After making highly successful albums with two of the most prolific record producers in pop-music history—T Bone Burnett (O Brother, Where Art Thou, Hunger Games, Bringing Down the Horse) and Rick Rubin (Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Licensed to Ill, etc.)—Brandi Carlile, the Ravensdale-bred singer/songerwriter, turned to an untested knob-twister: herself. The result is Bear Creek, the best record of Carlile’s career. You could chalk it up to the fact that she said she felt more comfortable taking chances and experimenting when the legends weren’t towering over her. We’re calling it her first star turn as a hit-making producer. CHRIS KORNELIS brandicarlile.com