On her last album, Caitlin Cary displayed a more folk/rock/country hybrid sound than her fans were used to. True, mostly that was due to the differences in her sound from her former band Whistkeytown: the absence of Ryan Adams' trademark wail and the switch of Cary from background to lead vocals. She also seemed to want a more roots sound than Adams did, as he went more rock and she went more folk after Whiskeytown's demise. She wasn't without Adams on While You Weren't Looking, though, as he appeared on the bonus disc. This time, Cary went it alone, sort of, as she and her band came off the road with some bold new songs and went right in to the studio with Chris Stamey.Yep Roc
The results shown on I'm Staying Out are a return to form for Cary, as she rocks out more, but the whole album is stronger than anything she's done yet, period. Cary seems more comfortable in the leading role, and the appearance of Mary Chapin Carpenter gives her a bit more credibility. It's the songs, though, that are the real strength, as Cary has found a key group of musicians and songwriters that are guaranteed to create sparks. Bittersweet is still the primary flavor, with songs like "Sleepin' in on Sunday," and "I Want to Learn to Waltz With You," mixed with "Please Break My Heart," and the title track, which is about knowing when it's time to move on even though your partner is expecting you to walk through the door. It's not a perfect record for Cary yet, though, as most of the songs, while pleasant to listen to at first, are utterly forgettable on repeat listens. A few, though, hit the mark and stay there, like "You Don't Have to Hide," "Cello Girl," and "Please Break My Heart." It's on these where Cary gets in touch with classic country through a modern lens, and that's what makes it so stunning. She's improving, and there's no doubt she'll blow us away sooner or later, unlike Adams, who seems to get more and more discombobulated. Hopefully we won't have to wait too much longer for Cary to amaze us once and for all.
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