Tapestry

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.

“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

9/10. Was really enjoyable to listen to throughout, had a nice cat on the cover.

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.

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

Oh wow

Beautiful but boring

During this nasty epoch, one of the most punk rock acts is to switch on and sing along to some unrelentingly soft rock about feelings. Bare your soul, spill your guts, strap in some knitwear and hold hands in defiance!

Surpringly amazing album. Love the "spread out" feel to the music. Instruments are independent but work well together. Subtle in parts but very balanced

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.

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!

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.

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.

Bangers all around. Even the tired ones you've heard 100 million times hit like a brick when you listen to them on purpose.

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.

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]

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

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

Yes! Älskar Carola (och Lorelai) James Taylor på guitaar och Joni Mitchell som bakgrundssångare. Bara maj7or och massa tonartsbyten. Ge mig mer!

Such a good album but should have ended with Tapestry!

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.

Certified 5 star song writing

Very solid album. Great cover art. Lots of stuff you've probably heard before that's been covered a hundred times.

Who said brunettes can't wear jeans?

awww cute kitty....PUT THOSE DOGS AWAY MA'AM Unlike most of the 3's I give (mid stuff, completely average, blatantly passable), this is a 3 just because it's not something I'd deliberately listen to. It's not my taste. It's good. For what it is, for the genre it belongs to, it's better than average; it's just not my style, so I can't rate it any higher than that.

Great wedding type music

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.

Shocking to say I've not heard this until today. It's been on my "must listen" list for years, and I do mean actual years, and I'm both a touch sad and a little thankful I didn't. There's no guarantee two years ago I would've felt the way I do now about this album; sufficed to say I love it. One song in I did check the genre and was surprised to see singer/songwriter. I know it is by definition but the influences of jazz and soul give a very unique and thoroughly enjoyable sound. It's pretty gentle otherwise, some songs are just a voice over a piano and even that has a very clear beauty to it. I'm unsure if I want to call this the cream of the crop of the genre, I still think the first half of Tracy Chapman would've taken that if the album were more consistent but this? This is consistent. This is one of the first in a while where I was listening as I wrote and I thought "so where are we in the album" and I'm in the final throes of an album not afraid to lay it bare and play some of the most beautiful and tender music you'll ever hear. Seriously bits of this make me feel like I'm listening to Fleetwood Mac or Steely Dan but with little twists of soul, and this came out in 71! Before either band was really doing what they would be most famous for (aware Fleetwood Mac were around at the time but this was 4 years before the second self titled when they really became famous). Between songs that continue to further the legacy (can't believe she wrote You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman) and the fact this album was deeply important for the generation of woman in the singer/songwriter genre that would follow this album is well deserving to be on this list. It's also one of the best albums I've heard so far. While it lacks a bit of flair that a lot of other albums have it more than makes up for it with some of the most tightly written songs maybe ever produced by a singer/songwriter. Best songs: I Feel the Earth Move, It's Too Late Worst songs: N/A Rank compared to everything else so far: 5/41 (below To Pimp a Butterfly, above Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite)

I really like it! It felt very emotional and personal to her, while at the same time being relatable and meaningful to me. She had a couple songs that I didn’t know were by her, and can’t wait to listen to more of her. Love her voice and vibe! Favorite songs were Home Again, Beautiful, and It’s Too Late but really can’t choose.

This is a powerhouse of an album in which King manages to achieve something like the accessibility and strength of a Dusty Springfield and the tenderness of a Joni Mitchell or James Taylor. There would be a where song here or there where I'd think the album was losing streak, but then she'd get it back in the next track.

The songwriting is world-class, of course. So many great, familiar songs! “It’s Too Late” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” are personal favorites. But there’s so much more. Much more. If I had any qualms, it would be in the . . . sameness of the piano-heavy arrangements. It’s almost as if the album was meant to showcase songs for other singers, not be a whole artistic statement. In my mind, this is, for that reason, a 4.5-star album. Should I round up or down?

I really enjoyed this entire album. I had heard many of the songs with my dad growing up but I really wasn’t too familiar with Carole King or this album. But I recognized pretty much every single song. This is a groundbreaking beautiful album.

