Album of the Day

Carly Simon had cut a couple of albums with her sister Lucy before Elektra's Jac Holzman signed her to his label for this eponymous solo set, which was released 50 years ago today. Jimi Hendrix producer Eddie Kramer may seem an odd choice to helm a singer-songwriter collection, but the combination works, with folk-rock and string arrangements framing Carly's voice beautifully. The material is also remarkably assured, offering nuanced looks at the ebb and flow of relationships highlighted by “That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be,” which became Simon's first Top 10 hit and helped earn the performer a Best New Artist Grammy. Intimate and insightful, it's easy to see why CARLY SIMON holds a special place in the hearts of fans.