Mar 03 2021
5
“Tapestry” by Carole King (1971)
Very familiar with this artist and album. Isn’t everyone?
“Tapestry” is superb. Stands the test of time. Soulful, well crafted songs with highly evocative lyrics and creative, forward looking melodies.
The recording quality is first rate, with brilliant, properly balanced contributions from studio musicians. Fine touch in the mix.
Piano work is iconic, even if it doesn’t demonstrate a studied virtuosity. Lead vocal, likewise, perfectly delivers the feel and meaning of each composition, without exemplary power or range. Excellent pitch control and diction, even on blues bends and subdued passages.
The tracks are arranged well on this album, taking the listener on a journey that is definitely laid out in two major sections, Side 1 and Side 2. This a skill that’s rather under appreciated in this era when one doesn’t have to ‘flip the record over’.
I have no wisecracks about this album. I’m not worthy.
5/5
👍
Dec 04 2024
5
I'm about 800 reviews into this project, and my wife keeps asking me why on earth do I persist with Dimery's clearly flawed list which regularly infuriates me. The most obvious shortcoming is the under-representation of female artists. Every time I have to suffer through another album of 70s classic rock or a cult psychedelic band or a gangsta rapper or over-rated male songwriter (have you seen how many records Neil Young has on this list?) or some other boring bunch of blokes strutting around showing off their allegedly enormous cocks and badmouthing the women in their lives, I get frustrated that there are so few female artists here. I mean, did you realise that Paul Simon has seven albums on this list and Nina Simone only has one? How does _that_ work?
I want to quote here from Jessica Hopper's massively insightful essay 'Emo: Where the girls aren't' compiled in her book 'The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic':
"Can you ignore the marginalization of women's lives [and artistry] on the records that line your record shelves in hopes that feigned ignorance will bridge the gulf, because it's either that or purge your collection of everything but free jazz, micro house 12"s and the Mr. Lady Records catalog?"
Actually, there are a hundred bits of that essay that I want to quote here, so you should just go read it right now (published under a different title): https://lithub.com/classic-jessica-hopper-emo-comes-off-like-rimbaud-at-the-food-court/
Ms Hopper posits a really great question, and a hard question: how do we justify the exclusion of female voices and perspectives from our listening? I am now going to talk to my straight white male rock fan homies as a straight white male rock fan myself; where are the female artists? where are the queer artists? the artists of colour? the indigenous artists? the differently abled artists? the artists who speak languages other than English? How did the musical canon become so focused on a particularly Western white male perspective that we would deny ourselves of the artistry and perspectives of the diversity of artists? Yes, there are a few examples of those groups in the 1001 list, but let's get real; it's not truly representative. If you are curious, if you want music to show you new and different things, then a diversity of artistic voices provides a wealth of treasures. Things you haven't heard or experienced or thought before. We are all richer for it. There should be, there _must_ be more women on this list.
</rant>
Ok, now that I have that out of my system, let's talk about Carole King's Tapestry. It is a breath of fresh air to listen to this record. This album is embedded in the basic DNA of the culture. A classic easy listening album. Carole King would be a songwriting legend even if she had never released a single record under her own name. But it is a great pleasure to hear her perform some of her greatest songs herself, in her own voice. The band is relaxed and understated, playing as friends rather than hired guns (even though they were all crack session players). The Sound Opinions show celebrating the 50th anniversary of Tapestry (https://soundopinions.org/show/799) interviewed several band members who, even 50 years later, clearly had fond remembrance of the sessions and their friendship with Carole. That makes a pleasant change from the number of albums I have listened to recently by men who were talented artists but real arseholes. Thanks, Carole, for proving that you can be a successful artist and a decent human being. It restores my faith in humanity.
I don't blame Tapestry for the thousands of pale imitators that followed. This is up there with 'Blue' as one of the greatest and most influential singer-songwriter albums of all time. I think Smackwater Jack is a bit out of place on the record, but, other that, it is difficult to fault. This album is warm, human, and comforting.
Every home should have a copy.
👍
May 14 2021
5
9/10. Was really enjoyable to listen to throughout, had a nice cat on the cover.
