List of Laura Nyro Albums in Order of Release Date
Laura Nyro Albums in Order: Laura Nyro was a groundbreaking American singer-songwriter who became a celebrated figure for her unique blend of pop, jazz, and soul influences.
Born on October 18, 1947, Nyro’s powerful voice and emotive songwriting made an indelible mark on the music world. Her albums, including Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968) and New York Tendaberry (1969), earned critical acclaim, while her compositions became hits for artists such as Barbra Streisand and the 5th Dimension. Over her career, Nyro’s ability to fuse intricate lyrics with complex musical arrangements garnered admiration from both audiences and fellow musicians.
The “Laura Nyro Albums in Order” showcases her evolution as an artist—from the early More Than a New Discovery (1967) to her final studio album, Walk the Dog and Light the Light (1993). Nyro’s contributions were recognized posthumously, with inductions into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Despite her relatively limited commercial success, Nyro’s influence on modern music remains profound, making her one of the most revered artists of her time. So, if you are a die heart fan of Laura Nyro Albums then check out here we have list of Laura Nyro albums in order of release so far.
All Laura Nyro Albums Available on: Apple Music
Also See: Jessica Pratt Albums in Order
How many albums does Laura Nyro have?
Laura Nyro released 10 studio albums during her career. These include iconic works like Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968) and New York Tendaberry (1969), alongside live and compilation albums.
The List of Laura Nyro Albums in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Laura Nyro Album in Order of Release Date:
- More Than a New Discovery — February 1967
- Eli and the Thirteenth Confession — March 13, 1968
- New York Tendaberry — September 24, 1969
- Christmas and the Beads of Sweat — November 25, 1970
- Gonna Take a Miracle — November 17, 1971
- Smile — February 1976
- Nested — June 1978
- Mother’s Spiritual — January 1984
- Walk the Dog and Light the Light — August 17, 1993
- Angel in the Dark — March 20, 2001
All Laura Nyro Albums List in Order
1. More Than a New Discovery (1967)
Tracks:
- Goodbye Joe
- Billy’s Blues
- And When I Die
- Stoney End
- Lazy Susan
- Hands Off the Man
- Wedding Bell Blues
- Buy and Sell
- He’s a Runner
- Blowin’ Away
- I Never Meant to Hurt You
- California Shoeshine Boys
More Than a New Discovery, Laura Nyro’s debut album, released in early 1967, introduced her unique blend of jazz, pop, and R&B. Recorded in 1966 under Verve Folkways and later re-issued as The First Songs in 1969, the album showcased Nyro’s exceptional songwriting abilities. It featured tracks like “And When I Die,” later a hit for Blood, Sweat & Tears, and “Wedding Bell Blues,” which became a number one hit for the 5th Dimension. Despite its moderate commercial success, peaking at #97 on the Billboard 200, it earned Nyro a lasting legacy in music. The album’s distinctive mix of emotional depth and melodic innovation earned it a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
2. Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968)
Tracks:
- Luckie
- Lu
- Sweet Blindness
- Poverty Train
- Lonely Women
- Eli’s Comin’
- Timer
- Stoned Soul Picnic
- Emmie
- Woman’s Blues
- Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe)
- December’s Boudoir
- The Confession
Eli and the Thirteenth Confession is the second album by Laura Nyro, released in 1968. Rooted in her raw, emotional songwriting, it blends pop, soul, jazz, gospel, and rock. The album was a breakthrough, introducing multi-layered vocals, lush arrangements, and deeply personal themes of love, passion, and death. It featured iconic tracks like “Stoned Soul Picnic” and “Eli’s Comin’,” which became hits for other artists. Though not commercially successful, the album’s influence on musicians like Elton John and Tori Amos is profound. Eli is now considered one of the most impactful albums in pop history, with reissues cementing its legacy.
