Mary Chapin Carpenter Album: “Hometown Girl”

Has it really been 13 years since Mary Chapin Carpenter first cast her magic spell on me? When I explore my music collection, most often my favorites are artists' first releases. Hometown Girl included. There are several reasons for this phenomenon. First releases are culled from years of work. Usually the artist (and the record company of course) selects his best material - the songs that worked well in school auditoriums and small venues. Second, the artist is hungry for a wider audience, but also anxious of failure. It's sink or swim. And lastly, first releases don't merit a million dollar production with 50-member coral groups and a full symphony orchestra.

Hometown Girl wins my approval for all the previous reasons. The source of `A Lot Like Me' is a partnership with other musicians paying their dues in the small venues. There's fear of failure in `Hometown Girl,' but also fear of success. And I'm sure `A Road Is Just A Road' got the two-shades-to-the-wind bar crowd up from the tables and doing to two-step. Hometown Girl features no choral arrangement or symphony orchestra, just Mary Chapin Carpenter with a small back-up band. The result of Mary Chapin Carpenter's inspiration and hard work is irresistible.

alright...let's start off by stating the obvious...mary chapin carpener is the most brilliant songwriter alive today! this is an undeniable fact, and although "stones in the road" is her best example of that fact, this, her debut album, is a great place to see where it all began.not only does she bring brilliance to her own tracks, but also pays respect to others, as with her cover version of tom waite's brilliant "downtown train". it's tremendous to have this "record" of her past and to see how her talent developed over the years. her youth adds charm to this endevour, while experience adds bite to her more current projects. every album a masterpiece in their own "write", but even shakespeare had his debut, and this, chapin's first chapter,truly hints at the brilliance to come.

Chapin and I grew up in the same home town, Princeton, NJ. Although I am older than she is and only know her through her music, I feel as if this CD was written for me. "Hometown Girl", "A Lot like Me" and "Other Streets and Other Towns" are a chronicle of my own life and loves. I always listen to this anytime I am happy or depressed, it always brings back memories, both sad and happy, and makes me feel better. Princeton is an extremely affluent area and I did not fit into this, but this CD has helped me heal some of the bad times I had growing up. I have seen Chapin in concert three times, she puts on a wonderful show.

I own all of Mary's albums and can't wait to receive her new one "Between here and now" when it is released next week. I had not listened to "Hometown Girl", her debut, for some time and after having played it last night was taken aback again at how brilliant and touching Mary's lyrics and melodies are. Mary is an incredible artist and this is clearly evidenced in this, her debut. My particular favourite track is "Just Because"...It is just so moving. I have been fortunate to see Mary in concert in the UK and can't wait to see her again.

I love all of Chapin's work. She is one of the most literate songwriters out there. The lyrics of "Just Because" are meaningful to anyone who has ever cared about another person, whether a partner, friend or someone who passed briefly through his/her life. I love every song on this album. Each one has meaning and depth and soul. It is one of those rare CD's that you never get tired of. Having been the first CD, this one may have never been a chart topper, but I urge everyone who loves Chapin's work to buy it. I am sure that they too will add it to their list of favorites.