What do you think of when you hear the name Carrie Underwood? American Idol? Country music icon? Golden pipes? Strong storyteller? Fitness? Sunday Night Football? Instagrammable family? All you need to hear is her last name and you easily think of all of the above.
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Few country singers have been as immediately identifiable as Underwood in the past 20-plus years. She inspired millions to vie for even just a fifth of her trademark range and tone. And she's brought the revenge song back in country music so well that her name's probably an adjective in writing rooms.
The story so far's an amazing one that follows a teenage dreamer to country music acclaim and, ultimately, a place in the public consciousness that transcends genre. As of Aug. 2023, Underwood shows no signs of slowing down, with an expanded edition of her 2022 album Denim & Rhinestones slated for next month.
Let's take a look at the 25 best Carrie Underwood songs, ranked.
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic Underwood taunts an ex whose vehicle's outlasted their relationship because his ride's connected to so many memories of her. It's deliciously spiteful and a fun spin on the truck song trope. Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic Underwood kept the spirit of the '90s alive before keeping the spirit of the '90s alive was cool with this double platinum hit which could've achieved similar numbers a few years prior if it'd been cut by Martina McBride or Sara Evans. Terry Wyatt/WireImage One of Underwood's better songs from the past seven years straddles the line between modern pop gems and the sun-in-the-fun standards of Kenny Chesney. It's her ultimate summer playlist jam. Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT Versatility as a collaborator is a must in modern country music. Underwood's proven this skill time and again, from her frequent on-stage run-ins with Axl Rose to this cross-genre collaboration with Ludacris. Terry Wyatt/WireImage Underwood introduces us to a small town population that could just as easily reside in Ashley McBryde or Brandy Clark's imagination while adding to her catalog of revenge songs. It's got as much venom as some of our top selections. Ed Rode/Getty Images This hit off 2009 album Play On takes a Taylor Swift-caliber swipe at someone who's bad news despite being good looking. Sounds like starting quarterback material, right? Erika Goldring/WireImage Underwood and Brad Paisley worked as CMA Awards co-hosts for several years running, in large part because their off-camera friendship helped keep the jokes flowing on air. Underwood's mighty voice made her just as compatible with Paisley in the studio, as heard on this stunner. Photo by Gary Miller/FilmMagic "The Girl You Think I Am" is the first truly great autobiographical song by Underwood. it's a gorgeous account of trying to live up to the person someone else sees you as. Jason Davis/Getty Images for CMT There's no shortage of songs comparing alcohol to love, and Underwood's "Wine After Whiskey" easily ranks among the best modern interpretations of the classic metaphor. Another classic with Underwood as a writer, this gorgeous ballad never got the radio single treatment, but that kind of adds to the allure of this hidden gem. Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT Underwood shines vocally throughout this modern-sounding pop-country tune with an R&B undercurrent. Plus, it's a sentimental love song that's believed to be inspired by Underwood's marriage to Mike Fisher. Kevin Winter/ACM2009/Getty Images for ACM A boot-stomping rocker, "Undo It" is undeniable in its catchiness. It's fitting the video features the singer rocking a stadium. But what really puts it over the top is how it marries such a huge beat with such a powerful message. It's really one of the best examples of Underwood marrying attitude with a hulking arrangement to create a fan favorite. Rick Diamond/Getty Images "See You Again" is a gorgeously catchy pop ballad, and the music video really adds a whole new layer to the song. It features loved ones reuniting, in particular spouses and children running to service members when they get back from overseas. Rick Diamond/WireImage Pop with attitude in the spirit of Pink plus a side of twang, the opener of Underwood's best album plays up her appreciation for heavy rock 'n' roll while showcasing her pop-country pipes. It's one of 60 No. 1 hits co-written by frequent Underwood collaborator Ashley Gorley. Jo Hale/Redferns This country airplay chart-topper from the studio album Storyteller tells of betrayal and revenge, in line with classic country murder ballads. It's also an example of the stadium-ready rock elements that flavor mainstream country music in the 21st century. Ed Rode/Getty Images Underwood also has an undeniable knack for breathing life into inspirational songs. "Temporary Home" is a great example of weaving different narratives into a common thread of hopefulness and perseverance that culminates with a tear-jerker ending. It's another one of Underwood's many No. 1 singles and earned a Grammy nomination. Win McNamee/Getty Images One of Underwood's premiere wedding songs, Underwood co-wrote and released it around the time she married Fisher. It's both a love letter of sorts and an assurance, and it definitely rings true for Underwood in her personal life. Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Resorts World Theatre Underwood has killed a fair number of no-good, dirty, rotten, cheating scoundrels in her songs. But in "Two Black Cadillacs," which she co-wrote with Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear, Underwood takes the drama to soaring heights. Though the song peaked at No. 2, it may be Underwood's most tactful song about, well, killing someone. Ed Rode/WireImage The single that started it all for Underwood, this song penned by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson established the American Idol winner as a star with staying power. A crossover hit, the song earned two Grammys and all but assured the success of her debut album Some Hearts. Ray Mickshaw/WireImage Here it is, the unrivaled karaoke song of bachelorette partiers everywhere. "Before He Cheats" is legendary by plenty of standards. It's Underwood's top-selling song (five times platinum), her best-performing radio single and a two-time Grammy award-winner. Yet by our measure, there's one song even greater. Chris Hollo "Blown Away" did nearly everything "Before He Cheats" did, but with an intriguing and distinct sound that defined one of Underwood's most successful and critically-lauded albums. It helped establish Underwood as a truly global talent that is well on her way to at least one hall of fame."Out of That Truck" (Single, 2023)
"All-American Girl" (Carnival Ride, 2007)
"Southbound" (Cry Pretty, 2018)
"Champion" (Feat. Ludacris) (Cry Pretty, 2018)
"Choctaw County Affair" (Storyteller, 2015)
"Cowboy Casanova" (Play On, 2009)
"Remind Me" (Feat. Brad Paisley) (Paisley's This Is Country Music, 2011)
"The Girl You Think I Am" (Storyteller, 2015)
"Wine After Whiskey" (Blown Away, 2012)
"Heartbeat" (Storyteller, 2015)
"Undo It" (Play On, 2009)
"See You Again" (Blown Away, 2012)
"Good Girl" (Blown Away, 2012)
"Church Bells" (Storyteller, 2015)
"Temporary Home" (Play On, 2009)
"Mama's Song" (Play On, 2009)
"Two Black Cadillacs" (Blown Away, 2012)
"Jesus, Take The Wheel" (Some Hearts, 2005)
"Before He Cheats" (Some Hearts, 2005)
"Blown Away" (Blown Away, 2012)
This post was originally published on Dec. 8, 2017 and expanded and updated on Aug. 15, 2023.