👍
Feb 02 2021
4
This is a pretty remarkable album. It's absolutely choked with monster hits. The thing is, most of these hits I know because of other artists covering them. I don't think anyone can deny the sheer songwriting talent of Carole King. She's incredible. But every song is delivered in such a soft, chill manner that they rarely just GRAB you. But, ultimately, that's ok. The album feels whole in a way that very few albums do. Like it's all part of one, big... well, tapestry. Great songwriting, good performances. Overall, a pretty killer album.
👍
Nov 17 2020
5
Listening to this with a good pair of headphones reveals a masterpiece in mixing/balance - audio effortlessly fades in and out/cross channel. This album is amazing, front to back
👍
Oct 31 2023
3
Beautiful but boring
👍
May 20 2021
5
Surpringly amazing album. Love the "spread out" feel to the music. Instruments are independent but work well together. Subtle in parts but very balanced
👍
Sep 09 2020
5
Oh wow
👍
Jan 23 2024
5
Masterpiece. The chonker cat on the cover is great. Amazingly I've never owned this album. I've listened to it plenty though. There's so much space and breath between the notes, it forces me to allow down and listen. Excellent headphone album. Definitely essential.
👍
Dec 21 2022
1
This album is so hugely popular. My mother played it almost constantly. I'm probably going against the grain to say it, but I just hate her voice. The best songs on the album are the covers, but I mean, how you going to outdo Aretha? How you gonna beat the Shirelles? James Taylor did You've Got a Friend so much better. Everything that King sings is like she jumped the shark.
👍
Jan 06 2024
5
I described this as the musical equivalent of a cozy vintage sweater. I'm very familiar with and fond of this album. Carole is a master songwriter and this album is packed with hooks. She puts the "natural" in natural woman - top marks!
👍
Feb 22 2021
5
Simply beautiful, I can't believe I've never heard of this album before. Absolutely love it, an easy 5 stars. What a gorgeous voice, and every song is worth listening to.
👍
May 15 2025
5
Wow. I've always heard the name Carol King, but never knew the songs she sang. Some really timeless hits on this album, and the ones I didn't recognize were amazing as well. i definitely will look out for the vinyl of this album. No other notes. This album is perfect. ~ 5 stars
My only regret is I only get to put one song into my 1001 playlist. It was a tough decision, but "I Feel the Earth Move" is universally great, so it'll be that
👍
Mar 05 2021
5
Heard this for the first time in full during Lockdown 1 (had obviously heard most of the songs on their own) and didnt realise how many songs were Carol King's! I knew she sang "You've got a friend" but wouldn't have been able to put another song to her catalogue if you has asked me. She was obviously a HUGE influence on the next generation of female artists but I never noticed many citing her in the same way as, say, Joni Mitchell or Aretha Franklin. Anyway - point is, I was massively impressed with this album. 5/5 easily for me.
👍
Jul 01 2021
5
Certified 5 star song writing
👍
Nov 04 2020
5
Very solid album. Great cover art. Lots of stuff you've probably heard before that's been covered a hundred times.
👍
Sep 18 2023
4
Who said brunettes can't wear jeans?
👍
Nov 02 2023
3
Overall A really mellow oldtimey album with some upbeat and melancholy songs its good to put on the background. i give it 3/5 its good but not extraordinary
I feel the Earth move - I really dig this vibe, i like the pace of the song a lot, and the instruments the lyrics are not bad either.
So far away - Good bass, melancholy vibes but not enough for a sad song, still really good.
It's too late - I feel like the vibe don't match the lyrics but i still like them both, Lyrics are what stands out the most tho.
Beautiful - Really cute song I like the vibe and lyrics.
--"At this point i start to get the formula of the album all the songs have sort of same pace to them its not bad they all work in their own ways"--
Way Over Yonder - We slow Down quite a bit, i love the backing voices and the piano on this one, the solo with the trumpet is nice too, i feel like here i can truly appreciate her voice more.
You've got a friend - Sort of the same vibe as Beautiful but turned into love song (or friendship song), we are keeping this sort of powerful slow tempo which i think suits her better.
Where you lead - Its the same song as You've got a friend but more upbeat, and faster tempo, i prefer You've got a friend over this one.
Will you still love me tomorrow? - I didn't really like this one not much to say about it, slow song with sad lyrics.
