The Calling, Mary Chapin Carpenter's Storytelling

I recently had the pleasure of listening to Mary Chapin Carpenter's newest album, The Calling.  Then I listened again.  I read the lyrics of the songs and listened to Mary Chapin Carpenter spin stories and while it was different than my expectations, I really enjoyed this folk-rock style of storytelling.

I have enjoyed many of Mary Chapin Carpenter's songs over the years.  What woman wasn't empowered by "He Thinks He'll Keep Her"?  Who didn't want to have Mary Chapin buy them a drink in "I Feel Lucky"?  The songs I knew were powerful and fun and more of a country style of music.  The Calling was my first experience with Mary Chapin telling a story in the fashion of the folk song or rock ballad.  She's sharing herself by turning her beliefs and her vision into songs.  Though there is a definite political undercurrent running through several of the songs, each is beautifully written and doesn't just focus on what's wrong in the world but points to the faith and hope of all of us.  She's telling us we can change the shape of the world and she's doing it with poetry and a beautiful voice.

If you're expecting the "old" Mary Chapin Carpenter, you'll be for a surprise. But this is an album that you should listen to and not just listen as you're driving down the road, but listen to with your heart.  The songs are each unique, but tie together a vision of the world around us.  I think my favorite was "Your Life Story".  It has a more rock style sound to it and it's upbeat, but every song contributes to the album.  Her tribute to the Katrina victims, "Houston" was touching and "Why Shouldn't We" is an amazing anthem to hope, letting us know "it's not too late..".  Every song is brought to life with Mary Chapin's melodic voice and the album, overall, is very inspirational and makes one feel like their listening to a friend.