At only 26, new Essential artist Brooke Barrettsmith has discovered a wisdom that eludes many twice her age. This is a young woman who is completely comfortable in her own skin and thoroughly certain of the career path she's chosen in Christian music.
Adept at guitar and piano, as well as a prolific writer, Brooke's musical heritage runs deep. "My dad's mom was a Broadway singer in Chicago, and my mom's mom was an Italian opera singer in Chicago. My dad was a professional musician, too. When he was 18 years old, he started doing session drumming and played at venues in Chicago with blues legends like Buddy Guy and B.B. King. So I guess I had no choice? It's in my blood!"
On her self-titled debut, Brooke crafts a style uniquely her own, melding her love of Jeremy Camp, Daughtry and Kelly Clarkson with passionate lyrics that reflect her own life and experiences.
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Very rocker, very cool| Posted September 11, 2008
This is a pretty good album for Brooke Barretsmith. I can see why Pillar chose her to be on their 'For The Love of The Game' tour. 'Quiet Streets' definitely expresses that. She definitely has those heartfelt songs like 'Right Now', 'More Real', 'Quiet My Heart' 'Breakthrough' 'Father'. Even though some lyrics have a more soft feeling she still makes it work with a guitar. There are very rock-ish songs. 'Farewell' really helps with everyday life Say farewell/ To all of your mistakes/ Forgive yourself/ It's a brand new day. The one I love the most would have to be 'Paper Tigers'. It is close to a parody but it does have a lesson. You have some people around you that are your enemies. EXACTLY what this song brings. This could easily take as a half BarlowGirl 'How Can We Be Silent.' Very excellent. I really like this album.
disappointed| Posted August 20, 2008
I must say that I was very disapointed when I bought this album. From what I had heard before it was released, I was excited and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. However, listening through it now every song sounds the same. A few of the songs are decent but its not a terrific breakthrough album. :-(
brooke barrettsmith| Posted August 08, 2008
i never heard of brooke barrettsmith
but after hearing this review i really do like her and i am going to check out some more of her music! it was great!
i really enjoyed it! :)
Brooke Barrettsmith's Debut Album| Posted August 08, 2008
This is a good album. It has a different sound to it than I am used to listening to. After you listen to the album for awhile to to get with the style of music and you do catch the lyrics.
i lov it| Posted August 07, 2008
i really like this album and cant wait til it comes out...im am so going 2 buy it. she is an amazing singer with very good messages and i hope she continues making cds. i love her.:)
Awesome| Posted August 06, 2008
I have had the pleasure of having Brooke in my home many times, enjoyed her company beyond her music, however, her music is very heart felt and done with passion that she has for her savior. I have been blessed to hear some of these songs before they were recorded and I am very excited to own my very own CD of Brookes New Album, all the songs are awesome. Great Job Brookie, keep being real for our Lord!
Brooke Wows| Posted August 06, 2008
Although the full ablum has yet to released, this will be one i will add to my collection. With a powerfully unique Voice, Brooke knocks you hard with raw Rock. With oustanding songs like Real and Farewell, its hard not to see the raw passion that flows through her music. However, most of it tends to get lost in the roaring guitar, making this outstanding CD seem somewhat repetitive. It's only a minor set back and I give it 4 1/2 Stars. Well done Brooke.
Great Voice-Missing the special| Posted August 05, 2008
I agree with what others are saying of her. Her voice is great. the problem is that there doesn't seem to be any hook-nothing special. The songs all sound like something I heard before and it is a humbdrum version. Although this is ripping tunes, they just don't seem so rocking-did someone turn down the base or what.
And udually I don't complain about the lyrics, but maybe less would be better. I am not sure-less says more that a mouthful that is rushed.
Great piano and guitar playing-just nothing magical. As for her vocals, I suspect that she could do more with it. Too monatone for what she was trying to do. Not much diversity. Plumb does it better.
Still a good music, just not too inspiring to me. Rather listen to FireFLight or Worth Dying For.
Better Luck next time.
Brooke Barrettsmith| Posted August 05, 2008
I really liked this album. yes, there tends to be a little influence from Fireflight, but it fits. Speaking as a former radio DJ that reported to the Grammy Award selection committee, this project rawked! Not too many female solo artists can rawk out like this! I've read about references to a Krystal Meyers about this artist, and I couldn't disagree more. Brooke has a unique sound lyrically she commands the listeners attention to the details. I personally will buy s copy and will buy some for freinds. Great album!
ehhhhhh| Posted June 07, 2008
I was really looking forward to Brooke's debut. Yeah, I'm pretty disappointed. Although I like the style of pop/rock music she sings, it is all too familiar. "More Real" sounds like it could have easily been a b-side from Krystal Meyers' first album, with its soft rock style. "Quiet My Heart" is extremely Kelly Clarkson, while "Father" is likewise very Fireflight. While it's one of my favorite songs off the cd, "Quiet Streets" sounds VERY VERY VERY much like Krystal Meyers and Fireflight at the same time, with the message of BarlowGirl. It's not really a bad thing for myself, but she needs something more unique to stand out from the pack to really develop a lot of success. The thing I really like, though, is Brooke's voice. It has the angst of Krystal Meyers, the depth of Dawn Richardson, and the strength of Hayley Williams---like a perfect blend of all of them.
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