Listen Up: Carrie Underwood, Boston

Carrie Underwood, The Sound of Music
Soundtrack
* * * stars out of four

How do you solve a problem like Maria being played by someone other than Julie Andrews? For its live remake broadcast Thursday, NBC hired Underwood, paired her with Audra McDonald and put the fail-safe material in their capable hands. — Jerry Shriver

Download: The Sound of Music, Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things

Deana Carter, Southern Way of Life
Country
* * * 1/2

Like her fine Strawberry Wine, Carter has improved with age. Even writing with Kacey Musgraves and the Band Perry's Kimberly Perry on her first album in six years, Carter makes music that's more soft-spoken pop than country, full of humor and grace. — Mansfield

Download:Do Or Die, I Know Better, You Can't Stay

Boston, Life, Love & Hope
Rock
* *

Boston's first album in 11 years has five lead singers, including the late Brad Delp on three tracks, among them the remake Someone (2.0) from 2002. Now more than ever, it's guitarist Tom Scholz's show, and it's not worth the wait. The title track recaptures lost magic, but little else does. — Mansfield

Download:Life, Love & Hope