Brandi Carlile’s newest album, “Returning to Myself,” signals a deeply personal turning point in the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s career. Known for her powerhouse vocals and collaborative spirit, Carlile’s latest release is as much a reinvention as it is a homecoming.
In recent years, Carlile has become music’s ultimate connector, helping Joni Mitchell return to the stage, recording with Elton John, and championing underrepresented voices like Tanya Tucker and Brandy Clark. But after a moving final performance with Mitchell at the Hollywood Bowl, Carlile found herself emotionally drained and creatively uncertain.
Determined to reset, she planned a hiatus and envisioned a future collaboration with producer Andrew Watt. But a serendipitous post-concert trip to Aaron Dessner’s studio in New York’s Hudson Valley sparked an unexpected inspiration. A simple writing session blossomed into the foundation of a new album, and soon Watt was on board to co-produce alongside Dessner.
The result is Carlile’s eighth studio album, a raw and reflective project crafted without pretense or over-preparation. For the first time, Carlile embraced solo songwriting on nearly half the record, with some tracks co-written with Dessner. Longtime collaborators Tim and Phil Hanseroth, usually integral to her process, offered their support by stepping back, allowing Carlile to chase a more solitary muse.
From the intimate “A Woman Oversees” to the explosive “Church & State,” the album traverses new sonic territory while holding fast to Carlile’s emotive core. Featuring appearances by Justin Vernon and showcasing dual production styles — Watt’s bombast meets Dessner’s surgical precision — the album captures the tension and beauty of rediscovery.
Carlile launched the project with intimate events in her Seattle hometown and will soon perform with Soundgarden during their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Echoes Through the Canyon, her signature Gorge Amphitheatre showcase, will also return, fueled by a rested and re-centered Carlile.
“Returning to Myself” isn’t just an album title. It’s a mission statement, one that reaffirms Carlile’s place at the heart of modern American music.