Something in the Water (Carrie Underwood song)

Last updated
"Something in the Water"
Carrie Underwood - Something in the Water (Official Single Cover).png
Single by Carrie Underwood
from the album Greatest Hits: Decade #1
ReleasedSeptember 29, 2014 (2014-09-29)
Recorded2014
Genre
Length3:56
Label Arista Nashville
Songwriter(s)
[note 1]
Producer(s) Mark Bright
Carrie Underwood singles chronology
"Somethin' Bad"
(2014)		"Something in the Water"
(2014)		"Little Toy Guns"
(2015)
Music videos
"Something in the Water" on YouTube

"Something in the Water" is a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Carrie Underwood, from her compilation album Greatest Hits: Decade #1 . The song was released on September 29, 2014, as the album's lead single through Arista Nashville. It was written by Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Brett James, and produced by Mark Bright. [2]

Contents

A crossover success, "Something in the Water" reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Hot Christian Songs charts. It is Underwood's 14th career leader on Hot Country Songs and her second in 2014. It topped the former chart for seven weeks and the latter for 26 weeks, and also debuted at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. It set and broke multiple airplay records on country radio in its first week.

The song won the Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance.

Background

""Something in the Water" is so inspirational. It's so joyous! I can't help but smile when I hear it. I hope it has the same effect on everyone who listens to it."

—Underwood on the song [2]

The song was written by Underwood along with Chris DeStefano and Brett James, and produced by Underwood's longtime producer Mark Bright. It also has a sample of Amazing Grace at the closing of the song, sung by Underwood. [3]

James told Country Weekly that, when he arrived at Underwood's cabin in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee, for a songwriter's session, she and DeStefano already had a track ready, when Underwood suggested "Something in the Water" as a title. They then chose to make the song themed after a person whose life changes after baptism. James said that he found Underwood's demo of the song "emotional", and praised Underwood's singing and songwriting style. He later called it "one of the most perfect writing days I have had in my life". [4]

Critical reception

"Something in the Water" was met with widespread critical acclaim. Rolling Stone praised the song stating that "Underwood sings in the soaring song showcasing her heavenly high vocal range" and called the song a "spiritual heartstring-tugger". [5] Billboard praised the song with 4 out of 5 stars, stating: "Carrie Underwood offers a message of faith in times of trouble". [6] Music Times praised the song by saying that Underwood "pulls out all of her strongest, boldest notes for the religious anthem" and that the song "builds to some of the greatest heights Underwood has reached to date". [7] All Access Music also praised the song, stating that "It's a welcome – and bold – move for Underwood that flies in the face of Country's recent direction. Her vocals soar and to no one's surprise she powerfully delivers the message". [8] AXS called "Something in the Water" a "mighty offering" while praising Underwood for a "righteously powerful performance." [9]

Website Taste of Country praised Underwood's vocals and the songs's lyrics and production, saying "Mark Bright creates a complex and rich tapestry that swirls between the rare breathes Underwood takes. Her vocal performance is typically stunning and personal" and also predicted the song "to clean up come 2015 awards season". [10] Website Popdust gave the song a rating of 4.5/5, saying, "assembled with an orchestral arrangement and a backing of a harmoniously sanctified choir, this track...is a game changer." The website also praised Underwood bringing faith back into her song. [11]

On February 8, 2015, at the 57th Grammy Awards, Underwood won Best Country Solo Performance for "Something in the Water", marking her seventh career Grammy Award. [12] [13]

Awards and nominations

Billboard Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2015 "Something in the Water"Top Christian SongWon

Country Music Association Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2015 "Something in the Water"Music Video of the YearNominated

CMT Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2015 "Something in the Water"Video of the YearWon
Female Video of the YearWon

Grammy Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2015 "Something in the Water" Best Country Solo Performance Won

Music Row Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2015"Something in the Water"Song of the YearNominated

Inspirational Country Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2015"Something in the Water"Mainstream Inspirational Song of the YearWon
Inspirational Video of the YearWon

