Brandi Carlile "Give Up The Ghost" Album Review

I’m not generally a big fan of folk-infused music, so I had initially dismissed this as something I probably would not enjoy; but I was wrong. I found myself drawn into her world and charmed by her honest, sincere – and at times, utterly heartwrenching – lyrics. I also found her approach to recording to be refreshing. “Me and the twins [Her brothers, Tim and Phil Hanseroth], recorded live and to tape again (as long as it’s here we’ll use it),” Carlile says. “We used some of our classic junky old instruments and almost all of the acoustic guitar is recorded with old archtops from the 40’s and 50’s.” This lends a true authenticity and realness to the music. Carlile also teams up with several famous faces on “Give Up The Ghost” – Elton John, Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and Amy Ray of The Indigo Girls.

I was surprised and delighted with what I heard from Carlile on this record. Be sure to check out the widget above to listen to the first single from Give Up The Ghost, “Dreams”. You can also order the album on Amazon through this link.

Give Up The Ghost track listing:

Looking Out
Dying Day
Pride And Joy
Dreams
That Year
Caroline
Before It Breaks
I Will
If There Was No You
Touching The Ground
Oh Dear

Thanks to the One2One Network for inviting me to review this record!