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 09/2008

    Rachel Harrington
    City of Refuge

  • reviewed 02/2014

    Dirk Powell
    Walking Through Clay

  • reviewed 08/2017

    Jefferson Ross
    Live At Hillbilly Haiku

  • reviewed 05/2008

    The Doc Marshalls
    Honest For Once

  • reviewed 07/2010

    BRANDI CARLILE
    Give up the Ghost

  • reviewed 02/2012

    THE WIYOS
    Twist

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.