Chart performance

"Something in the Water" sold over 125,000 copies in its first week, becoming the biggest opening-week sales of any female country artist in 2014 and the singer's highest sales frame since 2009, when "I Told You So", featuring Randy Travis, sold 126,000 copies. It is also Underwood's best debut sales week for a digital song. It debuted at No. 4 on Billboard's Digital Songs chart. [14] The song's massive airplay in its first week prompted it to also debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, achieving the highest debut for a solo artist in 2014 and surpassing Underwood's previous record of No. 20 with "So Small" in 2007. Additionally, it set an all-time record by amassing 144 total stations on impact date on Mediabase. [15] The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs, becoming the singer's first song to top such a chart, and rose from No. 48 to number two on the Billboard Hot Country Songs in its second week on the chart. It also debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. [16]

In its seventh week on the charts, "Something in the Water" reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs, becoming Underwood's 14th career leader on the chart and her second in 2014. [17] It became her fastest climbing single on the Hot Country Songs chart. With 14 chart-toppers on such a chart, she expands her record as the female country artist with the most number one hits on the Hot Country Songs chart in the Nielsen SoundScan era (1991–present), breaking her own Guinness Book record of ten, set in 2010. [18] It has topped the Hot Country Songs for seven weeks, becoming her longest No.1 reign on the chart and the third longest No.1 reign among women in the chart's history. [19] The song has also topped the Hot Christian Songs for 26 consecutive weeks,setting a record for the longest reign on that chart by a woman and also the third longest running number one. [20] [21] The song's record was broken by Lauren Daigle's "You Say.". [22] The song was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA on July 23, 2020. [23] As of April, 2016, the song has sold over 1,100,000 copies in the United States. [24]

The song won Top Christian Song at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. [25]

Music video

""We took it in a direction that was probably not what most people would think." "We made it joyful and happy and uplifting."

—Underwood describing the video to Entertainment Tonight [26]

The music video was directed by Raj Kapoor and premiered on November 4, 2014, on Twitter during the 48th Annual CMA Awards. Emmy nominated choreographer Travis Wall choreographed the video.

Underwood performed with dancers from the Shaping Sound dance academy dancing in the background and "required 16 choir members, 12 dancers, three costume changes and a custom-built tank of recycled water to create its dance spectacle." [27]

Live performances

Underwood performed the song at 2014 CMA Awards and on April 7, 2016, at the fifteenth season finale of American Idol. [28] The song is also performed as the encore of her "Storyteller Tour: Stories in the Round".

Track listing

Digital download
  1. "Something in the Water" – 3:45

Charts and certifications

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)LabelRef
CanadaSeptember 29, 2014 Digital download
United Kingdom
United States
October 6, 2014Country radio

Notes

  1. ↑ Contains uncredited sample of "Amazing Grace" by John Newton.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrie Underwood</span> American country singer (born 1983)

Carrie Marie Underwood is an American country singer. She rose to prominence after winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Underwood's single "Inside Your Heaven" made her the first country artist to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the only solo country artist in the 2000s to have a number-one song on the Hot 100. Her debut album, Some Hearts (2005), was bolstered by the successful crossover singles "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "Before He Cheats", becoming the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history. She won three Grammy Awards for the album, including Best New Artist. The next studio album, Carnival Ride (2007) had one of the biggest opening weeks of all time by a female artist and won two Grammy Awards. Her third studio album, Play On (2009), produced the single "Cowboy Casanova", which had one of the biggest single-week upward movements on the Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jesus, Take the Wheel</span> 2005 single by Carrie Underwood

"Jesus, Take the Wheel" is a song written by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson, and recorded by American country music artist Carrie Underwood. It was released on October 18, 2005, as the first single from Underwood's debut album Some Hearts (2005). The ballad tells of a woman seeking help from Jesus in an emergency and surrendering control to a higher power.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Before He Cheats</span> 2006 single by Carrie Underwood

"Before He Cheats" is a song by American singer Carrie Underwood from her debut studio album, Some Hearts (2005). Written by Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear, it was released as the fourth single from the album. The song tells the story of a woman taking revenge on her unfaithful partner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrie Underwood discography</span>

American country music singer Carrie Underwood has released nine studio albums, one greatest hits album, and 29 singles. Underwood rose to fame after winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Her debut album, Some Hearts, was released in 2005 and is the fastest-selling debut country album in Nielsen SoundScan history. It also became the best-selling solo female country debut in Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) history, as well as the top-selling debut album of any American Idol contestant in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Girl (Carrie Underwood song)</span> 2012 single by Carrie Underwood

"Good Girl" is a song by American country music artist Carrie Underwood. The song was written by Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley and Underwood. It was released by Arista Nashville as the lead single from Underwood's fourth studio album, Blown Away (2012).

