Big voice, little variety

Carrie Underwood has come a long way from Checotah, Okla.

Four years after her “American Idol” win catapulted her onto both the country and pop charts, Underwood’s third album “Play On” reinforces her transformation from country sensation to pop superstar.

Underwood’s success is undeniable, but not because she’s been true to her down-home country roots. Rather, she is slowly morphing into something of a cookie-cutter diva.

Despite (or perhaps because of) the A-list credentials of “Play On,” the album rarely strays from the pop princess mold.

“Cowboy Casanova” and “Songs Like This” provide just enough grit to qualify the album for country status. Tracks like “Mama’s Song” and “Temporary Home” showcase Underwood’s range, but sound like they belong on a motion picture soundtrack rather than this album.

Overall, “Play On” offers listeners few surprises, but is enjoyable nonetheless. Underwood’s big voice and universal lyrics make the album a surefire hit for the masses.