Smackwater Jack? - I love the piano on this one and the swing vibe it gives its well put together and the story in interesting and fun, strong old west vibes.
Tapestry - The main song of the album, I like the lyrics a lot but not much else, of course that is the main selling point.
A Natural Woman - I like the song but it felt the same as others in this album
👍
Jun 03 2025
5
Carole King demonstrates that less is more. Her simplicity and direct approach to her music causes the tracks to shine with a straightforward rawness rarely seen nowadays. [Another album from the soundtrack to my childhood]
👍
Mar 04 2025
5
Bangers all around. Even the tired ones you've heard 100 million times hit like a brick when you listen to them on purpose.
👍
Oct 29 2024
5
An early pinnacle for 70's radio-friendly pop. The sheer pop craftmanship by Carole King is timeless. Only a few albums have as mellow and ear-wormy songs as this one. Songwriting masterpiece.
👍
Sep 12 2024
5
Will still love it tomorrow
👍
Sep 06 2024
5
Such a good album but should have ended with Tapestry!
👍
Sep 06 2024
5
I love this album - great variety, solid beats and lyrics
👍
Mar 05 2021
5
Never listened to this from start to finish before. I prefer these original versions to many of the more overly produced and polished versions. A couple of the songs are of a much lower standard but it would be churlish to give this anything lower than 5.
👍
Mar 16 2021
5
Unbelievable album filled with hits. Now I know the sound of Carole King
👍
Mar 18 2021
5
For someone I’d never listened to this was excellent. Both the lyrics and her voice were incredible. Put me in a good mood listening to it.
👍
Jan 22 2021
5
Listening to this album spurred me to look up more info about Carole King. It was very interesting to find out how many hits she wrote. It seems like Sia took a page out of her book
👍
Nov 14 2020
5
beautiful: the carole king musical
caroline would really like this album
👍
Nov 06 2020
5
Classic
👍
Feb 23 2025
4
A cozy and round record. A great voice
👍
Apr 16 2024
4
KITTY
Classic parent jams
👍
Apr 19 2024
3
I thought I would like this more but it was a bit boring. But the cat on the cover made me like it slightly more.
👍
Jun 03 2023
3
If you’re a guy over 40, chances are you’ve had at least one girlfriend that made sure you heard this record before you die.
👍
Sep 20 2022
3
Would say the drawbacks are a general solemnity and the sparsity of the arrangements, except I can get showier uptempo renditions of similar or identical material elsewhere, so I wouldn't have this any other way. Complex. Brooding. Full-blooded. And gloriously ordinary. Which damn sure means it's every bit as beautiful as she feels.
👍
Apr 08 2022
3
На одном дыхании послушал.
Думаю, что это хорошая характеристика и альбом явно заслужил свою оценку.
👍
Jan 20 2021
3
Love the voice on this woman. A few standout tracks, but the sound was overall a little samey throughout.
👍
Jan 19 2021
1
No..
👍
Sep 04 2025
5
So — this is one of the all-time greats, huh? And I mean, right up there in the upper echelon kinda greats. Last I checked, it's number 25 on the Rolling Stone 500, and you best believe that's a list I put a lot of stock in, for better and for worse. Certainly, if nothing else, it's the only Carole King album I've ever heard. That's gotta be worth something, right?
Starting this album, then, I was focused on one thing and one thing solely: "Why?" Y'know, "Why exactly **is** this album as well-regarded as it is?" And I mean that as an honest question; I was legit tryna figure this thing out. I had the lyrics up, and I was following along as best I could... Because from the onset this felt to me like one of those albums where it'd feel... Y'know, wrong if I didn't understand it? This is one of the all-timers, and if I don't like this album and I don't get it right — I mean, I'm not expecting Carole King stans to descend on me like I was worried Swifties would, but it just wouldn't sit 100% with me.
And for a good chunk of side one... Well, yeah, it was sitting pretty awkwardly alright. I just wasn't feeling the album for whatever reason. The lyrics I was picking up were kind of whatever, and I wasn't really feeling her voice or the instrumentals... It was such a strange sensation. This is an all-timer! It has at least two songs on here I'm very familiar with, "(You Make Me Feel Like ) A Natural Woman" (thanks to Aretha Franklin) and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" (thanks to, of all things, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes). I'm no stranger to not getting albums that're critical darlings, and it's not like I **have** to like an album just because the consensus says it's great, but... I'unno, something was off. Something about the way I was trying to view this album was causing my perception to distort. What was it...?
