Eli And The Thirteenth Confession

Her voice keeps switching from annoying to beautiful

I have never heard of Laura Nyro before, so I'm quite excited to go on on an album knowing nothing. She's really good. Soul, jazz and experimentation all banging together. It's an album I won't be sure about until I've given it more listens. But it makes me want to listen to it more. I went back for a second listen. I think I'm going to buy this one off the back of this. I could end up regretting the score I give it, as I feel like this could end up being a five star album to me once I've lived in it for a bit. How had I missed her all my life? I know I Met Him On A Sunday. It's a tune! It's not on this album, it just came up after it ended!

Underrated, gorgeous, heartfelt gem. The vocals are lovely. Truly an underappreciated masterpiece.

Man, I almost like this, but it's consistently pushing itself into show-tune territory and I just can't stand it. Like, I don't feel like she's brassy enough to pull off these big moments for me. I wish it was a smaller album, maybe? Like, a little more intimate, like what the album cover seems to suggest.

This production fucking slaaaaaaaps. Songwriting is fantastic. Great rhythm. One of my favorites I've heard on here so far. Sounds timeless to me. Big influence for Todd Rundgren too.

I have listened to this album many times before. Several years ago I became a huge fan of The 5th Dimension’s version of “Sweet Blindness.” When I found out it was originally written and performed by Laura Nyro, I landed on this album and was surprised to also find “Eli’s Comin’” (which I knew from Three Dog Night) and “Stoned Soul Picnic” (another 5th Dimension hit). These songs drew me in and I fell in love with the album and Laura Nyro. I wish I was sitting in a cabaret somewhere sipping on a Gin Gimlet and enjoying a live performance of these incredible songs. Laura Nyro’s vocals are exhilarating. She creates elaborate song tapestries with varied and interesting textures, stories and dimensions. You never quite know where her songs might go or end up, but every one of them is peppered with delightful surprises. It’s such an amazing journey… I LOVE this album. If you haven’t heard Laura Nyro perform “Eli’s Comin’” then you haven’t really ever heard it, no matter how much of a Three Dog Night fan you might be. Besides the three songs mentioned previously, I’ll give a special call out to “Luckie”, “Lu”, “Poverty Train”, “Lonely Women”, “Emmie”, “Women’s Blues”, “Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe)”, and “The Confession”. Looking at the previous list I feel a little silly. I could single out any song on this album as it is a phenomenal work (did I really leave out “Timer” and “December’s Boudoir”?!). The whole journey is a thrilling, beautiful adventure and I love every twist and turn. ELI AND THE THIRTEENTH CONFESSION is a masterpiece that up until now I have had to myself. Being able to share the Laura Nyro experience with my friends today makes the world a whole lot brighter!

Really enjoyed this album. It was all over the place in a very good way. The band was on fire and the vocals were amazing. I appreciate the wide variety of sounds even within songs. A very interesting listen all around. Favorite tracks: “Lucky,” “Lu,” “Poverty Train,” and “Eli’s Comin’”

I feel like I've been misled, I thought Laura Nyro was going to be some Laurel Canyon folkie; this was quite something else! Absolutely eccentric in both writing and execution, but exhilirating for all that. I found Nyro's policy of teeing off wildly and playing where it lay to be endearing, but can fully understand that it could be disorienting or frustrating for others. Quite what is this anyway? Mutant show tunes? Soul-jazz-kitchen sink pop?

A fine vocalist and a well-composed album, but it feels directionless.

It's competently produced and her voice is fine, but the campy broadway-meets-60s-pop songwriting was not to my taste. When the horn section kicks in and it has hints of classic soul I tend to like it, other times it sounds like the schmaltzy Elton John records I tend to skip - there's more of the latter.

I’m not sure who Eli is or what he did to deserve being the namesake of this album, but I really hope he’s okay. The background instrumentals were acceptable for a few songs, but the positives (or neutrals, really) end just about there. I’m not sure what I expected, but as soon as “Luckie” started, I was feeling pretty unluckie. I would say the piano in “Stoned Soul Picnic” reminded me of Tapestry, but I wouldn’t want to insult Carole King like that. The repetition of “surry” throughout the song didn’t make much sense, so I’d like to think Nyro was apologizing profusely for the permanent ear damage she had caused over the years. I considered calling an ENT doc after both “Timer” and “Woman’s Blues.” By the end I’d almost pulled a Van Gogh, so I threw on Cosmo’s Factory and took a walk just to get some fresh air. As far as I’m aware this record hardly made it out of 1968, but I do know we should’ve left it there. Frankly, it’s a better fit for a list called “1001 Albums That Might Make You Want To Die.” Even then, it would rank pretty highly. If you haven’t listened to it… don’t. You can still spare yourself.

