With an image like that, one that screams danger and mystery, I expected a mean guitar and an edgy country vibe. Looks do deceive. The album itself is comprised of mostly slow songs that are mellower than in your face. The result is a really relaxing album that is great for long drives into the country.
Track one’s “Light Show Lullaby” is filled with some beautiful lyrics about lost love and longing. The song keeps a steady beat that no matter how depressing the lyrics may be it will still have you tapping your feet to the song.
I find it essential to inform the reader that I am not as familiar with modern country as I should be. On many road trips down south I have found myself listening to country stations and realized that many of the singers and songs sound very much the same. Carlile does not fall into that trap. She has the kind of voice that reaches deep into your soul. The second song on the album “The Story” brings to mind early Sheryl Crowe with a bit of Patsy Cline mixed in.
I think the face of country music has changed, to merge with rock n’ roll creating a much more mainstream sound and this could explain the attraction of many artists such as the Dixie Chicks and their widespread success transcending the country charts. Though Carlile does give off the impression of being all out country her sound is too mainstream. If anything I wouldn’t be surprised if she turns up on local radio stations in the not too distant future as a new and upcoming artist for the masses.
The album is comprised of 13 tracks and does not seem to really pick up till about halfway through. Considering the prominence of the guitar in her publicity photos I am surprised how rarely I head it on the actual record. Carlile’s voice is her biggest weapon. Like many new female artist from all genre’s having a unique voice has almost become a trademark attraction for many fans. Just look at Lilly Allen and Regina Spektor, many of their songs cater to their voices and Carlile could easily tap into that fan base.
Track six’s “Have You Ever” is one of the best on the album. It is pure and kind hearted. There is not a single lyric in that song that does not feel completely innocent and happy, it left me completely content. If only there were more songs like this on the album and less depressing songs.
Overall it was a good album that has its heart in the right place. It can get a little depressing at times and I think that Carlile is capable of far more then she gives herself credit for. Hopefully she will be willing to experiment more on her next album, I am looking forward to it.
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you don't get it
Written by Guest on 2007-05-24 07:02:14
the fact you call her music country, shows you don't get it! She may have a little twang in her voice, but this is rock music, or as "music choice" call it "soft alternative".
You even incorrectly named the first song on the cd. It's "Late Morning Lullaby".
Ed |
your confused!
Written by Guest on 2007-05-24 08:30:41
maybe you need to listen again. this is one of the best albums out right now. her voice is beautiful and a breath of fresh air. so...take another listen. guess you just don't know what "real" talent is!
-Cindy |
I love the Story
Written by Guest on 2007-05-24 08:38:44
Quit trying to put Brandi in a category of this or that. Brandi Carlile has one of the best voices out there and can sing anything and make it sound amazing.
Seeing her live was beyond anything I've seen before. Her voice is beautiful and unlike some artists she doesn't hide behind a "stage show" it's just Brandi, the band, and that wonderful voice...and wonderful it is.
Jennifer |
Why Categorize?
Written by Guest on 2007-05-24 08:59:17
Why categorize? This is art. It's sad that in today's world "the suits" have taken over art and have forced the masses into categorizations, top 10 lists and awards shows as if these are mutual funds.
The question should be "Does her music move you?".
Personally, I heard The Story out of the blue in my car coming home from a business meeting in February. When I heard the DJ say the name of the artist and the song, I immediately picked up my cell and called my answering machine to transmit the info.
I'm a 42 year father of two, I'm no teenybopper. The Brandi Carlile Band reawakened my faith in music.
Now I know how Jon Landau felt when he heard Bruce Springsteen for the first time. |
huh?
Written by Guest on 2007-05-24 09:39:18
This album has all of Brandi's best stuff. Most of these tracks have been played on tour for years and they finally put them on a studio album. A studio album that was recorded to tape - this is the good, raw stuff music is made of. If you're not into "The Story" the first time around, catch the band on tour, and then listen again. I guarantee you won't feel the same. |
Written by Guest on 2007-05-24 10:31:45
Have you been in a CD store in the last couple of years? If you had been you would have clearly seen this album, and her first in Rock/Pop not in country. The Virgin Megastore in Times Square even had a big display for The Story up in ROCK/POP!!!! You say you dont know much about modern country music, so what made you label this country? Clearly you missed the plot. |
Please...
Written by Guest on 2007-05-24 19:30:00
Your opinion is obviously "jaded," and you must not know what real music is. Brandi Carlile is quiet possibly the best female vocalist of all time. Who in their right mind can say that "The Story," or "My Song" are mellow. Come on, what rock have you been living under. I hope people with real taste in music know better than to take your word for anything and find out for themselves. |
"The Story" is not country...
