Brandi Carlile Returns Home with Her Emotional New Album

Brandi Carlile has made a significant return with her emotional new album, Returning to Myself, which is her eighth solo project. Following her 2018 breakthrough, By the Way, I Forgive You, Carlile has explored numerous roles in the music industry. These include being a celebrated singer, stewarding musical legends, and even being an accomplished author.

The Journey of Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile has embraced various personas since her rise to fame. She has worked as:

• The Underdog: Emerging as a mainstream artist after years of hard work.
• The Steward: Helping revive the careers of artists like Elton John and Joni Mitchell.
• The Author: Writing her best-selling memoir in 2021.
• The Collaborator: Joining forces with other artists and bands, including the Highwomen.

Despite these accomplishments, Carlile felt it was time to reconnect with her identity as an artist in Returning to Myself.

Album Highlights

This album has been lauded as a powerful statement, showcasing new textures in her voice and co-production skills. Collaborating with renowned producers Aaron Dessner and Andrew Watt, Carlile revisits her artistry. Some standout tracks include:

• “No One Knows Us”: a memoiristic centerpiece reflecting on personal experiences.
• “Human”: a soft rocker with a beautiful melody.
• “Anniversary”: a tender acoustic ballad.
• “You Without Me”: a poignant meditation on parenting, adapted from a past collaboration with Elton John.

Each song reflects Carlile’s interiority and emotional depth. However, not all tracks resonate equally. The tribute song to Joni Mitchell, titled “Joni,” felt less impactful, with its theme overshadowed by the album’s focus on personal reflection.

Musical Dynamics

One of the album’s strengths lies in its cohesiveness, which allows Carlile’s voice and messages to shine through. The track “A War With Time,” influenced by Dessner’s style, encapsulates the album’s core message with a reflective narrative about returning home.

As Carlile navigates new sonic landscapes, her emotional core remains intact, making Returning to Myself a compelling addition to her discography. This album not only signifies her return but also solidifies her growth as a profound and insightful artist.