5/5 - surprisingly excellent

Loads going on and all of it is great. Slow sad songs, uptempo fun stuff. Powerful voice.

I love curvy Jewish bisexual potheads so this was extremely My Thing.

At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about her voice, but it grew on me as the album went along. And then it got annoying. I don't think I've ever experienced such a shift in my opinion of a singer's voice before? Certainly not over the course of one album. It might have been some of the repetitive lyrics she falls back on in a lot of songs that made it grating. Then again, it might just be her trying to hit those high notes. Either way, it wasn't a very fun listen.

I did not like her voice. The first two songs were decent. The rest I got dying cat from. No thanks!

Everything on this album has been done better by someone else and where it has been done better it fits within the context of the album it’s found on. This sounds more like a resume to showcase the range of the artist.

No disrespect intended: just because someone has talent does not mean they are enjoyable to listen to. Sounds like a senior project for someone majoring in “music” at a liberal arts college. Yes, let’s throw some xylophone at this track. That’s surely what it’s missing!

Standard 60s blue-eyed soul pop with an occasional dash of Gershwin-esque jazz and an extra helping of inane lyrics. Boring. Best track: Luckie

How is this must hear? Annoying voice and lyrics Make this a must miss

This is so fun! Laura beautifully bends the rules of traditional midcentury pop through this whole album to give us something that sounds familiar in its production, but new and interesting in its form.

I was not familiar with Laura Nyro, but I'm glad I am now. Way above average vocals, really nice layering. The band is on fire too. Everything from top to bottom on this album is professional. This is exactly what I'm looking for from this project. Top notch.

There’s an incredible amount happening on this album. The sheer breadth and depth of musical ideas present here is breathtaking. This, combined with outstanding playing, singing and production, makes for an unexpectedly wonderful album. Akiko Yano (especially) and Kate Bush must have both surely been influenced by this album and Laura Nyro’s sound in their music.

Wow! I went in with no expectations and came out with a deep appreciation.

Here's an album I'd never heard of before. I don't know who Laura Nyro is, but I'm always happy to see more women on the list, so I couldn't be too upset to get this. After listening to it, I think this album's good! Laura's singing is enjoyable. There's some good energy and I can hear how her vocal style could've influenced later artists like Kate Bush. I definitely got Carole King vibes from this, which is not a bad thing at all. I didn't like this album as much as Tapestry, but I can say that about a lot of albums. The fact that Laura's a songwriter as well aids in the comparisons. Is she a good songwriter? I'd say so. This is the kind of album that feels a little ahead of its time but also reflects well on when it was made. Although, I don't know who Eli is and why he's coming. "Eli's Comin'" is a pretty good song though. This isn't the most exciting album ever, but it's the kind of thing that could reasonably be called a hidden gem of sorts. I like it. Low 4/5.

An interesting album that served as an inspiration for artists I love, such as Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and later Rickie Lee Jones. The vocal performance is a bit unconventional, but still strong - Laura is a very good singer, even though I can see how the voice itself can get a little tiresome for some people after a while. The falsettos and the wide vocal range reminded me a bit of Kate Bush too. The accompanying band is excellent as well, which is no surprise with names such as Chuck Rainey and Ernie Royal among others. There’s a progressive and forward thinking side to this album - occasional interesting instrument choices, tempo and time signature changes and complex song structures. You literally cannot anticipate anything when listening to this album, and I loved that about it. The album is definitely ahead of its time and very influential, while still being grounded in that late 60s/early 70s sound. For instance, in 1968, when this was released, Joni was just starting out, and not taking anything away from her, this album definitely seems like it could’ve been a big inspiration for Joni’s later, more jazz inspired albums, such as "Court and Spark". The lyrics feel very stream-of-consciousness, and the delivery is often free-form and unconventional, which actually fits perfectly with the unpredictable nature of the songs. I still liked them for how unique and offbeat they are. All in all, if you're a fan of the artists mentioned above and enjoy music that's a little unusual (but still with plenty of catchy hooks), full of twists, and backed by great musicianship, this album is definitely worth a listen. Just keep in mind it could take a few plays to click - I remember trying to get into this a few years ago, and it’s only now that it finally clicked for me. 4/5

