March 2018 Singer Songwriter Record of the Month - Brandi Carlile - By The Way I Forgive You
Blind Tiger Record Club’s Singer Songwriter Record of the Month - Brandi Carlile - By The Way I Forgive You
I first heard Brandi Carlile live October 16, 2006 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. I had discovered her self titled debut roughly a year earlier when it first released and I was immediately hooked. Her vocals were haunting and deceptively powerful. The harmonies she created with twin collaborators Tim and Phil Hanseroth were something special. At that performance, Brandi was opening for Shawn Colvin. After all, it was her first record. Shawn was great. I have always been a fan and she did not disappoint, but for me; I was there to see the opener. It was all about Brandi and she blew me away. Huge, powerful vocals always held back so they don't loose their punch. Just a great show.
Her second album, The Story (2007), was in many ways her breakout album. Billboard positioning, TV and Film placements and critical acceptance. She put out three studio albums since then, Give Up The Ghost (2009), Bear Creek (2012), and the Firewatcher's Daughter (2015), which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Americana Album. She has become a staple in Americana and Folk, but she is a crossover into many genres including pop, rock, and alternative country.
By the Way I forgive You is already one of the strongest releases in 2018. I have a feeling we will be talking about this record at the end of the year and wouldn't be surprised to see her garner her second Grammy nomination. The album was recorded in Nashville and produced by none other then Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Anderson East, Sturgill Simpson) and Shooter Jennings. The Album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200 (Her highest position), #1 on Billboard Folk and #1 on Billboard Rock, which only continues to show her ability to cross genres. The first single off the album is "The Joke" and it is currently at #8 on Triple A radio.
The album has a few surprises like "Hold Out Your Hand". It may be one of Brandi's best songs. "The Joke" is amazing and really showcases her vocal power. Then there are soft, beautiful tracks like "Whatever You do" and "Harder To Forgive".
If you have been a fan of Brandi Carlile (and her twin co-creators) in the past, then you will be pleased to hear this latest offering. If you haven't paid attention to her before; stop! This is an artist you need to hear and there is nothing wrong with starting your Brandi Carlile experience with this latest album.
B.T.R.C. - David W. Williams
JOIN BTRC TODAY AND RECEIVE BRANDI CARLILE'S BY THE WAY I FORGIVE YOU IN YOUR FIRST SUBSCRIPTION BOX!!
What critics are saying about By the Way I Forgive You
By Brittany Spanos for Roling Stone, Review: Brandi Carlile's 'By the Way, I Forgive You' Is Righteous Americana - The singer-songwriter drops a delicate masterpiece
By Jewly Hight for NPR Music, Review: Brandi Carlile, 'By The Way, I Forgive You'