Chasin' Wild Trains

Released in 2004, Chasin' Wild Trains marks a significant creative milestone for Kim Carnes, representing her first fully independent, self-produced effort on her own Sparky Dawg label. Recorded in Nashville with collaborators like Angelo Petraglia and Scott Baggett, the album is a definitive departure from the synth-heavy pop that defined her commercial peak. Instead, it leans heavily into Americana, country rock, and roots music, featuring songwriting contributions from heavyweights like Chuck Prophet, Matraca Berg, and Anders Osborne. The record highlights Carnes' evolution into a master songsmith, utilizing her distinctive raspy vocal timbre to navigate themes of resilience and self-discovery. While it saw limited commercial reach in the US initially, its critical reception, particularly in Europe, solidified her reputation as a serious contributor to the roots-rock canon. It remains a fan favorite for its organic production and the raw, unvarnished quality of the performances.