Great album could totally vibe to this

weirdly loving this, feels like 4 or a 5 started grating after a bit Once it was alright now slaps tho

Eli And The Thirteenth Confession Again one of those cult albums I’ve heard a lot about but have never listened to. I think my expectations were probably a bit high, I really liked about half of it, but I was more ambivalent about the other. You can see the influence she had, particularly on something like Tapestry, which shares some vocal mannerisms and a similar overall vibe, and there are also notes of Joni Mitchell throughout. Luckie is one of the songs along with Lu, Sweet Blindness, Lonely Women, December’s Boudoir that I wasn’t that into. There are some nice moments and passages and some great playing, but too often the soul inflections drift into a musical cabaret/show tune/rag time vibe that I’m not as keen on Poverty Train, Eli’s Comin’, Timer, Stoned Soul Picnic, Emmie, Once it Was Alright and The Confession I thought were great though, hitting a nice furrow of soul, bluesiness and jazzy inflections with some great melodies and choruses, avoiding too much of the showtuney-ness I’m glad this came up, although I wasn’t totally into it, I can see why people might love it, she has a distinctive voice and point of view for the time, and her influence is clear. I’d stick it on again, but not sure how often so I’ll go for a solid 3. 🧺🧺🧺 Playlist submission: Eli’s Comin’

Every once in awhile, I think about how many women like this with beautiful voices and remarkable talent have flickered through the musical world, then quietly disappeared. Nothing wrong with this album, but also nothing remarkable memorable either.

Album 847 of 1089 Laura Nyro - Eli And The Thirteenth Confession (1968) Rating : 3 / 5 Don’t let the “pop” label fool you — this one is overflowing with soul, gospel, jazz, and a little rock for good measure. Laura Nyro’s vocals are bold and unfiltered, but it’s her songwriting that really shines. She’s one of those artists whose work might be more familiar through the covers — Blood, Sweat & Tears made her “And When I Die” (not on this album) a hit — but there’s no mistaking her original voice here. She belongs in the same conversation as Carole King and Carly Simon. Can’t say I’ll be rushing to spin this again soon, but it was certainly a fine and worthy listen.

Laura Nyro has a great voice and displays it on several tracks, but the songwriting itself felt like it fell a little short. None of the songs stood out to me as excellent. I can understand how this album might have been influential at the time--an album about love and drug use, coming out the year before Woodstock, the cultural touchstone of that generation. But, the album doesn't really resonate with me in the same way.

Lovely voice - quite a listenable album but also forgettable the minute it’s over. Also tends to be a bit repetitive. Not a bad album but definitely not much higher than average compared to some of the records on this list.

Laura Nyro is another artist I know of, but have never taken the time to listen to. I had some preconceived ideas what she would sound like, maybe a Greenwich Village folky somewhere between Joan Baez and Canadian, Joni Mitchell, but much to my surprise she sounded nothing like that. It is an album full of energy and vigor and moves towards a " show tune-y" sound. There's lots of brass and strings and Nyro on piano, so no folk guitars necessary. It was somewhat better than I expected and she's no doubt a talented songwriter and performer. Not for all tastes, me included, but it was definitely worth a listen.

A hangover would make this torture. I tried hard with this record, and it fizzed around the cerebrum as I puzzled out how I can like this record only at a distance no less than a kilometre. Laura Nyro knew the notes and wanted us to hear all of them, damn the expense, no decibels spared. There are some good, maybe exquisite songs here and I can’t get to them past the beautiful artillery barrages. The words, parcelled by someone with a passion for the baroque, sound like they might be conversational, confessional and fascinating, and they are lost when shouted across an exquisitely decorated brasserie. Une chanteuse-lance flammes. Something I read persuaded me to buy “New York Tendaberry” a medium while back, and I remember the same experience of being deflected by the force of delivery. I might enjoy this if the intensity was dropped from 11 to 6, if she stole Sinatra’s knack of turning songs into softly spoken monologues, or maybe if I had a few more years in me, maturing my sensibilities, or at least the ears a blissful degree. It’s a sumptuous suite, full of trinkets to linger over, I just can’t get comfortable in it, and I don’t understand as I don’t have this problem with other blisteringly forceful singers. Will try again one day. Reckon Tendaberry will be somewhere on this list, ey?

