“Smoke Break” is the first single from the much anticipated fifth studio album from Carrie Underwood, Storyteller. With the album scheduled to reach fans before Halloween, “Smoke Break” hit radio on August 20, 2015 and was available digitally on August 21st. Carrie co-wrote the song with Hillary Lindsey, whom co-wrote eight songs on the Blown Away album, and Chris DeStafano, who previously helped with two songs for Ms. Underwood.
Underwood announced the new single and her upcoming album in a video posted to Facebook, where she also takes a minute to tell of its meaning: “The song itself is … one of those story songs that I feel like everyone can relate to about how life is so hectic and it’s so nice if and when you actually get to kind of step away for a second. We all need that time to ourselves, to get to take a break.”
“Smoke Break” is definitely a story-telling song: it is full of meaning for the listeners to uncover as well as subtle riddles for the listeners to solve. With lyrics like “I don’t drink, but sometimes I need a stiff drink” and “I don’t smoke, but sometimes I need a long drag” you get a song that anyone can relate to. Although not everyone smokes, everyone deserves a break, and everybody craves a moment to escape from the stress of the world surrounding them.
This song offers the unwavering vocal ability that fans have come to love from Carrie, combined with stellar storytelling lyrics that are reminiscent of a traditional Miranda Lambert song. The combination makes for an instant fan favorite that will undoubtedly be hitting the top of the charts.
After three and a half years this single gives fans exactly what they want, has momentarily quenched their thirst, and left them hungry for more. If this single is any indication, Storyteller is going to be an amazing album that will have fans listening again and again.