Somewhere into "Way Over Yonder", it quickly occurred to me. I stopped trying to figure out why this was an all-timer. I took a breath — relaxed. And let the music hit me as it is instead of forcing myself to understand its greatness.
Big surprise, the album started sounding a lot better.
Suddenly, I was able to hear how wonderful of a voice Carol had. I was able to better appreciate how good the arrangements were, and how nicely they were played. I even begun to pick up more lyrics and think to myself, "Dang, that **is** some pretty neat stuff." Big surprise that once I shed expectations, I started liking this thing more. I thought this was something I learned to do back with KID A, but I guess not.
But seriously: I wouldn't tell you that my mind was suddenly blown by this album. It didn't reach the levels of "touches my soul" that I usually try to save 5's for. Like, I don't wanna go **that** far out. But as a soft rock kind-of album with a good smattering of notable lyrics... Yeah, it's a really dang good time. Like, the only nudge I'd really wanna give it is that "Smackwater Jack" **does** sound a little out of place... Though that's just because of how much it sounded to me like Elton John, and I love Elton, so I'm hardly complaining. I mean, heck, even the songs I know primarily for being other artists' songs held their own. I wouldn't tell you Carole tops Aretha, not by any means, but she did a dang good job.
(And really, I wanna give props again to "Way Over Yonder". Besides being the song where I let my expectations go, it really is just, like, dang good, y'know? Like, if I were to pick one song and one song only as my highlight, it'd be that one. Love that little sax solo in there, goodness.)
So — is this album one of **my** all-time greats? Not really. Stiff competition among SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE, ABBEY ROAD and ALPOCALYPSE. I don't even think it'd be in my top 25. But do I think it deserves to be one of the all-time greats, generally? Oh, yeah, absolutely. It's not up there on the mount for nothing. And certainly, of all of the albums my group's gotten that've been labelled "singer songwriter," this has been one of the best. So, my hat's off to you, Carole. I really liked your album today, and I might just love it tomorrow.
6/5 cat, by the way. I mean, I'd give all and any cats a 6/5, but still. Very good kitty.
👍
Sep 04 2025
5
Iconic for a damn good reason (plus a cat on the cover is always nice). Solid 5 Stars.
👍
Sep 04 2025
5
It’s a 5. Maybe just a little higher.
The only thing I knew of Carole King before listening to this is that she originally wrote “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” for Aretha Franklin. That was already enough trust to make me believe she’s a great songwriter, but color me more surprised to find she also wrote “You’ve Got a Friend”. I knew James Taylor’s version was a cover, but I never bothered to check who wrote it, and his version is one of my favorite songs of all time. I suppose Carole King’s songwriting has been a bit more prolific than I’ve realized.
This album has some monstrous, monstrous acclaim, and while I can’t say I hear it to the extent of “top 25 album of all time”, I hear it to the extent that it might be the most digestible, easy-listening album I’ve ever heard. Yes, something like a “Thriller” or a “Nevermind” is a better album, but in terms of simplicity & being able to distill songs down to a pure form, Carole King approaches these tracks like a surgeon to a knife. There’s not a piano or vocal note misplaced, not a stray bass hit, nor a lingering percussive moment. These are crafted, both in their words & their instruments, like a piece of marble that’s been chiseled to the finest detail. Much like a sculpture, it’s very easy to take it all in without realizing just how intimately the connection is between the artist & the art, and how much time it really took to make.
Even now, when I’m writing all this, I’m not sure I’ve really grasped just how intimate that connection truly is, but it does seem like a lot of these tracks are based around her own life. Channeling all of that into these songs is an achievement, especially with just how poppy this album comes across. For as sad as the subject matter tends to be, and how intimate the piano-driven instrumentation is, a lot of these tracks still find a super easy rhythm to get into, evoking a sort of Elton John meets Fleetwood Mac vibe (with much more of a late 60s Motown lean) that really makes the album work.