A bit too showtuney for my taste. 2.5/5

This is what Joni Mitchell sounds like when you're not in the mood for Joni Mitchell.

I don’t know why I was expecting this to be a folk album. It’s more of jazzy, soul-ish pop record, with a definite late 60’s sound. It has it moments, but it feels a bit like listening to the soundtrack of a Broadway show that I have no reference for or idea what it is about, so I’m just going to chose to believe that it’s a concept record about Eli Manning.

Eli and the Thirteenth Confession is the second album by the American singer, songwriter, and pianist Laura Nyro. It is her most accessible and famous work, but the follow-up album was more commercially successful. This loose pop album contains many elements from other genres such as soul, R&B, gospel, jazz, and rock. Its legacy has inspired as well as produced hit cover songs for many other artists. This was a beautiful album packed with soul and passion. Laura Nyro is an expert singer songwriter and her piano skills compliment the tracks amazingly. If you're the type of listener that enjoys a solo artist, then this album must be on your to listen list. RIP Laura Nyro.

forgotten '70s singer-songwriters are usually my weak spot, but this didn't do much for me other than Stoned Soul Picnic, which I knew already. I'll save a higher rating for the inevitable Tapestry

Failed to leave an impression

The fourteenth confession: I'm not feeling it.

Every so often, this list throws up something genuinely unexpected that I hadn’t heard of before. In this case Laura Nyro is a singer songwriter from New York, and if I hadn’t looked at the date on the album I would have been hard pressed to pin this down to any time in the last fifty years. For an album released in 1968 by someone who was just 20 at the time, this sounds remarkably contemporary. Nyro wrote all of the tracks here, and there’s a dizzying mix of genres, tempo and feel, often within the same song. She has a gorgeous, soulful voice and her lyrics are equally strong, especially with lines like ‘No one knows the blues like lonely women’ and Emmie, which is an unapologetic love song to a woman. I wasn’t surprised to read in her biography on Wikipedia that she was a bisexual woman and a feminist, which is probably partly the reason that she didn’t get the public recognition that this album clearly deserved. She died at the tragically young age of 49 from ovarian cancer. The album is strongest for me on the three stripped down demo versions of the songs Lu, Stoned Soul Picnic (her one reference to the hippie era) and Emmie, which feature just Nyro playing piano with home produced multitracked vocals. They sound utterly amazing and it’s worth looking out for this version of the album to hear them. Apparently she was an influence of Todd Rundgren and Elton John. Hey, fellas - you might have let the rest of us know about her! Sassafras-and-moonshine-tastic!

I’ve never heard of Laura Nyro before, but this is a really interesting album cover. It’s kind of shocking to me that Laura Nyro is an American, because this album cover really screams France or England to me. I have no idea what this album is going to sound like, but I’m really curious to see how this album fits in with the music scene in the late sixties. I thought this was a fantastic album. I was immediately drawn to Laura’s voice, and her vocal style reminded me a lot of Carole King. I found it mind-blowing that this album came out a full three years before Tapestry, and EATTC sounded like it came from the seventies, and not the sixties. I thought the arrangements on this album were lush and beautiful, and there was a wide variety sounds explored on this album. EATTC was incredibly well produced, making it a joy to listen to. So many songs on this album had abrupt changes in style and tempo, but those changes were done in a way that never felt jarring. In fact, those changes kept me hanging on every note, because I never knew what was coming next, and I didn’t want to miss anything. In addition to those changes in tempo and style, Laura was also able to shift moods and feelings just as quickly as the music changed, going from one emotion seamlessly into another. I’m truly shocked that I’ve never heard of this album or Laura Nyro before, because this album is absolutely beautiful and well made. I have to imagine that countless other artists were influenced by this album, not just around the time that this was released, but also in the nineties and today as well. All of the songs on this album were really good, but to me, “Eli’s Comin’” stood out as the best song. Before today, I’ve only known the version by Three Dog Night, which no shame to those guys, but hot damn, Laura’s version is electric. I love the urgency in her singing and the instrumentation. I love the way the song gets more chaotic as it goes along, but the instrumentation is constantly changing, as some instruments come in, and others drop out. It’s a blast of soul-filled adrenaline. As I get closer and closer to the finish line on this project, I keep thinking that there can’t be that many surprises still waiting for me, and this album proves that I couldn’t be more wrong.

