Laura Nyro - Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (#463)

Dan and Carl dive deep into Laura Nyro’s Eli and the Thirteenth Confession, the 1968 album sitting at #463 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Known for her blend of pop, jazz, gospel, and soul—and her influence on artists like Elton John and The 5th Dimension—Nyro’s work is both ambitious and divisive. The hosts unpack her fearless songwriting, theatrical delivery, and chaotic arrangements while wrestling with whether the record truly earns its critical acclaim. Along the way, they highlight standout musicians like bassist Chuck Rainey and arranger Charlie Calello, compare the album’s structure to a Broadway production, and even drop in a few of their signature fake ads. Key Points Artist Background: Laura Nyro was a Bronx-born prodigy who taught herself piano, began composing at eight, and wrote hits later covered by major artists including The 5th Dimension, Barbra Streisand, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Album Context: Released in 1968, Eli and the Thirteenth Confession blends pop, gospel, soul, and musical theater influences. Despite critical acclaim, it wasn’t a commercial hit and peaked at #181 on the Billboard 200. Production Notes: Co-produced and arranged by Charlie Calello, featuring elite session players like Chuck Rainey and Zoot Sims. The album’s lush instrumentation and complex arrangements hint at a conductor’s precision. Signature Tracks: “Eli’s Comin’” (later a hit for Three Dog Night), “Sweet Blindness” (covered by The 5th Dimension), and “Stone Soul Picnic.” Critical Take: While Nyro’s ambition and musicianship are undeniable, Dan and Carl ultimately agree that Eli and the Thirteenth Confession doesn’t belong on the Rolling Stone Top 500. It’s inventive, but overindulgent and uneven in execution. Music Referenced Wedding Bell Blues by The 5th Dimension Sweet Blindness by The 5th Dimension Stone Soul Picnic by The 5th Dimension Stoney End by Barbra Streisand And When I Die by Blood, Sweat & Tears The Four Seasons Engelbert Humperdinck Neil Diamond Emily by Frank Sinatra Bruce Springsteen Elton John Nina Simone Eli’s Comin by The Three Dog Night Joy To The World by The Three Dog Night Rare Earth Saturday in the Park by Chicago Aretha Franklin Here, My Dear by Marvin Gaye Carol King Quincy Jones Chuck Rainey Zoot Sims Charlie Calello Still Live by Keith Jarrett Jack DeJohnette Gary Peacock Oscar Peterson Bob James Neon by John Mayer Harry Styles Lu by Peggy Lipton Kanye West Gracie Lawrence Jacob Jeffries Vulfpeck Emily by The Singers Unlimited Try to Remember by The Singers Unlimited Join us next week when we cover The Guilded Palace of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers.