UMG Recordings / Capitol Records Nashvile

Release Date: March 10th 2023

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

Carrie Underwood– Out Of That Truck (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

1. Out Of That Truck

Country superstar Carrie Underwood, winner of season 4 of American Idol way back in 2004, has wowed us time and time again with her smash hit singles “Jesus Take The Wheel”, “Before He Cheats”, “Just A Dream”, “So Small”, “Temporary Home”, “Undo It”, “Good Girl”, “Blown Away”, “See You Again”, “Something In The Water”, “Little Toy Guns”, “Heartbeat” and “Church Bells” to name a few. A country artist through and through, and also having a strong Christian faith; Carrie has won countless Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, American Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and Teen Choice Awards- and she was also inducted into the Grand El Opry in 2008 and the Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame in 2009, for her achievements and accomplishments in country music.

Now we all know about Carrie, who she is and what she’s all about. If you don’t know on the off chance, you can read my brother’s blog about her, or read my review of Cry Pretty from a few years ago or Jon’s review of her hymns album from 2021, or even Jon’s review of Carrie’s latest project Denim And Rhinestones from last year…but seriously, who doesn’t know the ‘Queen of modern country’? After already releasing many albums and a slew of radio country hits (if you want more information and stats, check out Wikipedia or Jon’s blog!), My Gift was unveiled to the world in 2021. I reviewed the album in 2020, and at the time, it was unashamedly and unapologetically optimistic and positive in the face of despair and adversity. As Carrie delivered 11 soul-stirring and out-of-this-world vocal powerhouse moments that transcend human comprehension; and as she powerfully and poignantly sung out Jesus’ praises and celebrates His birth, we were treated to one of the most thought-provoking, explosive, and heartfelt Christmas albums of the past few years. Even now, I can still confidently say that from many, many listens, My Gift stands tall amongst other holiday albums, and is a great album period to inspire and motivate you to keep going and keep pressing on in life.

But since I’ve already reviewed this album, you can read about it here. It’s 2023 now, and Carrie has released something new. I know, it’s probably too soon since Denim And Rhinestones from June 2022. And considering that aside from My Savior and My Gift, Carrie generally releases new material every 3-4 years, the new single of “Out Of That Truck”, which released a few days ago, is quite unexpected. I didn’t expect a new track from Carrie that soon. However, I’m not complaining because this song is incredibly catchy. “Out Of That Truck” isn’t as country as Dolly Parton or Reba McEntire. But Carrie’s bubbly personality and infectious joy all throughout the song here is on display, and why wouldn’t you want to move along to the song? Lyrically, the melody speaks about a person declaring that their ex won’t be able to get them off their mind and out of their truck, that ‘…when you’re runnin’ around in that stick shift Chevy, I bet it drives you crazy, thinking about us on every other back road, baby, you got someone new on your bench seat, trying to forget me lately, but my memory’s stuck, so good luck trying to get me out of that truck…’, and reminds us all that sometimes it’s tough for even the best of us to ‘get over’ someone who we’ve broken up with. “Out Of That Truck” encourages us to not let the small moments in life pass us by- because if we do, we’ll be living with regrets for the rest of our lives like the persona in the song still not over his ex. And as we listen to this song, let us remember to not coast through life and to say whatever is on our mind in the moment when we think it’s best to say them- we need to cherish our loved ones and our partners because they may be gone at a moment’s notice.

With Carrie Underwood creating a song that still reminds us of her staying power and her legendary and iconic country status; “Out Of That Truck” (a part of a potential deluxe version of Denim & Rhinestones or the lead single of a new album?) shows Carrie at the top of her game, as she emphatically delivers one of the year’s best vocal moments thus far. With this song firmly asserting her stance that she isn’t done yet and has so much more to say in her music, we are challenged and inspired to make a positive change in our life, and be thankful for everything that has happened, as we look to the future in anticipation for whatever is next- while never coasting on our laurels, and instead being active in pursuing of what we want in life. And in light of that I reckon whatever comes next for Carrie will be awesome (maybe a live CD/DVD or an acoustic album or a worship album next year or the year after- I’m just spitballing here!), but until such a time; why don’t we listen to this compelling song (and the other equally impressive albums in Carrie’s discography!), multiple times? I guarantee it, Carrie’s songs will change your outlook on a few hard-hitting issues in life- so what are you waiting for? Carrie’s voice is sublime and flawless, check it out! You won’t be disappointed.

Had some fun in the studio recently and for my birthday, I wanted to share my new song ‘Out of That Truck’ with all of you! It was inevitable, I guess. I knew someday I’d have a truck song [and] I wasn’t wrecking it. It was like having this memory, [a] nostalgic kind of song, where it’s like you kind of can’t get over somebody, but it’s because of all the physical marks that you left in a space, being the truck.

I feel like musically we wanted ‘Out Of That Truck’ just to feel like… I’m going to use the word rock super loosely, but we wanted it to be like driving and kind of guitar heavy. I mean, it’s not an aggressive song at all. So, we didn’t want to push it there but just wanted it to move and have some energy and have an affinity for guitars. It’s kind of just one of those wanting it to take you somewhere and you can sing along with it. It’s just kind of a cool vibe. Just trying to do country truck songs in a different kind of way, just wanting it to be moving and kind of a tempo song.

Score: 4.5/5

RIYL: Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson, Tori Kelly, Hunter Hayes, Jana Kramer, Point Of Grace, Thomas Rhett, Maddie & Tae