The Story

Brandi Carlile has an awesome sound. Some songs start out sounding soft and heartwarming but then tear into something guttural and more open than any artist I can think of. Folk rock is definitely what comes to my mind. I can't stand albums that repeat the same style over and over again. Brandi's style is varied, refreshing, and something I listen over and over again at work without being worn out.

Wow! What a voice! I was driving along in the car when I first heard "The Story" on the local radio station. Wow. Like with so many other great voices or great songs I have heard for the first time- "Yellow", "Creep", "Linger", "Constant Craving", "Somersault", "What I Am", "White Flag", and "Finally Woken" to name a few- I cranked up the radio, turned the car around, and headed for the nearest record store, and bought every copy of "The Story" for my friends. From the gut-wrenching knowing passion of "Story", I was really expecting to see some worn-out, chain-smoking, Joplinesque, "gin-soaked bar-room queen" on the album cover. What a surprise to see a very attractive young woman, with such a powerful and expressive voice, with tremendous untapped potential just waiting in reserve.

Brandi Carlile has a quality in her melodic voice, sweetly nimble fingers, and catchy songwriting that conveys the sense of real life experiences, with a purity and honesty not heard often enough. I have read descriptions of her voice in the last measures of "The Story" as crackling or edgy, but to me her voice is freely expressive, like a great guitar solo, or a Kurt Cobain message, pushed to the limits. No apologies. What matters so much more than a perfect performance is what we feel inside when we hear the notes. She has something to say, and you will know without a doubt her message comes straight from her gut. She can belt it out, and she can melt your heart in the same song.

Every song on this record is truly wonderful in their own way, and the first three tracks are priceless, thanks to this powerhouse team of songwriters. I played this record over and over, until the break of dawn. "Turpentine" gave me the same shivers I felt when I first heard "Teen Spirit"- a raw anthem to each of our realities. "Shadow on the Wall" is another beautiful hidden gem, where she accepts the situation, and does not try to change the world or anyone in it. She simply creates her own solution to the problem. This song is anything but "sad", as I have heard it described. In fact, I find it refreshing. I believe this talented and gifted artist has a long and successful career ahead of her, and I am looking forward to hearing more great music from her and the band.

I am 45 years old and maybe too old fashioned. My best kind of modern musics ( as opposed to classical musics) are those of the 50's, 60's, and early 70's. I have most musics of the 80's superficial, and those afterwards just not memorable, including U2. But I must say I like all of the songs of this disks. Both the lyrics and the melodies are nice. The titled song, The Story, though is the least well performed. Brandi's diction is terrible. The songs overall are not well crafted as those good oldies. Yet, I have found listened to these many times. This is my first introduction to Brandi Carlile, and I intend to buy another disc to find our more about her and her band.

I picked up this CD because I heard a song from it on a Chevrolet commercial. I found the rest of the songs to be equally wonderful. Great artist.

My interest in "The Story" started during the Summer Olympics with a haunting voice, for a very institutional General Motors commercial. The same voice could be heard on a few re-runs of Grey's Anatomy. The GM website was very accomodating in providing a web jump to "The Story". The music written and performed by Brandi Carlile brings an appreciation for her range and skills as a singer. A type of CD that you'll play over and over again, because so many of the tracks are wonderful.

A friend sent me a link to listen to a song on the CD and I loved it so much I purchased the CD right away. I have not stopped listening to it for a month now. It is a great CD. Thank you AMAZON:)

While watching the Olympics from China, I kept hearing one song over and over again; in the backgraoud of an auto commercial. Every time it played I found myself asking, "Who is that?" Determined to find out, I went to Amazon and tried to find "I was meant for you," which I hoped was the title of the song. Somehow, even though the song is actually "The Story," up popped Brandi Carlile. I ordered the album, and was not disappointed. It is beautifully produced and performed. All the songs are interesting and unique. I still love "The Story," but "My Song" has become my favorite. This is a great new, (to me anyway,) talent; and the album one of my absolute favorites.

I discovered Brandi Carlile while listening to an atomobile ad during the Olympics. Her music is very enjoyable and easy to listen to. I couldn't get "The Story" out of my head, so I HAD to have the CD. I enjoy the rest of the songs also. A great addition to our collection.

