Search - Carly Simon :: Into White

Kerry H. from OREGON CITY, OR
Reviewed on 1/27/2023...

I've only just rediscovered Carly Simon, having pulled out "No Secrets" from my dusty shelf. I realized I'd only listened to it once since purchasing in 1974. I guess I didn't care for it much, and was about to put it up for sale. Then I listened to it, to establish a grading for it and to record a sample. As it played, I became more and more drawn in. Maybe it's my maturity, maybe my tastes have just changed. But as it plays on, I realize what a great artist she is, how great she is at a subtle turn of phrase. I mean like who comes up with such memorable stuff as "Clouds in my coffee"? Really, how many songwriters can create a phrase like that, that becomes part of our culture.

You're wondering what has all that to do with "Into White"? Well, quite a lot, actually. Here we have an artist that started her solo career back in 1971. This CD was produced in 2007. Now, that's staying power. So many artists do some great work, creating one, two or maybe even only three albums of any significance. But here's Carly, at this time in her mid 60's. With "Into White" she delivers yet again with a memorable performance. As it begins you think it's a childrens album, maybe oriented towards her grandchildren. As it goes along, you find yourself just drawn in. It's an album for the ages. I really enjoyed it. Is it ground breaking on a par with "No Secrets", "Anticipation" or "Coming Around Again"? No. Is it wonderful? Yes. If you like Carly at all, "Into White" is a must have.

Aishatu G.
Reviewed on 2/23/2012...

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i hope all is well
my name is miss Aishatu. i want to be your good friend
please send me your email at my private box here
(gumezaishatu@hotmail.com)
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have a nice day
Yours Aishatu.

0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Kirsten R. (ringwraith10) from MILLEDGEVILLE, GA
Reviewed on 11/14/2008...

Let me first note that I am a huge Carly Simon fan.

With that being said, I didn't really like this CD. She definitely sounds like her voice has aged, and with that age, it sounds as though her range is not as great as it once was. This CD is very low key, and it seems as though she chose the songs she did because they would better compliment her failing voice. I'm not saying she sounds horrible on this CD -- just different.

I still enjoy this CD to an extent, but for some it may be better to listen to when you're trying to relax, or play something that will help you get to sleep.

If you want to experience Carly Simon for the first time... get one of her earlier CDs. This is not a good first time Carly Simon experience.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Barbara M. (Babe) from NEW YORK, NY
Reviewed on 11/2/2007...

This is Carly Simon in a mellow mood, singing mostly traditional songs in her inimitable way. One of the bonuses here is her duet with her two children, whose father coincidentally is James Taylor. And, yeah, that's one of his numbers they do.

I'm keeping my own copy of this, but just wanted to put in a good word for a lovely CD. It's particularly nice for children as well.

Lyrical and intimate ballads.

Just in Miami | Florida | 01/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Carly Simon has re-recorded her ex-husband James Taylor's track "You Can Close Your Eyes" with their son Ben for a release dedicated to her other famous ex, Cat Stevens.

The singer calls her new album of standards and lullabies "Into White" -a nod to former flame Stevens' song of the same name.

Carly also covers Judy Garland's "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and the Beatles' "Blackbird" on the album, as well as recording two new tunes, "Love Of My Life" and " Quiet Evenin'".

Although it sounds at the first listening almost like an album of standards for children, Carly Simon's new offering is designed to be at least as inviting for adult listeners.

The themes are also familiar and intimate: love and heartbreak.



Featuring musical direction from Simon's son Ben Taylor, who co-wrote the tune "I'll Just Remember You" and sings harmony vocals with his sister Sally Taylor (their dad James Taylor is represented by a warm version of his lullaby "You Can Close Your Eyes"), "INTO WHITE" touches on folk, jazz, and country alongside Simon's standard soft rock.



There's even a bossa nova tune, Antonio Carlos Jobim's classic "Manha de Carnaval." Along with these, the Cat Stevens-penned title track, Paul McCartney's "Blackbird," and other pop hits are transformed into quiet, delicate re-arrangements that focus on Simon's fine vocals.

After the too commercial, hype and overpraised "Moonlight Serenade", finally Carly seems to have found again that beautiful, understated style which is her signature.



All in few words, the total package - singer, songwriter, musician - remains a great and unique pleasure."

Moment to Arise

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 01/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Carly Simon's "Into White" is a soft sweet set that comes across as tender & dear. The photography in the CD is exquisite and reflects the joy of music that Simon must have had recording these gems. My favorites include her rendition of Lennon & McCartney's "Blackbird." The strings are lovely and the vocal arrangement with Carly and son Ben Taylor is gorgeous, "Take these broken wings and fly; you were only waiting for this moment to arise." "Manha de Carnaval" with its "la la" lyrics comes as a gentle embrace. Carly's take on Simon & Garfunkel's classic song "Scarborough Fair" is so lovely and fragile that it takes this exquisite melody and produces a haunting quality with Teese Gohl's gorgeous flute. "Love of My Life" is also a very tender tune about the bliss of love. If there were any constructive criticism to make, perhaps a couple real toe tappers might help vary the mood. Nevertheless, this is an excellent set from one of our country's classic singers. Enjoy."