This Kind of Love Reviews

• give that gal a spotlight !!!

  
  By A2R6RA8FRBS608 on 2008-04-30
  This Kind of Love by Carly Simon is her latest album and her voice is as strong as ever! The sound quality is very good and that artwork is nicely done. The one thing I like most about this album is that Carly Simon demonstrates her fine ability to flawlessly perform several different types of songs; this combined with all the personal work Carly put into this CD makes this CD one of her very best yet!
  
  "This Kind Of Love" has a beautiful melody and the guitar work really enhances the natural beauty of this ballad. Carly sings this so sweetly and I'm very impressed. In no way is this boring or silly; Carly truly showcases her emotions here on "This Kind Of Love" and it makes a terrific, strong beginning to this album. "Hold Out Your Heart" has a sensitive melody and Carly Simon delivers this with the panache and charm of the champ she always was! "People Say A Lot" has a hip-hop/rap type of beat that I really like; this song sends a clear message about people who feed off celebrities for their own personal gain. "People Say A Lot" fits in well on this album even though at first blush it stands out against the "This Kind Of Love" and "Hold Out Your Heart."
  
  "How Can You Ever Forget" gives us Carly at her best; the keys are awesome and the strings are used to great advantage. Carly's poignant song is the result of her singing with David Saw, Ben Taylor, Frank Filipetti & Jill Dell'Abate. "Hola Soleil" jumps back from a relatively pensive, slower tune to a peppy, upbeat and catchy tune that is impossible to resist--and how about those drums, too? This is way more than just muzak.
  
  "When We're Together" has a distinctly bossa nova flavor that takes flight when Carly sings this so smoothly; Carly sings this with great sensitivity and the guitars work wonders for this number. "So Many People To Love" sounds more like today's pop music than anything else; Carly's voice is as clear as a bell and she handles this tune flawlessly. "So Many People To Love" is a very well done number that has Carly Simon shining brightly!
  
  "The Last Samba" has a stunning Latin beat with great percussion, woodwind instruments and more--and it all fits in so well with Carly's vocals. "The Last Samba" moves me with its beauty and this is a major highlight of this album. "Sangre Dolce (Sweet Blood)" again has something of a Latin beat but it's mixed in with a few other musical effects to create a sound I rarely hear and enjoy so much. The CD also ends very strong with Carly Simon singing a song to remember a good old friend of hers who died, Art Buchwald. "Too Soon To Say Goodbye" is a beautiful waltz-type ballad with great key modulations that enhance the beauty of this ballad. "Too Soon To Say Goodbye" tugs at my heartstrings and I know this is one song I won't forget anytime soon!
  
  Carly Simon remains one of the best female vocalists of the twentieth century; and with this album we have proof that she's here to stay for quite some while to come. Carly's fans will love this album; and people new to Carly will be amazed at the diversity of songs she delivers so masterfully on this CD.
  
  
  

• The Best Carly Simon CD Since Court and Spark!

  
  By A2ECKZRB8G1XXG on 2008-04-29
  OK, I wrote that title just to stir the ready-wrath of the irascible Joni Mitchell. Having just read "Girls Like Us," the group-biography of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly, I've been mulling Carly's place in the triumvirate. Back at the height of their popularity, Carly wrote better lyrics than Carole -- and better melodies than Joni. Now, she tends to do both better than either. And "This Kind of Love" underscores those abilities very nicely. Not only are the lyrics keenly crafted honesty, the music if inventive and wonderfully unpredictable. The production is flawless. All in all, "This Kind of Love" is the most enjoyable collection of songs Carly has released in the last 20 years.
  
  

• Carly's stepping out with a strong new effort

  
  By A3AVJCB1ZD6ZY5 on 2008-05-04
  Has she lost her voice? I listened to this song back to back with "Clouds in my Coffee" which is Carly's best from a number of years. In my opinion, Carly's lost a big of the top-notes, but none of the heart or power.
  
  "This Kind of Love" is dedicated to humorist Art Buchwald, who died last year, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, who we have to thank for some of the amazing Latin influence on songs like "The Last Samba."
  
  So, what's she up to? In "People say a lot," she's done for celebrity imposters what she did for male conceit in "You're so Vain." And she's doing it to a rappin' R&B tune that will get you moving.
  
  "The Last Samba" sounds like the theme to classic romance. The gorgeous orchestration Jimmy Webb laid beneath her voice is one of the reasons why I think the two of them are a match made in heaven.
  
  "Sangre Dolce" (sweet blood) is another Latin themed song about love and missing those you care for. This one will take you to the streets of New York City with a nanny carrying a child in her arms.
  
  "Too Soon to Say Goodbye" dedicated to Art Buchwald is the album closer and I can't think of a better one. It will leave you in tears and ready to listen again.
  