Brandi Carlisle's voice is liquid grit and clear water. Her lyrics are thought-provoking and edgey. The musical arrangements pull your ears out from under you and leave you wanting more. There will never be too much Brandi for me.

It is rare that a CD has more than one solid song, so Brandi Carlisle is one of those exceptional singers you will want to hear from again (and again). Her lyrics and melodies will keep you listening beyond The Story, wondering how she could pack an entire CD with such wonderful songs. I'm now waiting to see what she comes up with next....

I don't write many reviews here, and it's usually when I have a very good (or a very bad) experience with something that I'm stirred into motion. In this case, Brandi Carlile's album The Story is a very very good experience, and I'll have to, if anything, try not to gush in this review.

The title track is now even gracing a recent car commercial, which will probably turn some people off, but will cause many more to wonder who this intriguing voice is and what else has she done.

Funny thing about that title track, "The Story". It's a great song -- melodic, catchy, sensitive, compelling. When it comes on, I'm driven to turn up the volume. Brandi sings it with palpable emotion and flair, even down to the primal crackling scream/growl she emits in the last runthrough of the chorus, as the song escalates and peaks.

What's the funny thing, then? Well, in my view, even though "The Story" is a great song, there are at least FOUR songs on the album that are even better. "Cannonball", "Turpentine", and "Josephine" top it. And the very final song on the album, a hidden track called "Hiding My Heart", sat in one-track-repeat mode on my player for an entire weekend. I couldn't get enough of it.

Going back and listening to Brandi's very fine first solo album, and then seeing how much better "The Story" is, it makes me wonder how she can sustain this level of quality, much less the growth. Interestingly, many of the songs on The Story (which came out in 2007) were written years ago, some as far back as 2000. What else does she have waiting to be captured? I can't imagine, but you can bet I'll be the first in line.

Highly recommended.

As others have noted, this album is hard to stop listening to. Brandi Carlile has a maturity, a vocal range and evokes emotion in a way that gets under your skin and you just have to love her. Songs are well written and produced - this is not pop mainstream and yet with her ability to pull listeners in, she just might become a part of that very flow. The BEST album I've picked up in a LONG time.

i love this C.D. she is very talented, and i love her style. but the songs are sad, and i've tried to not be sad personally, so i gave this to a friend who might not be saddened.

Very powerful CD ..extraordinary songwriting that seduces and rocks. She has the talent of a Nashville star combined with the energy of a Seattle rocker. This CD is sure to blow you away .. the same as it did me. She's the genuine article ..!

The music is wonderful - I'm so happy I purchased it. I especially love the song "The Story" but for me all of the songs were worth the purchase. You know how sometimes you get a CD and really only like one or two songs? Well, not the case with this CD. Brandie Carlisle's voice is unique and interesting, she seems to sing from the heart and for sure speaks to my heart, and the music is catchy. I couldn't ask for more.

This is by far one of the best artists waiting a long time to come. Her voice brings out the raw emotion in her song. She can pull highs and lows but the country tune gives it a very home feel. It makes you feel connected to the song. Yet the pace is fast enough to keep you engrossed all the way. "Turpentine" can be a very good example of how she pulls of this amazing feat of vocals which is hard to describe. Best you hear it for yourself. Other songs are more upbeat like "Have you ever?" makes you go back to the days when you are a kid. Just close your eyes turn up the volume and ignore the world as brandi guides you through hers.

My sister and I recently attended the Sheryl Crowe concert at the Mark in Moline, Illinois. While Sheryl was very good, her opening act upstaged her. Brandi Carlile opened and sang her heart out for 45 minutes and the audience fell in love with her. My sister and I went to the lobby and bought all 3 of her CD's. Her singing will capture your soul and her music will become a part of you for a very long time to come.

This is such a beautiful album. She has an angelic voice that I would describe as Joni Mitchell meets Sarah McLachlan. The perfect relaxing album or driving music. The only thing that keeps this from a 5-star is the monotony of the overall sound. Not a lot of music or voice diversity here.

