What makes Give Up the Ghost by Brandi Carlile notable?

'Give Up the Ghost' received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, earning a spot on various year-end lists and further establishing Carlile's reputation. The album reached number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant commercial success that broadened her audience and impact within the music industry. In 2009, Brandi Carlile released 'Give Up the Ghost' as her third studio album, following her breakthrough self-titled debut in 2005 and the critically acclaimed 'The Story' in 2007. This album solidified her position as a significant voice in the Americana and pop rock scenes, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and vocalist.

Who is Give Up the Ghost for?

Give Up the Ghost works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, heartfelt emotional storytelling and introspective late-night listening.

How many songs are on Give Up the Ghost?

Give Up the Ghost has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 17 years ago this October

Give Up the Ghost

Brandi Carlile · 2009

39 min · 11 tracks · pop rock

A haunting blend of folk-infused rock that weaves introspective lyrics with rich, emotive melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dying Day — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its poignant reflection on love and loss, highlighted by Carlile's soaring vocals.
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Pride and Joy — A vibrant anthem celebrating love and resilience, this song stands out for its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply.
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Before It Breaks — With its raw vulnerability and lyrical exploration of vulnerability, this track showcases Carlile's ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk and rock elements with strong melodies and introspective lyrics, creating a distinctive sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a reflective atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The instrumentation varies from acoustic guitar-driven arrangements to fuller band sounds, allowing for dynamic shifts between intimacy and grandeur.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
heartfelt emotional storytelling
introspective late-night listening
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — The album is widely acclaimed and marks a significant artistic development.
Career context: In 2009, Brandi Carlile released 'Give Up the Ghost' as her third studio album, following her breakthrough self-titled debut in 2005 and the critically acclaimed 'The Story' in 2007. This album solidified her position as a significant voice in the Americana and pop rock scenes, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and vocalist.
Stylistic neighbors: The Civil Wars· Sara Bareilles· Kacey Musgraves