  This CD just proves that Simon's still got some surprises for us and how willing she is to continue to grow as a musician even in her sixth decade. Kudos to her and the crew she put together for this beautifully sung and orchestrated effort.
  
  

• THE SONGWRITER RETURNS!

  
  By A2MHU7WM769DR1 on 2008-04-29
  Carly is back giving us original songs, and is at her best! ---and we are the lucky ones!!
  
  I couldn't wait, after all I had read about this new album, to have a listen.... I loaded it on my IPod and brewed some coffee.... I am sitting on my deck on this sunny California morning with a beautiful cup of coffee, a crusty sourdough roll (this is not on my diet) and "This Kind of Love".
  
  I must admit that I had goosebumps when I heard the first notes---Carly's voice is beautiful and clear. The album is wonderful--rythmic and richly melodic--you want to listen and listen--swaying to the music or dancing--all by myself this morning!
  
  This album will provide hours and hours of great listening. 13 fantastic songs--she once again has the best in musicians, and along with Carly's singing and songwriting, it is pure musical pleasure! An exicitng, well put together album with the songs honed to perfection!
  
  The video of this song is also wonderful--Carly seems relaxed and enjoying it as much as we arel. The ending of the song is incredible--I also love watching Ben Taylor and Peter Calo on guitar--
  
  Enjoy Everyone!
  
  

• Carly Dances to Latin Love

  
  By A2BHZZXVMKPAYH on 2008-05-03
  1987's "Coming Around Again" was a high watermark release for Carly Simon; this effort propelled her back into the forefront of the pop music world. She employed all the "studio tricks" available at the time, using electronic musical devices to wrap the thoughtful lyrics fans were used to. This "come back" nostalgia serves as a point of reference to describe Simon's latest offering "This Kind of Love". Twenty years later, Simon has achieved re-invention, albeit in a much different vein.
  
  This Kind of Love is dedicated to both Art Buchwald ( poignant tribute) and Antonio Carlos Jobim, the latter being most prominent toward influencing the album's sound. Simon takes the musical laws of jazz, Brazilian, and traditional pop to weave a tapestry of interesting odes to the most universal human emotion, in all its complexity.
  
  As the album opens, Simon's voice seems altered, as though time has finally caught another cherished songstress in its merciless web. Fear not.... Simon strikes hot after the title track, and even it is a good, pure "song." As each song detours through the depths of her heart, Simon gets sad ( "Hold Out Your Heart"), indignant ( "People Say A Lot", an obvious stab at modern relevance with the hip-hop delivery), ambivilant ("In My Dreams"), individualistic (" Island", a song delivered by Simon's son, Ben Taylor), and full of acceptance and encouragement ( "They Just Want You to Be There".) Simon brings layers of history with Brazilian music, a contribution that colors the whole album. Thus, a fresh sound is achieved, differentiating this offering from any previous work. Quite an accomplishment, nearly forty years in.
  
  Long time Carly fans will be transfixed by the "new" Simon; new comers will, presumably, be drawn to the sincerity and summer-infused passion of the music and lyrics. Carly Simon continues to grow and evolve as a singer/songwriter, ever ripe with experiences that become musical.
  
  
• Crystal Moon
  By A1IWWRZJOXOSYP on 2008-06-20
  Carly Simon's "This Kind of Love" is a good return to original music. Her Into White CD had some amazing covers, Paul Simon's "Scarborough Fair" being one that was among my favorite tracks last year. This CD has its charms. Her son Ben Taylor's "Island" that opened his CD Famous Among the Barns is gorgeous in Carly's hands with its lovely melody, "I would rather bet my life against the rising of the sun; I would rather fall from grace completely than let you change my mind." The samba "Hola Soleil" is an exquisite track penned by Simon, son Ben and long-time collaborator Jacob Brackman, "Baking sand, shining sea, Turning world, dissolving shadows." "So Many People to Love" penned with Carole Bayer Sager is a lovely swaying melody, "They're praying on bended knees in their beds & on the dirty streets, Lights are out on all the Christmas trees, feels like everyone's about to freeze." Jimmy Webb's "The Last Samba" sways like a soft breeze which Carly's voice picks up like a sail, "So take me here on this sand in the midst of these stars, swaying in thrall to the fading guitars." "Sangre Dolce" builds with incredible drama, "She cries when underneath the crystal moon." Other tracks like "They Just Want You to Be There" & her daughter Sally's "When We're Together" are also strong. Simon's voice appears a bit thin in places. The rap track "People Say A Lot" doesn't resonate with me. However, while not perfect, this is a strong CD well worth repeated listenings. Enjoy!
  
