Not knowing much about Brandi Carlile, I had high hopes starting this album. "Looking Out" is a punchy powerhouse opener, pulling inspiration from Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls. From there, Carlile bounces around mid-aughts sub-genres, trying on different hats but never quite landing on one that fits. There's nostalgia in here, but I'm not sure what for. 2009 was an interesting time for music, one that I am not particularly wistful for. The stomp-clap power strumming of "Dying Day" and "Dreams," along with the piano-heavy symphony behind "Pride and Joy," feel right at home in the era nestled somewhere between Mumford and Sons and Sara Bareilles. But I still don't know who Brandi Carlile is.
Then there's Carlile's colab with Elton John, "Caroline," which feels like a track from another time entirely. I had to check whether it was a cover because it felt almost out of place. It's a fun one, I could hear it scoring a Route 66 montage in a road-trip film. I can't quite describe this feeling, but if Brandi Carlile were a star in the '70s, this is the song she would perform on The Muppet Show. Rowlf would play the piano dressed as Elton John. Maybe that's just me.
The rest of the album is good, not great, and relatively forgettable. Most songs washed over me, leaving little impression. I still don't feel like I know who she is. Brandi Carlile's catalog is still largely a mystery for me. Will I explore the rest? Maybe.
3/5
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