ArtistDirect News
Carly Simon to Release First Original Album in 18 Years - Comes In Waves Arrives August 14
After an 18‑year pause from new material, Carly Simon is poised to re‑enter the studio with her first collection of original songs since 2008’s This Kind Of Love. The 24‑year‑old singer‑songwriter will drop Comes In Waves on August 14, 2026, with the lead single “Howl” having debuted on June 11.
The album was born and shaped in the quiet of Simon’s home studio on Martha’s Vineyard, a setting that has long nurtured her intimate songwriting process. The project reunites the artist with family members and long‑time collaborators, most notably platinum‑ and gold‑certified songwriter‑producer David Spencer, whose credits span pop, country, and film. Together, they co‑wrote and co‑produced every track, ensuring that Simon’s voice remains front and center.
“Howl explores the emotional space between betrayal and forgiveness,” Simon explained, describing the song as “the space where anger must be voiced before it can be released.” The track sets the tone for an album that is as candid as it is musically diverse.
Family talent is a cornerstone of the record. Simon’s son Ben Taylor contributes as singer, musician, producer and songwriter, while her daughter Sally Taylor lends vocal harmonies and created the artwork for the “Howl” single. Long‑time collaborators Paul Samwell‑Smith and Frank Filipetti also returned to the fold, and the album features one of the last recorded appearances by the late John Forté, the rapper and producer known for his work with the Fugees.
Simon’s catalog has long been a touchstone for singer‑songwriters, with landmark hits such as “You’re So Vain,” “Anticipation,” and “Nobody Does It Better” cementing her reputation for confessional, narrative songwriting. Her 2008 album This Kind Of Love peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and was praised for its mature lyricism and collaboration with producer Jimmy Webb. Since then, she has focused on archival projects, including the 2023 anthology These Are The Good Old Days: The Carly Simon And Jac Holzman Story and a 2025 collaboration with Alanis Morissette on “Coming Around Again.”
Simon’s last public live performance dates back to 2018, and she has confirmed that touring is unlikely due to physical challenges stemming from a serious hip injury. As a result, Comes In Waves represents her most substantial creative output in recent years.
Industry observers note that veteran musicians are increasingly releasing new material that reflects personal experience rather than commercial trends. The album’s eight original tracks—such as “Maybe I Never Loved You,” “Peaches,” and “Love Has No Ending”—are expected to resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Full track listing: 1. Howl 2. Maybe I Never Loved You 3. Peaches 4. Love Has No Ending 5. Mother Of Pearl 6. Slowly 7. Four In The Morning 8. The More I Look For You 9. Love The Way I Do 10. The Father Daughter Dance 11. Share The End 12. Do It Anyway
With the release of the lead single and the album announcement, Carly Simon has added a new chapter to a catalog that already secures her place among the most influential singer‑songwriters of her generation.
The album will be distributed by Irish Records and is available for pre‑order on major streaming platforms.
The album was born and shaped in the quiet of Simon’s home studio on Martha’s Vineyard, a setting that has long nurtured her intimate songwriting process. The project reunites the artist with family members and long‑time collaborators, most notably platinum‑ and gold‑certified songwriter‑producer David Spencer, whose credits span pop, country, and film. Together, they co‑wrote and co‑produced every track, ensuring that Simon’s voice remains front and center.
“Howl explores the emotional space between betrayal and forgiveness,” Simon explained, describing the song as “the space where anger must be voiced before it can be released.” The track sets the tone for an album that is as candid as it is musically diverse.
Family talent is a cornerstone of the record. Simon’s son Ben Taylor contributes as singer, musician, producer and songwriter, while her daughter Sally Taylor lends vocal harmonies and created the artwork for the “Howl” single. Long‑time collaborators Paul Samwell‑Smith and Frank Filipetti also returned to the fold, and the album features one of the last recorded appearances by the late John Forté, the rapper and producer known for his work with the Fugees.
Simon’s catalog has long been a touchstone for singer‑songwriters, with landmark hits such as “You’re So Vain,” “Anticipation,” and “Nobody Does It Better” cementing her reputation for confessional, narrative songwriting. Her 2008 album This Kind Of Love peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and was praised for its mature lyricism and collaboration with producer Jimmy Webb. Since then, she has focused on archival projects, including the 2023 anthology These Are The Good Old Days: The Carly Simon And Jac Holzman Story and a 2025 collaboration with Alanis Morissette on “Coming Around Again.”
Simon’s last public live performance dates back to 2018, and she has confirmed that touring is unlikely due to physical challenges stemming from a serious hip injury. As a result, Comes In Waves represents her most substantial creative output in recent years.
Industry observers note that veteran musicians are increasingly releasing new material that reflects personal experience rather than commercial trends. The album’s eight original tracks—such as “Maybe I Never Loved You,” “Peaches,” and “Love Has No Ending”—are expected to resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Full track listing: 1. Howl 2. Maybe I Never Loved You 3. Peaches 4. Love Has No Ending 5. Mother Of Pearl 6. Slowly 7. Four In The Morning 8. The More I Look For You 9. Love The Way I Do 10. The Father Daughter Dance 11. Share The End 12. Do It Anyway
With the release of the lead single and the album announcement, Carly Simon has added a new chapter to a catalog that already secures her place among the most influential singer‑songwriters of her generation.
The album will be distributed by Irish Records and is available for pre‑order on major streaming platforms.