Carly Simon’s album secrets and the story behind ‘Whenever I Need To Cry’

Carly Simon is back, and the sound is as rich and soulful as ever. On August 14th, she released Comes in Waves, an album that signals a powerful return to form, marking her first collection of original material since 2008’s This Kind of Love.

The making of this new work was a deeply personal experience, largely taking place at her home on Martha’s Vineyard. The resulting album features Simon’s instantly recognizable, throaty, and sultry vocals across all twelve tracks. From the stately “Maybe I Never Loved You”—rumored to be about James Taylor—to the uplifting closer, “Do It Anyway,” the album is a masterclass in timeless songwriting.

Simon’s career has long stood as an inspiration, influencing generations of female singers. Her catalog, filled with hits like “Nobody Does It Better” and “Anticipation,” has touched many, including contemporary artists like Olivia Rodrigo, who paid tribute to her legacy during her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Adding another layer of depth to her journey is the recent personal news. In July, Simon announced she had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was undergoing treatment for skin cancer. While navigating these challenges, she found a powerful refuge in the creative process.

“Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape,” Simon shared. “It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room. It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life.”

This creative resurgence served as a profound salve during a period of transition. Rather than letting the diagnosis define her, Simon channeled her experience into something beautiful. She continued to share the intimate stories behind the songs, providing Billboard with an exclusive look behind eleven of the twelve tracks, offering insight into the creative process.

Simon herself contributed to the artistic vision, writing five of the album’s songs herself and collaborating with numerous talents, including her son Ben Taylor, who also played a role in the production. The album, therefore, is not just a body of work, but a testament to resilience and the enduring power of art.