<i>Blown Away</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Carrie Underwood

Blown Away is the fourth studio album by American singer and songwriter Carrie Underwood. It was released in the United States and Canada on May 1, 2012, by Arista Nashville. After finishing her successful Play On Tour in December 2010 to promote her third studio album Play On, Underwood started working on the album, but took her time, as she "wanted to change things up", and needed to step away from the "celebrity bubble" to "have real things to write about and to sing about". It took her over one year to finish the album, which, according to Underwood, ended up having a "darker storyline" than her previous efforts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blown Away (Carrie Underwood song)</span> 2012 single by Carrie Underwood

"Blown Away" is a song by American recording artist Carrie Underwood, taken from her fourth studio album of the same name (2012). The song served as the album's second single on July 9, 2012, through Arista Nashville. Written by Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear, who previously wrote Underwood's single "Before He Cheats" (2007), "Blown Away" is a country pop song; the lyrics are about a young woman who locks herself in a storm cellar while her abusive, alcoholic father is passed out on the couch in the path of a tornado. Producer Mark Bright drew inspiration from 1980s music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Two Black Cadillacs</span> 2012 single by Carrie Underwood

"Two Black Cadillacs" is a song by American recording artist Carrie Underwood, taken from her fourth studio album, Blown Away. The song served as the album's third single on November 18, 2012, through Arista Nashville. Written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and Josh Kear, "Two Black Cadillacs" is a country pop song with lyrics addressing the story of two women who, when they realize they are both involved with the same man, decide to kill him. It was produced by Mark Bright, and the instrumentation was compared to songs by Dixie Chicks and Miranda Lambert.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sure Be Cool If You Did</span> 2013 single by Blake Shelton

"Sure Be Cool If You Did" is a song written by Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, and Jimmy Robbins and recorded by American country music artist Blake Shelton. It was released on January 8, 2013, as the first single from Shelton's 2013 album Based on a True Story…. The song reached number one on both the US Billboard Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Changed (song)</span> 2012 song by American group Rascal Flatts

"Changed" is a song recorded by American country music group Rascal Flatts. It was released in December 2012 as the third single from their eighth studio album of the same name. The song was written by Gary LeVox, Wendell Mobley and Neil Thrasher. It was released to country radio on December 17, 2012, and AC and Christian AC radio on January 22, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">See You Again (Carrie Underwood song)</span> 2013 single by Carrie Underwood

"See You Again" is a song by American country music artist Carrie Underwood. It was written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and David Hodges. It was released as the fourth and final single from Underwood's fourth studio album, Blown Away, on April 15, 2013. Underwood announced the single on her official Twitter account.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That's My Kind of Night</span> 2013 single by Luke Bryan

"That's My Kind of Night" is a song written by Dallas Davidson, Chris DeStefano, and Ashley Gorley and recorded by American country music artist Luke Bryan. It was released in August 2013 as the second single from his fourth studio album Crash My Party (2013).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Play It Again (song)</span> 2014 single by Luke Bryan

"Play It Again" is a song written by Dallas Davidson and Ashley Gorley and recorded by American country music artist Luke Bryan. It was released in March 2014 as the fourth single from Bryan’s 2013 album Crash My Party. On April 17, 2014, the song became Bryan's eighth non-consecutive chart-topper on the Hot Country Songs chart, the most by any act in the time since his first number one "Rain Is a Good Thing" hit the top spot on July 24, 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Somethin' Bad</span> 2014 single by Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood

