Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 100 Most Dynamic Debut Albums Ever Made, representing a varied cross-section of genres, styles and time periods. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album or view the full album index here.
CARLY SIMON | Carly Simon
Elektra (1971) | Listen Below
Selected by Quentin Harrison
Carly Simon grasps Simon's multifaceted artistic essence at its core with a modest confidence. All of Simon’s future hallmarks—later to be fleshed out throughout the lifespan of her discography—are present and accounted for here. The songwriter in her stands tall on the rhapsodical inquest of “Another Door,” while the arranger/composer breathes filmic life into Jacob Brackman’s words on “That’s the Way I Always Heard It Should Be.”
Meanwhile, the interpreter in her shows continued avidity with two songs not bearing her lyrical or compositional stamp whatsoever: “Just a Sinner” and “The Love’s Still Growing.” All of these songs are woven together in a pop tapestry that includes a residual touch of psychedelia, folk and a saloon-style blend of country-rock.
Many artists need at least three records, minimum, to carve out a semi-developed sense of self. Simon’s persona presents itself assuredly on this eponymous debut, a fantastic primer for what was to come.
[Excerpt taken from Quentin Harrison's book ‘Record Redux: Carly Simon,’ currently available via Amazon]
LISTEN:
