it was great and so much higher than i thougt.
    this album more diffrent than her older albums, including more pop and rock in this one and these makes it more special and fun.

    one of the best album that her ever made and one of the best country albums of the year.
  21. Scraper
    Oct 26, 2015
    3
    Some people don't need anything but to wiggle their butt and occasionally feel sad when it comes to music (see Entertainment Weekly review) and thats ok. I get that. We all like music, movies, etc that is the equivalent of junkfood. Where it ends is where the talk about being authentic begins. You won't find authenticity here. This is a karaoke contest winner who has music execs, who wroteSome people don't need anything but to wiggle their butt and occasionally feel sad when it comes to music (see Entertainment Weekly review) and thats ok. I get that. We all like music, movies, etc that is the equivalent of junkfood. Where it ends is where the talk about being authentic begins. You won't find authenticity here. This is a karaoke contest winner who has music execs, who wrote the book on country songs for your untalented star, create the shells for her, then simply filled in with vapid, corny lyrics. She has vocal range, sure, but about as much as less attractive, actual songwriters with real perspective that don't have a river of corporate money drowning the competition. So, by all means, dance around the room, belt it out in the shower, but folks, it's not real country. It's a safe, irrelevant copy of hundreds of pop stars that came before who now have tracks on the "Oh man, what a jerky decade" compilation CD.… Expand
  22. musicintheair
    Oct 25, 2015
    10
    I couldn't believe my ears. Carrie has come a long way in the last ten years. This album shows much growth from her previous material and this will redefine her entire career. This will keep her relevant for another decade!
  23. crabbycandace
    Oct 25, 2015
    10
    This album is what I never knew I always wanted. I didn't know there was a hole, something missing in my soul, 'til this album filled it up with its love.
  24. jbenkelman
    Oct 24, 2015
    10
    What a dynamic album. There is two parts to this album, with an intermission love song sung right between them. The 1-2-3 punch of the opening three songs is enough to make you yearn for more. Then the second half of the album starts, and you are reminded of what made you stick around for the encore. The songs are so different, yet fit perfectly together under the idea of "Storytelling".What a dynamic album. There is two parts to this album, with an intermission love song sung right between them. The 1-2-3 punch of the opening three songs is enough to make you yearn for more. Then the second half of the album starts, and you are reminded of what made you stick around for the encore. The songs are so different, yet fit perfectly together under the idea of "Storytelling". This is Carrie's best piece of work to date, and will be a fan favorite for years to come.… Expand
  25. Boom_19284
    Oct 24, 2015
    10
    As a vocalist, Carrie is certainly one of those rare voices, regardless of genre, that can make the hairs stand up on your arm. This is going to be the best album 2015.
  26. dtl
    Oct 23, 2015
    4
    I have never been able to ignore an album of Carrie's. I used to be a big fan but she's been on a worsening spiral for a long time. She is still immensely talented, but her song selection is poor, and for this album she has largely given up on having a melody. Maybe that is her fault, maybe it is the producers, but either way, it severely hurts the album. If you're cool with the majorityI have never been able to ignore an album of Carrie's. I used to be a big fan but she's been on a worsening spiral for a long time. She is still immensely talented, but her song selection is poor, and for this album she has largely given up on having a melody. Maybe that is her fault, maybe it is the producers, but either way, it severely hurts the album. If you're cool with the majority of each song being noise, you'll like this album just fine. I, however, am not. This is her worst album by far.

    By my count, 5 of the thirteen songs are plain bad, and 4 more are below average. There are no great songs, one very good song, two more good songs, and one more above average. I individually rated each song when I was listening to it, and it came out to 4.38, which I rounded to 4 for this site.

    If you don't know whether you like the style she's going for here, her single "Smoke Break" is actually a very good representation of her album as a whole stylistically. I hated "Smoke Break" and that should have been a clue to me. I believe this album is pure style over substance with a bad style.    … Expand
  27. TERPS21
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    Storyteller is the finest of Carrie's career, and that is saying a lot. The way she uses her voice to tell the stories is amazing. There are so many #1 singles to come from this album. 'Like I'll Never Love You Again' is one of the best love songs I have ever listened to. This album is worth a listen, but be warned you'll end up listening over and over again. Congrats Carrie on a trulyStoryteller is the finest of Carrie's career, and that is saying a lot. The way she uses her voice to tell the stories is amazing. There are so many #1 singles to come from this album. 'Like I'll Never Love You Again' is one of the best love songs I have ever listened to. This album is worth a listen, but be warned you'll end up listening over and over again. Congrats Carrie on a truly great album.… Expand
  28. corbae
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    As a long time Carrie fan, this is one of my favorite albums. Two standouts from the album are Church Bells and Dirty Laundry. Church Bells revolves around a Ken-and-Barbie like couple whose secrets are hidden under makeup and dark sunglasses. Dirty Laundry tells of a woman finding her husband's shirt, which reveals that the husband has been cheating on her. While some songs are instantAs a long time Carrie fan, this is one of my favorite albums. Two standouts from the album are Church Bells and Dirty Laundry. Church Bells revolves around a Ken-and-Barbie like couple whose secrets are hidden under makeup and dark sunglasses. Dirty Laundry tells of a woman finding her husband's shirt, which reveals that the husband has been cheating on her. While some songs are instant classics, other take a little to grow accustomed to. For instance, Heartbeat was not one of the standout songs, but it has come around for me. I would say for any Carrie fan or Country fan that this is a really good album and deserves a listen.… Expand
  29. cityslicker
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    This is the best album to grace country music in years! Wow! Carrie-- you really surpassed my expectations and blew me away! Brilliant writing, amazing vocals, and every song is a BIG HIT waiting to happen! Congrats! INCREDIBLE ALBUM!
  30. bekkyjane
    Oct 23, 2015
    10
    Exquisitely crafted, brilliantly executed. Calling the production flawless is saying too little. Calling the lyrics elegantly interwoven is saying too little. Calling the vocals unmistakably audacious is saying too little. Calling this album the best work of Carrie's career is not saying enough.
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2015
55
#55 Most Shared Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Country Weekly
    Nov 18, 2015
    75
    Carrie’s never been in better voice, but a little more control in the production would have served her well.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    Nov 3, 2015
    70
    That’s Storyteller as a whole: expertly arranged, dense without overwhelming the force of its captain.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    Oct 23, 2015
    60
    As with much high-gloss, high-compression pop, the heavy-handed production gets fatiguing after a while, even when Underwood transcends it (see the corny yet undeniable letter to Daddy "The Girl You Think I Am").
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