Brandi Carlisle Give Up the Ghost

Today's review isn't just for Halloween -- you can enjoy Brandi Carlile's album year round -- but with a title like Give Up the Ghost, how could I not feature in on Bonggamom's Halloween Haunts?

The Basics
I was treated to a free download of Brandi Carlile's new album, Give Up the Ghost, which was released on October 6. It became iTunes' #1 bestselling album just days after its release, and even now it's still on iTunes' Top Albums list.

Here's what the producers of Give Up the Ghost have to say:

Washington state-bred Brandi Carlile was inspired to pick up the guitar and learned to play after seeing the Indigo Girls in concert at Lilith Fair. Her last album, The Story, debuted on Billboard's Top 200, peaking at #2 on iTunes and was named one of VH1's "You Oughta Know" artists in addition to having many of her songs featured on various episodes of "Grey's Anatomy".

She's toured with the likes of Ray Lamontagne, Dave Mathews Band and Sheryl Crow, who raved about Brandi's live performances, "She has the most amazing voice I may have ever heard. Soulful. Country. Perfect in every way and propelled by taste."

The Bongga

I find it so much easier to listen to an album when I like the artist. I don't know too much about her, but what I know about her, I really like! She really sounds like an indie artist, one who cares about making music first and foremost. She sounds folksy and earthy and very real. I also admire the fact that Brandi is using her artistry to make a difference -- she has created The Looking Out Foundation to financially support the causes she cares about.

Her new album, Give Up the Ghost, seems as likeable as she is. My favorite is Caroline, her duet with Elton John on the piano because it's lively and upbeat, I love Elton John and his sick piano playing (and I mean that in a good way) is the perfect complement to her voice. I also like That Year, with its wistful, melancholy tone -- perfect for listening to when you're curled up on the sofa beside your honey :)

The Blah
I don't really have anything negative to say about this album -- if you're a fan of acoustic guitar and simple ballads, there's nothing to complain about!

The Bottom Line
The producers of Give Up the Ghost say, "If you like KT Tunstall, Indigo Girls, Missy Higgins and Rachael Yamagata, then you will LOVE Brandi Carlile". I love KT Tunstall, and I agree!

I received a sample in order to review this product, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.