Chick Pick

With a voice resounding from the likes of Patsy Cline, Bonnie Rait, and the more recent Chantel Kreviazuk, Brandi Carlile’s self-titled debut album can sadly be filed under the “been there, heard that” title. There’s a deeper struggle, it seems, for female vocalists to shine. Male vocalists seem to have a broader range of locutions to choose from, while female vocalists must reside in range-of-pitch alone. Male vocalists appear to have an easier time defining their strengths and peculiarity, thus making it easier for others to identify. Disappointingly, many talented female vocalists fall by the wayside due to lack of distinction.Vocals alone, Brandi Carlile shines. With a beautiful pitch that has a tint of twang, Carlile executes each note to perfection. However vocals aside, there is little left to feed on. The instrumentation (provided by identical twins Tim and Phil Hanseroth) is bare and vacant, and although that was likely the intention for the sound, it provides little metamorphosis from song to song. The lead track “Follow,” similar to the rest of the set, is a standard folk song asking series of questions like “How many roads must I turn/ To find me a place where the bridge hasn’t burned.”

If you’re in search for a calm, predictable sound to keep you occupied for an hour, Brandi Carlile is a good bet. If you’re the type to test the waters before purchase, skip listening to the radio, and watch a chick flick like “The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants,” to which Carlile is a contributing artist on the soundtrack.