Coming Around Again cover

Coming Around Again

Carly Simon · 1987

47 min · 11 tracks · pop music

A polished blend of introspective pop and reflective balladry, infused with Carly Simon's signature emotive delivery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Coming Around Again Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and renewal, showcasing Simon's ability to blend personal reflection with catchy melodies.
  • →
    Give Me All Night — This track stands out for its sultry groove and longing lyrics, representing Simon’s adeptness at combining romance with sophisticated pop sensibilities.
  • →
    Do the Walls Come Down — Exploring vulnerability within relationships, this song features poignant lyrics that highlight Simon’s storytelling prowess amidst lush instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks a strong cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more reflective tone with its slower pace.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional delivery of the lyrics.
  • The album closes with an unexpected children's song, which shifts the mood and leaves a whimsical impression.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • introspective ballads for quiet evenings
  • upbeat tracks for casual gatherings
  • gradual development of emotional themes
  • sing-along potential for nostalgic vibes

Maybe skip if you

  • seek instant gratification in music
  • prefer high-energy, fast-paced songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked Simon's return and gained commercial success, enhancing her visibility.
Themes
personal renewal· romantic longing
Career context
Released in 1987, 'Coming Around Again' marked Carly Simon's return to the music scene after a brief hiatus since her previous album, 'Spoiled Girl' in 1985. It was her first album on Epic Records following her departure from Warner Bros., signaling a new chapter in her career as she sought to redefine her sound and reach a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors
James Taylor· Carole King· Joni Mitchell

Tracklist

  • 1 Coming Around Again Start here 3:38
  • 2 Give Me All Night 4:22
  • 3 As Time Goes By 5:09
  • 4 Do the Walls Come Down 3:51
  • 5 It Should Have Been Me 4:24
  • 6 The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of 4:59
  • 7 Two Hot Girls (On a Hot Summer Night) 4:55
  • 8 You Have to Hurt 4:05
  • 9 All I Want Is You 4:00
  • 10 Hold What You've Got 4:43
  • 11 Itsy Bitsy Spider 3:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata