Brandi Carlile, one of modern music’s most compelling voices, is back with an album that fans and critics alike are calling a triumph. Returning to Myself, released on October 24, 2025 via Interscope Records and Lost Highway, is a deeply personal work that revisits the singer-songwriter foundations that first brought Carlile to prominence while exploring new emotional and musical terrains. Tonight, listeners have the chance to dive into her latest work during the NRN Radio Show segment Unveiling the Enchantment: A Very Special Handpicked New Release by Your Favorite Music Artist, highlighting selected tracks and behind-the-scenes insights from Carlile herself.
Critical Acclaim: A Universal Consensus
Returning to Myself has garnered overwhelming praise, achieving a Metascore of 82 from seven professional reviews. Every critic surveyed praised the album, a rare feat that underscores its resonance across diverse audiences.
Variety describes the work as a “singer/songwriter record in the classic sense,” highlighting its intimate, transformative qualities reminiscent of 1970s LPs, where each note and lyric invites listeners to slow down and experience moments of reflection. Paste Magazine emphasizes Carlile’s vulnerability and emotional honesty, noting how the album communicates profound feelings without tipping into melodrama. Glide Magazine lauds the record as “beautifully and articulately rendered,” celebrating Carlile’s comfort in experimenting with new musical directions while staying unmistakably herself.
Classic Rock Magazine and Mojo praised the album’s stylistic diversity, from the poignant storytelling of A Long Goodbye to the dramatic energy of Church & State and the angelic harmonies of You Without Me and Joni. Rolling Stone notes that the album shines brightest when Carlile is fully immersed in introspective storytelling, and AllMusic highlights its understated elegance, confirming Carlile’s enduring gift as a communicator who blends technical mastery with heartfelt emotion.
Themes of Resilience and Self-Discovery
Thematically, Returning to Myself reflects Carlile’s journey of reflection, growth, and self-expression. After a four-year gap since 2021’s In These Silent Days, the singer returns to the studio with fresh experiences and perspectives, translating them into songs that are at once deeply personal and universally relatable. Tracks like the contemplative You Without Me and the country-inflected narrative of No One Knows Us explore life, love, loss, and resilience with nuanced lyricism and emotional depth.
Musically, Carlile fuses acoustic folk, soft rock, and subtle country influences, complemented by layered harmonies and meticulously crafted instrumentation. Longtime fans will recognize familiar touches of Carlile’s earlier sound, while also discovering new stylistic ventures, including nods to iconic influences like Joni Mitchell, adding historical and emotional richness to the album.
Fan Reception and Standout Tracks
Fans have responded enthusiastically to Returning to Myself, echoing the critical consensus. The album’s sincerity, vocal dynamism, and emotional transparency have resonated strongly with audiences. Standout tracks include Church & State, You Without Me, and the title track Returning to Myself, which serves as the emotional and philosophical centerpiece of the album.
Whether you’re a lifelong follower of Carlile’s work or discovering her for the first time, Returning to Myself offers a thoughtful, soul-stirring experience. Its blend of introspection, resilience, and artistic growth cements Carlile’s position as one of her generation’s most authentic and compelling voices.
Tune in to NRN Radio Show Tonight
Tonight’s NRN Radio Show presents Unveiling the Enchantment: A Very Special Handpicked New Release by Your Favorite Music Artist, featuring Returning to Myself. Listeners can explore selected tracks, hear Carlile’s personal reflections on the album, and gain a rare glimpse into the stories and inspirations behind one of 2025’s most celebrated releases.
With Returning to Myself, Brandi Carlile proves once again that she is a master of emotional storytelling, musical sophistication, and authentic artistry. Fans and newcomers alike are invited to experience the album tonight on NRN Radio Show and witness why critics are hailing it as a universally acclaimed addition to Carlile’s distinguished career.
For full coverage, interviews, and in-depth analysis of Brandi Carlile’s latest work, visit JamFest.