Inside Carly Simon’s First Original Album In 18 Years: Stories Behind the Songs & Which One She Plays ‘Whenever I Need To Cry’
The legendary singer-songwriter has released her first album in nearly 20 years.
On August 14, Carly Simon unveiled her first original album in 18 years, titled Comes in Waves, marking a significant return to her musical roots. The album, composed largely at her residence on Martha's Vineyard, features Simon's signature deep and captivating voice on 12 tracks, including the poignant "Maybe I Never Loved You" (rumored to be about her ex, James Taylor) and the inspiring closer, "Do It Anyway."
Carly Simon, renowned for iconic hits like "Nobody Does It Better," "Anticipation," "Let the River Run," and "You Belong To Me," has been a pivotal figure in shaping the careers of women singers over the decades. Her influence can be felt in artists like Olivia Rodrigo, who paid tribute to Simon at the latter's 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction with a rendition of "You're So Vain."
In July, Simon disclosed her diagnosis of Parkinson's disease alongside a brief treatment for skin cancer. She expressed that while the diagnosis was challenging to accept and process, it also offered new perspectives on her life and career. "Parkinson's is different for everyone, and it can be unpredictable. Some days I'm so tired I can't get the day moving at all. On others, it gives me a little more room to move, think, work, and feel like myself," she shared in a statement.
The recording process for Comes in Waves served as a therapeutic outlet for Simon. She explained, "Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape. It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room. It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life."
Interestingly, Simon's participation in the project was limited by her health condition. Despite this, she offered Billboard an exclusive, written insight into the origins of 11 of the album's 12 songs, highlighting the personal stories behind their creation. The album was co-produced by Simon alongside her son, Ben Taylor, who also played a significant role in its development.
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