Eli And The Thirteenth Confession

Her voice keeps switching from annoying to beautiful

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

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!

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.

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 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!

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.

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 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.

5/5 - surprisingly excellent

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’”

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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.

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

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.

This is really cool. I dig the time changes and movement going on. The singing too. This one of those that I’m going to go 4.5 because while I need to spend more time with it I can feel how amazing it is. Felt like Todd Rundgren’s Wizard. But it predates that, along with a lot of stuff that is obviously inspired by it. Gonna have to come back to this one.

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.

Really blown away, such a groovy unique record that sounds like it could’ve come out decades after the actual 1968 release. The production is so crisp and clear it’s almost unbelievable. Thick horn barrages, driving piano beats, this album is sick. Did a bit of reading on Laura Nyro too and was astonished by the influence she holds on so many incredible artists. Listening to this it’s really no surprise, but I’m ashamed for not having known of her prior to this. At least I do now! Thank you album generator! Top tracks: Luckie, Lu, Sweet Blindness, Eli’s Comin’, Timer, Stoned Soul Picnic, Woman’s Blues, The Confession

Gets a little too into ballads at time but it’s got so many cool aspects. I’m giving it a 5 for be going so cool and existing before 1970

In terms intimate and exuberant. Nyro had a gift for songwriting and a gorgeous voice. Always one of my favorites!

Lyrics: Pros: Poetic Depth: Nyro's lyrics on "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" are a masterclass in poetic depth and emotional resonance. She weaves intricate narratives that explore themes of love, identity, and societal issues. Each song is a lyrical journey that invites the listener into Nyro's introspective and often enigmatic world. Emotional Authenticity: Nyro's lyrics are deeply personal and reflective of her own experiences. The emotional authenticity in her words resonates with listeners, creating a profound connection. Songs like "Emmie" and "Eli's Comin'" are prime examples of Nyro's ability to convey complex emotions through her poetic expressions. Cons: Obscurity of Meaning: At times, Nyro's lyrics can be cryptic and open to interpretation. While this ambiguity adds a layer of intrigue, it may also pose a challenge for some listeners who prefer more straightforward storytelling. The abstract nature of her lyrics could potentially alienate those seeking more concrete narratives. Music: Pros: Innovative Song Structures: Nyro's approach to songwriting is refreshingly innovative. She plays with unconventional song structures, incorporating unexpected shifts in melody and rhythm. This experimentation keeps the music engaging and challenges traditional expectations, setting Nyro apart from her contemporaries. Diverse Musical Influences: The album seamlessly blends various musical genres, including jazz, soul, pop, and rock. This eclecticism adds a unique flavor to each track, making the listening experience dynamic and unpredictable. Nyro's ability to draw from a wide range of influences showcases her musical prowess. Cons: Complexity may be Overwhelming: The intricate musical arrangements might be overwhelming for some listeners. Nyro's compositions are layered and demand active engagement. Those seeking more straightforward, easily digestible music might find the complexity of the arrangements challenging to navigate. Production: Pros: Innovative Production Techniques: "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" features innovative production techniques that were ahead of its time. The use of multi-tracked vocals, unconventional instrumentation, and creative studio effects contribute to the album's distinct sound. The production enhances the overall artistry of the music. Attention to Detail: The meticulous attention to detail in the production is evident throughout the album. From subtle background nuances to bold sonic choices, every element is carefully crafted. This attention to detail enhances the immersive quality of the listening experience, allowing the audience to discover new layers with each playthrough. Cons: Period-Specific Sound: While the production was groundbreaking in the late '60s, some elements might sound dated to modern ears. The sonic characteristics of the era, such as certain vocal effects and recording techniques, might pose a barrier for listeners accustomed to contemporary production aesthetics. Themes: Pros: Exploration of Femininity: Nyro's exploration of femininity, love, and identity is a standout theme on the album. She challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations, presenting a feminist perspective that was progressive for its time. Songs like "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Sweet Blindness" embody this thematic exploration. Social Commentary: Beyond personal themes, Nyro engages in social commentary, addressing issues like racial inequality and societal unrest. The relevance of these themes persists, adding a timeless quality to the album's lyrical content. Cons: Potential Overload of Themes: The album covers a broad spectrum of themes, which, while enriching the listening experience, may be overwhelming for some. Nyro's ambitious scope could result in a lack of cohesion for listeners who prefer more focused thematic exploration within an album. Influence: Pros: Impact on Singer-Songwriter Genre: "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" has had a lasting influence on the singer-songwriter genre. Nyro's innovative approach to songwriting and production set a precedent for future artists, inspiring a generation of musicians to explore new avenues of musical expression. Cross-Genre Appeal: The album's fusion of diverse musical genres contributed to its cross-genre appeal. Nyro's willingness to transcend musical boundaries paved the way for artists to experiment with genre conventions, fostering a more inclusive and eclectic music landscape. Cons: Limited Mainstream Recognition: Despite its influence, the album did not achieve widespread commercial success upon its release. This limited mainstream recognition may have hindered its impact on the broader music scene during the late '60s. Conclusion: "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" remains a landmark album that defies easy categorization. Laura Nyro's distinctive voice, coupled with her fearless exploration of complex themes, establishes this record as a timeless piece of art. The album's influence on subsequent generations of musicians and its enduring appeal attest to its significance in the evolution of popular music. While the album may pose challenges for listeners seeking more straightforward narratives or contemporary production aesthetics, its merits lie in its artistic ambition, lyrical depth, and musical innovation. "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" is not merely a collection of songs; it is a cohesive, immersive journey that invites listeners to explore the multifaceted nature of human experience through the lens of a remarkably talented and daring artist.

