Brandi Carlile’s In These Silent Days: A Personal Triumph

In recent years, Brandi Carlile has transitioned from an artist inspired by her musical heroes to one who collaborates with them as equals. Her work with Tanya Tucker on *While I’m Livin’* helped Tucker win her first Grammys after decades in the industry. Carlile’s lifelong admiration for Elton John has also evolved into a personal connection, with John now sending her unexpected, playful messages. Furthermore, Carlile’s relationship with Joni Mitchell has grown so close that she performed Mitchell’s entire *Blue* album live in 2019, with Mitchell in attendance.

On *In These Silent Days*, Carlile channels her influences while also making the music distinctly her own. The album features nods to Mitchell’s style, evident in tracks like “This Time Tomorrow,” which echoes “The Circle Game,” and “You and Me on the Rock,” reminiscent of the strum patterns in Mitchell’s work. Carlile’s vocal performance on tracks such as “When You’re Wrong” and “Throwing Good After Bad” also reflects Mitchell’s influence, though Carlile’s unique voice shines through. The album’s “Letter To My Past” incorporates Elton John’s grand piano sound and layered instrumentation, while Tim and Phil Hanseroth add Beatles-esque harmonies to “Stay Gentle.”

Despite these clear influences, *In These Silent Days* stands out as a reflection of Carlile’s own artistry. Tracks like “Stay Gentle” offer a tender, lullaby-like message, while “Broken Horses” showcases a more energetic and dynamic side of her music. Although some songs, such as “Mama Werewolf” and “Sinners Saints and Fools,” don’t fully hit the mark, Carlile’s overall ability to craft compelling and heartfelt music remains undeniable. With seven albums to her name, Carlile continues to deliver exceptional work, proving once again her knack for creating memorable records.