You Are Free

Chan Marshall, always on the run from her demons, confesses some of her darkest thoughts on this 2003 release. This sort of cathartic self-reflection drives her lyrics, which are given even more weight by beautiful, stripped-down guitar and piano, and her throaty, emotional delivery. Some of her best work is here, including the bombastic, high-tempo “He War” and “I Don’t Blame You,” a simple yet intimate piece. Her friend Eddie Vedder lends vocals to “Good Woman,” while Dave Grohl shows his softer side, adding gentle drumming to multiple songs.