Brandi Carlile - Party of One

Q Review Staff
​
It’s incredibly difficult to discuss Brandi Carlile without gushing, so it’s taken some time to write this. If talent could be sculpted into a towering marble image of reverence, it may just resemble Brandi Carlile.

The proof is in her latest album ‘By the way, I forgive you’, nominated for Grammy album, song and record of the year. But don’t take our word for it. Listen to it. Start with this song, ‘Party of One’. Listen with your eyes closed and you can hear the absolutely breathtaking restraint in the song to tell a deeply emotional story of fractured love as a statement piece without drama. The drama is all contained within the story Brandi has so carefully and delicately crafted. Because that is what Brandi Carlile is, an impeccable storyteller. After you’ve had a few listens, watch the video and see it all come alive.

It’s truly one of, if not THE, best music videos of the year, or in recent years for that matter. The inclusion of the incredible Elizabeth Moss was pure genius. The moments where fingers and hair peek out from under the covered furniture pieces are so nuanced and haunting that it provides another layer to an already captivating piece of art. ‘Party of One’ is a love letter for not giving up, for fighting for love. It’s joy and sorrow and passion and frustration. It runs the emotional spectrum to finally arrive at hope and home.

From this one brilliant song it is very easy to understand why Brandi Carlile has received the critical praise and industry and audience love that she has experienced.

Like I said, it’s hard not to gush.

---