Album Review – Brandi Carlile’s “In These Silent Days”

We almost forgot what a stellar, generational talent Brandi Carlile is. Almost. Having to wait nearly four years since her last original studio record, and with her staying so busy with The Highwomen and stamping her name on projects for others as a producer, we were due for a reminder of just how spectacular her solo stuff can be, and just how powerful of a singer she is.
It takes seconds, not minutes into this new album for the brilliance of writing and the power of performance that Brandi Carlile boasts to be self-evident. Immediately an internal dialog commences in the listener on if Carlile is one of the best singers in the roots realm, for this generation or any other. Repeatedly the music delivers “moments” where your soul is stirred, and it reminds you why she has ascended to the summit in the roots discipline, and has stayed there now for some 15 years.
We didn’t know exactly what to expect from this new record. Unlike most albums in this era, In These Silent Days wasn’t preceded by half a dozen singles that wear out the new car smell of a record before you even drive it off the showroom. “Right On Time” was the only early track, which quickly reminded us what Brandi Carlile is capable of, but as a sort of torchy piano ballad, made us wonder if we should steel ourselves for a lounge record as opposed to something more rootsy, or for something else entirely.
In These Silent Days doesn’t really sit down in any sort of genre. It continues Carlile’s slow transition away from more country and roots material, though it still feels very authentic and grounded. Ultimately it’s one of those records where the strength of the material renders discussions on genre or style moot. Just call it “Americana” and move on.
Using her time off during the pandemic to compose a memoir allowed Carlile to reflect back on the gifts in her life, especially her partner Catherine Shepherd, who is sort of the unnamed protagonist of this album. Their two daughters also become the inspiration for songs. In These Silent Days is a strikingly personal work by Carlile, while each track imparts some wisdom that makes it resonate deeper that just Carlile’s personal universe.
“Right On Time” and “When You’re Wrong” remind you that love is never perfect. It’s far from it. But if it’s right, then it endures, and it takes work. Sometimes what is more important than being right, is being able to admit when you’re wrong, and express the vulnerability of needing to depend on someone else. “Mama Werewolf” is Brandi’s effort to explain her true nature to her children, while “Stay Gentle” is her trying to share a simple lesson with them—one that we all can benefit from hearing.
Where some used the pandemic as an excuse to release acoustic tracks, revisit old material, or labor upon some other unmemorable effort just to remain busy, Brandi Carlile used the time to refine what would come next as to avoid that mid-career album slump so many fall prey to. Penning and performing everything once again with her twins Tim and Phil Hanseroth, and working with Dave Cobb as producer, there was a familiarity and comfort level here here between all parties, and a philosophy to not fix what wasn’t broken. But there was also a focus to not be satisfied, to stay hungry and restless, and continue to push and challenge themselves.

Throughout the record, what’s perhaps most striking is how nearing two decades into her career, Brandi Carlile continues to find new contours, richer textures, interesting wrinkles, and higher reaches for her voice, and is able to write songs to both capture and highlight these capabilities. Maybe age and wear have even crept into her tonal quality to some extent. But instead of using this as an excuse to secede ground to a more austere approach to her singing, she embraces it like Emmylou Harris did, understanding that pushing a voice to the point where it fails is where the most intense emotion is captured, while Dave Cobb worked some audio magic with volumes and reverb to actualize some really incredible moments on this record with Carlile’s voice as the centerpiece.
Yes, the roots inflections on In These Silent Days are probably the least pronounced in Brandi Carlile’s career. And like so many “Americana” artists these days, simply mentioning her name will draw strong opinions from independent country fans who like to sniff around Americana as well, but aren’t always happy how outspoken the artists tend to be.
But this is not a political record. And unlike some other artists who may task you to look beyond their prickly personality traits and mood swings, at least Brandi Carlile is still delivering on the musical side. One of the few moments where Carlile broaches a subject beyond her own family orbit is on “Sinners, Saints, and Fools,” which is a well-written, and inspired expression on the continued immigration struggle in America. And as we’ve seen over the last few months, no specific political alignment owns the ire on this issue. They all do.