I knew this singer by chance and i am pleasantly surprised... Brandi have a really beautiful voice...
I advise this CD for all people who like this kid of music

What can I say? The Story is an amazing cd. When a voice like Janis Joplin meets Natalie Merchant is sung with the sound like James Taylor and the Indigo Girls combined, you have nothing but a winner. She's real, she's raw, she's Brandi. From songs like The Story, whose lyrics rip across your heart with love and friendship, to songs that make you miss your old friends even more, like Turpentine, this cd is amazing. The girl's got something, 'nuff said.

This CD immediately became my new favorite after just a couple of listens. Her voice is incredible. She combines the best vocal qualities of Patsy Cline's, Gwen Stefani's, and Jewel's voices with her own gutsy, emotionally powerful style. On the title track, The Story, she lets loose with her voice and it "shreds" at one point(I don't know how else to describe it). It is amazing. Her music is essentially rock with a flair for vocals, which at times give it a more folk rock, or alternative country appeal, depending on the song. There are no songs that are "duds" on the album, so you can play it straight through with no skipping. There are some songs that are mellow or sad, and some that are very energetic and upbeat. I love them all.

I initially bought the CD, The Story, by Brandi Carlile because I was interested in only one song. I had not known of her before. I will say that I was extremely surprised at how much I enjoyed all the music on this CD. Brandi has an exquisite voice with a wide vocal range. I would recommend this CD to anyone.

Some of the best music I've ever heard (and since I'm 63 and a music "nut" that includes A LOT of music of all kinds.) I'm not into reviewing in terms of discussing different tracks, how it compares to previous work or work of others, etc, but I'm simply predicting some kind of Grammy recognition for this fantastic music by Brandi and the Twins. My vote is for Album of the Year.

If a work of art could speak, it would sound like Brandi Carlile's "The Story."

Pristine songwriting paired with a powerful voice makes "The Story" a distinct album.

Carlile signed with Columbia Records in 2004 and has since climbed her way to the Billboard Hot 100. She spent two weeks recording "The Story" with GRAMMY award-winning producer T-Bone Burnett at his Los Angeles home. Twin brothers Tim Hanseroth, on guitar, and Phil Hanseroth, on bass, helped co-produce Carlile's first self-titled album, which was released in July 2005. Cellist Josh Neumann joined the band one month later.

Carlile's sound is one of deep-rooted Americana and folk, with tracks showcasing her aching, straight-from-the-pit-of-her-stomach vocals. Her propensity for storytelling is evident throughout her second CD, released in April, beginning with "Late Morning Lullaby":

"The first sign of morning is gray and alarming/It's so disappointing the day has come so soon/While the rest of the world greets the day and feels new/I will push it away just like I always do/ I will be/Dreaming, Dreaming, Dreaming/Your real world away."

"The Story" has a poetic quality, leaving room for interpretation in songs such as "Cannonball":

"Someone told me a lie/Someone looked me in the eye/And said time will ease your pain/But behold, when you fall/It's that same old cannonball/Coming back for your heart again."

In "Turpentine" lyrics such as "I started losing sleep and gaining weight/and wishing I was 10 again/So I could be your friend again,"convey heartbreak and confusion, the kind that comes with living.

Carlile's sound may be somber and sleepy, but a few listens of this record prove that Carlile is no Debbie Downer.

Getting lost in the album's meticulousness is easy. Fortunately however, you won't want to be found.

I listened to this album for the first time about 2 weeks ago and now I can't stop listening to it, specially now that I loose someone, Ok, nobody cares about my personal life I know, but hey, this album is helping to make up my mind, the songs are so beautiful, it's been a long time since I haven't heard something so incredible good, Brandi Carlile and her partners musicians and songwriters are very talented, if you apreciate good quality music you must agree with me, and ih you haven't listened, well do it, you won't regret it, thank you miss Carlile, your voice, your feeling, your songs are really apreciated, thank you for this beautiful album.

most reviews here are trying to place the voice - I say suzi quatro at her absolute best - "suicide", "if you can't give me love". etc....check it out....i hear they are sisters separated.

I bought this after hearing just two songs, and really like 90% of the rest of them. Her music doesn't stay in one genre, and her voice isn't always gravelly - there are some soft, sweet songs and one harder-rocking one (I'm not crazy about that one). My husband wasn't familiar with her at all before I bought it, but he reaches for this CD frequently.

