why are some cd's so bright sounding

The problem is that they are not properly equalized .

The problem is that they are not properly equalized .

I agree, Chris Isaac's latest is an earbleeder - it's too bad, and it's surprising because some of his earlier recordings sounded really good. I would love to hear some of his stuff recorded to audiophile standards - his smoothness and precise guitar playing lends itself to that. You'd think Isaac would be hip to that jive.

My guess it that it was ruined in the mastering (when it's transferred from the mixed studio master to a CD master). They often run through graphic equalizers and compressors and all sorts to get "the sound they want". The sound they want is a good sound on a boom box, car stereo and mini system .. because that's what most people own. I expect in the US the car stereo is the primary listening source.
Unfortunately hifi buffs are a small percentage of total listeners and don't get a say in the sound quality.

Crappy master/poor QC at plant.
I won't buy pop/rock anymore unless it's from Japan.

KP