  
• A classic artist in top form
  By AYH806EL8AHP9 on 2008-04-29
  How many CD's do you buy in one year that have more than 2 or 3 songs that you really enjoy? I listen to a lot of music, I spend much money in music (because I love it), but in the last 5 years, I have only bought 2 CD's with more than 2 songs that I keep listening to a lot.
  "This Kind of Love" is a great exception to the rule. There are at least 6 truly beautiful songs, and the other ones (except the rap song, which is not my style) are very, very pleasant. The lyrics are well crafted and reveal a wide variety of emotions. There are a variety of rythms here, with a slight Brazilian predominance. The musicians are top notch.
  My top selections: 1) Hold out your heart 2) So many people to love 3) This kind of love 4) In my dreams 5) Too soon to say goodbye 6) Hola soleil.
  I understand that everybody may have a different taste in music, but if you read the "expert" reviews, or give this CD a try, there is a great probability that you will consider it among the best in the last few years.
  Carly has one more time shown that she is a top singer-songwriter, and hopefully the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will finally take notice.
  
  
• Carly gives her DIE HARD FANS the CD we've been waiting for
  By A36RS7KTNOBROF on 2008-05-02
  There are so many different sounds on Carly's new CD,"This Kind of Love," from beutifull ballads" Hold out your heart",to Rap,"People say alot, "all with a Brazilian mood.My favorite cut is track 9,"So many people to love,"co written by Carole Bayer Sager,and fantastic background vocals by Sherree Brown.Carly and Sherree's vocals blend perfect together.On track 12,"Sangre doice,"Simon has never sounded better,hitting notes like she was still in her 20's.I just hope this year is the year Carly is FINNALLY voted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame.
  Today,I'm adding to my review to wish Carly a HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
  I also have a great idea for a new Cd,and you don't have to record a note,and it would be a HUGE HIT for your non fans.
  There are so many records you recorded over the years that only your fans know,"Were so close,Our affair,Pure sin,Melt my heart,The three of us in the dark,We just got here,Davy.Just put these JEMS on one record and you'll have another HIT.
  
  
• Doesnt do anything for me!
  By A3HXVPWDL1X4LT on 2008-04-29
  For me, this is not a good CD PLUS Carly's voice is starting to sound a bit rough. The songs are uninspired and this album is going to be for die hard fans only. I am a great fan of Carly's 70's and early 80's music, as well as her great comeback "Coming Around Again". Her material started to go slightly downhill after that, but still some good songs on the next couple releases. But this is a BIG downfall even compared to "Letters Never Sent". I was never a big fan of the OLDIES music, I am not much into that kind of music by any artist. I loved the albums Anticipation, No Secrets, Hotcakes, Playing Possum, Boys In The Trees, and Coming Around Again. But she isnt even close to ANYTHING like that here. It is boring!! I still love Carly Simon but this music is for her own benefit (for making a new CD) and staying busy with her career AND her die hard fans. But just imagine Carly Simon is a new artist and she was trying to score a record contract with material like this. She would never get this CD released nor would it ever see the light of day. Some people, say DON'T COMPARE an artists old music! Well it's not easy to break into the music industry and when you do, you have to keep putting out some good releases. In the old days, singles were VERY IMPORTANT to make a record sell. Today airplay is the key, and this kind of music would never get any airplay. So, yes you have to compare somewhat. The BEST compliment for an older artist putting out a new CD (even if you know it's not going to make the top of the charts) is to say "WOW, what a surprise". In this case, unfortunatly all I can say is "WOW, what a bore"! I was expecting a lot more, at least something on the order of or an improvement on "Have You Seen Me Lately" which had it's moments. I can be patient and wait as she releases her oldies albums (she always done that), but than when she finally releases an album of all new material, I expect something BETTER than this!
  
  
• She's Baaack..............................
  By A2U4PLAUZQOSCH on 2008-04-30
  Thank goodness!! Carly has returned to her early roots as a singer/songwriter, and has absolutely NOT lost the touch. Her writing, and singing, style have evolved with time; she no longer does music appropriate for a girl of 25; this is one more testament to her greatness. This is rock, but certainly not too hard; occasionally, a hint of jazz even creeps in. English, of course, but some Spanish lines for variety. Naturally, the production, and back-up, are superb.
  
  The title cut, "Hold Out Your Heart", and "When We're Together" are especially fine. Cut three, "People Say a Lot" sounds a bit like rap; I could have done without it, though it sure carries a message. "So Many People to Love" is an allusion to advanacing years--obligations to grandkids, and adult kids. Two cuts disturbed me a bit...."The Last Samba" and the closing "Too Soon to Say Goodbye" sound like she's contemplating retirement. God forbid...it's WAY too soon!!!
  
