I often ask myself, why is it so damn difficult being a woman. Not all day everyday, but there are many moments when I see the world, an industry, and the overflowing dating pool that was not designed with me in mind. None of it. Am I racing against myself or time? Do I no longer need enemies, because my negative self-talk is clearly enough? Listening to the debut LP Out of the Blue by gifted singer/songwriter Brynn Cartelli, it is apparent that she is a young woman who loves herself first and last. She recognizes her importance as an artist. In my opinion that is a rare gift.
Cartelli is a presence and voice that should be forever constant. At just twenty years, Cartelli has a lot to sing about and sounds like a poised veteran who’s been writing and singing for decades. Actually, she almost has one decade under her creative belt. Cartelli launched her love for music at the age of 14. It was two later that she sprang into action to create what is Out of the Blue.
Released via Elektra, Out of the Blue is essential from start to finish. You cannot help but root for someone who is a kind of humble gangster. “This record has been four years in the making and even though I’ve been making music since I was 14, this moment somehow feels like the beginning.”
With strong emotions that reverberates throughout the album, Cartelli traces the contours of not feeling or being okay in “Fine Line” as she successfully manages to turn her intensity inward in a special way that makes any lover of music eager to leap on that Cartelli bandwagon. Cartelli sings about joy and futility of the mundane. Her often unique, rich and soulful lyrics concern love that inspires, going back, not going back, girl code and cutting ties.
The most buoyant song on the album and perhaps my favorite is “Running in Place.” It is the type of song that would fit perfectly in a meet-cute rom com streaming on Prime.
What I like most about Cartelli is that I genuinely cannot compare her to anyone else. When hoards of young female singers are trying to mimic or sound like an artist they admire, Cartelli isn’t coming at you distracting you with musical theatrics, but a style that is all hers with a sexy touch of resilience.
Over a subdued guitar, Cartelli examines some many versions of being a young woman. Though Cartelli saves her powerful ballads for the tail end of “Out of the Blue” she tells many unforgettable stories and marvels at her own ability to make it through.
Featured Photo Credit: Sophia Bella Cucci