The Calling
by Mary Chapin Carpenter
  • Record Label: Zoe
  • Release Date: Mar 6, 2007
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10

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  1. 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 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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. AllMusic
    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.
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  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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