  Carly is a miracle...at 63, her beauty, and voice, are as great as ever. [OK...I've got a crush on her; allow for it]. You really need ALL her albums ["Hello Big Man" remains my favorite], but you have to hear this, and marvel. Enjoy...I sure did.
  
  
  
  
• What was she thinking?
  By AYB0NTTKMS8V4 on 2008-05-05
  I have been a huge Carly Simon fan for many years and I was really excited when I saw this new release. It was a huge disappointment. There a few songs that are ok - but mostly the Brazilian flavor and the rap style song, just didn't work for me. I still love Carly but will wait for another album and hope for the best.
  
  
• That's the way I've always heard it should be.
  By AVKFDPLMVNDLT on 2008-06-08
  The love described on This Kind of Love is all about nuance, suggestion, and the hints of sadness that make the stumbling on love that much more intense. After three detours to standards (again!), children's songs, and the demo-quality The Bedroom Tapes (recorded during her recovery from breast cancer), Simon is definitively back in her singer-songwriter form, having authored or co-authored 10 of these 13 songs that explore love therough the eyes, hands, and heart of a woman wizened but never whipped. With Jimmy Webb's seductive arrangements, Simon beckons the listener into a world of sunny celebration, moonlit beaches, fluttering curtains, and island dreams. And just when you're willing to follow her contralto anywhere, Simon reminds us of the ephemeral nature of it all, as she closes the album with a poignant essay on an immigrant child-care worker ("Sangre Dolce"), and her touching tribute to her late friend and writer Art Buchwald ("Too Soon to Say Goodbye"). From her no-secrets start some three dozen years ago, Simon remains one of America's finest purveyors of pop romance. And that's the way I've always heard it should be.
  
  
• Carly's Coming Around Again.
  By A2L9J2RR03LKQX on 2008-05-01
  What a treat. A beautiful relaxed album that flows like an old Carly album from the 70's. The best 2 songs are the songs her kids wrote. She must be very proud. The only song that doesn't belong is the rap song. It's theatrical and interesting but stops the flow of the cd. It would have worked better on it's own rather than in the middle of a folk/pop Carly album with a Brazilan sound. She somehow got her higher register back which was missing on her Into White album. If you are a Carly fan you will love this album. And if you don't like this album, then your not a Carly fan. She has musically aged better than Joni & Carole who were better than Carly in their heyday. Not any more.
  
  
• wistful beauty...
  By AYASJJYJJDAJV on 2008-05-06
  Carly Simon has been underrated in the past, and I think it's because people don't realize what a true gift it is to be able to convey JOY. She has done this again with wit and economy on "This Kind of Love." Her ability to tinge this joy with melancholy (I'd say "rue," but, dang it, that's pretentious) gives her songs depth. I have all her albums; "This Kind of Love" is as good as, say, "Another Passenger" or "Letters Never Sent." If I were in charge of things Carly Simon would rule the world (and then I would not actually be in charge, which would be fine). Get this album! It's wonderful.
  
  
• Middling effort from Carly
  By A18XV4N987OAR on 2008-06-02
  Middling effort. Carly's voice has eroded somewhat over the years and she resorts more to her lower registers which does not suit some of the songs well. I found much of the music pedestrian and her rap effort downright embarassing. I did enjoy the samba style songs though. Overall however, I would not recommend this.
  
  
• Smooth... Perhaps A Tad Too Much So!
  By A2F5JET3C7AB8M on 2008-06-04
  I am a Carly Simon fan and have all of her solo projects over the years. Upon first listening to this new one, I was like "WOW! INCREDIBLE! FANTASTIC! HER BEST EVER!" Even though "This Kind of Love" is a very, very very good recording, for me, it does not impress nearly as much upon repeated listenings. It is so mellow and so laid back that it seems a tad too much so. One of the things I most love about Carly is that she can be sensuous and seductive and gentle, yet she can also get a little gritty at times. The grit is missing on this CD, except possibly on "People Say A Lot." Highlights of the album for me are Carly's take on Ben Taylor's "Island" and the song, "They Just Want To Be There." I recommend this album, but wish Carly had diversified a tad more in what is included.... but then again, maybe that would have altered her theme??? I am a tad mixed on this one.
  
  
• This Kind of Album to Love!
  By A37LACRY7EMAWX on 2008-05-07
  Carly Simon hasn't sounded this great in a long time. I was so encouraged by the simple beauty and an improved sound on "Into White," but never imagined she would return on this album with the joyfulness and happy spirit that exudes on "This Kind of Love." High notes not heard since "Spy" or "Letters Never Sent," blend with dense sound quality and musicianship. Perhaps it's the quiet influence of Carly's son Ben Taylor and David Saw, who both contributed songs and perform throughout the tracks, that give the music so many layers. The Brazilian sounds from the opening track to "Hola Soleil" and "The Last Samba," lift the whole project, and when it's all done, you want to play it again and again. Fabulous!
  
