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 07/2006

    RAMBLIN’ JACK ELLIOT
    I Stand Alone

  • reviewed 03/2016

    Fortunate Ones
    The Bliss

  • reviewed 06/2006

    BACK FORTY
    Down Home Funkgrass

  • reviewed 11/2006

    SADIES
    Tales of the Rat Fink (OST)

  • reviewed 09/2008

    Rodney Crowell
    Sex and Gasoline

  • reviewed 06/2006

    Jose Gonzalez
    Veener

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.