Caroline Rose Gets Vulnerable with The Art of Forgetting
Photo by Cristina Fisher
The Art of Forgetting, the latest album from Nashville singer/songwriter Caitlin Rose is a departure in both theme and production from their previous release, Superstar. While Superstar paid homage to ’80s cinema and a culture obsessed with celebrities, The Art of Forgetting finds inspiration through Balkan cries and the natural life cycles of handcrafted instruments. Although Rose has created fictionalized characters before, here they delve deep into their vulnerabilities and pain in The Art of Forgetting: a memoir of healing.
Caroline Rose’s portrayal of a new beginning during the first three tracks of The Art of Forgetting is visceral and guttural. Each track that samples their grandmother’s voicemail indicates a new phase of the record—even a monumental phase in Rose’s life. The tracks remarkably set the pace and atmosphere for the entirety of the record.
Rose’s production of vocal layering really glimmers in tracks like “Rebirth” and “The Kiss.” Each individual take was recorded with purpose and intention, and combined they sound like all the past and present voices piling on top of each other, leaving no room for anything else. It feels like a memory that hasn’t been touched for ages and looks just as pristine as when it was first formed. The record punches hard with fading memories, recalling past lives and long-lost friends. “Everywhere I Go I Bring The Rain” and “Love Song For Myself” are highlighted by the strumming and arpeggios of acoustic guitars. They speak softly and extend grace with swirling melodies.