It's insane how quickly singer/songwriters matured during the 60s. This is just phenomenal; switching from awe-inspiringly dramatic and cinematic to deeply introverted and experimental in a short space of time.

Excellent, excellent album. Sad that I've never heard of Laura Nyro but grateful that I'm hearing it now.

This is precisely why I signed up for 1001. How could I have never come across this album in all my years? Just breath-takingly beautiful. Each song seems to walk a line between exquisite pop and fascinating experimentation. Wild, almost unpredictable structures, that kept me on my toes the whole time. She comes across like a more bombastic Joni Mitchell with bigger arrangements. I love Joni, but I think I might like this more? I feel like I've finally been let in on one of music's greatest secrets.

What a hidden gem!

So different, so fresh. She changes things up so much in her songs and I can sense genius.

Soul music

her voice sounds very beautiful and the jazzy vibes is awesome some of the songs take a while to get good but the other songs being good throughout it all make up for it

It has just started and I already like it. The little change in rhythm at the end of Luckie really adds that pizzazz to the piece. There’s a hint of jazz and funk intertwined with the pop factor of this album. It takes all the best aspects of each genre and mashes together to make something beautiful. I really like Eli’s Comin’. The way she sings also gives the music a sort of refreshing feeling. Stoned Soul Picnic might be my favorite song in the whole album. I take it back, The Confession is my favorite. All in all, this album was amazing if you like old goodies. 10/10

Memories!

My God, would you just shut your stupid mouth for one second? FML. A steaming pile of shit getting shovelled into my ears. I hate this woman and everything she stands for. I hope she dies soon, if she hasn't already. Bitch.

Stunning mix of Northern Soul, Jazz and great songwriting. Pity I never heard of her before. One of the best discoveries here.

This is some great stuff. Sounded fresh and innovative and reading how she was an influence on a ton of artists I love. Great little find.

An unexpected banger

Daaamn, that album is so goood. All sounds fit perfectly. It is my great soul finding that I was looking for couple of months ago. Voice is really really good

tellement surprenant, je connaissais pas et je trouve ca vraiment excellent, j'ai des vibes de plusieurs trucs, notamment Joni Mitchell, et j'adore ca aussi, un 5 qui me surprend aussi

S W A N K Y

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.

Did not expect to like this but is was really good :)

Awesome, totally new to me but very glad I listened. Somewhere between Nina Simone and Carol King with a Phil Spector vibe. Blending soul, jazz, blues into lovely accessible pop.

