Besides boasting one of Carly Simon's sexiest, better-known album covers (probably tying with the negligee-and-boots shot that graced "Playing Possum"), "No Secrets" is a testament to the writing, singing, and innate good taste of one of rock's most talented artists.

Of course, the sell of "You're So Vain" is a no-brainer; Simon's only #1 hit is still the topic of debate regarding its subject (Simon herself has been quoted as saying the Trivial Pursuit question that sites Warren Beatty is inaccurate) and, more importantly, it still has a driving groove and intoxicating strings to make for an irresistable listen. "The Right Thing to Do" was another major single, and one of Simon's most gorgeous ballads ever.

"We Have No Secrets" should have been a more successful single than it was; besides a killer hook and easy-going flow, the trademark-clever lyric, about a young woman finding out that honesty sometimes tells you more than you want to know, ranks with her finest moments as a writer. "Waited So Long" finds Carly blooming amidst a bluesy backdrop and racy lyrics ("Daddy, I'm no virgin...") and the barroom blues of the James Taylor composition "Night Owl" make for a infectiously rocking experience.

Throw in the arty pop of "Embrace Me You Child" and "The Carter Family," the latter of which features a unique lyric dealing with varying degrees of loss, and there's very little to complain about. Carly reportedly resisted working with producer Richard Perry initially, saying that his work with Barbra Streisand and others was "too slick" for her. But apparently Perry was able to add a polish without taking away Simon's shine..."No Secrets" still stands up as one of Carly's most thoroughlly enjoyable records.

This album, Carly Simon's third, with its iconic cover image, is the one that really put her at the top of the heap of lady singer-songwriters. For "No Secrets" is an excellent album showcasing her strong songwriting, musicianship and vocal abilities.

Perhaps at the time, people were wondering what could she do to top "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" and "Anticipation", both great not only in their singles appeal, but also in their crafting. Then along comes "You're So Vain", her powerhouse diatribe to a smug, conceited ex.

However, "You're So Vain", being as great as it is, is not the only example of greatness on this album, which is another one of Carly's classic, timeless releases. There are several other masterpieces here: "Embrace Me, You Child", her song-memory of her father's illness and death is infused with religious imagery which evokes the god-like power she must have imagined, as a child, her father (Richard Simon, the founder of Simon & Schuster Publishing) to possess; "Waited So Long", a bluesy-rock number (featuring an excellent turn on slide guitar by Lowell George of Little Feat) follows and is another fascinating glimpse into her relationship with her father and its sassiness is interestingly juxtaposed with "Embrace Me, You Child"; "It Was So Easy" is a wonderful sing-along ode to the lost innocence of childhood; "His Friends Are More Than Fond Of Robin" is such a gorgeous ballad in which is expressed a pure, simple, unrequited love; "The Carter Family" is a moral tale of a person who never realizes, until it's too late, how much certain people really mean. Then toss into the mix the bouncy hit "The Right Thing To Do", her rocking take on James Taylor's "Night Owl" and the intoxicating title track and you have an album that flows seamlessly.

Carly Simon's lyrics have always been top-notch musical poetry and on "No Secrets" we have some very special sly nods I particularly enjoy. In "Waited So Long", she references her first big hit, letting us know she's changed her mind about marriage ("I met a boy with eyes of green/The warmest eyes I'd ever seen/He gave his lovin' love to me/The way I've always heard it would be") and the closing track, "When You Close Your Eyes", obviously harkens to James' "You Can Close Your Eyes".

Carly's vocals run the gamut of sweet ("The Right Thing" and "Robin") to ferocious ("You're So Vain" and "Night Owl"). It seems she knows, intuitively, how to properly emote the feelings of each song to the listener.

"No Secrets" is truly a rock classic worthy of space on anyone's shelf.

Do you ever get the feeling that you are being exploited by the major record companies ? I certainly do, and this is a good example. This album was recorded in 1972, yes, 1972, some 37 years ago. To the best of my knowledge it has never been remastered for CD. If it has been, Warner Music are keeping it a well kept secret, as it is never mentioned in the liner notes and these 3 chilling letters appear: AAD. (It was remastered for DVD-Audio only, and that has since been deleted and required DVD-A player compatibility). 25 years after its original release I purchased a Japanese pressing (AMCY-3017) issued in 1997 which was not remastered. Now, another 12 years later another edition has been released - still not remastered but on SHM-CD. If, and this is a big if, SHM-CD actually makes a difference in the clarity of the sound, why would they not remaster the recording first to obtain the best possible sound ? I will leave the conclusion to you. My advice is to think carefully before spending extra money on a format whose benefit is doubtful given the source material.

Born in 1985, I didn't really grow up in any of the "classic rock" music genres that are so endearing (such as Carly Simon) save for the disposable bubblegum pop boom of the late 90s and early 2000s that hit radio in my early Junior High years (and, of course, I enjoyed it because it was "cool"). But somehow, being my parents had a plethora of a CD/tape collection around containing an array of artist from Carole King to Bette Midler, from The Beatles to Judy Collins and Joan Baez, I had the opportunity to hear an amazing kalaidescope of genres from talented singer/songwriters from their growing-up era of the late 60s to 70s. Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" appealed to me, as did most of the records produced by the aforementioned soloists or acts stated above, so I decided to get the CD as part of my renewed interest in the classic rock movement. Something about listening to this type of music really makes me feel fuzzy inside, even though it was mostly 30+ years before my time; these songs remain timeless, ageless and completely enthralling despite their years, and I am extremely thankful to have had parents that played these types of CDs early on in my childhood because as an aspiring singer myself I have true "artists" that inspired me that I can look up to.

Carly Simon's "No Secrets" was the first album that I ever purchased. I was in first or second grade. Possibly it was the album cover that drew my little curious self in that particular direction of the store's record bins, but what an amazing find and buy. This was one of the most important albums of my childhood...I even eventually found it in a piano songbook so I could learn the songs on the piano and guitar. My favorite song is probably "Embrace Me You Child", although the rest of the album is wonderful. This is definitely a must have for any Carly Simon fan.