Search - Mary Chapin Carpenter :: Essential Mary Chapin Carpenter

If you can only own one MCC cd, this would be it

Stephen M. John | Federal Way, Wa United States | 11/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to tell you, I adore the music of Mary Chapin Carpenter. I got hooked on her in the "Down at the twist and shout" era and have followed her ever since. She has a deep, sexy voice that seems to always reflect a mellowness of a special time. This cd takes a lot of her finest material from her earlier albums with the unusual exception of her debut album, "Hometown Girl," which was released well before her music became mainstream. This is the second compilation released by Mary Chapin Carpenter. The first one, "Party Doll" contains some of the same material, but as live and alternate tracks. "Essential" Mary Chapin Carpenter is all of the original studio material the best I can tell and the quality of the recordings are exceptional. The album contains 16 of her best songs. Although two of my personal favorite Mary Chapin Carpenter songs, "Keeping the faith" and "Let me into your heart" have been omitted, it is tough to argue with the selection of songs here. The cd showcases her versatility ranging from the bluegrass "Down at the twist and shout" to the acoustic "Stones in the road" to the poppy "Shut up and kiss me."Most Mary Chapin Carpenter fans will already have most, if not all of the material, and have no need for the cd. But if you've always enjoyed her music on the radio, and you'd like to buy just one, this would be it. If you are out there and have just decided to explore some new music and you enjoy artists like Lyle Lovett or Emmylou Harris, or Roseanne Cash, then give this cd a spin. I am sure you will enjoy it."

Insightful, beautifully compiled collection

james d. leverton | San Marcos, Ca United States | 05/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If there is an ultimate Mary Chapin Carpenter album, "The Essential Mary Chapin Carpenter" is it: a beautifully compiled collection that consists not only of Carpenter's biggest hits, but an astonishing selection of the best songs she's ever written. How insightful is the song selection on this disc? You expect Grammy-winning hits like "I Feel Lucky" and "Down at the Twist and Shout" to be included. But brilliantly written album gems like "Only a Dream" and "Halley Came to Jackson" would normally be excluded in order to include a hit or two from her lesser albums, such as "A Place in the World," which is unrepresented here. Care was even taken to showcase the two best tracks from the tragically hitless "Time*Sex*Love*": "Late for Your Life" and "The Long Way Home." And then there's quite possibly the best vocal performance of her career, the majestic "10,000 Miles" from the film "Fly Away Home."My only complaint? Where is Carpenter's poetic and beautiful masterpiece, "This Shirt," from "State of the Heart," which is frequently cited by fans and critics alike as quite possibly the best song she has ever written? (Which is saying a lot for this particular songwriter.) But this is a small quibble considering the terrific material that is presented.In short, anyone wishing to be introduced to this vital and important singer/songwriter need look no further than this brilliant collection, which eclipses her previous greatest hits collection "Party Doll and other Favorites." Thank you, Columbia Records, for doing right by an artist of tremendous taste and integrity. She deserves it, and you did her proud."

A great collection of intelligent, gorgeous songs!

Invisiboy2001 | Chicago, IL United States | 04/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Through the years, Mary Chapin Carpeneter has had a lot of hit singles, and about half of them are included on this disc. So if you are looking for a greatest-hits collection, this isn't it. However, if you want a CD that is "A material" from start to finish, this is it.



The CD opens with the poignant folk tones of "Stones In The Road" and then ventures into Carpenter's captivating rocker "The Long Way Home." These songs were not hits, but they are probably two of the four best songs on this CD. The other non-hit masterpieces are "Almost Home" and "I Am A Town."



Of course, the hits are great as well. "Passionate Kisses" is slicker than the original by Lucinda Williams and has less of an edge, but it's still a great record. The anthem "He Thinks He'll Keep Her" is as stunning today as it did when it permeated the airwaves in 1993. Some of the songs are silly, like "Shut Up And Kiss Me," but they are GREAT silly songs, done very well. And what's wrong with having some fun? Nothing!



Mary Chapin Carpenter possesses a rich, layered voice that she knows how to use. She's truly a class act in country-rock music. Pick up this CD, even if you are only a mild fan. It's terrific!"