The Things That We Are Made Of (studio album) by Mary Chapin Carpenter

The Things That We Are Made Of is the fourteenth studio album by Mary Chapin Carpenter and her first self-released on her label Lambent Light.

Expectations were high before I even heard this project was produced by Dave Cobb, who produced incredibly successful 2010s albums by Jason Isbell, sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton.

Carpenter definitely sounds more confident and dynamic with Cobb at the helm, but ultimately he can only do so much to support an unremarkable set of songs and melodies. I especially like Cobb's emphasis on the backseat, giving Carpenter's songs a much needed kick in the rear. Cobb does a nice job producing The Blue Distance and What Does It Mean to Travel, some highlights on the album. He production does well in emphasizing the raw emotion in the songwriting and vocals on each track.

Carpenter continues what she did on Ashes and Roses: Very literate songs that do not have a melodic hooks or choruses or singable lines to make an impression on the listener.

Perhaps at this point Carpenter needs to collaborate with a good producer AND a composer to give her songs more of a solid structure.

AVERAGE.

Condensed to a 7" Single:
A-Side: Something Tamed Something Wild
B-Side: Note on a Windshield