Mary Chapin Carpenter - The Calling
COUNTRY STANDARD TIME
HomeNewsInterviewsCD ReleasesCD ReviewsConcertsArtistsArchive
 

The Calling (Rounder, 2007)

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Reviewed by Rick Teverbaugh

Mary Chapin Carpenter has always written and recorded songs with either obvious or subtle messages. She is a keen observer of the human condition. But when she recorded an entire album of these songs, "Between Here and Gone" over two years ago, the songs were all very good. But there was something missing.

A big part of her appeal had always been a wry sense of humor and playfulness. That was reflected in some of her best-known work like "I Feel Lucky," "Shut Up and Kiss Me" and "Down at the Twist and Shout." On her new album, the pendulum has started to swing back, but just barely.

There are a few tunes here that can get the toe tapping and make use of ace session drummer Russ Kunkel, like "It Must Have Happened" and "Why Shouldn't We," 2 of the strongest songs on this 13-track offering. Her topical songs include, "On With the Song," which defends the Dixie Chicks and the right to speak out, and "Houston," about the refugees from the Hurricane Katrina.

It would be nice if Carpenter would once again find her joyful side, but until she does, we still have this album, which really spotlights all of her other strengths including that clear, riveting voice and the knowledge of how to best make use of it.


CDs by Mary Chapin Carpenter

The Dirt and the Stars, 2020 Sometimes Just The Sky, 2018 Songs From the Movie, 2014 The Age of Miracles, 2010 Come Darkness, Come Light Twelve Sngs of Christmas, 2008 The Calling, 2007


©Country Standard Time • Jeffrey B. Remz, editor & publisher • countrystandardtime@gmail.com
AboutCopyrightNewsletterOur sister publication Standard Time
Subscribe to Country Music News Country News   Subscribe to Country Music CD Reviews CD Reviews   Follow us on Twitter  Instagram  Facebook  YouTube