Carole King’s voice certainly helps it a lot; she’s got a good power in her voice when she wants to belt out (“Home Again” is certainly proof of that), it’s very jazzy when she’s riding on a track with a good groove (just listen to “It’s Too Late” or “Smackwater Jack”), and she knows when to hold it back to let the mood sort of linger in the air a bit longer. Take a track like “So Far Away”, where she’s able to portray frustration through a somber tone really nicely, but the flute at the end of the track really sells the mood.
I think her best vocal performance, surprisingly, is on her version of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”; Carole King’s not trying to be Aretha Franklin here, and I think her take on the song she wrote matches the sort of personal frustrations portrayed throughout the album to that point, but with more of an emotional release. Her vocals are slightly shakier compared to other tracks, as if she’s scared to admit a freedom she hasn’t felt in a long time. There’s a more focused intimacy to this version that makes it work really nicely. When Aretha belts out that title line, and the instrumentation is swirling around her, it’s such a grandiose ball of energy that you forget it’s meant to be a song praising the performance of her partner for making her feel so comfortable. Carole’s approach here focuses far more on the “you” as opposed to the “natural woman”, and that shift really frames the song in a way that makes it fit on this album, especially as a closing track.
In all, I’m just glad this was as good as I hoped it would be, given the acclaim. I think with a few more listens, a lot of this album will come even more naturally to me, and it’s certainly worth a few more plays. If you’re not as inclined to care, then I guess it’s possible to find this as a boring piano odyssey of some lady who felt sad once & then got happier again, but if you treat it that way, I just don’t know what to say. I liked it a lot, and while it’s not an all-time super duper 10 to me, it’s a very easy 5 that aligns to a lot of my sensibilities, and I can easily hear how this would’ve influenced so many of the 70s singer-songwriters we’ve heard on the list. It’s worth listening to before you die, for sure. Good stuff, Carole.
👍
Sep 03 2025
5
I often rate a lot of albums if they have bomber hits that almost anyone would recognize.
So...this one has a bunch of those.
It is a little too soft rock for my personal tastes, but I can't deny that this is influential.
It also holds up pretty well and doesn't sound dated like many of the albums that we receive from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.
I'll go 5 stars on this one.
Probably around a 90/100.
👍
Sep 02 2025
5
Not sure I’ve listened to this album in its entirety, though I’ve heard (almost) all of the songs. It’s on every record shelf for a reason, just pst the bra when women artists for the leftovers and/or sang backup to the fellas. A groundbreaker for the woman dominated pop world of today.
👍
Sep 02 2025
5
One of the best albums ever- I’ve been listening to this regularly for over 25 years and enjoyed it just as much. Hearing James and Joni singing harmony on will you still love me still gives me chills. So glad that Carole stepped out of the writers shadows. This and Blue are blueprints for singer song writers that followed.
👍
Sep 01 2025
5
So many hits. Great performance
👍
Aug 31 2025
5
This is such a solid pop album, feels like it’s just hit after head. All of the songs are amazing, I feel like I have too many five star ratings, but this has to be on there.
👍
Aug 31 2025
5
First off, I'm obviously giving bonus points for the cat on the cover. Additional bonus points because I love Gilmore Girls.
But this doesn't even need any bonus points because it's such a fantastic album already. The piano. Her voice. Wow. I immediately listened to the whole thing again.
Listened before? N
Saved to library? Y
Favorite track(s): I Feel the Earth Move, It's Too Late, Where You Lead, Smackwater Jack
My ratings are kind of based on general vibes and how many tracks I save to my Deezer profile --
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it! Saved most or all of the tracks.
👍
Aug 29 2025
5
Crazy that all these songs come from one woman. I already knew this one well and I enjoyed relistening to it. Some of the songs here are cheesier than others and I don't think I'll revisit them in the same way as the hits. I feel bad giving it less than a 5 because of what it represents, and the hits are good enough to bring it there. 4.5
👍
Aug 28 2025
5
Brilliant song-writing and singing. Perfect to throw on for a quiet morning.
👍
Aug 26 2025
5
I feel this album in my soul. The relatable lyrics, well-paired melodies, heart-felt vocals. The subject matters are timeless.
