Carrie Underwood’s “Play On”

On 11.15.09, In Music, by Roque.

If it seems vaguely insulting to call the smashingly successful “Idol” alum’s material formulaic, know at least that it is, three albums in, one of the most well-honed formulas in the business.

Underwood’s MO is equal parts good-riddance-to-bad-boys stompers like, (“Cowboy Casanova,” and “Undo it”) and fervent balladry like, (“Mama’s Song,” and “Change”) consistently serves her well. The saucy stuff, which she embodies with appealing verve, tends to eclipse those ballads, too reliant on Hallmark-card sentimentality.

Her vocal ability remains beyond reproach; a crack in the immaculate veneer, however, would be welcome too.