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Brandi Carlile’s producer efforts on Tanya Tucker’s comeback record While I’m Livin’ in 2019 were fine, but having Tanya record songs Brandi wrote for her instead of the best material to be found soured the experience for some. The Highwomen record was historic for many reasons, but Brandi’s specific decision to mix all the vocals in mono made for a less than ideal listening experience. Perhaps producing is not her strong suit. Of course, if Brandi Carlile merely coughs into a cued up mic, it’s liable to win three Grammy Awards, so who is to say?
But these side hustles are the stuff Brandi Carlile will also be remembered for. It’s her own music that has, and will continue shape her legacy. In These Silent Days is a strong, inspired, challenging, propulsive, and ultimately, convincing argument for Brandi Carlile continuing her role as the premier performer in modern Americana.
9/10
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October 4, 2021 @ 9:28 am
“It continues Carlile’s slow transition away from more country and roots material, though it still feels very authentic and grounded.”
Having been aware of her early albums myself, it might be more accurate to say “her slow transition back to her pre let’s jump on the roots bandwagon sound.”
I’ll give it a shot though, due to your positive review.
October 4, 2021 @ 10:43 am
I was gonna say. “The Story” is pretty rock.
October 4, 2021 @ 12:10 pm
Never felt like Brandi Carlile was ever a “bandwagoner,” and though she’s always been more roots rock than anything, most of her albums have more mandolin, more 3-part harmonies from her and the twins, and more Gospel inflections than this one does. “In These Silent Days” features more piano, and Brandi’s voice isolated—the sort of “torch light” approach I alluded to in the review.
All that said, I really don’t think genre is a relevant discussion to this record. It’s rootsy enough to be considered Americana, and beyond that, the material and Carlile’s performance is what we should be focused on.
October 4, 2021 @ 7:57 pm
“I really don’t think genre is a relevant discussion to this record” after you mentioned it in 4 different paragraphs of your review of the record on your website called Saving Country Music????
Maybe jumping on the bandwagon was a little too strong of comment, but she did used to make rock / singer songwriter stuff (the title track of the Story sounds like Creep by Radiohead). And about when that genre began to fizzle out, she started becoming more roots. Either way its, not uncommon or sacrilegious for musicians to change their style to remain relevant. The point I was trying to make is that when you mention she is straying away from country and roots, it’s worth noting for perspective that it’s not where she started. All that said, on first listen I think it’s pretty good.
October 4, 2021 @ 8:41 pm
Nobody cares Lol
October 4, 2021 @ 9:38 pm
I don’t doubt it.
October 16, 2021 @ 11:48 pm
Jake, crazy you say that she is “jumping on Roots” later, when she grew up idolizing the Judds, singing country, and doing gospel in her hometown church. She’s always credited Indigo Girls as an early influence, as well as John Prine. Toss in Lillith Fair, Elton John and the Seattle music scene and she ends up with a sound that feels like home and is still all her own. She’s always had a bit of a twang, picked up from music rather than home region Washington, but can also rock with Pearl Jam and whoever else. You can find great storytelling and Americana on every album of hers going back to the self titled debut. Rock too, but who cares if she refuses to be pinned down in a single genre?
October 4, 2021 @ 9:31 am
I am a Brandi fan so I am not objective, but this was a nice review. Thanks Trigger!
October 4, 2021 @ 11:50 am
I was a little bit skeptical of this project due mostly to 1 pre released single (which is unusual) but having heard the entire project I’m impressed with her growth and artistry.
Like a fine wine, Brandi keeps getting better with time.
October 4, 2021 @ 11:53 am
Just listened to the new album end-to-end and love it. She is a unique and special talent.
Saw her in like 2006 at a small venue – the auditorium of a small local college. Opened for Shawn Colvin.
My wife and I had no idea who Carlile was. I went there for Colvin and Shotgun Down the Avalanche and Sunny Came Home and her amazing body of music. But, Brandi’s set was incredible in its own and different way. She finished the set with a rousing rendition of Folsom Prison Blues.
If you weren’t a Brandi Carlile fan before that night, you went home one.
