What is the best Carly Simon album to start with?

The best album to start with is "No Secrets" (1972). It's the most representative of what makes Carly Simon worth hearing.

What are the best Carly Simon albums?

The essential Carly Simon albums include "Anticipation" (1971), "Anticipation" (1971), "Carly Simon" (1971), "That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" (1971) and "No Secrets" (1972).

How many albums does Carly Simon have?

Carly Simon has 56 releases in their discography, including 27 albums.

Photo: Alan Light → https://www.flickr.com/photos/alan-light/210255316/ · CC BY 2.0

Carly Simon

Q: Who is Carly Simon for?

If you're into pop music, Carly Simon is worth your time. With intricate melodies and dynamic shifts in intensity, Simon's music propels listeners through emotional landscapes marked by tension and resolution.

With intricate melodies and dynamic shifts in intensity, Simon's music propels listeners through emotional landscapes marked by tension and resolution.

pop music

United States

Read about Carly Simon on Bookshop

Start here

The album

No Secrets (1972)

Represents Carly Simon's signature sound with strong melodies and emotional depth, making it an accessible entry point for new listeners.

The song

“You're So Vain”

An iconic track that showcases Simon's style with its catchy hook and lyrical intrigue, serving as a introduction to her music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Letters Never Sent" — from Letters Never Sent (1994)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"You Know What to Do" — from Hello Big Man (1983)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Into White" — from Into White (2007)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"After the Storm" — from Playing Possum (1975)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"You’re So Vain" — from The Very Best of Carly Simon: Nobody Does It Better (1999)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"That’s the Way I’ve Always Heard It Should Be" — from Original Album Series (2011)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Carly Simon

Carly Simon occupies a pivotal role in the evolution of singer-songwriter pop, merging personal introspection with universal emotional resonance.

Her ability to channel her own experiences into relatable narratives has inspired countless artists to prioritize authenticity in their songwriting, creating a space where vulnerability and strength coexist. Through her work, she has not only shaped the sonic landscape of her era but also laid the groundwork for future generations of musicians seeking to bridge the gap between confessional songwriting and mainstream appeal. Simon's approach is characterized by a meticulous crafting of sound that intertwines lyrical depth with melodic innovation. She often employs rich instrumentation that complements her storytelling, allowing each song to build its own atmosphere while still maintaining an intimate connection with the listener. This careful arrangement fosters a sense of immediacy, making her music feel both timeless and relevant, as it speaks to the core of human experience. Lyrically, Simon often explores themes of love, longing, and self-discovery, frequently employing a mix of sincerity and irony that reflects the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Her storytelling tends to be impressionistic, painting vivid pictures through carefully chosen details rather than overt narratives, which invites listeners to find their own meanings within her songs.

27 studio albums· 56 total releases· 6 decades· United States