This Kind of Love (Hear Music): B
Inspired by Brazilian singers Jorge Ben and Caetano Veloso, and egged-on by songwriting giant Jimmy Webb (who worked with Antonio Carlos Jobim), folk-rock goddess Simon delivers her first album of original music in eight years. It’s a charming, rhythmic winner, a few missteps aside (a children’s chorus and - oh the horror - Carly rapping). Her kids, Ben and Sally Taylor, help on the two standouts: “Island” and the Phoebe Snow-like “When We’re Together.” If you’re in a certain mood, several of these tunes will evoke tears, especially “Too Soon to Say Goodbye,” her tribute to humorist Art Buchwald, a Martha’s Vineyard pal who passed away last year. Download: “Island.”
