It may have been eight years since Carly Simon has released any original material, but for me it might as well have been decades. You see, I grew up listening to Simon belt out lyrics about love, life and loss, checking in with her first in my childhood, then in my teen years, and now, as an adult.
Although her 1972 album No Secrets came out a year after I was born, by the time I could speak, I was singing along to lyrics that sailed far over my childish head. Even then I could appreciate Simon’s catchy melodies and in-your-face refrains in such hits as “You’re So Vain,” “Night Owl” and “It Was So Easy”.
In 1987, I listened to Coming Around Again while studying for high school exams and trying impossibly to fit in, with “All I Want Is You” and “It Should Have Been Me” playing in the backdrop as I secretly harbored crush and after crush on boys.
It’s only fitting that Simon’s latest work, This Kind Of Love, is an adult-like departure into unchartered waters. With strong Brazilian influences woven throughout the album, Simon turns in a fun, uncomplicated mix of breezy yet grounded songs fitting for this stage (of our lives) and is as inviting as a dip in a warm, clear blue ocean.
The title track, which kicks off the album, is a sultry homage to a new romance, and fits perfectly with the romantic vacation vibe. While “Hold Out Your Heart” is a sad reflection on love, backed by mellow music it doesn’t pack a tragic punch.
"Hola Soleil" is full of dance club possibilities, and “When We’re Together” makes me want to take up dancing. Is it just me, or is there a slight Michael Jackson influence in the '80s-esque “So Many People To Love”?
Simon takes it down a notch (which hardly seems possible given the laid-back vibe of the album) with “In My Dreams,” “They Just Want You To Be There,” “The Last Samba,” “Sangre Dolce” and “Too Soon To Say Goodbye,” which oddly, has Simon crooning a few lyrics in French.
In the vein of departure within departure, the only song that doesn’t work for me is “People Say A Lot,” a spoken-word rap song that, while mildly entertaining in lyrics, doesn’t work at all for my adult sensibilities.
My two favorite tunes, “Island” and “How Can You Ever Forget,” both highlight what Simon does best—croon lovely lyrics backed by beautiful melodies. Ironically, of all the tracks on the album, these two remind me the most of the Simon I grew up with.
This Kind Of Love probably isn’t for the casual Simon listener, nor for fans who aren’t ready for change, but for those with an open mind (and ear), Simon’s latest venture is, for the most part, a sultry success.
Article comments
1 - THERESA HENDRICKS FROM JAMAICA
WHO SAY ICARLY SUCKS A THEM MOTHER SUCKS YOU DONT HAVE NO MANNERS WHATS TO EVER