October 4, 2021 @ 11:55 am
See I’m so glad I check this site cause I didn’t even know she had a record coming out so I’m excited to check this out. Thanks for the review!
October 4, 2021 @ 12:28 pm
What does Americana even mean, though?
I feel like most music with that label could be better described by less vague labels such as blues, country, folk, or roots rock.
Anyway, I’ll get off the soapbox. Good review.
October 4, 2021 @ 12:45 pm
It means country/roots/old time music for NPR liberals. Basically, country music for people who don’t want to admit they like country music.
October 4, 2021 @ 12:52 pm
it’s a good thing you can blame so much on liberals or else you’d have to take a good look inward. but so long as you have this boogieman (and it’s offshoots), you’re good to go!
October 4, 2021 @ 2:29 pm
Guys, for the love of God, let’s not do this back and forth chippy political grousing. We’re all so tired of it, and I’ve asked over and over for people to respect this format, and not veer into divisive subjects.
October 4, 2021 @ 2:26 pm
It wouldn’t be played on mainstream country radio if called that, so why chase who doesn’t want you? Americana simply feels like forging a path beyond industry lanes…although it is becoming its own lane.
October 5, 2021 @ 4:12 am
Yeah, well-written songs, performed with real instruments by the people who wrote them don’t really have a place on Country Radio…which, in turn, makes the label “Country” toxic to folks who like well-written songs, performed with real instruments by the people who wrote them.
October 5, 2021 @ 4:23 am
I feel like most “Americana” songs tend to fall under one of those genres…but most “Americana” albums feature all of them.
Southeastern (probably the definitive Americana album of the last 20 years) includes “Cover Me Up,” “Stockholm,” “Live Oak,” “Flying Over Water,” and “Super 8,” yet feels cohesive because Isbell is genre-agnostic, using genre as a tool to bring the best out of each song, rather than trying to fit the songs into a predetermined genre.
October 5, 2021 @ 6:45 am
This is probably one of the best observations I have ever seen about the label Americana. Accurately portrays why the “genre” is so nebulous to begin with.
October 5, 2021 @ 8:34 am
Yeah, it’s also why the term is useful, haha!
I always describe what I listen to as “This weird intersection of blues, folk, rock, and country” and/or “That space between Tom Petty and John Prine.”
October 5, 2021 @ 8:36 am
I usually tell people I listen to roots music, which is just as nebulous but in my opinion covers things outisde of the Americana umbrella like bluegrass
October 5, 2021 @ 8:39 am
Solid one – I’ll also just ask people if they know the Ricky Bobby soundtrack, because half of it is off I Feel Alright, hahaha
October 4, 2021 @ 1:19 pm
I didn’t know much form her when I saw her in concert a few years ago. Discovered how talented Brandi is as a song writer and performer, it was a hell of a show.
October 4, 2021 @ 2:24 pm
Thanks Trigger. I have given this album one listen so far and I am very excited. I have been a huge fan and supporter of Brandi since her self titled debut in 2005. While raw, I still think her debut is one of her best albums. I have thoroughly enjoyed most of her discography over the past 15 years and have seen her live many times. What a talent. Each new album release came with such joy and anticipation. While I thought BTWIFY was a good album and the Highwomen are tremendous, AND I am thrilled were her long overdue success and notoriety – I will admit to be having some Brandi “fatigue” over the past 2+ years. I am excited to hear how much you like this album and I think after only one listen, it might be something special.
October 4, 2021 @ 3:46 pm
Brandi Carlisle is so awesome! The last big show I went to was her birthday at The Gorge, glad to let my little daughter have the experience of seeing Miss Emmylou and Brandi is one of her favorites. As to Americana, I always thought it was when you liked Howlin’ Wolf and Flaco Jimenez as much as George Jones and Floyd Cramer. To me, Ry Cooler, Michael Bloomfield, David Bromberg, The Band and Bob Dylan basically created the genre. Maria Muldaur, Bonnie Rait, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou were right there as well. Am I the one who is wrong here? Won’t admit it if I am!
