People in pain refuse to let trials jade them, electing to face the future head-on (“Wasted”). A near-miss on the highway drives a harried young mother to repentance on “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Broken hearts, hurtful mistakes, missed opportunities and poor choices amount to “Lessons Learned” (“All the things that break you are all the things that make you strong”). “That’s Where It Is” and “Whenever You Remember” value the faithful support of friends. A tearful mom lovingly releases her 18-year-old daughter, arming the young dream-chaser with a Bible and the tender mandate “Don’t Forget to Remember Me.” Following a breakup, the optimistic singer states, “I know there’s a blue horizon somewhere up ahead just waiting for me.”
A scorned female vandalizes her ex’s car (“Before He Cheats”). Isolated lines find teenagers sneaking a smoke or partying on main street “wearing next to nothin'” on “The Night Before (Life Goes On)” and “We’re Young and Beautiful,” respectively.
This most recent American Idol champion makes the most of her platform. Despite a few miscues, Some Hearts is an upbeat, generally wholesome debut.
