Album: Brandi Carlile, Give Up the Ghost, (Sony)

While the Gagas of this world hog the headlines and the spotlights, genre-defying artists such as Carlile establish themselves in the background, their records passed between music lovers with the seriousness of secrets.

This time out, Carlile has the support she deserves: Rick Rubin produces, an Indigo Girl adds vocals, a Red Hot Chili Pepper drums and even Elton, whose taste in music is somewhat better than his own recent efforts, pops in. Now, if only this voice-in-a-million could catch a little fame monster of her own.