25 Records of Christmas, Day 11: Brandi Carlile

I decided something big this year. Well, to some people, it might be big. Those who know me, will probably be surprised to hear me actually say it but: I like country music. To some people, this might not come as a surprise, just because I love folk music. But I’ve embraced the whole genre now. Today’s record is probably the one that sent me over the edge. Brandi Carlile has a way about her, and Bear Creek is a true, down south record.

The thing is, there’s a distinct different (in my opinion) between folk and country music. The best contrast I can give you is this: Brandi Carlile’s newest album is a folk album. The Nashville TV soundtrack is a country album. The reason I explain, is because I feel like a lot of people mistake folk for being country, and they miss out on a lot of great music because of that. Folk has always had country-type elements to it, but the real definition of folk music is, the music that is native to a particular area or country. Folk music can be nearly any genre. So, the reason I say Brandi Carlile made me like country music, is because it’s a rock/folk album, but her music has paved the way for me to get more into other music, namely country. But back to the record.

“Raise Hell” sold me on this gifted musician. The track reminds me so much of the feelings I had when I first heard Johnny Cash rip through “Folsom Prison Blues”. It’s just a gritty, down in the mud, hard song that screams to be played, and sung loud. And that’s just one song on Bear Creek. Carlile’s been releasing music for years, but this is the first time I’ve really been able to sit through a whole album of her material. These songs are just so real, and from Carlile’s heart. While I might say that about every artist I listen to, it’s certainly true for Brandi. There’s no fancy theatrics or thunderous beats throughout Bear Creek. Carlile simply takes us through a step into a countryside life, and quite vividly. 

Brandi Carlile hails from Ravensdale, Washington.

“That Wasn’t Me” is a particularly passionate gem. The piano compliments Carlile perfectly, and the subject matter can reach every listener right where they are. It speaks of all the mistakes we’ve all made, and thanks those that loved us through all of them. “Keep Your Heart Young” talks of the issues we run into when we get older, and gives a lesson through making snowballs, and riding bikes (and falling off them, too). The layering of vocals and harmonies with her band on “A Promise To Keep” make for my favorite track on the album.

I’ve been a huge fan of folk music since I started going to the Folk Alliance International Conference four years ago, but this album from Brandi Carlile solidified the joy that this type of music brings. There’s nothing more real when it comes to music, than seeing such a talented musician grabbing an acoustic guitar and singing their heart out, giving it everything they’ve got. Laying it all out on the line. It then becomes our turn to take the music and share it, and let them know their hard work isn’t for naught.