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25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Uncommonly Fine Album, September 27, 2001
By A Customer
Carole King is one of our most prolific songwriters. She has written an ocean of excellent popular songs, music that moves beyond any genre, music that makes life richer. On this splendid album she not only shines as a songwriter but also as a performer, collaborator and arranger. Frequently, when commenting on Carole King's work, reviewers hark back to Tapestry and the 6 records that followed that fine recording. "Love Makes a World" stands on its own as one of the best popular music releases of this year. Her voice sounds rich. Her phrasing - the way she sings certains words and lines - creates a setting where the songs sound as if they are letters from best friends. In addition, King's voice layers these songs with rich harmonies. The layers of voice create the sense that the songs take place in relationship with another; as if the songs are addressed to us the listener, or at the very least, to someone else. Her songs almost always are about relationships, the spaces and places between people. The songs aren't statements as much as they - again to use the letter analogy - sound like something one would receive in the mail (or email) from a close friend. Most of the songs feature her piano playing as the main rhythm instrument. She creates full chords that don't overshadow the songs, but provide a sturdy underneath. What do the songs sound like? To me they sound like popular music framed with R and B, which is what much of her best work has always sounded like. Highlights? The upbeat title cut that sets the vocal richness of the entire album, her interpretation of "The Reason" that sounds like a follow-up to "Natural Woman," the string arrangement that supports the duet with K.D. Lang on "An Uncommon Love," The piano and subtle bass on "Oh No Not My Baby," and the final, finest song on the album "This Time," that resonates with this listener as deeply as any song she has written. There is no filler on this album; all the songs fit together well; both by subject and by sound. Once in awhile a top writer/performer like Paul Simon, or Dylan, or McCartney, releases a work that not only stands with their best but stands out among their best. This album is one of those releases.
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Her best since Tapestry, September 4, 2002
This is the most melodic, musical, engaging CD I've heard all year. Each song is a beautifully written gem. No one out there now writes better songs than "An Uncommon Love" and "This Time". The arrangements are imaginative and oh so tasty. Check out the amazing vocals on "I Wasn't Going to Fall" and the hypnotic track on "You Will Find Me There". Some songs are just plain fun (if you don't tap your feet to "I Don't Know" you're probably dead) ... others are emotional and moving ("Safe Again"). Miss King has never sung better. Her simple, almost rehearsal-sounding version of "Oh No Not My Baby" should be required listening to everyone who wants to sing honestly and soulfully. "Love Makes the World" could only have been created by a master, and Miss King has proven herself that once more. This is a must-have CD. Run, don't walk.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heartwarming, October 5, 2001
Carole King is the greatest woman songwriter of the 20th century. This CD is a wonderful addition to her work. It is heartwarming to hear positive songs in an era where negativity too often masquerades as depth of meaning. "Love Makes the World" starts with an updated rap sound and opens into a beautiful pop tune, "Can't stop believing love makes the world go round & round." "You Can Do Anything" starts with discouragement, but then breaks into a Back Street Boys-type chorus filled with positive affirmation. The most powerful production on the CD is Carole's version of "The Reason." Celine Dion returns the favor for having previously recorded the song and does backup vocals for Carole while Michael Landau and Greg Wells wail on electric guitar that slices and electrifies the arrangement. "You are the reason I wake up every day, sleep through the night." This is classic King you will not want to miss. Wynton Marsalis' trumpet and Carole's wall-of-sound background vocals flavor "I Wasn't Gonna Fall in Love." My favorite track on the CD is Carole's rocking "I Don't Know," "I don't know if it's hot in Texas & I don't know if it's cold in hell..." With Paul Brady on background vocals and Rudy Guess on guitar, this track pops and rocks to a joyful noise, required listening for all King fans. With bass and piano, Carole places her hit "Oh No, Not My Baby" in a new setting; and this diamond shines well in that light. Carole's full-bodied vocals are like droplets of sweetness on "It Could Have Been Anyone," a song that reads stronger for me each time I listen. Rusty Anderson's electric guitar rips through the harder-edged "Monday Without You," a driving rock ballad. After having listened to Joan Osborne on the Largo CD for several years with Carole relegated to background vocals, what a delight to hear Carole up front where she should be on "An Uncommon Love" written with the Hooters' Rob Hyman. Carole's shared vocals with K.D. Lang send this wonderful love song into the stratosphere. For me, the melody on "You Will Find Me There" seems generic, but Carole's passion as a singer carries the track to excellence. The piano-driven ballad "Safe Again" is a wistful slow song, meaningful to me in light of the recent World Trade Towers tragedy. This is a wonderful track. The CD ends with a wispy vocal wash on a pretty ballad about returning home after being on the road, "Soon I'll be on my way." Carole is in great form on this CD. Don't miss out on her latest edition!
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