Mary Chapin Carpenter

The Calling

2007-04-16

When MCC hit the country-rock scene big time with “Down at the Twist and Shout” and the smash follow-up CD Come On, Come On, her observant lyrics analyzed the human heart with accuracy and a touch of wit. Since then, her songs have turned more toward the Big Questions, and in my opinion, lost some of the ability to capture the real moments of life and relationships. Surprisingly, the opposite is true on The Calling. The most interesting cuts are not about the heart, but about our country: “Houston” (Hurricane Katrina), “On with the Song” (the Dixie Chicks’ political troubles) and “Why Shouldn’t We” (on believing the nation can do better). The title track has some muscle, too. Maybe MCC’s turning a corner, from a musical Dear Abby to a lyrical editorial page columnist. We’ll see. 03/07 MJVD

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 01/2010

    MOLINA AND JOHNSON
    MOLINA AND JOHNSON

  • reviewed 07/2007

    Nick Drake
    Family Tree

  • reviewed 02/2012

    THE WIYOS
    Twist

  • reviewed 06/2004

    Jolie Holland
    Escondida

  • reviewed 11/2009

    CARRIE RODRIGUEZ
    LIVE IN LOUISVILLE

  • reviewed 05/2007

    Neil Young
    Live at Massey Hall, 1971

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.