Song Review: Carly Simon - “Howl”
Carly Simon borrows a famous drumbeat from the 1960s and taps production techniques of the 1990s for her first new song since 2008.
“Howl” unapologetically transfers the drum pattern from “Leader of the Pack” in to an echoey, but sterile soundtrack that mashes up the back half of the 20th century in a single track.
Huskier in tone, Simon’s modern voice sound fantastic and is the one nod to modernity as the singer delivers lines about fairness in love and war; getting things out of your system; banging one’s fist; and claiming the upper hand before moving to the chorus:
Howl like the wind/roar like the river/wail like the rain/cry, shout/and shiver/shake like a dog/hiss like a fire/scratch out the moon/call love a liar, she sings.
“Howl” announces the Aug. 14 arrival of Comes in Waves. Though it lacks in originality, Simon’s return, and her willingness to display her voice as it sounds today, are welcome developments.
Grade card: Carly Simon - “Howl” - C
6/15/26
