Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile has announced a reimagined version of her latest album, Returning To Myself, inspired by the emotional music that shaped her younger years.
The singer revealed that Returning To Myself (Sad Gay Version) will be released on 25 September, describing the project as a return to the songs that once left her heartbroken, inspired and deeply moved.
In a heartfelt social media post, Carlile reflected on her teenage obsession with what she jokingly called the “Sad Gay” genre, citing artists including R.E.M., Sinéad O'Connor, Kate Bush, Tracy Chapman and the Indigo Girls as key influences.
“When I was a teenager, I loved to toy with my own emotions by actively seeking out songs in a genre that very few are willing to call by its rightful name. The ‘Sad Gay’ genre,” she wrote.
“You don't have to actually be gay to let it break your heart into a thousand pieces. It will do that against your will.”
Carlile recalled spending hours listening to songs such as Everybody Hurts, This Woman's Work and Nothing Compares 2 U, immersing herself in music that explored heartbreak, longing and vulnerability.
The singer said revisiting those feelings helped shape the new version of Returning To Myself, which she described as a deeply personal project.
“Returning To Myself has been such a profound journey,” she wrote. “It's taken me to places I never imagined and taught me a lot about my disdain for the solitary, as well as my own ridiculous pattern of self-avoidance.”
Carlile said she reworked the album in an effort to recreate the emotional intensity of those formative listening experiences.
“I want to be brought back to the edge of my bed again and I want to bring you with me,” she wrote. “This one is for us... the sad gays wherever you are.”
Alongside the announcement, Carlile released Human (Sad Gay Version), featuring acclaimed producer and composer Jon Hopkins.
The collaboration fulfils a long-held ambition for the singer, who said she had wanted to work with Hopkins ever since hearing the 2011 album Diamond Mine, created by King Creosote and Hopkins.
“His production and artistry is otherworldly, and as soon as his hands touch the piano keys, you feel an inexplicable sadness rise up and fill your chest,” Carlile wrote.
“So when sad meets gay, it sounds like this.”
Carlile also paid tribute to the collaborators who helped shape the project, including Aaron Dessner, Andrew Watt, Dave Mackay, Tim and Phil Hanseroth, Sista Strings, Brandon Bell, Bella Blasko and Emily Lazar.
Returning To Myself (Sad Gay Version) will be released on 25 September, with Human (feat. Jon Hopkins) (Sad Gay Version) available now.
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