She never had a hit single, and only one of her albums even scraped the lower reaches of the Top 40, but Laura Nyro (1947-1997) left behind a transcendent body of work. Emerging in the latter half of the ‘60s, the Bronx-born singer and pianist split the difference between the pop accessibility of Carole King and the idiosyncratic brilliance of Joni Mitchell, blending soul, doo-wop, pop, and jazz with dramatic flair. While Nyro never dominated the charts herself, a host of proxies testified to her songwriting genius in hit cover versions, among them Barbra Streisand (“Stoney End”), Three Dog Night (“Eli’s Comin’”), Blood, Sweat & Tears (“And When I Die”), and The 5th Dimension (“Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Wedding Bell Blues”).
As appealing as those hits are, none match the radiance of Nyro’s own versions. Blending sophistication and immediacy, Nyro summoned a commanding urgency when she sang; whether unleashing a rousing anthem or cooing a tender ballad, she seemed to be delivering the song for the first time, determined to turn heads.
Collecting her ten studio albums, plus six live sets (two previously unreleased, both from ‘94), a fascinating 1966 demo, and a disc of odds and ends, Hear My Song: The Collection, 1966-1995 is a staggering feast. This massive collection ranges from early albums that put her on the map, like Eli and the Thirteenth Confession and New York Tendaberry to Gonna Take a Miracle, her stellar covers project with Labelle, to less-celebrated but still powerful works such as Mother’s Spiritual and the posthumous Angel in the Dark.
For those who need convincing, this magnificent collection comes with a handsome hardcover book containing remarks from the likes of Elton John, Jackson Browne, and Clive Davis, along with charming family photos. Those already familiar with her magic can expect a satisfying rediscovery. Those unacquainted with her singular artistry should prepare to be transformed.
