Music review: Brandy Clark – 鈥榊our Life Is a Record鈥�
After helping craft songs recorded by notable artists like Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, Kacey Musgraves and Sheryl Crow, Brandy Clark emerges from the shadows and into the spotlight with an impressive third album.
On 鈥淵our Life Is a Record,鈥� the talented singer-songwriter uses her new arrangements as an emotional release in dealing with the struggles of a recently dissolved long-term relationship. The result is a poignant confessional that details a turbulent period of hurt, resentment, self-examination and healing.
鈥淐ouldn鈥檛 be your happy song/But at least we had a song,鈥� softly declares Clark on the opening number that sets a melancholy tone as she looks to the future in an attempt to salvage a little bit of good from a bitter past.
The tongue-in-cheek lyrics of 鈥淟ong Walk鈥� momentarily add a touch of levity to the set with Clark describing how she is hoping for the worst for an ex-lover and wishing she would have handled herself better as she sings, 鈥淚f I was Jesus, I鈥檇 turn the other cheek/If I was Eastwood, my cool is what I鈥檇 keep.鈥�
The 44-year-old Washington native鈥檚 failed relationship is painfully highlighted on 鈥淲ho You Thought I Was.鈥� 鈥淣ow I wanna be the me I should鈥檝e been when we were together,鈥� confesses Clark on the track consumed with regret about the actions of the past and the desire to be a better person the next time around.
鈥淲ho Broke Whose Heart鈥� shares the blame evenly over an agonizing separation as Clark ultimately discovers that it really doesn鈥檛 matter why it ended and that there was indeed love buried under the chaos as she tenderly announces, 鈥淎ll I know is I loved you/And you loved me.鈥�
Other highlights include the desire for a fresh start on 鈥淧awn Shop,鈥� the passion detailed on 鈥淟ove Is a Fire鈥� and the timely 鈥淏igger Boat鈥� with Randy Newman.
Clark鈥檚 willingness to be open about her vulnerability makes for an album overflowing with emotional scratches and scars that eventually heal to fuel a stronger spirit.
Clark will make an area appearance with Kelsey Waldon at Pittsburgh鈥檚 Rex Theater on April 22.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.