Carly Simon could spin vintage Black Sabbath into the musical equivalent of buttery, well warmed comfort food. Not surprisingly, much like her earlier trio of classics from the Great American Songbook (1981's Torch, 1990's My Romance, and 1997's Film Noir), Carly positively nails the 11 standards collected on Moonlight Serenade. If there appears to be a little more magic on Moonlight that is missing from the others, you can credit her collaborator Richard Perry. As arranger and producer, Perry bends these songs in a direction that calls to mind the Simon/Perry classics from the early 1970s, No Secrets and Hotcakes included. Confident interpretations and respectable playing aside, what you hear on Moonlight Serenade is naturalness and joy, a spirit that bespeaks Simon at her peak. That spirit's power to transform ballads and soft rock songs into instant classics grabbed the 70's generation by the collar. With Moonlight Serenade, we thankfully see that spirit sweeps across a ballroom with the same fullness and fire. --Tammy La Gorce

Recommended Carly Simon Discography

No Secret

Hotcakes

Reflections: Carly Simon's Greatest Hits

Carly Simon's brand new album of romantic songs features 11 new tracks in collaboration with her old friend and hit producer Richard Perry. All of the songs are upbeat in a "fox-trot" kind of style, and Carly's heartfelt vocals are simply divine. There is no doubt that the Simon/Perry magic that worked so well in the 1970's is very much alive and well in 2005. The CD side of the DualDisc edition features the full new album Moonlight Serenade. In addition, The DVD side features:

- The entire album in Enhanced Stereo
- Exclusive new footage of Carly at-home
- A "making of the album" documentary including in-the-studio footage, photos, and interviews with Carly Simon and Richard Perry.

This is a wonderful collection of old standards by Carly Simon. It will be listed under my favorites file.

Like many 70's artist now in their sixties (think Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, etc.), Ms. Simon has cut and album of standards instead of producing new original material. Initially, I thought this was a good idea as I liked the "70s" Carly Simon and hadn't heard anything from her in a couple of decades. Unfortunately, she does not have the breath or range to sing these songs properly which are more demanding than her original work. In many songs she almost talks her way through them and simply cannot hold or reach the notes. I prefer to remember the early Carly when her voice was stronger. If you like the material, try Diana Krall or Nora Jones instead.

Everthing is wonderful about this album--beginning with Carly's selection of songs. The arrangements and her styling make for beautiful listening. It seems impossible to tire of this CD. We also enjoyed the interview with Carly about the making of this album. She and Richard Perry have created a masterpiece! The DVD of Carly peforming on the Queen Mary 2 with many of the songs from this album plus a few of her greatest hits, is equally as good. Carly's voice is perfectly suited to the music. I enjoy her music whether she is singing standards or songs she has written.

I have always loved Carly Simon, and I truly love this CD with her singing the "Standards" from the past!!! The orchestration is wonderful! Carly's voice has matured nicely!!

My mother bought this and I was listening to it because she played it all the time. I was so surprised that I like every song. I never really liked Carly Simon (maybe on Janet's album "All For you" on the song "Son of A Gun") and that made me even more surprised that I liked it. She sings a collection of older songs that older people may remember. I don't remember any of these but I still liked it. I reccomend this if you want to try something different for a change.