Album Reviews

Throughout her career, longtime songstress (and sometime children's book author) Carly Simon certainly crafted "mom friendly" and woman-oriented soft rock. Her smoky voice, Everywoman lyrics and the sly, yet gentle, grooves she imbues into her music actively appeal to empowered divorcees, moms that spend their days bouncing toddlers on their laps and mature women that like to enjoy a cocktail after a long, hard day at the office. But This Kind of Love, Simon's first collection of original material in over eight years, isn't limited in its appeal. This Kind of Love is a just-in-time-for-summer platter, elevated by its airy acoustic guitars and lightly tropical, Latin-spiced percussion. It's a guilty pleasure for those of you who don't normally troll record stores looking for adult contemporary rock.

This Kind of Love is mellow without ever drifting into melancholic turf, and that's all due to Miss Simon's relaxing, easy delivery. Her honeyed voice is distinct but never showy and she anchors the album and acts as its core, with studio musicians shouldering the rhythm section, rightfully so. The overall vibe on tunes such as the title track, the sexy and slightly jazzy "People Say a Lot" and "Island" is breezy and sunny. Several times, Simon is supported by a vocal choir, adding extra layers to the album. Sure, Simon cycles through moods and tosses a few ballads in the mix, but for the most part, This Kind of Love pulses.

Ultimately, this is the record you'll want to crank when you're forgetting about the rest of the world at your summer beach house, while you're lazily cooking a meal and shuffling around in flip flops at 5 PM. — Amy Sciarretto
05.13.08