👍
Aug 26 2025
5
I too enjoy Tapestry by Carole King A Lot
👍
Aug 26 2025
5
Absolutely loved this holy shit
👍
Aug 26 2025
5
One of the great singer/songwriters of the 70's. This album can be listened to time and time again with every song making an impact. Not a weak song in the album. One of the best albums of the 70's and still sounds great today.
👍
Aug 25 2025
5
Pretty good! Wasn’t the best for the gym where I listened but nice
👍
Aug 25 2025
5
Unexpected 5! I know Carole King, but I had never listened to this album from start to finish. Lovely voice, lovely album. Loved it so much.
👍
Aug 25 2025
5
The cat makes it a 5
But seriously this is soooooo gooooood
👍
Aug 21 2025
5
I Feel the Earth Move
So Far Away
It's Too Late
Home Again
You've Got a Friend
Will You Love Me Tomorrow
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
👍
Aug 19 2025
5
Banger after banger after timeless classic. Magnum opus and one of the best albums ever made.
👍
Aug 16 2025
5
This definitely belongs on the list. So many good songs, even though some of them sound dated. Classics that everyone has heard. I'm not a big fan of the disco in some of the songs, but it's good all the way around.
My Rating: 5/5
👍
Aug 15 2025
5
This is incredible. If the title track wasn't on there it'd be an oops all bangers album. The first three really are something special, probably one of the best three track run ever in my opinion.
The theme to me is relationships, the way others can make you feel, wether romantically mr friendship wise and thebwriting is killer, very personnal. That with melodies that are incredible (how versatile can a piano be ??) makes tapestry absolutely great
👍
Aug 14 2025
5
Surprisingly amazing
👍
Aug 13 2025
5
beautiful melody, love the pianos
👍
Aug 12 2025
5
If you don't recognize at least a handful of tracks from this album, either through King herself, or some artist you love covering one of them, I don't know if you can really call yourself a fan of music. Tapestry has cemented itself as one of, if not, the best singer-songwriter album of all time. King's approach to each song here is perfectly crafted. It's almost unfair the level of skill on display.
It's Too Late can go toe-to-toe with some of the best tracks of the 20th century. Also, I've always wanted to snuggle the kitty cat on the cover.
👍
Aug 12 2025
5
10/10
This album is a songwriting masterclass from Carole King. She dances her way between folk, soul, rock and r&b, never letting it sound out of place and without ever sounding like anyone other than herself. Just the way that her songwriting moves and modulates through the songs is an absolute joy and I couldn’t help but admire the construction when she landed on certain chords, it was almost magical. Her voice is great, but with that little edge of vulnerability about it that makes it connect so much more than a technically perfect vocalist would. She, seemingly effortlessly, dances between sadness and joy with wilful abandon, which only enhances the beauty of the work. And all of this is just framed with a quite exceptional production. Every instrument has its place, and the focus pulls so deftly between different lines that it always keeps your ears in the right place to pick up on little licks and nuances. It’s not often that music can really grab me in a such a visceral way, but I did find myself welling up as I sang along to You’ve Got A Friend. It’s such an exceptional song and performance. But what’s quite remarkable about this album is that You’ve Got A Friend doesn’t just sit there head and shoulders over the rest. It sits happily there at the opening of side 2, in the midst of a collection of other fantastic pieces of songwriting and recording. Bravo.
I Feel the Earth Move - This is such a great song, equal parts soul, rock and folk. It’s got excellent pace, there are some really lovely bits of instrumental flair here and there, particularly the little interplay in the middle between the guitar and piano. I really like the way the focus pulls to different parts through the track, which is mixed so well. Quality all round.
So Far Away - It’s a change of pace. A song of longing and desire. It’s a really pretty little song that just wanders around in the verses and then lands on a great vocal in the chorus. Somehow it’s got a lot going on, but is also incredibly sparse. The instruments get their little moments, but each are fleeting.
It’s Too Late - She’s such a good songwriter. The transitions between the sections are so smooth and effortless despite the change of tone. The playing on this is so great too. The harmonies are picked for the perfect spots, and her vocal has such a laid-back ease to it on this song. She’s not afraid to drift off into fairly lengthy instrumental sections too, which are great.