  
• This Kind of Carly
  By A2N0JNGJ4YSVPF on 2008-05-08
  Like many of the reviewers here, I've been a Carly Simon fan since her early career. I've enjoyed the musical paths and the personal exploration Carly has shared with us. She is one of the reasons I became a songwriter myself. While I've also enjoyed the albums where Carly interpreted standards, I was missing the songwriter--those moments where the singer becomes the song and the song becomes the singer. I sometimes wondered if Carly would ever do an album of original material again. "This Kind of Love" is not only a welcome addition to my iPod, it's a wonderful surprise from one of my favorite artists. Carly has always had a better sense of melody than her singer/songwriter peers (yes, that includes you James) and she really delivers on this album. As you would expect from Carly, the lyrics are very honest and the breadth of emotions expansive. The vocal performances, musicianship, arrangements and engineering are first rate. The result is a solid album that sounds fresh and vital. There's not a weak song in the bunch. I'm not sure what to say to the other reviewers who don't "get" this album. For a multitude of reasons, I think this is perhaps one of her best albums. I love this kind of Carly.
  
  
• CARLY NEEDS A NEW LOVE
  By AB6T3POMIQWQI on 2008-05-17
  Carly Simon is one of those artists who has reached the enviable position of being able to do the type of music she wants to do, as opposed to mainstream commercial music. And that's great for her. Yet, ever since COMING AROUND AGAIN, her releases have been less than spectacular. Once in a while I'd like to hear something from her along the lines of YOU'RE SO VAIN, ANTICIPATION, etc. I listened to this latest release again and again trying to like it but, I'm forced to admit, THIS KIND OF LOVE will end up down in the bottom of my CD rack collecting dust along with some of her other projects from recent years. C'mon Carly, start writing like you used to do.
  
  
• Give me a Break. This is her worst ever!
  By A37F4YVAZN2BDE on 2008-05-18
  I'm sorry. I have been a fan of carly's for some 30 years. I LOVE her music. This CD is HORRIBLE. What happened. As an example, the song in the Amazon video... sounds like a child couldn't write all the words and was stringinh out the end of the sentence to fill the music.
  Her music has always been memorable, unforgetable, melodic. The songs here are just plain bad. When I bought the CD, someone told me it was just like "old Carly Simon". I did not know they meant, OLD - Carly Simon. "Let The River Run" "You Are the Love of My Life" Playing Possom" that's the Carly I was hoping to hear.
  
  
• Disappointing Effort
  By A1OK82XX60F2LG on 2008-05-19
  Being a big Carly fan, I was quite excited to hear that Carly had a new CD of material coming out. On the day of it's release I picked up a copy. This CD is HORRIBLE! I know that sometimes one needs to give a CD a few listens, but after 3 times, I can't even listen to this mish mosh of music/lyrics. To me, most of it is poorly written, and lacks any kind of WOW factor whatsoever. Sorry If I disagree with most that have written reviews, but I can describe listening to this CD as "torture" to the ear. There is not one song on this CD that I would even put on my IPOD. If you are looking for a $1.00 CD, I will be listing it on Ebay real soon. I don't mean to offend anyone with this review, but I do not hear what everyone else is hearing that bears giving this CD anything more than 1 or 2 starts. Sorry!
  
  
• Good play along CD
  By AEONA94BOK4MF on 2008-05-25
  OK, I don't think a lot of people will say my review is helpful, (that's OK, won't hurt my feelings), but after listening to the samples I'm buying this CD because it's great to play along with on my bongos, (and congas).
  
  Even if you aren't great at keeping the rhythm, the slow and easy pace is easy to sound good with.
  
  I like it.
  
  
• The Vineyard is not Ipanema
  By A1KKQ6GOGSCIIT on 2008-06-10
  Seven years or so after "The Bedroom tapes" were released, here is the long-awaited come back of the immense songwriter, overgifted singer and glamorous lady that Carly Simon is, with a new album of new material.
  
  Simon has been charming our hearts and ears during more than three decades as one (if not the most) moving, brillant and talented singer-songwriter of her generation. Impeccable road, unforgettable hits (yes and again "You're So Vain" or "Let the River run"!) and records ("Anticipation", "No Secrets", "Hot Cakes", the extraordinary "Another Passenger"). Even in the 80's, where most or her colleagues sank, she came up with gems as "Hello Big Man", "Spy" or "Come Upstairs" (and regrettably with the disposable "Spoiled Girl", certainly her carrier's weakest opus). The 90's, as for some of her challengers in the domain of music, saw a renewal of Simon's creativity -at a slower pace though-, with a set of three outstanding albums : "Have You Seen Me Lately", "Letters Never Sent" and "The Bedroom Tapes". The three of them delivering superb oeuvres with songs as "Waiting At The Gate", "Don't Wrap It Up", 'Life is Eternal", "Like A River"", "Touched By The Sun", "Private", "Davy", "Scar", "Cross The River", "Whatever Became Of Her", "In Honor of You (George)", to quote only a few.
  