3. New York Tendaberry (1969)
Tracks:
- You Don’t Love Me When I Cry
- Captain for Dark Mornings
- Tom Cat Goodbye
- Mercy on Broadway
- Save the Country
- Gibsom Street
- Time and Love
- The Man Who Sends Me Home
- Sweet Lovin’ Baby
- Captain Saint Lucifer
- New York Tendaberry
New York Tendaberry, released in 1969, is Laura Nyro’s third album and is considered one of her artistic high points. The album showcases a stark, intimate sound, with Nyro’s voice and piano taking center stage, complemented by a jazz band, orchestra, and rock elements. Influenced by her New York City roots, the album explores themes of love and longing with a darker tone compared to her previous work. Notable tracks include “Save the Country” and “Time and Love.” The album was commercially successful, peaking at #32 on the Billboard 200, and has since been recognized as one of the greatest albums of all time.
4. Christmas and the Beads of Sweat (1970)
Tracks:
- Brown Earth
- When I Was a Freeport and You Were the Main Drag
- Blackpatch
- Been on a Train
- Up on the Roof
- Upstairs by a Chinese Lamp
- Map to the Treasure
- Beads of Sweat
- Christmas in My Soul
“Christmas and the Beads of Sweat” is Laura Nyro’s fourth album, released in November 1970. A pivotal part of her musical trilogy, it follows Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968) and New York Tendaberry (1969). Produced by Felix Cavaliere and Arif Mardin, Nyro’s evocative lyrics and dynamic piano style are balanced by the album’s rock-influenced sound, shaped by The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Guest appearances include Duane Allman’s guitar and Alice Coltrane’s harp. Highlighted by Nyro’s hit cover of “Up on the Roof”, the album achieved commercial success, peaking at #51 on the Billboard 200 and showcasing Nyro’s profound songwriting talent.
5. Gonna Take a Miracle (1971)
Tracks:
- I Met Him on a Sunday
- The Bells
- Monkey Time/Dancing in the Street
- Désiree
- You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me
- Spanish Harlem
- Jimmy Mack
- The Wind
- Nowhere to Run
- It’s Gonna Take a Miracle
Gonna Take a Miracle (1971) is Laura Nyro’s fifth album, marking her only full covers project. Collaborating with the vocal trio Labelle, Nyro reinterprets classic 1950s and 1960s soul and R&B tracks. The album includes hits like “Spanish Harlem,” “Dancing in the Street,” and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” blending doo-wop, soul, and gospel influences. Produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, it features rich, soulful arrangements with standout performances from Nyro and Labelle. Though it was her last commercial success before a hiatus, the album remains a critic’s favorite for its soulful grooves and Nyro’s emotional depth.
6. Smile (1976)
Tracks:
- Sexy Mama
- Children of the Junks
- Money
- I Am the Blues
- Stormy Love
- The Cat Song
- Midnite Blue
- Smile
Smile is Laura Nyro’s sixth studio album, released in early 1976 after a four-year hiatus. This period of retreat followed her marriage, divorce, and the loss of her mother, Gilda, to ovarian cancer. The album showcases Nyro’s exploration of jazz-pop, with a blend of smooth arrangements and mysticism. Working again with producer Charlie Calello, Nyro incorporates exotic instruments, including Chinese and Japanese influences. Tracks like “Children of the Junks” and “I Am the Blues” reflect her growing interest in Eastern culture. Despite its muted commercial success, Smile marked a return to the stage with Nyro’s first full-band tour in 1976.
7. Nested (1978)
Tracks:
- Mr. Blue (Song of Communications)
- Rhythm and Blues
- My Innocence
- Crazy Love
- American Dreamer
- Springblown
- The Sweet Sky
- Light
- Child in a Universe
- The Nest
“Nested” is Laura Nyro’s seventh studio album, released in 1978. Following her extensive tour for Smile and the live album Season of Lights, Nyro sought solace in her new home in Danbury, Connecticut. There, she recorded the album with a more relaxed, melodic sound, reflecting themes of motherhood and womanhood. The album’s smooth instrumentation contrasts with her earlier, jazzier works. Despite critical acclaim for its return to form, Nested was a commercial failure, missing the Billboard 200. The album was out of print for years, though it was later reissued in 2008. Nyro’s more domestic, maternal phase is evident throughout, with her lyrics hinting at future political and social explorations.
