Brandi Carlile - “In These Silent Days” Album Review

Story posted October 6, 2021 in Arts & Entertainment by Jon Mead.

For most audiences, Brandi Carlile delivers a musical experience that is both beautiful and emotional in her recently released LP, “In These Silent Days.”

This Washington-born, country singer-songwriter, began her career performing in Seattle clubs in the early 2000s.

In 2004 she was signed on to Columbia Records and made her debut with the self-titled record, “Brandi Carlile.”
From then on, she released other works such as “The Story” and “Bear Creek.”

Although defined as primarily a country singer, she falls under a wide range of genres such as pop, alt-country and Americana.

Carlile, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris and Natalie Hemby went on to form the country group Highwomen, and released their first album in 2019.

In her most recent work, she talks about themes of “turning back time” and forgiveness, especially in the first track, “Right on Time.”

“This Time Tomorrow” is a song dedicated to the children of Carlile’s bandmates, a song that encounters the sadness and grief that accompanies the death of one’s parents.

Themes of hopelessness, faith and comfort have a presence not just on this track, but throughout the LP as well.
Redemption plays a part in “When You’re Wrong,” a song about loved ones who’ve made mistakes in the past but are still deserving of empathy.

Lyrically, she shows that she’s put a lot of effort into the passion of her music, but at times these themes become repetitive throughout the course of the whole listening experience.

Carlile’s broad and yelping vocals have always had a very wide range to them, something that audiences are sure to be taken aback by. Bright and even playful guitar chords, reminiscent of Joni Mitchell’s style, take background in each track, especially in “You and Me On The Rock” and “Broken Horses.”

This is sure to put a smile on the faces of those people who are fans or avid listeners of classic folk. However, this record falls short in being original and straying away from the typical style of pop country.

This LP is certainly one of the best recently released works introduced by a mainstream country singer out there, but it’s not amazing either.

Rating: 6/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Track: “You and Me On The Rock”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite: “Right on Time,” “Mama Werewolf” and “Letter to the Past”

 

Jon Mead is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkm6040@psu.edu.