Carly Simon's "No Secrets" was the first album that I ever purchased. I was in first or second grade. Possibly it was the album cover that drew my little curious self in that particular direction of the store's record bins, but what an amazing find and buy. This was one of the most important albums of my childhood...I even eventually found it in a piano songbook so I could learn the songs on the piano and guitar. My favorite song is probably "Embrace Me You Child", although the rest of the album is wonderful. This is definitely a must have for any Carly Simon fan.
October 15, 2008Not unlike Joan Baez, Carly Simon 'became' a commercial artist, subject to production techniques as part of the corporate music industry's commercial and ideological role. The shaping of Carly's image politically and culturally is rather ambiguously divided into folk/jazz from tracks 1 to 5 and country/country rock from tracks 6 to 9. The folk genre is very distinctive here, in Carly Simon's own unique style of flexible vocal ranges and enigmatic time signatures from tracks 1 to 5. Klaus Voorman's bass playing on track 3 alone is very contemporary and sets the mood for the commercially successful single "You're So Vain". There is not much of a hint of musical genre presented as something new that is not new - it was all contemporary on this recording. The lyrics alone are uniquely penned by Simon. Although the track "You're So Vain" may be the subject of great review in terms of seeing Richard Nixon out-of-office in 1972 - and may also be heard sung at the odd male heckler at a women's conference by hundreds of women - I would say that the song is a response to sexist lyrics like the ones found in the Stone's song "Stupid Girl". This paved the way for an opportunity to address chauvinism for many other female recording artists. Nice ballads here concerning the retrospection of childhood from an adult position. Carly's vocal range is best listened to in a good set of headphones. I like to listen to tracks 1 - 5 particularly. As a desperately lonely bachelor in his 40s, hearing the words, "...I love you now even though you're ten thousand miles away", can be very comforting. It was rumored that at the time of the recording, Mick Jagger stated he was very envious of the fact that Carly Simon had an African American grandmother (who might be the one included in one of the album's songs). As only the tracks 1-5 are favorites, I give only three stars - however, the emotional tenor in the songs makes one feel that without the right music at the right time, life would be meaningless. 'No Secrets' represents love and generosity that only Carly could express at that time. Timely reflections. Thank you Carly.
September 9, 2008this was my first album at 14, bought it again to put on my ipod and still love it.it is one of her best cd's
September 6, 2008 |  | Carly's first masterpiece |  |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1D7HWEMGXPS63 My name is Jeremy Gloff. I am a musician (check me out on Amazon!) and retro music enthusiast. If you enjoyed this review make sure to check out my Amazon user profile to check out my other reviews. I am always up for making new friends and discussing the music I love!!!
August 15, 2008 What does one say about his favorite singer's most famous album? Here is the absolute prime best of a GREAT singer. This is where her best known song comes from. If you don't know what song, quit now; I pity you. I guess everybody has an opinion as to who "You're So Vain" is about...I may as well give mine, though it may well be wrong...I don't think it's about anybody; the words just fit together well....
OK, you're still here. The whole album is fabulous. If you want just one of Carly's albums, THIS is the one. ["Reflections" is a collection; different matter] Maybe you're like me and already have ALL of Carly's albums; you're a wise, and lucky, person. Otherwise, this is one of the two essential albums for anybody over a certain age [Carole King's "Tapestry" being the other]. Five stars aren't nearly enough.
June 18, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