8. Mother’s Spiritual (1984)
Tracks:
- To a Child
- The Right to Vote
- A Wilderness
- Melody in the Sky
- Late for Love
- A Free Thinker
- Man in the Moon
- Talk to a Green Tree
- Trees of the Ages
- The Brighter Song
- Roadnotes
- Sophia
- Mother’s Spiritual
- Refrain
- Man in the Moon
Mother’s Spiritual, released in 1984, marks Laura Nyro’s return after a long hiatus and is her last studio album for nearly a decade. Despite a difficult and expensive recording process, the album became her final U.S. chart entry, peaking at #182 on the Billboard 200. Musically, the album is softer and more serene than Nyro’s previous work, with a focus on environmentalism, feminism, and motherhood. While the album’s themes were met with mixed reactions, it represented a personal and artistic shift for Nyro. Despite its challenges, Mother’s Spiritual remains a significant part of Nyro’s legacy, especially after its 2009 CD release.
9. Walk the Dog and Light the Light (1993)
Tracks:
- Oh Yeah Maybe Baby (The Heebie Jeebies)
- A Woman of the World
- The Descent of Luna Rose
- Art of Love
- Lite a Flame (The Animal Rights Song)
- Louise’s Church
- Broken Rainbow
- Walk the Dog and Light the Light (Song of the Road)
- To a Child
- I’m So Proud/Dedicated to the One I Love
“Walk the Dog and Light the Light” (1993) is the ninth and final studio album by the iconic singer-songwriter Laura Nyro. Released nearly a decade after “Mother’s Spiritual,” it marks a poignant moment in Nyro’s career, being her last album of original material before her passing. Produced by Nyro and Steely Dan’s Gary Katz, the album features smooth, soulful soundscapes with Nyro’s smoky, rich vocals. Lyrically, it touches on themes like feminism, animal rights, and Native American rights. The album was well-received critically and showcases a laidback atmosphere, reminiscent of her earlier live performances, with a range of notable musicians including Nydia “Liberty” Mata and Michael Brecker.
10. Angel in the Dark (2001)
Tracks:
- Angel in the Dark
- Triple Goddess Twilight
- Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
- He Was Too Good to Me
- Sweet Dream Fade
- Serious Playground
- Be Aware
- Let It Be Me
- Gardenia Talk
- Ooh Baby, Baby
- Embraceable You
- La La Means I Love You
- Walk On By
- Animal Grace
- Don’t Hurt Child
- Coda
Angel in the Dark is a posthumous album by American singer-songwriter Laura Nyro, released in 2001. The album compiles recordings from 1994 and 1995, made during Nyro’s battle with ovarian cancer. Though she didn’t finish the project before her death in 1997, it showcases her signature style—graceful vocals and finely crafted songs. Nyro recorded the album amidst her chemotherapy sessions, and the tracks reflect deeply personal themes, including reflections on life and death. Critics praised the album, highlighting Nyro’s poignant delivery and songwriting, with its blend of original tracks and heartfelt cover versions. The album remains a testament to her legacy.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, exploring Laura Nyro’s albums in order reveals a deeply influential and innovative artist whose work spanned genres and decades. From her groundbreaking debut More Than a New Discovery to the posthumous Angel in the Dark, Nyro’s music embraced a rich blend of pop, soul, jazz, and folk. Her albums like Eli and the Thirteenth Confession and New York Tendaberry continue to resonate with fans, marking her as a truly unique voice in American music. Despite her commercial challenges, Nyro’s songwriting legacy lives on, influencing generations of artists and securing her place in the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.
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