Though Laura Nyro was one of the most successful American songwriters of the late '60s, her buoyant, genre-blending major-label debut clicked with only a small, influential cult audience. But even Nyro's faithful must have been taken by surprise by its 1969 follow-up. A mature, deeply impressionistic ode to her hometown, New York Tendaberry captures the city's multicultural soul and emotionally jagged edges; it's hard to believe this 22 year-old daughter of a jazz musician who couldn't read a note of music concocted it.

Stripping her music down to the bare essentials of her expressive, occasionally explosive soprano and fervent piano work exponentially expanded its dramatic potential. There are few pop albums whose minimalist use of studio flourishes and production sheen have been as effective. Rooted in the singer's beloved '50s R&B and pop, yet infused with her brave, singular vision, this album remains Nyro's masterpiece.