ellen j moore | elkhart, IN United States | 01/31/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As it is with all high forms of art, there are multiple levels at which an artist's work can be taken. Taken at its simplest level, Betty's Diner: The Best of Carrie Newcomer will delight new listeners with a great representation of her work. A good CD to begin to familiarize a person with her talents.Yet no one should be lulled into thinking this is just some collection of light stuff. Because although Carrie can sing about the funny little things in every day life like no one else, she will also grab hold of your soul once you really listen. Enter the most precious levels of Carrie's music ... her unique ability to bring listeners into awareness of what matters most. And yet she never leaves you just hanging there. Somehow Carrie delivers a grace and peace and some kind of inexplicable healing love via her music that transcends far beyond human talent. It is a gift. Betty's Diner, as with every other CD Carrie has ever released, will take you there ... if you let it. Long-time fans (and new fans alike) will be blown away (I think) by the first song on the CD, "Toward the Horizon". The only thing better than playing it over and over and over is hearing her sing it in person. Asking yourself what that lovely - yet painful - song might mean in your own life. My preferences in music are all over the place. I'll try listening to about anything that is recommended to me. Yet there is something about Carrie Newcomer's music that is so necessary to me - it's like coming home, no matter where we have wandered, or what we have done while we were away. Betty's Diner - it's a good place to get fed a daily dose of what we all need."
One of America's best singer-songwriters
B. E. Beechler | Indianapolis, IN United States | 02/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Carrie can bond with a live audience or a listener to her CDs with equal ease. Her music is complex and simple at the same time, like warm coffee with a hit of bourbon. Carrie seems to have the uncanny ability to look into humanity's soul and find the tender parts. If you like Elizabeth Mitchell (of Ida), Nanci Griffith, or John Prine...take a listen."
You must have this CD!
kc-chin | Kansas City, MO United States | 02/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Betty's Diner" really is the best of Carrie Newcomer's work! Carrie has a magical gift of translating her personal experiences to feelings, dilemmas, and questions that her listeners find familiar. This collection of songs reminds us that connecting to other people is the essence of life. Fishing with our dad, reluctantly saying goodbye to our mom, holding hands with our best friend, sharing eggs and toast with a confidant, or admiring a cute bowling baby from afar--these are the important moments of life to be treasured, Carrie reminds us through her music."
Spice of Life!
kc-chin | 03/05/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am a "newcomer" to this singer but I was so impressed by what I heard. Her voice is husky but she varies her music in such a way so that most of her songs sound unique and original. I liken her at times to Mary Chapin Carpenter. I found Carrie through my searches of Jonatha Brooke, who's new CD leaves fans in angst, Indigo Girls, who's new CD has a number of bright lights within, and Lucy Kaplansky, who wishes she could come through with the variety, clever lyrics and sheer fun found in this CD. I'm not a country music fan and there's a bit too much of the twang for these ears, but the acoustic and spiritual numbers are really fine. I feel fortunate to have heard this CD and I'm anxious to get to know Carrie better."
Betty's Diner
kc-chin | 02/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Amazing!! I love Carrie's music... it's fun and flavorful, yet always tells a story. If I don't personally identify with it, I know someone who can. I've recommended her music to friends going through hard times and need some inspiration! Personally, I have found something that moves me, it gets deep down in my soul and I'm just looking forward to her next album!"