The Way It Is

Valerie Carter | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 2, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ulg Records
• ASIN: B000005QZD
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #181,695 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. The Way It Is

2. Love Needs A Heart

3. Sea Of Stars

4. Into The Mystic

5. Birds

6. Who Is She (And What Is She To You)

7. I Say Amen

8. When The Blues Come To Call

9. I Wonder Why

10. Whistle Down The Wind

Editorial Reviews

Originally Release '96 , Third & first album since 1979 from Jackson Browne/James Taylor backing vocalist. Includes a duet with Lyle Lovett, also a cover of Earth Wind & Fire's "That's The Way Of The World' ( with Phoebe Snow ) and her renditions on works from N

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Valerie's Back!, June 12, 2001

By 

scottina sue (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way It Is (Audio CD)

I was SHOCKED a few years back when I noticed this CD at Tower. It received no publicity (it's on an independent label) and was the only CD Valerie Carter had released since 1978! I thought she'd long ago given up on the biz. It's definitely more laid-back than her 70s records, with one smoker, "Who is He (and what is he to you)," sung with a soulful Lyle Lovett. Interestingly, the same song was covered by Maverick's Michelle Ngocello the same year. Valerie's is by far more rockin' in my opinion. Another classic cut is the gorgeous Tom Snow-penned, "When the Blues Come to Call," which just melts in your ears. A few of the covers are a little too folky for my taste and I wish Val would go back to her R&B roots more. The bonus surprise track at the end is a good, live-sounding jam version of Earth, Wind & Fire's "That's the Way of the World" sung with an ecstatic Phoebe Snow. Can't wait for the follow-up - which according to Valerie's website, should be out this fall or winter after her summer tour with James Taylor. Supposedly she has more stellar support guys on this one.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest voices in today's music scene, July 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Way It Is (Audio CD)

With her beautiful and soulful voice, Valerie Carter has produced another fine record. Only her third album since she emerged as one of Rolling Stone's best new artists of 1977, "The Way It Is" possesses some truly shining moments. The title track demonstrates clearly the wonderful vocal instrument she possesses. She tears up "Who Is She?" and shows her range on "Sea Of Stars". Despite the lack of a big production she might have received at a major label, Valerie makes the most of it with her unique and emotive delivery. A hidden track at the end, a cover of EWF's "Hearts On Fire", easily demonstrates the masterpiece of Carter's fine voice pairing her against an all-star ensemble and dueling vocals with Phoebe Snow. Major labels would be wise to sign the lady and give her the production and promotion she clearly deserves.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars she's still the most underrated singer around, May 26, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Way It Is (Audio CD)

Valerie Carter is an amazing, innovative and interpretive singer. If you love powerful singing, this CD should join your collection because she is a classic. Sometimes her material is uneven but she makes anything sound soulful and stirring. If you don't have the older "Just a Stone's Throw Away," order that first. It is a gorgeous piece of work that has stood the test of time. I just wish she did more solo work.