Home Again - The cadences of the musical movement on this song are just beautiful. The way it builds and shrinks and how that aligns with the musical movement is just lovely. It’s short, but ever so sweet, and her vocal has something to it that just cuts through the skin.
Beautiful - There are bits of this song that are really great, but as a whole it doesn’t quite connect with me as much as the rest of the album. I think it’s the more staccato nature of it. The rhythm section just plods a little bit too much for my taste, and the fairly relentless snare drum is just a bit too much.
Way Over Yonder - Now this is more like it. That swing. The way the bass and the lead vocal tend to move in opposing directions throughout. Her vocal that just soars and sways. It’s incredibly satisfying and beautiful, but it’s also got a real fire in its belly. And that sax solo is like a perfect cheese accompaniment to this glass of wine of a song.
You’ve Got A Friend - This is such a gorgeous song. It weaves its way between a bereft sadness and beautiful optimism in such a perfect way. It is an absolute songwriting masterclass. The way it modulates between keys is absolutely stunning. The restraint of the arrangement allows for everything to live in its own place, and it still seems so full when it needs to. It all just combines into something exceptional.
Where You Lead - This leads perfectly on from You’ve Got A Friend, both lyrically and musically, even borrowing some of the progressions, but throwing a far more upbeat twist. There’s some really solid playing one this track, and some of those backing vocals are superb too. It’s almost a Motown song with a folky twist. Great stuff.
Will You Love Me Tomorrow? - This is perhaps a little more on the nose than some of the other songs, which have a bit more subtlety to them. It’s still really gorgeous though. The interaction between the piano and guitar parts are really, really nice, and the vocal harmonisations with James Taylor and Joni Mitchell really move things around well.
Smackwater Jack - From the a subject matter point of view, this does stick out a bit from the rest of the album. It’s a great little bluesy R&B number though. It’s a nice bit of fun, and as always, it’s a very well written song.
Tapestry - This is a beautiful, wandering piece. It floats around without ever landing on anything to concrete in quite an ethereal way, slowly moving up keys through each verse and then stepping back down to start again. This is a really great album track, with no real centre to it, but as a wash of music between songs, it works so well.
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Another songwriting masterclass. Again, the dynamic and tonal variation between verse and chorus is genius, and the way it builds to the chorus is exceptional. It drifts back down to the verse so smoothly too. The dynamic variation in this song is so fantastic. It goes from soft, almost whispered to full on balls-out passion and I’m here for it every time.
👍
Aug 12 2025
5
timeless and perfect
👍
Aug 11 2025
5
I’ve always loved this album
👍
Aug 11 2025
5
Masterpiece
👍
Aug 10 2025
5
I’ve put off reviewing this album for a while because I don’t even know what to say about it. There’s nothing I feel I can say that can accurately portray quite how good this album is. So I won’t even try to. Go listen to it yourself and have it blow your mind.
👍
Aug 09 2025
5
Tapestry is a great album, plain and simple. The songwriting is outstanding, it's heartfelt, relatable, and timeless. Each track flows naturally into the next, giving the album a real sense of cohesion and emotional continuity.
It’s one of those records where everything just clicks: the melodies, the lyrics, the performances.
👍
Aug 08 2025
5
Bonus point for cat on cover.
👍
Aug 07 2025
5
5 stars, no notes
👍
Aug 05 2025
5
It may feel a little dated these days, but the sheer concentration of zeitgeist-penetrating bangers on this album is incredible
👍
Aug 04 2025
5
Such a fantastic album
👍
Aug 02 2025
5
Wow, what a fantastic album. A materclass on songwriting.
👍
Aug 02 2025
5
I didn't realize how much Carole King I knew already. A lot of bangers on here. Cool baselines. Memorable vocal melodies without it being too generic.
👍
Jul 31 2025
5
Tapestry just is one of the best albums ever. One of the most important albums by a woman too. This album is packed with brilliant written songs and even some well-known hits. I just love this.
👍
Jul 31 2025
5
Tapestry is mogelijks het mooiste album ooit gemaakt. Prachtige stem, herkenbare songteksten en geweldige sound.
5.0
👍
Jul 31 2025
5
Excellent
👍
Jul 31 2025
5
My mom liked this album.