October 4, 2021 @ 5:04 pm
I too think she’s awesome though I was also unimpressed with the Tanya album she produced, as well as the Secret Sisters album. Maybe producing isn’t her bailiwick, which is fine, as Trigger said.
I must say I sometimes fantasize what a Brandi album done without the “twins” and her usual band would sound like. She’s got an incredible voice that just cuts right to the soul, but sometimes I think her band drags her down a bit, the same way Alabama Shakes band took Brittany Howard down a bit. Maybe switch it up for an album or two.
October 5, 2021 @ 5:27 am
It’s Brandi Carlile music is what it is, and it’s very good. The trio the she, Phil, and Tim have formed is quite amazing.
Has anyone read her book? It’s next on my list.
October 5, 2021 @ 10:35 am
Her book is great, especially the audiobook version where she plays acoustic versions of songs she writes about. Killer presentation.
October 5, 2021 @ 7:21 am
The guitar in Broken Horses is very reminiscent of Marshall Tucker. Has a Toy Caldwell feel to it. Like Windy City Blues or Take the Highway
I like Brandi a lot. The Story is easily one of my favorite songs of the last 20y. I always considered her rock. I remember the first 2 albums I had no idea what she looked like other than the cover of the first album. Then I went to see her in concert and was blown away by her and the band. She has great poise and presence on the stage and the band does everything to make the concert enjoyable.
Plus she’s had great opening acts. I first learned of The Lone Bellow and The Lumineers at her shows.
October 5, 2021 @ 7:50 am
Regardless of genre, a uniquely talented classy singer songwriter whose albums are always worth a listen.
October 5, 2021 @ 11:04 am
Trigger – Great review. Brandi is a generational talent and I really enjoyed your words. I like the genre discussion a lot too. “Country Music” has been impossible to put into any specific box from the beginning. If Bob Wills is country than what is the Carter Family? Certainly not the same type of music – right? The entire scope of “true country” to “country & western” to “hillbilly music” (I mean zero disrespect by using that term) to “corporate pop country” to bluegrass to “southern or country rock” to “alt country” to any of the other sub-genres I’m omitting … it’s all elemental to our American musical culture. And at its roots, all of it was derived somewhere else, meaning outside America. Within the country musical tent, I have no idea to what specific sub genre any artist’s music belongs. But it’s like “Quality” – impossible to define but you know it when you experience it. Same with country music… When I hear it I know it belongs under that larger tent. And Brandi certainly belongs under that tenant, in my opinion.
October 6, 2021 @ 7:39 am
I love her voice! She should stick to singing & stay away from producing. Tanya Tucker had a decent album, but it wasn’t a Tanya Tucker album.
October 6, 2021 @ 12:22 pm
weird you don’t mention shooter as co-producer? was hoping you’d get the details on this one. oh well.
October 6, 2021 @ 8:42 pm
Honestly, this is the first I’m hearing that Shooter was a co-producer on this album. The publicist/label sent me nothing on this record (Sacks & Co., probably on purpose). The Wikipedia page does not mention Shooter. I’d read numerous reports on this album that did not mention Shooter. Looking now it does appear he was a co-producer. No disrespect was meant. I simply didn’t know. I wrote an article a while back specifically about Shooter’s production efforts, so there is no reason I wouldn’t have mentioned it if it was better disclosed.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/shooter-jennings-emerges-as-important-producer/
October 13, 2021 @ 7:17 pm
I’ll have to give it a listen. Ive liked some of her stuff. I feel Americana is an appropriate measure of her music. I feel Americana is kind of a hodgepodge of styles and artist that don’t really want to be put in a box do well in it. Though just like anything, some I like, some I don’t.
October 15, 2021 @ 9:23 pm
I listened to the album. I think it’s ok. I don’t feel that there is anything really great on it. Also nothing that really utilizes her voice. But there is some really good songs.
October 16, 2021 @ 11:53 pm
I look forward to reading what you have to say – your reviews are generally thoughtful, insightful and imo pretty honest and real. I’m a BCB fan, so probably not too objective myself. Hence I appreciate what independent reviewers have to say. Thanks!