  Therefore highly anticipated, "Some Kind of Love" is alas as much disappointing -at first listening anyway. Which "The Bedroom Tapes" were not, immediately strong, intoxicating and intriguing an album as it was.
  
  BUT... in all fairness, one must also say that "This Kind of Love" does grow on you after a while -talented Carly will always remain talented Carly!-, and ends up being a lush, very pleasing and melodic album, which one indulges into playing more and more, finding new merits at each listening (yes, I swear that does happen, as unbelievable it might seem for the disappointed fans on Amazon who claimed they abandonned the record after giving it a few tries...) -Lush and charming, nothing more, nothing less. And I admit, this of course is not exactly the level of what one could expect from someone who wrote "Memorial Day", "We're So Close", "Libby" or "Darkness Til' Dawn"...
  
  Most certainly the feeling of flatness that "This Kind of Love" leaves behind, is due to a misconception at its very early writing stage, if not in the idea itself of making it.
  It seems that the problem comes with the proclaiming throughout the sleeve of how inspiring Brazilian music was to Simon, and how synchronicity beautifully worked when Jim Webb proposed to her to make a "Brazilian" album just at the time when she -funilly enough- was willing to make one. Well, sorry to say that it is way deceptive on the Brazilian angle, as a few exotic, soft and gentle guitar chords will never be enough to transform a Lady of Martha's Vineyard into a Girl from Ipanema.
  
  Because even if trying one's best, one does fail to finding what could make this album more "Brazilian" than its predecessors.
  When it does attempt being so, it unmistakably misses its target, particularly with "Hola Soleil" -not necessarily a bad tune, but its naive exoticism, repetitive refrain and predictable rhythmics make you wonder whether Carly Simon, Jacob Brackman, son Ben Taylor, Jimmy Webb and the rest of the people involved into the making of that album, ever listened to Jorge Ben or Gilberto Gil, notably because of an unwelcome as heavy use of strings, which prevents -between other things- this piece to sound Brazilian.
  It also simply misses the point when it pretends to color up other tracks with Brazilian musicality, as for instance with "When We're Together", written by daughter Sally Taylor or "Island" written by Sally's brother Ben -both excellent gentle songs enlightened by grace, soul and charming melodies, but which definitely have nothing to do with Antonio Carlos Jobim, to whom Carly unwisely pays homage in the credits of her album.
  
  And one wonders what the semi hip-hop/rap piece entitled "People Say a Lot" could either bear in terms of ressemblances with anything pretending to evoke Brazilian music. In the first place it has of course nothing to do with either Samba or Bossa Nova genres, by definition.
  But worse, being the "hot" title that it is, it could be allusive to the most radical and electrical grooves of the Brazilian "hip" scene of today. Problem being that even to this category, it remains a perfect stranger (ever heard of Lenine? Just check).
  So, like the vast majority of the other tracks on "This Kind of Love" (with the only exception of "The Last Samba", a gentle Bossa Nova-styled tune with soft guitar and arrangements worthy of some of the best of the genre), "People Say a Lot" is no Brazil but just plain Carly.
  And a very interesting and energizing piece, plus ! Firstly because of its poisonous jagged-edged lyrics and its strong catchy harsh groove that show that Carly Simon is still very much of a tiger lady whenever she decides to forget about these Samba vapors that unfortunately she obviously failed to capture in this record; secondly, because it sacarstically pins down the dark side of the character which Melanie Griffith impersonated in Mike Nichols' "Working Girl" (for which Simon composed a fantastic score including the extraordinary "Let the River Run"), by making clear that Tess McGill's adorable stubborness for getting the right job can easily turn in real life into barracuda Eve Harrington's ugly delinquent manoeuverings.
  
  So the main problem with "This Kind of Love" appears to raise through a wrong positioning, which creates immediate frustration to listeners who worship both Simon's music and Brazilian moods. On a Brazilian point of view it sounds tasteless, approximate, over-promising, and therefore quite deceptive. Sorry folks, pack up your swimsuit back in their drawers, there's nothing about Copacabana here -as elsewhere in this album, anyway.
  