Written by Guest on 2007-05-24 19:39:36
or at least not as country is defined by country radio. She has a real country sound in her voice but this music is raw and emotional. That is the kind of thing that put Nashville on the map back in the 50's. Brandi is the first artist to come along since the 60's who makes music that means as much to me as the music that I love from the 60's (i.e. Elvis, Buck Owens, The Beatles, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin). Brandi Carlile has a REAL country sound in her voice and she makes REAL rock music. This is what I love about her music. I'm sorry if you don't understand what is so special about her. I hope, for your sake, that you are somehow able to figure out what I already know. I think seeing her live might help you with that. I have seen her in concert 4 times in the past year and I can't wait to see her again!
Elliot |
uh?
Written by Guest on 2007-05-24 20:21:35
i'd say the music can only reach a certain people. not everyone gets it, to me that is what makes it so special. too bad for for some people, they are missing out on something very important and real. |
Brandi is the real deal
Written by Guest on 2007-05-25 11:01:07
Some people get TONS of air time but don't have half the talent Carlile has. Brandi is the real deal. I haven't stopped listening to her CD since I bought it. I can't say that about any of the other CD's I 've bought in the last five years! This girl has a special talent like nobody else out right now. She deserves more radio play because some people are missing out. |
You two cents is worth less than that ..
Written by Guest on 2007-05-25 12:36:45
SO, good job writing a review solely based on the album cover. I respect that you might not enjoy the wonderful album as much as a lot of more intelligent persons do, but at least try and give some better reasons. Also, classifying the artist's genre incorrectly and giving titles that sound more like a ravey-techno song than an acoustic delight might also get you a bit more credit.
As for you thinking the "unique voice" thing should be tapped into, I couldn't agree with you more ... but am consequently befuddled by your being so reluctance to embrace Brandi's.
To use an example which I feel is fitting : do you find merit in Jeff Buckley or Elliott Smith? See, they are both brilliant lyricists who may ride the depressed side of the fence AND have unique vocals, which make the words they sing all the more meaningful.
After this album and her first release, I'm about ready to vote for Brandi Carlile for President.
-Ali |
To each his own.
Written by Guest on 2007-05-25 12:53:36
I'm not sure how you can get away with labeling Brandi Carlile as country (beyond the twang in her voice) and comparing her to Sheryl Crow, but that's not why I'm commenting here. As a fellow music critic I generally try to treat the albums I review with the respect they deserve, and that means not only listening closely but also making sure you get the names of the songs right. Attention to detail is one of those little things that convinces more irate fans like the ones commenting above that you actually listened to the album. |
clueless
Written by Guest on 2007-05-25 13:38:54
You need to go back and take a good listen to this album. Brandi Carlile is amazing. Sold out shows all across the country and fans begging her to come to their city...She has got "it".
Jen |
Human
Written by Guest on 2007-05-25 14:24:04
Are you human? Did you cheer for the Replicants in Blade Runner? I think that it’s impossible to be human and not be completely mesmerized by Brandi. To be fair, I think that you gave an honest (albeit idiotic) opinion and it’s always good to have different viewpoints, although one wonders if you were listening to the right CD. Did it have a ‘Made in China’ sticker on it?
It’s amazing how consistently positive the reactions to Brandi are. I’ve never seen an artist elicit such fervent admiration from everyone. I’m 56 and I remember hearing the Beatles for the first time in ’64 and hearing Brandi was the same life changing experience. So, do yourself a favour and stop trying to be business on this one. Just sit back and enjoy being human. Brandi is beauty and truth and as John Keats said – that’s all you need to know
Bill |
Written by Guest on 2007-05-25 17:06:58
Is this review a cruel joke? The fact you called her music mainstream proves that you know absolutely nothing about her music...not to mention that you had a train wreck naming one the best songs on her album: Late Morning Lullaby. Who is your editor anyway?
I have never been blown away by music like Brandi Carlile's before and to hear a half hearted review makes me wonder if you should really be writing any articles on music. |
Inexperienced Reviewer.
Written by Guest on 2007-05-30 10:30:51
I cannot and will not take this review seriously due to the fact that the CD was misquoted, there are typos within, and the writing is around a 4th to 5th grade level.
There is obviously a huge lack of writing ability and music reviewing experience therefore the opinions expressed are disreputable. |
Written by Guest on 2007-06-01 14:52:18
BOOOOOOO
The crowd BOOO's your review. Sucks! |
you have got to be kidding me
Written by Guest on 2007-06-05 15:53:51
You obviously have no musical knowledge at all not just "modern country" which her music is not even classified as. Maybe you should have done some research too about her and about the titles of her songs. She is an AMAZING young artist and I love her music. I am not saying that you have to like her music but at least be educated about it. I could do your damn job.....pretty sad that you cannot even recognize phenomenal music.... |
blah...
Written by Guest on 2008-02-17 15:15:43
its 'Late Morning Lullaby' idiot
i wonder did you even REALLY listen to the album |
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