Faith never was far away from
Carrie Underwood'
s performing persona but she never recorded gospel until
My Savior
, an album released in the early months of 2021. The title
echoes that of
My Gift
, her 2020 Christmas album, but where that seasonal set was a stiff affair, this religious record is warm-blooded: gentle at all times but with a discernible beating heart. The light touch extends to
Underwood
's performance, too. Singing with restraint tempered with urgency,
seems invested in this collection of contemporary gospel classics and standards, an understated passion that gives
a tangible depth of feeling. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine