Vanessa Carlton Defines The Difference Between Predator And Prey In ‘Animal’

Vanessa Carlton got her big break back in 2002, at just 21 years of age, with her international hit, ‘A Thousand Miles’. The song achieved widespread acclaim, three Grammy nominations, and a slot on countless major film and television soundtracks. Rather than staying with a traditional record label, however, Carlton stepped away to pursue music on her own terms, and by 2005 she set out on her path as an independent artist, releasing a slew of critically acclaimed albums, which captured her ethereal, introspective sound. Recently, she’s toured alongside industry greats, including her close friend and mentor, Stevie Nicks. Carlton’s new album, ‘Veils’, her seventh in the studio, and produced by Dave Fridmann, further solidifies this incredible artist as one fully in control of her own destiny.

The first of two songs we will review today, ‘Animal’ sees Carlton examining the untamed side that she, like all of us, hides inside her. The protagonist of the song knows she’s being hunted, yet she also knows she’s an animal too.

She’s haunted by “visions in the moonlight”, and tussles with the ever-present creature, who seems poised to pounce at any second. Rather than cowering, however, she stands firm, and taunts them to “come and get it”. There’s drama and intensity galore, Carlton’s voice as rich as it is ethereal. The music video for ‘Animal’ takes the elements of the song, and reflects them, with Carlton shot in black and white, fragmented as if by fog, in the wilderness, the sleeves of her black dress billowing in the wind, like sails. She is at one with the landscape, merging with her surroundings, fully in control of her own fate, despite what animals may come for her.

Watch the music video for ‘Animal’ below, and find out more about Vanessa Carlton and her music online on her official website, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

‘Veils’ is out now and can be streamed and downloaded here.