  This being said, according to a Carly-Simon-standard-album point of view, the album is a decent and polished collection of songs, sometimes unexpectedly shadowed by Carly's slightly laid-back vocals and more annoyingly by its lavish production (for which Frank Filipetti, Jimmy Web, Jimmy Parr, Frank Calo are credited) because sometimes too slick and silky, to the point of making the whole piece sound like some by Elaine Elias or Diana Krall (which in both latest's case would be a compliment if they were compared to Simon, but in Carly Simon's case is not because her original compositions deserve way more nerve and innovation than mainstream semi-jazz n' bossa nova classy ambiance).
  Eventually "This Kind of Love" happens to be an album which is not Simon's best for sure (apart from two gems, "They Want You To Be There" and "Sangre Dolce", which range into some of her best work, and which, incidentally, she wrote alone -but for the rest of the record, it will probably not leave an indelible imprint as some of her previous records did).
  
  May be she should have released a cover album of Brazilian standards -where I'm sure she would have excelled, as this is a category where she has proven to reach the top ("Torch", "Film Noir", "Into White")-, and on the other hand, she should perhaps have chosen to concentrate on -and to chisel more- her own compositions, as she demonstrates she still can with the two above quoted songs out of this album.
  
  Conclusion: beyond sheer disappointment, there are still two good reasons to get "This Kind of Love". First, seven years seem to get by now before Carly Simon releases anything new, so let's not turn our nose up. This one is always good to take.
  Secondly, if not exceptional, "This Kind Of Love" is a very charming album. And way above anything else by other older or younger fellow female musicians of today or yesterday. Indeed the worst by Carly Simon will always top the best of others. And admittedly "This Kind of Love" is very far from being the worst...
  
  
• Carly Simon's Journey
  By A3GRGNDPSHXNC5 on 2008-07-02
  The last track on this cd is one of the most beautiful, moving pieces of song I have ever experienced. Simon's
  goodbye to her friend, Art Buchwald, "Too Soon To Say Goodbye" is extraordinary. I hadn't read the liner notes when I first heard it. I was doing yoga stretches. So I wasn't reading the lyrics either, and I froze as I listened. It is so simple; so hauntingly sad, and so undisguisedly difficult to sing without crying. To me, it is a marvel of generosity...the generosity of Simon's spirit...that she and Jimmy Webb, producer of this cd, didn't try to "tidy it up" for the public. My heart aches, melts, and is comforted each time I listen. My second favorite cut is Jimmy Webb's "The Last Samba". I love to watch the people I originally admired way back when as they take their journeys and make their choices. I don't have to adore everything they do; I treasure their explorations. This album continues to grow on me. She kind of had to reel me in slowly. I love the Brazilian flavor (one of my own musical personal faves), and the individual cuts grab me, each in their own time. The musicianship is glorious, as are the background vocals. I realize at this point that I will be living with all the tracks for a long time to come.
  
  
• Carly swings and sways with the best.
  By A3NH46OAA5242E on 2008-05-12
  It's a treat to hear Carly sing on this album. The Brazilian and samba influences are a welcome addition to the originality of the songs Carly has written, along with two by Ben and Sally. Very few artists have had the staying power as has Carly, and her writing and singing talent is just confirmed again by "This Kind Of Love". Of all the songs on the CD I'm not particularly fond of the "People Say A Lot" pseudo-rap song, but it's inconsequential when you think that 12 of the 13 songs on the CD are so well done. You don't find that kind of quality very often at all.
  Here's wishing we see more of Carly on CD's in the future.
  
  
• Beautiful new album hat will have you listening again and again
  By A18OKKOHVVOVYG on 2008-05-20
  I wasn't sure about the concept of this album BEFORE I bought it, but after listening to it for a week, I must say it's the best Carly has put out since Coming Around Again. The key modulations -- which she handles beautifully for a woman of 63 -- are reminiscent of "Spy." I had the pleasure of listening to this album back to back with "Spy" on my iPod and the similiarities in key changes and high notes delivered well are striking. I thought Carly had lost much of her once wonderful high register -- especially on her last two "cover" albums -- but not here. She's never sounded better. The best songs, IMHO, are "This Kind of Love," "Hold Out Your Heart," "How Can You Ever Forget," "Hala Soleil," "When We're Together," "So Many People to Love," "They Just Want You to be There," "The Last Samba," Sangre Dolce," and "Too Soon to Say Goodbye." "Island" has a weak melody and I, too, could have done wihout the rap song (still can't figure out the man talking about Ms. Herrington???). But the other 10 songs I listed are true 10s to me and have me listening again and again. Many thanks, Carly. And,by the way, I agree with a previous poster that she can teach the slutty songstresses of today how you can create an alluring album cover with taste and style. Go out and buy this album. I hope Carly does well with it to encourage more!
  