I didn't expect to like this album as much as I did, but I'm a sucker for piano. The songs blend together sometimes, but I still enjoy all of them. My favourite songs were Timer and Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe).

This is a cool singer songwriter bop of a record. Great and effortless access to her head voice. Lonely Women is a great track. All these tracks are tight and powerful!

Never even heard of Laura Nyro. I think that says enough about a male centered culture. This lead me to read a bit about her and listen more of her music. Interesting life and career. Great songs, very well played. If I'd listen to this record without knowing the year it was released, I'd think it's a new album, very contemporary. Great discovery.

Never heard of it, absolutely loved it. So weird and all over the place. Knocks Sade I to a cocked hat.

Laura Nyro should have been as popular and adored as Linda Ronstadt. In a way, she was Linda Ronstadt before Linda Ronstadt, the biggest difference being that Laura wrote all of her own songs. Ironically enough, most of those songs became huge hits for other artists, especially The Fifth Dimension. Nyro was somewhat press shy - you can't find any old televised appearances of her anywhere. But my word, did she write some perfect pop songs. Unfortunately Nyro didn't live long enough to see the acclaim that eluded her in life, such as being elected to the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. But we still have the music, and all of those incredible songs. Laura Nyro knew that was ultimately all that mattered.

Do you recall seeing the sun rise for the first time?

upbeat - talented and made me feel happy. Unexpected gem

I had never listened to this before but I'm very glad I did. Her voice and the musical arrangements are superb. I could hear echoes of Motown and Atlantic soul on there too. This is an artist I'll be looking into more, and an album I shall certainly be playing again.

Holy crap. This is already awesome right from the start. Yeah, I dig it.

Frábær plata. Verð að eignast. Greinilegur áhrifavaldur fjölda tónlistarfólks sem á eftir kom.

Amazing soul pop, great vocals

This is incredible. I have heard of Laura Nyro but never listened. I always had the feeling for some reason that her music was somehow weird and would be a challenge to listen to. On the surface, it doesn't seem challenging at all --- I get a clear singer-songwriter pop vibe a la Carole King or Rickie Lee Jones --- and I can't figure out why she wasn't on the radio all the time when I was a kid. But, oh, yeah...melodies and rhythms and even styles change every couple of lines or so. She doesn't stay anywhere for very long...and I love it. My god, what a treasure.

Laura Nyro is one of those names I know but completely missed out on her music - somehow. And to my own detriment. Quick review: if you're partial to early 70s complex singer/songwriter artists like Carole King, Elton John, Todd Rundgren ... you will love this. There's definitely a strong and immediate Carole King comparison to be made in songs like "Stoned Soul Picnic" both in voice and melody; it's a high compliment yet I find Nyro in parts to be more complex in her arrangements. For example - the amount of tempo changes within songs isn't quite jarring but it is eminently noticeable in a way that forces you to listen to these songs. Heck you could almost call it progressive 70s AM gold. Summing up -> I think I love every minute of this album. The mix is a very clear recording, the music a preponderance of major 7th chords amidst jazz+pop progressions, gorgeous harmony, dynamics, varying melodies constantly in motion, variety in songs... giddyup. 9/10 5 stars.

Excellent album. Amazing how influential she was, and died so young. Such a tragedy. Fave track: stoned soul picnic.

10/10 such a fun album no complaints, just some really fun pop I should listen to at least one or two other albums from her

Didn't actually hate this 4/5

not something i ever would have discovered on my own, intelligent and provocative vocals in each song back by a fun swing beat. always random aswell when you discover a song that is the sample of one you love

It was really good tbh, very dense need another listen. Love stone souled picnic

Surprisingly good! I had no idea this existed.

Very unexpected! I checked the cover and the Wikipedia page expecting some forgettable album, but now I'm astonished by her voice and music. Awesome hidden gem on the 1001 list

She has a beautiful voice and musically this was very pleasing to listen to. It's a bit crooning so not something I'd want to listen to frequently, but I liked it a good deal.

Wow!