Started listening to it before I looked at the date that it came out. Got to weighs into it and had the idea that if this person made this album after 1985 it's obvious that they listen to a lot of Kate Bush; then I saw what it came out and now I got the feeling that Kate Bush listens to them. Quite enjoyed it ended up listening to it three times.

Blues. 5 stars! tones of Joni, Carol and Dionne!

One of the best vocalists I have had so far from the list. Smoothest registration change. Very solid chest voice. Head voice not the most beautiful (nothing about her techniques) but also very very good. 5/5 vocal performance. Music wise ok. Her voice is way more impressive than the album. 3 star album, +1 star for her incredible voice, and +1 star for her immaculate techniques.

Instantly hit with a huge, warm sound. Her voice is massive in the mix, the horns feel like a gentle cuddle with tough love. I love when you hear something for the first time and there's a feeling of devastation, in kind of a good way. Devastated that I haven't heard this before and devastated by how good this music is. I just have to close my eyes and succumb to it.

This sounds way more like a 70's album than it does a 60's one. Effortlessly predicts the sound people like Elton Jong and Carly Simon would go on to produce. I really enjoyed this, the songs had meaningful lyrics and they all sound lovely. Really pleasant surprise.

I'm usually not a fan of a jazzy/showtuney voice, but Nyro's voice is amazing to me. This bluesy singer-songwriter shit of hers is BUSSIN.

Det är helt sjukt att jag aldrig hört hennes namn. Så nyskapande, fantastiska låtar, genre överskridande - pop, jazz, blues, gospel. Och en fantastisk sångerska. Solklar femma!

Surprise!

so beatiful and modern

9/10

Holy gas ⛽️. I would have never guessed this was from 1968, the production sounds wayyyy ahead of its time. Her voice is insane and the songs are unique — bouncing between oldies, 70s-esque disco/funk, showtunes, and crescendoing piano ballads. The album reminds me a lot of Grace by Jeff Buckley with its compositions built around showcasing the incredible voice of its singer. It simply blows me away that this is from 1968. And for that reason it’s a 5

Beautiful standards, most of which really suits her. Not the strongest voice ever, but truly gorgeous

Como pode essa cantora não ser tão conhecida do grande público? Disco sensacional.

Loved this. Go listen. The changes in melody and key throughout songs and the energy keeps you on your toes and wanting more.

Now i know what love at first sight (sound?) is, finally a hidden gem in this list Laura be my wife pls...

Wonderful. Hadn’t listened to it in years.

This was the best random album yet. Absolutely beautiful. Laura’s voice was just astonishingly hunting and beautiful. Love the whole album.

I really love this album - Laura Nyro is a brilliant songwriter and has a great voice with an incredible range. I particularly like the sudden tempo shifts in most of her songs.

Great album! Soulful, powerful vocals and catchy tunes.

Now here's a record that you just won't ever hear one like... before or after... as a little kid, i knew of Laura Nyro's work from hearing her songs performed by Barbra Streisand or The Fifth Dimension... whenever Barbra appeared on a show, i usually changed the channel... lol... unless she sang "Stoney End"... which was a stone HIT, it's not on this album but anyway... Laura, her real name Nigro, was a really unique songwriter... the chords, hooks, parts, were so uniquely put together... and her songs always had an element of GOSPEL in them... like a half Italian half jewish girl from NYC learned her chops in a southern baptist African American church... her songs are POP... but not pop... they are GOSPEL... but not sanctified... they are HOOKY but not stock... This album is not all home runs... but they all at least reach the warning track... and it's always ART... "Sweet Blindness"... is great... "Eli's Coming", a big HIT for Three Dog Night, is a classic... "Stoned Soul Picnic", a huge hit for The Fifth Dimension, is another banger... the other cuts are all top notch... her singing is a bit quirky, but i really like it... it may not have been radio friendly, but it was totally expressive... and had trememdous character and soul.. a big FIVE STARS... a masterpiece.

