Search - Sally Taylor :: Apt #6s

A super album by pop music royalty

Catherine S. Vodrey | East Liverpool, Ohio United States | 11/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sally Taylor is, of course, the daughter of Carly Simon and James Taylor and although her musical talent is obvious on "Apt. 6-S," she really sounds nothing like either parent in terms of either her voice or her songwriting choices. That's good news, as it turns out. She might make it big--or big enough--without the inevitable and endless comparisons to her famous parents.On "All This Time," which opens the album, Taylor examines the dance that happens between a man and a woman as they prepare to fall in love. It's sexy and has terrific lyrics. On "Split Decisions," she harmonizes with brother Ben (of The Ben Taylor Band), and together they do sound uncannily like their parents--but Sally's voice is lighter, more flexible, and sunnier than her mother's. Still, she can summon up smoke and desire when she wants, most notably on "Fall For Me," an ode to a lover's quarrel that features very effective metallic-sounding background horn work by Steve Roach and a splendid, soaring chorus. "Give Me The Strength" may be the only dud on the album--not that there's anything wrong with a good sad song, but it's got depressing lyrics and not enough structural integrity musically to support them. "Convince Me" is a wonderful pop confection complete with luscious backing vocals by Ben Taylor and Reed Foehl. "Nisa" is a gorgeously down-and-dirty tune with only Taylor and strutting guitar licks by Chris Soucy--it's possibly the best thing on an album filled with other good things. The last tune, "How Can I" sounds for all the world like a Blondie composition when Deborah Harry was in her Caribbean-influenced phase--it's a lot of fun.Sally Taylor has real talent in songwriting, and she's delightful to listen to on this album. Looking forward to more of her work!"

My favorite album!

Pat Hill | 09/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Where to begin? Blessed with the incredible talent of her parents, singer-songwriters Carly Simon and James Taylor, Sally Taylor brings something entirely new to the music scene with the release of "Apt. #6s." This album, which along with her first album "Tomboy Bride" has only been available at her shows and on her website until now, is a wonderful display of Sally's songwriting and performing abilities. The music, which has been described as "folk rock", contains twinges of pop, jazz, and folk. Sally's beautiful, expressive voice brings life to her lyrics, which are clever and poetic. This ablum is truly a treasure. With her many influences and variation in song styles, Sally Taylor has something for everyone in "Apt. #6s". You'll love it!"

Great Genes.....But Her Own Talent As Well!

Jef Fazekas | Newport Beach, California United States | 12/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being second generation anything must be hard, be it actor or politician, but it must be particularly hard for sports figures and, especially, musicians. Just ask Julian Lennon, Louise Goffin and, to some degree, Jakob Dylan.It's this harsh scrutiny that has caused Sally and Ben Taylor to both shy away from the music industry.....until now. When you have not one but two parents - James Taylor and Carly Simon - who are pretty much icons in the field....well, the stakes are high. That's why it is so cool to see the elder Taylor sibling aquit herself so completely with her sophmore release, the charming and clever "Apt.#6S". While there are definite shadings of both parents on this release, "Apt." owes just as much to Rickie Lee Jones and the whole "girl-with-a-guitar" genre, ranging from Melanie to Jewel. "Apt." opens with "All This Time", an intelligent, airy folkrocker that almost immediately has your fingers thumping on the table and you toes tapping. Taylor's clear, clean voice soars over a catchy melody that is accented by the smart (but never overdone) use of horns (a highlight that is repeated throughout the CD). Next up is "Split Decisions", a wistful throwback to the 60's that sounds anything but dated. Taylor makes such topics as yearning, commitment and doubt sound universal, punctuating it with a beat that eventually builds to an all-out rocker. Track 3 is my favorite; "March Like Soldiers", with it's sexy, sultry vocal, is pure pop silk. The song just washes over you, and you can't help but picture Taylor stepping up to the mike and laying down this awesome vocal. MmmmmmmMmmmmmMmmmmmm.....perfection!Ms. Taylor would be wise to consider this masterpiece for the 2nd single. On the flip side, I would never have picked "4 Kim" as "Apt."'s first single yet, in retrospect, it makes perfect sense. Be it in regard to a lover or old friend, everyone can relate to this sad, sweet song's story of "What If" and "What Was". Also particularly amazing is the haunting "Give Me The Strength". This song, probably more than any other, showcases what a force to be reckoned with Taylor is. Going from hurt to hopeful,Taylor creates someone who initially doubts she can survive but ultimately realizes that, even if she has to beg for it, she will make it. Other gems include the wink-and-a-smile "Convince Me", a mid-tempo rocker that brings up visions of Taylor dancing around a recording studio in a light, airy summer dress, and "Fall For Me", an acid jazz-tinged boiler that slinks along.....until the chorus, when it kicks out the jams and, by song's end, is taking advantage of those killer horns again. "40 Years" is also sweet, with it's chimes, nasty bass line and smokey backroom groove. Wrapping up the CD is the quirky, clever and cute "How Can I?" How often does a pop song put a smile on your face?!? I haven't even mentioned the all-around intelligent lyrics on "Apt. #6S".....this is one of those amazing releases that you want to sit down with the lyric sheet on the second or third listen in order to suck in just how well the lyrics and music blend together. I don't want to mention "the folks" too much - Sally Taylor is, without a doubt, her own person - but I do have to say this....we all know what a HUGE jump Carly Simon took with her third album. With that in mind, I can't wait to see what her daughter does with her next release. Do yourself a favor and pick this CD (as well as her debut release "Tomboy Bride")up......it's one of the best releases of 2000. In short, this lady's the real deal."