This Kind of Love

Carly Simon

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 29, 2008)
• Original Release Date: April 29, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hear Music
• ASIN: B0015HZAOI
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,772 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Grammy Award-winner Carly Simon is one of the most respected vocalists and songwriters in music today. This Kind of Love ranks among her most personal albums, as well as one of her most stylistically diverse excursions, with songs ranging from gorgeous melodies to driving rhythms.

This Kind of Love ranks among Simon's most personal albums as well as one of her most stylistically diverse excursions with songs ranging from gorgeous melodies to driving rhythms. The CD is co-produced by Simon, Frank Filipetti and Jimmy Webb who also wrote or co-wrote most of the arrangements. Filipetti worked his talent as the engineer as well as producer. The three first teamed up for Film Noir, Simon's album of standards that Webb produced in 1997. On This Kind of Love, Simon delivers 10 of her own songs (some of which she co-wrote), including the gently swaying title love song, the funky castigation of conniving celebrity-identity thieves ("People Say A Lot"), the catchy "How Could You Ever Forget" (one of Simon's personal favorites), the r&b-vibed "So Many People," the lyrical gem, "Sangre Dolce," and a waltz-time homage to her close friend, the humor columnist Art Buchwald, who passed in January 2007 ("Too Soon to Say Goodbye").

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Carly Dances to Latin Love , May 2, 2008

By	Shannon Freeman "discerning spirit" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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1987's "Coming Around Again" was a high watermark release for Carly Simon; this effort propelled her back into the forefront of the pop music world. She employed all the "studio tricks" available at the time, using electronic musical devices to wrap the thoughtful lyrics fans were used to. This "come back" nostalgia serves as a point of reference to describe Simon's latest offering "This Kind of Love". Twenty years later, Simon has achieved re-invention, albeit in a much different vein.

This Kind of Love is dedicated to both Art Buchwald ( poignant tribute) and Antonio Carlos Jobim, the latter being most prominent toward influencing the album's sound. Simon takes the musical laws of jazz, Brazilian, and traditional pop to weave a tapestry of interesting odes to the most universal human emotion, in all its complexity.

As the album opens, Simon's voice seems altered, as though time has finally caught another cherished songstress in its merciless web. Fear not.... Simon strikes hot after the title track, and even it is a good, pure "song." As each song detours through the depths of her heart, Simon gets sad ( "Hold Out Your Heart"), indignant ( "People Say A Lot", an obvious stab at modern relevance with the hip-hop delivery), ambivilant ("In My Dreams"), individualistic (" Island", a song delivered by Simon's son, Ben Taylor), and full of acceptance and encouragement ( "They Just Want You to Be There".) Simon brings layers of history with Brazilian music, a contribution that colors the whole album. Thus, a fresh sound is achieved, differentiating this offering from any previous work. Quite an accomplishment, nearly forty years in.

Long time Carly fans will be transfixed by the "new" Simon; new comers will, presumably, be drawn to the sincerity and summer-infused passion of the music and lyrics. Carly Simon continues to grow and evolve as a singer/songwriter, ever ripe with experiences that become musical.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Crystal Moon, June 20, 2008

By	Lee Armstrong (Winterville, NC United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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Carly Simon's "This Kind of Love" is a good return to original music. Her Into White CD had some amazing covers, Paul Simon's "Scarborough Fair" being one that was among my favorite tracks last year. This CD has its charms. Her son Ben Taylor's "Island" that opened his CD Famous Among the Barns is gorgeous in Carly's hands with its lovely melody, "I would rather bet my life against the rising of the sun; I would rather fall from grace completely than let you change my mind." The samba "Hola Soleil" is an exquisite track penned by Simon, son Ben and long-time collaborator Jacob Brackman, "Baking sand, shining sea, Turning world, dissolving shadows." "So Many People to Love" penned with Carole Bayer Sager is a lovely swaying melody, "They're praying on bended knees in their beds & on the dirty streets, Lights are out on all the Christmas trees, feels like everyone's about to freeze." Jimmy Webb's "The Last Samba" sways like a soft breeze which Carly's voice picks up like a sail, "So take me here on this sand in the midst of these stars, swaying in thrall to the fading guitars." "Sangre Dolce" builds with incredible drama, "She cries when underneath the crystal moon." Other tracks like "They Just Want You to Be There" & her daughter Sally's "When We're Together" are also strong. Simon's voice appears a bit thin in places. The rap track "People Say A Lot" doesn't resonate with me. However, while not perfect, this is a strong CD well worth repeated listenings. Enjoy!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She's Baaack.............................., April 30, 2008

By	Robert C. Hufford (Hopewell, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Thank goodness!! Carly has returned to her early roots as a singer/songwriter, and has absolutely NOT lost the touch. Her writing, and singing, style have evolved with time; she no longer does music appropriate for a girl of 25; this is one more testament to her greatness. This is rock, but certainly not too hard; occasionally, a hint of jazz even creeps in. English, of course, but some Spanish lines for variety. Naturally, the production, and back-up, are superb.

The title cut, "Hold Out Your Heart", and "When We're Together" are especially fine. Cut three, "People Say a Lot" sounds a bit like rap; I could have done without it, though it sure carries a message. "So Many People to Love" is an allusion to advanacing years--obligations to grandkids, and adult kids. Two cuts disturbed me a bit...."The Last Samba" and the closing "Too Soon to Say Goodbye" sound like she's contemplating retirement. God forbid...it's WAY too soon!!!

Carly is a miracle...at 63, her beauty, and voice, are as great as ever. [OK...I've got a crush on her; allow for it]. You really need ALL her albums ["Hello Big Man" remains my favorite], but you have to hear this, and marvel. Enjoy...I sure did.