Laura Nyro ‎– The First Songs… VG+/G+

Laura Nyro’s The First Songs is a reissue of her groundbreaking debut, originally released in 1967 under the title More Than a New Discovery. The album was re-released in 1969 and again in 1973 with a new title, cover art, and resequenced tracklist, cementing Nyro’s reputation as one of the most distinctive singer-songwriters of her era.

This record captures Nyro at the very beginning of her career, showcasing her extraordinary ability to blend pop, folk, gospel, and soul into a unique sound that was both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her voice, at once raw and soaring, carries songs that would later become classics through covers by other artists. “Wedding Bell Blues” and “Stoney End” were famously recorded by The 5th Dimension and Barbra Streisand, while “And When I Die” became a hit for Blood, Sweat & Tears. Listening to Nyro’s original versions, however, reveals the emotional intensity and lyrical depth that made her compositions so enduring.

The album’s arrangements, conducted by Herb Bernstein, balance lush orchestrations with Nyro’s piano-driven energy. Tracks like “Billy’s Blues” and “California Shoeshine Boys” highlight her playful yet sophisticated songwriting, while “He’s a Runner” and “I Never Meant to Hurt You” explore vulnerability with striking honesty. The closing number, “And When I Die,” is a bold statement of mortality and resilience, delivered with a mix of gospel fervor and pop accessibility.

Though it only reached #97 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the charts for seven weeks, The First Songs has since been recognized as a landmark in the singer-songwriter tradition. It introduced Nyro’s singular voice to the world and laid the foundation for her influence on artists ranging from Joni Mitchell to Elton John.