Never met her. Never even seen her in person. But there's something about slipping in a CD by Carole King that feels like running into an old friend in an unlikely part of the world. Only better. Love Makes the World is the best- ever, soul-enriching, one-way conversation you've ever been privy to, minus the awkward gaps when the strained "remember whens
" start to inevitably dwindle. Ok, technically a conversation that's one-way makes it a monologue but you'll have to tune in to understand why this is more engaging, less self-absorbed than a monologue.The gaps of silence between these bits of recollection are enjoyable respites, unhurried to allow you to fully absorb your "friend's" revelations in one cut before beginning to peel away at the next. And never once in this musical meeting is there the usual uneasiness as you wonder if the next bit will trigger memories of the sour notes in your relationship.
A musical tete-a-tete with King is consistently warm, spirit-lifting, a balm for life's soul-bruising disappointments and optimism-sapping challenges. That's the sort of stuff that only long-time friends know to expect from each other, regardless of how much or how little time has passed between encounters.
By cut 9, "An Uncommon Love", when you could be forgiven for thinking everything that needed to be said has been said and the catch-up session is winding down, King confidently introduces into the vocally captivating gab session fellow mellow maker: kd lang. It's a welcome addition, like the third friend you can count on to add color, depth and detail to the encounter, as opposed to the third wheel who imposes herself into the obviously (to everyone except her of course) discreet, personal, intimate conversation.
Love Makes The World also adds Celine Dion and Winton Marsalis to the mix, the result being similar to indulging in a decadent mystery dessert: you can't quite put your finger on each ingredient, but you're more than satisfied with the overall recipe.
Then by cut 10 "You Will Find Me There," when she whispers "you can tell me anything" you can almost feel her hands on your shoulders, looking you straight in the eye. It's impossible NOT to believe her. The lyrics and delivery here console and convince you to "just turn around you'll find me there."
Don't be surprised if, by the time you've listened to the final cut, you find yourself Googling your childhood BFF or college buddies and arranging a reunion of your own. As you're dusting off yearbooks and photo albums, I've got just the background/theme music for the occasion.