  
• So...what are you looking for?
  By ANUSBCN463G1M on 2008-05-22
  Although most of the music I purchase nowadays is via ITunes, there are three performers where the Compact Disk is still the only way to go when it comes to buying their music. Carly Simon is one of those. I have every album she has made ...including her childrens' opera, a number of soundtrack contributions and few extra tracks which appeared on other artists' albums.
  
  With that in mind, I think it only fair to say that I am comparing this album to her entire catalogue (or at least all that I have or know of). I am also trying to keep in mind that not everyone who is deciding to purchase this album (or not) will have the knowledge (let alone, the love) of all she has done in the 35+ years she has been making music, that I feel that I do. I hope that if you are in that group, you will at least give this album a hear; it may be the best thing you hear in quite a while -for the song-writing if for nothing else.
  
  So here goes. This Kind of Love is filled with wonderful, even catchy, songs that prove that Ms. Simon still has what it takes to be an A-1 songwriter. It is, however, with a bitter grip on reality, that I cannot say the same when it concerns her voice. Some would say that I should make allowances for what Time does to all of us, but since the CD industry makes no such allowance when I am asked to pay 15 bucks or more for a new album, I feel it not out of line to say what a number of us long-term fans noticed when we listen to this latest entry in the Carly Simon catalogue ...the lady cannot sing like she could 30, 20 (even 10) years ago.
  
  I'm not implying that all of those involved in putting this album together are not aware of this: I give positive points for a number of tracks that work around the limitation with expert skill. It is in some of the slower ballads (i.e. the first half of Too Soon To Say Goodbye) however, where the voice I've listened to for three decades wavers a bit...making me wish for the smoothness of "That's the Way I've always Heard It Should Be" again.
  
  Me?...oh well...I will probably always buy her albums (maybe always as CDs). But, if you haven't listen to anything of Carly Simon in the last 10 years, you may want to sample the tracks on this album first. A number of them are definite keepers (the "salsa-like" songs in particular)...but others may not be your cup of tea.
  
  Like I said, it depends upon what you are looking for.
  
  
• Carly's back in top form!
  By ADI7ULQSZPP34 on 2008-05-26
  I have to say I was quite relieved when I first listened to THIS KIND OF LOVE, her first album of original material in 8 years. I found 2000's THE BEDROOM TAPES to be a very hard listen, not so much because I didn't like the songs but because Carly seemed to be trying desperately to get a foot hold or to overcompensate for her then-recent turmoils - breast cancer, severe writer's block, and chemotherapy induced depression. She rebounded in 2005 with MOONLIGHT SERENADE, a superb, atmospheric standards album that gave her her first Top 10 hit in 27 years. But by last year's INTO WHITE, a lullaby/modern standards album, it was more than obvious that Carly was ready to release her own songs, as that particular album was a rather peculiar, overly quiet installment that she didn't really seem to have her heart in. But the wait was worth it.
  
  THIS KIND OF LOVE is her best album since COMING AROUND AGAIN and is even more diverse than her debut. She utilizes Brazilian rhythms on a majority of the tracks, and they give Carly's songs that slinky buoyancy that conveys her sensuality. Her tributes to newfound love ("This Kind of Love"), and dancing and daylight ("Hola Soleil") are equally matched by her interpretations of her children's songs ("Island" by Ben Taylor and "When We're Together" by Sally Taylor), all reminiscent of Getz/Gilberto. Yet she also touches on folk with her loving tribute to her children ("Hold Out Your Heart"), slow piano balladry ("In My Dreams" and "The Last Samba"), rap ("People Say A Lot"), and even Janet Jackson-esque pop ("So Many People to Love" which works surprisingly well). Add in the symphony-like "How Can Your Ever Forget" and a farewell tribute to Art Buchwald ("Too Soon to Say Goodbye"), and you are left with an exciting confusion about Carly Simon that you don't dare classify her, try to pidgeon-hole her into one style, or know what to expect next. She leaves her doors wide open.
  
  
• I love this album
  By A1OOVX8FDLQIB3 on 2008-05-27
  Carly Simon's never-ending creativity in song-writing shines through this album with a Brazilian flare. There is a variety of love songs that are easy on the ear and dance-able from Ms Simon and others including her talented son, Ben Taylor, ( Island). Her voice, a rich alto is just as strong as in the 70's and beautiful throughout. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Far and away the best Simon collection since No Secrets
  By A15HFR6VCU7OG8 on 2008-05-29
  Maybe this is merely the simple conflation of my humble taste and her happy genius--scarcely matters. "This Kind of Love" hits spots in my soul I'd thought long dead. Start to finish, each song invites one's heart to sing along.
  
  Thank you, Carly, for reminding me that love matters, conquers, and persuades even our darkest demons to sit by the road for a little while; knowing that as one breathes, sometimes just to taste and see the love that rises up right in front of one can be a fine day's work.
  
  crd
  
  
  

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