Description
Carly Simon – Boys In The Trees – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Carly Simon’s Boys in the Trees (1978) is a critically acclaimed album that blends soft rock, pop, and folk, showcasing Simon’s signature blend of introspective lyrics, sophisticated melodies, and her distinctive, husky voice. Released during a peak period in her career, this album came after a string of successful records in the early 1970s, including her smash hit “You’re So Vain”. With Boys in the Trees, Simon delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, crafting a deeply personal and mature work.
The album was well-received both commercially and critically, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and earning Simon a Grammy Award for Best Album Package. It includes some of her most enduring songs, such as “You Belong to Me” and “Devoted to You”, which highlight her ability to balance personal storytelling with mainstream appeal.
Boys in the Trees falls squarely within the soft rock genre that Simon had become known for, but it also incorporates elements of folk and pop, giving the album a warm, intimate feel. The arrangements are lush yet understated, allowing Simon’s voice and lyrics to take center stage.
The production on Boys in the Trees is polished, featuring a mix of acoustic guitars, soft piano, and gentle percussion. The album’s arrangements complement the emotional depth of Simon’s songwriting, creating a balance between the reflective lyrics and the soothing melodies.
Simon’s voice is a central element of the album’s appeal. Her rich, sultry tone adds emotional weight to the songs, whether she’s singing about heartbreak or personal growth. Her vocal delivery is intimate, as if she’s confiding directly to the listener.
Key Tracks
“You Belong to Me”: Co-written with Michael McDonald, this track became one of the album’s biggest hits, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a smooth, soulful soft rock tune with a jazzy flair, marked by Simon’s emotionally charged vocal delivery and a catchy chorus. The song’s theme of possessiveness in relationships resonates deeply, and it became a staple of Simon’s live performances.
“Boys in the Trees”: The title track is a haunting, reflective ballad that captures Simon’s ability to convey vulnerability and introspection. It deals with themes of innocence, longing, and the bittersweet nature of youth, delivered with a gentle, acoustic-driven arrangement.
“Devoted to You”: A beautiful, harmonized duet with then-husband James Taylor, this cover of the Everly Brothers’ classic shows Simon’s versatility and her ability to reinterpret a well-known song while adding her personal touch. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a soft, romantic feel that highlights their personal and musical chemistry.
“Tranquillo (Melt My Heart)”: One of the more upbeat tracks on the album, this song brings a bit of a Latin-inspired groove to the mix. It stands out for its infectious rhythm and lighter, more playful tone compared to the album’s more introspective ballads.
“For Old Times Sake”: A piano-driven ballad that showcases Simon’s talent for writing deeply personal, emotionally raw lyrics. It’s a melancholy song about reflecting on a past relationship, delivered with Simon’s characteristic warmth and honesty.
Much of the album explores the complexities of romantic relationships, including themes of love, jealousy, and loss. “You Belong to Me” tackles possessiveness and insecurity in relationships, while “For Old Times Sake” reflects on the passage of time and the lingering emotional impact of a past romance.
The title track, “Boys in the Trees,” deals with the fleeting nature of innocence and the emotional changes that come with growing older. The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of nostalgia for simpler times and the confusion of navigating relationships as one matures.
Throughout Boys in the Trees, Simon opens up about her own vulnerabilities and the lessons she’s learned through love and life. Her lyrics are introspective, often capturing moments of personal growth amid emotional pain, a theme that resonates with many listeners.
The album’s instrumentation is primarily acoustic, with lush arrangements that feature soft guitars, piano, and subtle strings. This gives the album a warm, organic feel that enhances its introspective nature. The arrangements are detailed without overwhelming the emotional core of the songs.
One of the highlights of the album is the use of vocal harmonies, particularly on tracks like “Devoted to You,” where Simon and James Taylor’s voices blend beautifully. These harmonies add a layer of intimacy and connection to the songs, enhancing the emotional impact.
Taylor’s presence on the album, particularly on “Devoted to You,” is a reminder of Simon’s deep connection to the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. His harmonies and subtle guitar work complement Simon’s vocal style perfectly.
Boys in the Trees was both a critical and commercial success, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. The single “You Belong to Me” also enjoyed significant success on the charts, further solidifying Simon’s place as one of the leading voices in 1970s soft rock.
The album’s themes of love, reflection, and personal growth have given it lasting appeal, particularly among fans of singer-songwriters. Carly Simon’s introspective style and relatable lyrics have helped Boys in the Trees maintain its status as one of her best-loved works.
Simon’s candidness in addressing emotional vulnerability and her ability to blend confessional songwriting with accessible pop structures have influenced many female singer-songwriters who followed in her footsteps. Artists like Sheryl Crow and Norah Jones have cited Simon as an influence, with Boys in the Trees being a prime example of her mastery of the craft.
Carly Simon’s Boys in the Trees is a sophisticated blend of soft rock, pop, and folk that showcases her introspective songwriting and rich, distinctive voice. With hits like “You Belong to Me” and “Devoted to You,” the album explores the complexities of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, all while maintaining the lush, acoustic sound that defined Simon’s career. Its commercial success and critical acclaim have made it one of Simon’s defining works, influencing generations of singer-songwriters who followed.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
This record was not sealed at the Factory Instead it was placed into a Plastic Lp Sleeve
Track Listing
You Belong To Me
Boys In The Trees
Back Down To Earth
Devoted To You
De Bat (Fly In Me Face)
Haunting
Tranquillo (Melt My Heart)
You’re The One
In A Small Moment
One Man Woman
For Old Times Sake
