Nyro, Laura
The First Songs
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1973 Reissue. In "The First Songs," originally released under the title "More Than a New Discovery" in 1967 and reissued in 1973, Laura Nyro unveils a sublime tapestry of genre-blurring compositions that showcase her exceptional talent as both a songwriter and an emotive performer. Renowned for her ability to blend elements of pop, jazz, soul, and folk, Nyro's debut album is a testament to her visionary approach to music during a transformative era. Each track reflects her poetic sensibility and sophisticated melodic structure, setting her apart from her contemporaries. Songs like "Wedding Bell Blues" and "Stoney End" reveal her knack for crafting infectious hooks and poignant narratives, which would later become hits for artists like The 5th Dimension and Barbra Streisand. Nyro's dynamic vocal delivery, capable of evoking raw vulnerability and joyous exuberance often within a single phrase, underscores the deeply personal nature of her work.

Nyro's "The First Songs" is not merely a collection of recordings; it's an intimate invitation into her creative universe, where emotional depth and intricate musicality intertwine seamlessly. Her piano-driven compositions serve as the backbone for the album, providing a rich, harmonic foundation that supports her introspective lyrics. The production, while characteristic of the late 1960s, allows Nyro's unique voice to shine through, unencumbered by the excessive ornamentation that often dominated the era. In this debut, Nyro establishes herself as a singular force in the music landscape, a young artist with an old soul who would go on to influence countless musicians across genres. Refreshingly original and deeply resonant, "The First Songs" remains a seminal work, reflecting the nascent genius of Laura Nyro and the timelessness of her artistry.