Is Playing Possum a good place to start with Carly Simon?

Yes, Playing Possum is recommended as a starting point for new Carly Simon listeners. A blend of introspective lyrics and lush melodies, imbued with a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth. Released in 1975, Playing Possum marked Carly Simon's fifth studio album during a period of significant commercial success following her hit record No Secrets. At this point in her career, Simon was solidifying her status as a leading figure in pop music, building on the acclaim from earlier works and continuing to explore personal themes in her songwriting.

Who is Playing Possum for?

Playing Possum works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, introspective lyrics with warmth and suitable for afternoon relaxation.

How many songs are on Playing Possum?

Playing Possum has 10 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Playing Possum

Carly Simon · 1975

35 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A blend of introspective lyrics and lush melodies, imbued with a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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After the Storm Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Attitude Dancing — This track stands out for its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, combining playful lyrics with an infectious melody that reflects Simon's knack for blending introspection with pop sensibility.
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Love Out in the Street — The song captures a vivid narrative of romantic tension and longing, showcasing Simon's lyrical prowess while maintaining a rhythmic drive that makes it memorable.
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More and More — This track features a soulful arrangement and expresses deep emotional yearning, illustrating Simon's ability to convey complex feelings through simple yet powerful lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and varied tempos, creating an engaging yet cohesive experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow tempo track, gradually introducing more upbeat songs before returning to a reflective tone in the final tracks.
Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
The lyrics often employ personal narratives and introspective themes, inviting listeners to engage deeply with the content.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
introspective lyrics with warmth
suitable for afternoon relaxation
consistent flow for easy listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek experimental sound exploration

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album followed a successful period and solidified her commercial appeal.
Themes: romantic tension· 1970s pop culture· emotional longing
Career context: Released in 1975, Playing Possum marked Carly Simon's fifth studio album during a period of significant commercial success following her hit record No Secrets. At this point in her career, Simon was solidifying her status as a leading figure in pop music, building on the acclaim from earlier works and continuing to explore personal themes in her songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: James Taylor· Carole King· Joni Mitchell