👍
Jul 29 2025
5
I absolutely adored this album. It was absolutely gorgeous lyrically, musically, and vocally. It's truly timeless, and there isn't a bad song on the album. This is THE Carole King album you should listen to if you want to get to know her as an artist. It's a masterpiece that touches on so many different emotions and experiences with such eloquence and raw emotion. One of the best listens I have had so far on this generator.
👍
Jul 28 2025
5
As much a triumph of songwriting as of singing, Tapestry is everything I love about music: simple, yet stirring, lyrics, timeless classics by the original songwriter, and a Bluesy, soulful, folksy, and, at times, downright spiritual composition.
I feel embarrassed I had never heard this album all the way through, and how I was more familiar with the popular covers of King by other epic musicians: Franklin, James Taylor, and others. King's voice, so powerful, projects her words in a way that make you feel like you're right next to her, sharing her emotions. I understand why so much critical success has been heaped on this album now.
Favorite tracks: "Way Over Yonder" and "Smackwater Jack," beyond the requisite well-loved classics.
👍
Jul 28 2025
5
I liked his much more than I expected to, the songwriting is top tier pop/soul and it the playing is super smooth, not normally what I would listen to but sometimes you can't deny greatness when you some across it. One of those 70s blockbuster albums like Rumours where One listen is enough to confirm it's right to seemingly exist in every record collection on the planet.
👍
Jul 28 2025
5
Just stunning! A beautiful and brilliant album.
👍
Jul 28 2025
5
LOVED THIS
👍
Jul 27 2025
5
Iconic. What a talent. Everyone should listen to this album
👍
Jul 26 2025
5
A soulful and warm benchmark for this kind of singer-songwriter album. Quietly brilliant. King doesn’t have a big voice, but she really goes for it.
👍
Jul 26 2025
5
Such a gem! Lovely and brilliant. The lyrics , her voice , everything here creates a solid album. I love it from the beginning . No fillers, it just keeps getting better on every song.
👍
Jul 23 2025
5
5/5. A classic front to back, just a greatest hits album in the form of a studio album. A calming album of hits and mostly ballads. These songs are simple but still feel full and complete. Carole effortlessly provides beautiful vocals while still keeping it raw and authentic, giving the illusion of a new singer songwriter and not someone who has been writing songs for years for other artists already, and the cover art is intentional as well to keep up the illusion. And honestly, it works, and is well done all around. Best Song: I Feel The Earth Move, So Far Away, You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman)
👍
Jul 23 2025
5
Cat on the cover 5 stars
👍
Jul 22 2025
5
Beautiful album. Great work here from CK with some timeless classics on here as well. I could let this play all day.
👍
Jul 22 2025
5
Masterpiece
👍
Jul 21 2025
5
Beautiful album, really fantastic songwriting. I was torn between 4 and 5 starts, because it didn't quite have that wow factor that captures you for the entirety of the album. I ultimately decided it was a 5 star album because every song is really fantastic even if they don't wow you. I love a good piano driven album. You can really hear how talented of a songwriter Carole is.
👍
Jul 19 2025
5
All I can say is I'm very happy this album is so beloved. Carole King is a songwriting queen and it's a pleasure to hear her sing every note and word of these songs she wrote. Highly recommend lounging outside on a lightly breezy, sunny day with some headphones and cold drink of choice. 10/10 listening experience for a 10/10 album.
👍
Jul 16 2025
5
This gets a five from me just for "Will you still love me tomorrow" by itself. It's a perfect song. Classic album. Five stars.
👍
Jul 14 2025
5
Perfect voice, brilliant lyrics. Very nice album.
👍
Jul 13 2025
5
Her voice
👍
Jul 13 2025
5
5 stars
👍
Jul 11 2025
5
Beautiful, just beautiful.
The second album in 600+ albums so far that ive never conciously listened to all the way through before that gets a 5 star review.
There are so many songs here that are about as good as a song could be. He voice carries emotion, the piano and guitar are beautiful, but most of all the songwriting and accessibility are of the highest order.
This should be held in the highest esteem.
👍
Jul 10 2025
5
9/10
👍
Jul 10 2025
5
Powerhouse. One of the all time great songwriters.
👍