Download of the Day 8/6: "Just a Dream" by Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood knows how to deliver a heart-rending ballad.

We've known that since "Jesus, Take The Wheel", her first of many country #1 singles. Her voice, full of power and emotion, perfectly carries words of both inspiration or sorrow in a slow arrangement. So it makes perfect sense that Carrie would tackle a very touchy subject for her next single.

It's a loved one's worst nightmare to hear that their soldier was killed in combat. The torrent of emotions that must flood their minds must be hard to describe. In "Just a Dream", Carrie tries to convey those complex feelings for those of us who have had the good fortune to never feel such a loss. For those who have, her heartbreaking vocal performance is a painful reminder of a pain that never goes away.

The story told in the song is sad enough, but the magic of the song lies with Carrie. Her voice is a tidal wave of anguish, with undercurrents of desperation, denial, and anger. You never have to speculate; she lays it all out there for us. Vocally, its probably her most unrestrained, and that full-throttle voice makes the sadness all the more present.

In an industry where going platinum is almost a pipe dream, there should be little doubt as to why Carrie can do it so easily. She is, quite frankly, the best contestant to ever come out of the American Idol franchise. She's so good, that I will no longer reference the show when speaking of her. This song is proof that she's more than a reality show contestant.

She's a star.

Rating: 9/10