Carly Simon ‘Comes in Waves’: Tracklist, Release Date & How to Pre-Save the Icon’s First Album in 18 Years

Legendary singer-songwriter Carly Simon has surprised fans by announcing “Comes in Waves,” her first collection of all-new material in 18 years, arriving 14 August 2026 via Iris/Capitol Records. The 12-track album reunites Simon with longtime producer Richard Perry and features special guests including Brandi Carlile, John Mayer and Norah Jones, melding her signature confessional lyricism with modern folk-pop arrangements. Lead single “Howl” debuted last week on streaming platforms alongside a vintage-tinged performance video that racked up more than two million views in 48 hours. The mid-tempo anthem finds Simon reflecting on “love that outlasts the coastal storms,” anchored by her unmistakable contralto and a soaring gospel-choir refrain. Why the long wait? In a statement, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer said she “needed to live a little more life” after 2008’s “This Kind of Love,” focusing on memoir writing and family before the songs “started arriving like high tide.” Recording sessions took place in Martha’s Vineyard, Los Angeles and London, with Simon calling the process “the most free I’ve felt since the ‘70s.” Key details fans should know • Pre-orders include an exclusive sea-foam-blue vinyl pressing limited to 5,000 copies and a signed art print. • A deluxe digital edition adds three acoustic demos and a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary. • Independent retailers will host midnight listening parties on 13 August; participating shops are listed on CarlySimon.com. • While no full tour is confirmed, Simon’s camp is “exploring select theater dates” for late autumn, her first concerts since 2013. Industry buzz Music critics have already singled out “Comes in Waves” as one of the year’s most anticipated legacy releases. Consequence praised its “haunting, salt-air songwriting that feels both nostalgic and urgently present”. Streaming analysts predict the rollout could mirror the cross-generational success of recent comeback LPs by Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, driven by TikTok discovery and vinyl collectors. SEO takeaway For longtime devotees searching “Carly Simon new album,” “Comes in Waves release date,” or “Howl single,” this project marks a milestone return. With pre-orders live, fresh music videos incoming, and potential tour dates on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be Simon’s most active year in decades—one that proves the writer of “You’re So Vain” still has plenty to sing about.