"Somethin' Bad" is a song recorded as a duet by American country music artists Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. The song was written by Chris DeStefano, Brett James and Priscilla Renea. It was released as the second single from Lambert's fifth studio album Platinum in advance of the album's release two weeks later. The song premiered at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards on May 18, 2014, and was released for sale the next day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)</span> 2013 song by Hillsong United

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" is a song by Australian worship group Hillsong United. It was released on 23 August 2013 as the second and final single from their third studio album, Zion (2013). The song is led by Taya Smith, and was written by Matt Crocker, Joel Houston and Salomon Ligthelm, with production being handled by Michael Guy Chislett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Make Me Wanna</span> 2014 single by Thomas Rhett

"Make Me Wanna" is a song co-written and recorded by the American country music singer Thomas Rhett. It was released in August 2014 as the fifth single from his first album, It Goes Like This. The song was written by Rhett, Bart Butler and Larry McCoy.

<i>Greatest Hits: Decade Number 1</i> 2014 greatest hits album by Carrie Underwood

Greatest Hits: Decade #1 is the first greatest hits double album by American country music singer Carrie Underwood, released on December 9, 2014, by Arista Nashville. The release contains every single from Underwood's first four studio albums: Some Hearts (2005), Carnival Ride (2007), Play On (2009), and Blown Away (2012), except "Some Hearts" from its album of the same name. Two newly recorded songs were included: "Something in the Water" and "Little Toy Guns". The album also contains four additional tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little Toy Guns</span> 2015 single by Carrie Underwood

"Little Toy Guns" is a song recorded by American country music artist Carrie Underwood for her compilation album Greatest Hits: Decade #1. It was released on February 16, 2015 through Arista Nashville as the album's second single. It was written by Underwood, Chris DeStefano, and Hillary Lindsey, and produced by Mark Bright.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smoke Break</span> 2015 single by Carrie Underwood

"Smoke Break" is a song recorded by American country music artist Carrie Underwood from her fifth studio album, Storyteller. It was released on August 21, 2015, through Sony Music Nashville, as the album's lead single. It was written by Underwood, Chris DeStefano, and Hillary Lindsey, and was produced by Jay Joyce. Musically, it has lyrics about escaping life's many stresses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heartbeat (Carrie Underwood song)</span> 2015 single by Carrie Underwood

"Heartbeat" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Carrie Underwood from her fifth studio album, Storyteller. It was written by Underwood, Ashley Gorley, and the song's producer, Zach Crowell. Country singer Sam Hunt sings backing vocals on the track. The song was released to the radio by Arista Nashville on November 30, 2015, as the album's second single, after "Smoke Break". Musically, "Heartbeat" is a country pop and a R&B song with lyrics that relate to the feeling of intimacy experienced by being alone with one's lover. It appears to be inspired by Underwood's marriage to Mike Fisher.

