Brandi Carlile, the 44-year-old country-rock star with 11 Grammys to her name, is a force to be reckoned with. Known for her heartfelt lyrics and crystalline voice, she's a lot more than just her heart - she wears her entire life on her sleeve, shoulder, chest, and back. Her journey from the backwoods of Washington state to the peak of Mount Americana is a testament to her resilience and talent.
Carlile's new album, 'Returning to Myself', is a collection of intimate life stories and reflections, steeped in the 'otherworldly' textures of co-producer Aaron Dessner of The National and Taylor Swift co-writing fame. The album is a microcosm of her life story, with key beats almost playing in reverse, beginning with a title track based on a poem she wrote last October.
Carlile's collaboration with Elton John on the album 'Who Believes in Angels?' was a challenging but life-affirming experience. Working with her lifelong hero, she had to reconcile her idealized vision of him with the reality of a volatile superstar. This experience helped her reconnect with her inner child and launched her on the reflective path towards 'Returning to Myself'.
The album also features a guest spot from Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, and a song called 'Joni' that paints the revered singer as a down-to-earth, fun-loving 'wild woman'. Carlile's relationship with Joni Mitchell is a key theme on the album, with Carlile curating regular Joni Jams in Mitchell's LA home, encouraging her to sing again after a debilitating aneurysm.
'Returning to Myself' is a powerful statement on Carlile's personal journey, and a testament to her talent and resilience. With its blend of personal reflections, musical collaborations, and political commentary, the album is a must-listen for fans of Brandi Carlile and anyone interested in the power of music to inspire and transform.
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