This is one of the most wonderful albums to come along in years. Music of great power, gentle sweetness, masterful, thought provoking lyrics, supreme dynamics and Brandi's emotional, powerful, gentle, sweet vocals. Brandi, Tim, & Phil's music reaches deep within & elicits numerous emotions, the most prevelant being pleasure. Buy it and life will be a little sweeter!

If you like the female voice with guitar accompaniment, don't pass this up. I heard her on the radio once months before this hit the streets, and I kept a reminder going in Outlook until I could preorder it.

I am a huge Indigo Girls fan, and this has the same vibe.

I went to a concert where she opened for the IGs and 5 people I was with got up in the middle of the concert and went to the booth to buy her CD.

DON'T PASS THIS UP!!

The first time I heard Brandi Carlisle sing on the radio, I pulled the car over so I could listen to the song. It absolutley captivated me. I was sure she had to be in her 40's. The grit and soul in her voice sounded like a woman who had REALLY lived. What a shock when I saw her video! I was blown away that someone her age could write and sing on that level. She is amazing! My whole family loves this album! Even my husband, who doesn't usually like country music, enjoys this album.

Brandi Carlile is an excellent musician with a sound all of her own. As young as she is, she has a long road ahead of her. Both my wife and I listen to her music and just watched her on DirecTV last night in the concert series. Brandi sings and performs like she has been doing so for years. I can't wait to hear more from her.

"The Story" is Grammy material. The vocal interpretation is a work of art. It is beautiful!

I heard a number of things about Brandi Carlile, as well as this album, for quite some time before I actually heard it. To be quite honest, I was very suprised by how incredible this record turned out to be. It's one of those albums that most people in the indie rock crowd will have a a hard time admitting that they actually like, simply because it's not really that "cool", but it's damn good.

The vocals on this record are raw and honest, and that stands as the most captivating element of The Story. Her lyrics are compelling, yet it's the way she sings her songs that really captivated me. It's actually the first time that I've been completely enthralled by someone's voice since I've heard Neko Case sing for the first time (which says a great deal, considering that I am a huge fan of Neko). I also enjoy the fact that there's not much of a genre that you can slap on Brandi Carlile, and she doesn't care at all. At times, the music is country, others it's folky, and overall, it's pretty rockin'. It's one of the few albums that I have fully enjoyed this past year, and I still can't stop listening to it.

Sure, it's not fashionable, but music isn't about picking out a colored v-neck from American Apparel, and Brandi Carlile proves that. She's made a truly timeless album here, and I will enjoy it for years to come.

This CD contains excellent music by a young musician. Brandi is a master wordsmith and her songs evoke powerful personal recognition. I am eagerly awaiting her next CD.

I love listening to "The Story". Brandi's incredible voice coupled with her renditions of the tunes is fabulous. Her power and passion are undeniable. My friends have really liked it too.

I remember the day I heard "The Story" sung by BC. I stopped what I was doing and sat and listened beginning to end. And thought to myself this song rocks. What a great love song. It had ummph! She reminds me of many other favorite female singers. k.d. lang, Indigo Girls, Patsy Cline, Sarah McLachlan. Yet, BC has a unique style to her singing. I think her voice is haunting and seductive and sweet. Aside from her big hits, the entire album holds a lot of other great songs. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

...it's that good.

And I wasn't disappointed. The album was actually very different than what I thought it might be. But Ms. Carlile's voice is a joy to listen to in a sea of mediocre brittneys and winsome, whiny girl singers who neither write nor play an instrument and have no idea what real artistry is all about.

This is the second album and I'm definitely buying the first soon. T Bone Burnett produced this beautiful work of art. And if you let the disc play out, you'll hear a final song a couple minutes after the "last" cut.

This girl is going to be around for a good long while if she doesn't get screwed up by drugs or fame.

I'm hooked... and I'm a musician of 40 years touring and recording experience.

Does that convince you I know what I'm talking about?

This is to be listed as one of my favorite CD's. Prior to purchasing this CD I did not know who Brandi Carlile was. I heard her song Turpentine on CNN-Live via my computer. I was so impressed just with that song that I purchased her CD the Story. Listening to all the tracks, I am impressed. How wonderful it is to have another singer song writer come along to join the ranks of Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris and Melissa Etheridge. I hope to see more of her music in years to come.

I liked the whole cd the first time through and like it more everytime I listen to it.