1968. Folk Jazz / Blue eyed soul / pop. 10 Luckie / Lu / Sweet Blindness / Poverty Train / Lonely Woman / Eli’s Comin' / Timer / Stoned Soul Picnic / “Emmie / Woman’s Blues / Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe) / December’s Boudoir / The Confession

Not heard of this artist and was a completely new listen for me, incredible vocals and beats. To think that this is the 1960’s is insane, miles ahead of the competition at the time. For me, it’s a pretty much a complete album. 9/10.

This was sensational. Chilled out buttery jazz tones throughout and what fantastic vocals. At times a bit Dion Warwickesque. For its age , timeless. Superb

Welcome to the wonderful world of Laura Nyro, weaving jazz, show tunes, soul music and deep personal lyrics together, with great melodies and a spectacular voice

Phenomenal album. The talent and the creative expression clearly shows and throughout the album I feel like there's almost no room of errors. She also seemed to really love to play around with key shifts and tempo shifts, and it clearly works. I absolutely would add this to one of the greatest album I've ever listened to.

wow. the chance to discover albums like this really makes the whole 1001 list worthwhile.

Wow.

Absolutely flabbergasted. Haven't had a new musical experience like that in such a long time. THE single best discovery on this list.

10/10 Beyond exceptional, my favorite hidden gem from this list so far, a masterful vintage Pop album that left me stunned from track 1 to 13. It’s actually insane how pristinely written and intricate this album is, not only are you getting these breathtaking Pop songs blending Soul and Jazz with engaging and brilliant songwriting, you’re constantly being surprised by the compositions and arrangements of these songs as well, there’s never a stale moment, it’s the mark of a genius songwriter who just had everything laid out in its right place. Listening to it now I instantly understand it as being a Godmother of masterful Pop music, seeing its sound echoed in some of my favorite artists (Fiona Apple, Kate Bush, Tori Amos), we are permanently indebted to this album in ways we have not realized considering Laura’s character. Even if her reserved presentation may have stunted her commercial success and image, her work speaks volumes, and it’s absolutely necessary for anyone to listen to this record, if not for the historical importance then at least for the perfection hidden under that elusive album cover. Shoutout bisexual white women!

Just really digged this, it's a vibe I'm here for. Laura Nyro seems like the kind of girl who would completely fuck my life up and I'd be into it.

Favorite Track: Eli’s Comin’

wow what a gem. love that the album with my name in the title delivered. sweet blindness blew my mind in the most amazing way.

Absolute masterpiece. God am I fucking obsessed with these tempo changes. Never ever know which way the song is gonna go and it switches with no warning at all. Every single song on here is absolute gold. Some of the best soul work ever on an album that sounds like it was tailor made for me, guy who is currently high as fuck

美，有力

incredibly creative and fun soul & RnB album with a lot of variation within individual songs, often for just a couple measures before reverting back. A very groundbreaking and unique album that feels like it has a ton of soul that's amplified by Nyro's passion and ad-libs.

Why was I not already listening to Laura Nyro?! That aching, vulnerable voice, those obscure and poetic lyrics…

This another one that I had never heard of before, and wow what a surprise. I loved this. It's soulful, jazzy, experimental, theatrical and sounds timeless.

"Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" is the second album by New York City- born singer-songwriter and pianist Laura Nyro. The music can best be described as pop incorporating elements of soul, jazz, gospel and rock with multi-layered, opulent and multi-tracked vocals and strings. That about sums it up. The album was entirely written by Nyro, arranged by Charlie Cabello and produced by both Nyro and Cabello. The lyrical themes include passion, love, romance, death and drugs. Critically, it was very well-received and considered influential for its quirky and reflective songwriting. Commercially, it hit #181 in the US. "Luckie" opens with Nyro's strong and soaring voice. Jazzy with the piano and beat. There's horns and tempo changes. This reminds me of Carole King. She's out to get lucky. Doo-wop vocals start "Sweet Blindness." It's bouncey. Layered vocals. They're drinking Daddy's wine. "Eli's Comin'" begins with Nyro singing softly. Mare layered vocals and strings. The pace picks up. Very 1960's R&B and soulful. "Stoned Soul Picnic" continues the souful, layered vocals. There's horns. She's just enjoying the music. "Emmie" goes back to the jazz. Nyro vocals are more sultry, less screamy. Strings. Delicate. And then the pace changes. It picks up and the song ends on a high note. "Women's Blues" begins in a melancholic way with horns. Nyro's is in a higher octave. The tempo changes. There's a bluesy guitar. Her vocals are toned down a notch. This is a fun song. This was a very compelling listen. Nyro's vocals can be sultry, soaring or soft. The music is jazzy, bouncey or bluesy. Both the vocals and music changes octaves, tones and styles constantly. Nyro seems to take the music and her vocals in any direction at any time...totally unpredictable. It's like listening to a free-form jazz artist or watching a classical musical symphony director. Her music appears very influential; I thought of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Rufus Wainwright. This is a tremendous album and one everyone needs to listen to.