References

  1. ↑ Dunkerley, Beville (September 29, 2014). "Carrie Underwood Finds Faith in New Single 'Something in the Water'". Rolling Stone . Rollingstone.com. Jann Wenner . Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  2. 1 2 Mansfield, Brian (September 26, 2014). "Carrie Underwood to release 'Greatest Hits,' new single". USA Today . USAToday.com. Gannett Company . Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  3. ↑ Menyes, Carolyn (September 29, 2014). "Carrie Underwood Finds Jesus in Inspirational New Song 'Something In The Water' [LISTEN]". Music Times. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  4. ↑ Conaway, Alanna (1 December 2014). "Story behind the song: Divine inspiration". Country Weekly . 21 (48): 16. ISSN   1074-3235.
  5. ↑ Dunkerlley, Beville (September 29, 2014). "Hear Carrie Underwood's spiritual new single 'Something In The Water'". Rolling Stone.
  6. ↑ "The Best and Worst Singles of the Week -- From Lorde to One Direction". Billboard. October 3, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Carrie Underwood Finds Jesus in Inspirational New Song 'Something In The Water'". Music Times. 2014-09-29.
  8. ↑ "Country Spotlight Trax". All Access Music Group.
  9. ↑ Villa, Lucas (September 28, 2014). "Listen: Carrie Underwood samples 'Amazing Grace' on 'Something in the Water'". AXS.
  10. ↑ "Carrie Underwood, 'Something in the Water'". Taste of Country. September 29, 2014.
  11. ↑ Scott, Jason (28 September 2014). "Carrie Underwood, 'Something In The Water'—Single Review". Popdust.com. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  12. ↑ "The Official Site of Music's Biggest Night". GRAMMY.com. Retrieved 2014-02-08.
  13. ↑ "Past Winners Search (Carrie Underwood)". Grammy.com. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  14. ↑ "Blake Shelton Scores Second No. 1 Album on Billboard 200". Billboard. October 8, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Carrie Underwood Is Making History with "Something in the Water"!". Sony Music Nashville. October 6, 2014. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  16. ↑ Jessen, Wade (October 9, 2014). "Carrie Underwood's 'Water' Splashes Onto Hot Country Songs, Hot Christian Songs Charts". Billboard.
  17. ↑ Jessen, Wade (November 13, 2014). "Carrie Underwood Climbs to No. 1 on Hot Country Songs Following CMA Awards". Billboard.
  18. ↑ "Most country no.1s for a female artist in the US". Guinnessworldrecords.com. 2010-01-01. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
  19. ↑ Jessen, Wade. "Carrie Underwood Has Her Longest Reign at No. 1 on Hot Country Songs Chart". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  20. ↑ Jessen, Wade. "Reba McEntire Returns to Hot Country Songs Chart". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  21. ↑ Jessen, Wade. "Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean & Garth Brooks Scale Country Charts". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  22. ↑ "Lauren Daigle's 'You Say' Sets Record for Longest Run Atop Hot Christian Songs Chart by a Solo Female". Billboard. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  23. ↑ "American certifications – Carrie Underwood – Something in the water". Recording Industry Association of America.
  24. 1 2 Jim Asker. "Carrie Underwood & Blake Shelton Cross to Christian Charts". Billboard.
  25. ↑ "Billboard Music Awards 2015: See the Full Winners List". Billboard. May 5, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Go Behind the Scenes of Carrie Underwood's Epic 'Something in the Water' Music Video". ET Online. November 3, 2014.
  27. ↑ McDonald, Brian (November 4, 2014). "Video: Carrie Underwood to priemere video for 'Something in the Water' exclusively on Twitter Wednesday Night". News OK. Archived from the original on August 1, 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
  28. ↑ astefano (7 April 2016). "Carrie Underwood Performs 'Something in the Water' on 'Idol' Finale". The Boot.
  29. ↑ "Carrie Underwood Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
  30. ↑ "Carrie Underwood Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard.
  31. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 10, 2017.
  32. ↑ "CHART: CLUK Update 11.10.2014 (wk40)". zobbel.de / Official Charts Company . Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  33. ↑ "Carrie Underwood Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  34. ↑ "Carrie Underwood Chart History (Christian Airplay)". Billboard.
  35. ↑ "Carrie Underwood Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard.
  36. ↑ "Carrie Underwood Album & Song Chart History - Christian Songs". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media.
  37. ↑ "Carrie Underwood Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
  38. ↑ "Billboard Country Update for December 15, 2014" (PDF). Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. December 15, 2014. p. 17. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
  39. ↑ "Best of 2014: Hot Christian Songs". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. 2014. Retrieved December 28, 2014.
  40. ↑ "Best of 2014: Hot Country Songs". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. 2014. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  41. ↑ "Best of 2015: Country Airplay". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  42. 1 2 "Best of 2015: Hot Country Songs". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  43. ↑ "Hot Christian Songs – Decade-End 2010s". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 31, 2019. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
  44. ↑ "American single certifications – Carrie Underwood – Something in the water". Recording Industry Association of America.
  45. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Something in the Water - Single by Carrie Underwood". iTunes Store (CA). September 29, 2014. Archived from the original on December 27, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  46. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Something in the Water - Single by Carrie Underwood". iTunes Store (GB). September 29, 2014. Archived from the original on February 16, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  47. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Something in the Water - Single by Carrie Underwood". iTunes Store (US). September 29, 2014. Archived from the original on May 2, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  48. ↑ "Future Releases for Country Radio Stations". AllAccess Music Group. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.