Carly Simon Announces First New Album of Original Songs in 18 Years, Comes In Waves Set for August Release

Carly Simon has announced that her next studio album, Comes In Waves, will hit shelves and streams on 14 August 2026. The 12‑track collection marks the singer‑songwriter’s first set of newly written material since 2008’s This Kind Of Love.

The announcement follows the release of the album’s lead single, “Howl,” on 12 June. Co‑written and produced by David Spencer, the track is described by Simon as a journey “between betrayal and forgiveness,” a progression that moves from anger toward reconciliation. The single is already available on major streaming platforms and has been promoted with a concise video that foregrounds its lyrical focus.

Most of Comes In Waves was penned and recorded in Simon’s home studio on Martha’s Vineyard, a setting that has long served as a creative sanctuary for the artist. The project is a family affair: her son Ben Taylor—who has long contributed as a singer, musician, producer, and songwriter—provides vocals and instrumental work, while her daughter Sally Taylor lends backing vocals on several tracks and created the artwork for the “Howl” single. The album also features seasoned collaborators Paul Samwell‑Smith and Frank Filipetti, both of whom have a history of working with Simon on earlier projects.

A notable inclusion is one of the final recorded appearances by the late rapper and producer John Forté. The press release points out that Forté, known for his work with the Fugees, was a close friend of Simon’s and had been released from prison in 2008 after a presidential commutation.

Simon’s recent years have been dominated by archival releases and collaborations rather than new studio work. In 2009 she issued Never Been Gone, an acoustic reinterpretation of earlier songs, and in 2023 she released the anthology These Are The Good Old Days: The Carly Simon And Jac Holzman Story. A 2025 collaboration with Alanis Morissette on a new version of “Coming Around Again” further added to her recent output.

The album’s arrival is significant for fans of the 1970s icon, whose catalog includes enduring hits such as “You’re So Vain,” “Anticipation” and “Nobody Does It Better.” By adding fresh material, Comes In Waves expands a legacy that has largely been preserved through reissues and compilations.

Track list: 1. Howl 2. Maybe I Never Loved You 3. Peaches 4. Love Has No Ending 5. Mother Of Pearl 6. Slowly 7. Four In The Morning 8. The More I Look For You 9. Love The Way I Do 10. The Father Daughter Dance 11. Share The End 12. Do It Anyway

While Simon has performed sporadically in recent years, her last known live appearance was in 2018. She has indicated that touring is unlikely due to the physical challenges associated with a serious hip injury, so the focus for Comes In Waves remains firmly on the recordings.

The release arrives at a time when veteran artists increasingly put personal experience front and center, rather than chasing current commercial trends. Comes In Waves joins a growing body of late‑career projects that offer mature perspectives and a renewed sense of authenticity.

The album will be available on all major streaming services and in physical formats through Simon’s label, Iris Records. Pre‑orders began in early June, and the project is expected to chart on the Billboard 200 upon release.

With Comes In Waves, Carly Simon opens a substantial new chapter in her career, adding original songs to a catalog that has long been celebrated for its songwriting depth and cultural impact.