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The Calling - Mary Chapin Carpenter
User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8

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  1. AllenS
    May 8, 2007
    8
    This is such a fine album--free of the tiresome pyrotechnics and harshness that too often poses as authenticity and utterly obscures music. No problem like that here. Plenty of good, melancholy strolls here. How does a complete stranger manage to sound like she's putting a hand on your shoulder and offering a sympathetic word for those all-too-common wounds? It's a rare singer or artist who achieves this. But again she does.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. ToddW
    Apr 26, 2007
    5
    One hates to slam an offering by the progeny of a true talent, but like most second generation family musicians, Chapin-Carpenter's releases are cause for a collective yawn. She's no Harry; she's not even in league with Karen. Her music is just, well, alright. She does get props for working somewhat outside of the faux country miasma that is Trashville these days, but limbo is not a good place to be if you want to be heard. If you're going to work outside of the Sewerstream, at least SAY SOMETHING once in a while, ala Rosanne Cash. There's plenty to write about. After all, there is a war going on (in case any of you forgot on your way to the nearest neighborhood Walmart), the Earth is slowly drowning itself, and the Material Generation of the 80's is in adulthood with all of its bad haircuts (or "Hellets" - the combination of poofy helmet hair and mullet) and blind loyalty to SUVs and magnetic yellow ribbons. I know, Mary, a paycheck is a paycheck. Would that you were a female Paycheck.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. MattD.
    May 1, 2007
    9
    I completely disagree with Todd W. Mary Chapin is one of the finest around. Whether it be the imagery in "Twilight" or the more political "Houston," she never fails to impress. Musically, this CD is almost as good as Come On Come On.
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  4. JohnD
    Apr 28, 2007
    10
    Obviously the last reviewer (Todd W) is clueless. Second generation musicians? Harry and Karen? REALLY??? Are we comparing this to Muskrat Love, or Taxi? This must be someone who listens to too much Rap, or perhaps went to too many Hot Tuna (Electric band) concerts and has no eardrums. This is an album that touches the heart, without being pretentious. I'm not a country music fan... but Mary has a way to get the message across the boundary of typecasting. Great album.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. All Music Guide
    90
    Time will tell, of course, but in The Calling, Carpenter may have her finest moment yet; it also feels like an artistic rebirth.
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  2. Amazon.com
    80
    If the new album goes farther in advocating a political conscience--"On with the Song" takes jabs at the jingoistic rubes who dissed the Dixie Chicks, while "Why Shouldn't We" insists we'll have worthy heroes in office again one day--it largely invokes the same quiet, warm, and conversational tone as its predecessor.
    Read full review
  3. Boston Globe
    70
    Only a singer-songwriter with the force and clarity of Mary Chapin Carpenter could make nihilism sound so cheery.
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