I bought this CD because I really liked Brandi Carlile's single, The Story.
That song is still great, but none of the other songs particularly impressed me. They weren't bad, but not my favorite. Her style is a mix of pop/rock and country, so if you are a fan of country music you may like it more. It was little too country for me.

...and I'm straight. Just can't stop listening to her. And I'm not normally obsessive about music. She's immensely talented and honest and hopefully we'll all be singing her praises when she's, well, 64. Cannot wait for her next release.

She's a little bit country, but mostly folk in the vein of Indigo Girls, yet an original. Thought-provoking and introspective but not depressing.

It would be hard to overestimate how good this release is. It's even better than her debut and that was absolutely GREAT. She's a keeper for sure.

I absolutely LOVE this cd and Brandi's voice is just superb. Every song on her disk is great! I highly recommend this! I listen to it over and over and over again in my car and I never get tired of it. Worth it!

If this sweet-sounding horseback-riding cowgirl would just wear a dress once in a while for balance. Excellent folk singing from a rock-n-roll folk singer. Needs some duets for balance, maybe a gospel tune. She is able to give you a different experience, because she has real talent in voice and music, and doesn't need to hype it with commercialization. Others just get louder for the illusion of range and emotion, she really has the range and emotion and really goes there. She is so good in concert that I wish she would release live music videos from her concerts.

I really like this album. I've been listening to it at work for a couple of weeks, now. I love the care-worn quality of Brandi Carlile's voice; that edge in her voice effectively portrays the emotion in these songs and, dare I say it, makes the little bit of yodeling likeable. I love T. Bone Burnett's production of these songs. I don't normally go for country (especially pop-country) and this album falls somewhere between rock-folk-blues-country - sort of like the [early] Eagles, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, John Hiatt.

Folk singing from a rock-n-roll folk singer. I liked her first CD better at five stars. Others get louder for illusion of range and emotion. Brandi really has range and emotion, and really goes there. Brandi should put some duets on her CD, like her duet on You-Tube with her sister; maybe a gospel tune. She is better in concert, and should release live concert videos. Some of her best songs are not on the CD's, like her "Love Song".

This horseback-riding, cowgirl should wear a dress once in a while, at the right time and place, for balance (I expand this thought under the "comment" button below). Brandi has talent in voice and music; she has power, control, and emotion. Yet, all that ability needs meaningfulness in the end, and the right meaning. Songs that settle are songs of praise, of gratitude, of noble things.

This album is amazingly written and recorded. It was recorded straight to tape with little editing, it is 100% genuine. I own it on CD and and Vinyl. Brandi has such wonderful control over her voice which makes her incredibly wide range shine through even better. Each song is telling you a story that is well written and grabs your heart. She portrays every emotion vocally and lyrically. It is a must have album!

There isn't a song on this CD that you won't like. I've seen Brandi live twice now and all I can say about that is the only thing you'll like better than this CD is a live performance.

The range and strength in her voice is absolutely amazing - comparisons to kd lang and Patsy Cline are apt. But she's not all "torch and twang," this girl can rock.

Seriously - if you only buy one CD this year, buy this one.

Brandi Carlile is an amazing artists! I reccomend this CD and if you get the chance go see her in concert, she is absolutely amazing live! I honestly wasn't that big a fan of hers until I saw her in concert and since then I haven't been able to listen to anything else. The emotion is there in her voice, she is friendly and personable, and her and the 'twins' play so well together you can tell they are having a great time. I can't wait until she comes back this way again.

She has a rare voice that carries well over a mix of folk and rock songs.
my favorite song is Turpentine, although The Story may be more famous.
Definitely Recommend this album. I liked it better than her other album, which leans more heavily towards folk and country music.

If you like Sarah Mclachlan, and other female artists with husky voices and soulful melodies, this is a great album.

also try and get her Hallelujah song from the Itunes store. (it's not in the CDs) It's mesmerizing.

Brandi Carlile is amazing, her voice is so real and sincere and raw,I can almost feel her music when I listen to it. The Story is a powerful song that shows her true depths as a recording artist. She is simply amazing. I could listen to her CD all day long and not tire of her voice. People need to sit up and take notice, this girl is a huge talent, we will hear more from her for sure..