5/5. Love the time changes and how each song feels like two full songs mixed together. The mix of jazz and pop and experimentation is done so expertly. Laura's voice is beautiful and so expressive with her range. Although some songs I am not sure what she is saying, I blame that on the production, which is normally superb on this one. Feels like Joni Mitchell but better. Best Song: Eli's Comin, Luckie, Woman's Blues

First time I listened to this I thought it was great, hearing it again really blew me away. The music on this record is so soulful, creative, tightly performed, stylisticaly free and much more. A (sometimes forgotten) classic that deserves to be regarded among the best singer/songwriter albums.

Really enjoyed it. Everything about this one seemed ahead of its time. You can hear the sound that so many icons build off later. Even the cover art looks more modern than 1967. Rating: 4.7

A singular talent at her peak. Mixing shades of soul , jazz, tin pan alley and baroque pop into a unique stew.

Wowee! What a find! Like a mix of Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell and Carole King. I’m not sure why I’ve never heard of her before. Incredible voice! 4.5

A wonderful voice, an interesting artist, and someone I will be returning to - all her stuff is on my "after the list" list

big fan, never heard of her before but i liked this album a lot

A phenomenal singer and songwriter who deserves to be here and more widely recognized.

This album sounds like taking a springtime walk through Central Park with your manic pixie dream girl friend.

Very good songwriting throughout, some wonderful songs (stone souled picnic and woman's blues were my favorites). She has a wonderful voice too, hard to believe this came out in 1968, very easy to tell she was a large influence on many songwriters to follow. 4.5/5

If you don't like this, you don't have ears.

This is why I love this project. Finding new artists that had passed me by first time around. A mix of Dusty Springfield and Joni Mitchell with a sprinkle of Karen Carpenter, Laura Nyro has it all.

what i love about laura nyro is her songwriting. particularly i adore how her songwriting sort of meanders left and right, switching up tempos all the time, almost as if the music is going with the wind. so many of these songs will start off slow, soft, intimate, and then explode into an uptempo soul groove - or vice versa. not only that, but her melodies are incredible and so is her voice. the arrangements on this one are equally spectacular. i understand if you don't dig the brill building vibe of this one, it's definitely a bit dramatic, but to me this is truly one of the pinnacles of songwriting on display. sophistication at its finest!

Wow, I loved this album. Loved the jazzy soul mix with at times a sprinkling of Broadway-esque sound. Great talent for songwriting (several notable covers of her songs) and vocals. I will listen to this again. Edit: I listened to this at least 3x.

La característica pop es esencial en este disco ya que la voz siempre mantiene un elemento protagónico en todo momento. Todos los arreglos se deben a la vocalista y los cambios de ritmo y de estilo hacen muy interesante la macrodinámica del album. Tiene arreglos y armonías muy jazzisticass combinados con arreglos vocales del góspel. Sin embargo, muchas veces presenta arreglos de soul y blues

I may be a tad generous rating this one, but I am trying to influence the curve. Laura is a very underrated songwriter and performer and he blend of folk, jazz and soul is quite unique. Listen to this and the. A greatest hits collection.

I love Laura Nyro's greatest hits album. I've listened to it many times. This is the first time listening to one of her studio albums. I was going to give this a 4/5 as I don't like the slow, stripped down songs as much, and her voice can get a bit shrill on the high notes. But I listened to it again this morning, and I think I was just being too critical. There are plenty enough great songs here to push this up to a 5/5. Did she lift "she got the way to move me" on Emmie from Neil Diamond's Cherry, Cherry? Favorites: Lu, Sweet Blindness, Stoned Soul Picnic, Eli's Comin'.

Classic, bluesy. A writer's showcase. Hits made bigger by other artists.