What makes Coming Around Again by Carly Simon notable?

The title track, Coming Around Again, became one of Simon's most recognized songs, peaking at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album reinforced her status as a prominent figure in pop music during the mid-'80s and showcased her ability to craft relatable narratives within her songwriting. Released in 1986, Coming Around Again was Carly Simon's twelfth studio album, coming after her commercial peak in the late '70s and early '80s. This album marks a transition into a more mature sound, reflecting both personal growth and evolving musical styles as Simon navigated her career beyond the mainstream spotlight.

How many songs are on Coming Around Again?

Coming Around Again has 3 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Coming Around Again

Carly Simon · 1986

11 min · 3 tracks · pop music

An emotional blend of introspective lyrics and melodic pop hooks, marked by Simon's distinctive vocal warmth.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Coming Around Again — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and renewal, showcasing Simon's ability to blend personal storytelling with catchy melodies.
→
Itsy Bitsy Spider — Reinterpreting the children's classic with an adult perspective, this track highlights Simon's playful side while contrasting with deeper themes present in the album.
→
If It Wasn’t Love — This song demonstrates a poignant exploration of love's complexities, further solidifying Simon's reputation for crafting emotionally rich and nuanced lyrics.

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
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Reinforced Simon's prominence in pop music during a transitional phase.
Themes: personal renewal· adult perspectives· emotional complexity
Career context: Released in 1986, Coming Around Again was Carly Simon's twelfth studio album, coming after her commercial peak in the late '70s and early '80s. This album marks a transition into a more mature sound, reflecting both personal growth and evolving musical styles as Simon navigated her career beyond the mainstream spotlight.
Stylistic neighbors: James Taylor· Carole King· Joni Mitchell

New to Carly Simon? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Coming Around Again

The chorus shifts from uncertainty to affirmation, expressing a sense of hope and renewal after difficult times.

This structural choice emphasizes transformation, moving from doubt to confidence and mirroring the broader themes of recovery prevalent throughout the album.