Tapestry is one of those albums where the songwriting quietly does all the work. The songs are excellent without calling attention to themselves, emotionally direct but never overwrought. It’s easy to focus on the writing alone, but the vocals deserve more credit than they usually get. They’re expressive, unforced, and perfectly matched to the material. The piano playing, too, is understated in a way that serves the songs rather than competing with them. What really stands out is how livable this record feels. It’s not just something to admire; it’s something to return to. This feels like the kind of album that belongs on vinyl, played intentionally and regularly, not treated as background noise but as a familiar companion. The warmth, clarity, and craft all hold up without any reliance on nostalgia. This is a full five stars for me. Timeless songwriting, subtle musicianship, and a record that earns a permanent place in rotation rather than just a respectful listen-through.

I grew up listening to this album from my mother who also used to play it on the piano.

A songwriting masterclass. Real, honest, unfiltered. Understandably one of the top sellers of all time.

My Mom and Dad loved Carole King. This album sounds like home. It’s comforting and beautiful. I can sing along to almost the entire album, and I feel like I’ve never actually sat and listened straight through.

I can’t exactly be impartial on this album because it’s my mom’s favorite artist and album, and it includes the song we danced to at my wedding (You’ve Got a Friend). That said, I get why it’s thought of as one of the best of all time. Some really great and beautiful songs throughout. Memorable, heartfelt, with some great piano playing and guitar. Good easy listening. Hard to hate. It’s a 5, folks.

Probably one of my favourite discoveries on the 1001 albums. A top tier album!

Over half these songs could bring me to tears in the right setting.

Wonderful album that was the first one made by Carole King after she took up solo singing and following the years she spent writing Motown hits with Gerry Goffin

This is the kind of album that makes me rethink all the other 5 star-rated albums I have. Deserves its place as one of the greatest albums of all time. Tracks to Track: You've Got a Friend, So Far Away, I Feel the Earth Move, Tapestry (but literally all songs are pure platinum)

This is a classic from someone who made others famous from her songwriting. I never tire of this album.

Packed with standards, all written and sung by Ms King herself. The story of how she got here is remarkable, and this album is a fantastic achievement, with tentacles into peak Joni and James Taylor to boot. Who doesn't like this? Perhaps the zenith of that sweet sweet Laurel Canyon sound, Dawes notwithstanding.

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.

Will still love it tomorrow

I love this album - great variety, solid beats and lyrics

Unbelievable album filled with hits. Now I know the sound of Carole King

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.

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

beautiful: the carole king musical caroline would really like this album

Classic

Very good! Beautiful instrumentals and voice. Some songs can be very samey but overall it’s a good experience. It’s very cosy at times which is good, but I think it’s highest quality moments come when it’s not being safe and predictable: the title-track lives up to its paint-stroke evoking title with its beautifully vivid lyrics; smackwater jack is probably the biggest departure from formula in the whole album and it really sticks with you because of it. Maybe will change with more listens, but the first half of the album feels like it reveals all it has far too early, it remains too static and unmoving artistically for a good 7-8 song run

4/5. The average person will likely really enjoy at least a couple songs here, and those who like smart pop infused with R&B will probably love the album. My first intentional listening to Carole King. Her voice and style of singing have this unique quality to them. They're sort of raw, which contrasts nicely with the refined smart pop that makes up the rest of the album. She has great command of her voice, and can belt out some powerful lines with the best of them. Some of my favorite moments in this album were where she supplemented her voice with additional vocal backup. The piano can be wonderful. Sometimes it sounds downright majestic, taking the lead on some songs, while on others it takes on a homey rhythmic role. The other instruments also never take on a concrete role either — the guitar is used for slick jazz lead fills, classic bluesy runs, and countrified rock riffs. My only personal point against Tapestry is that it's so passive. It lives in this space where it can be really reflective and clever at times but is pretty run of the mill lyrically and melodically otherwise. Songs have standout moments but they really only stand out as much because the rest of the song feels calm enough to lull you to sleep. To me, it's an album that you put on an easy early morning and have playing in the background as you drink coffee — which for me is a spot that has a lot of other contenders.

Not my kind of stuff, but nice enough. Enjoy your extra star Carole King, I know you care about the rating of a random internet music non ball knower.

Nice tabby.

A cozy and round record. A great voice

KITTY Classic parent jams

Its a banger. I was tempted to give it a 3 actually because I get bored on some of the b-sides. You know what? I decided I AM going yo give it a 3. Life is too short gotta be daring. Earth move is fantastic though and It’s Too Late is one of my favorite songs. James taylor’s version of You’ve Got a Friend blows hers out of the water, much as I hate to say it

I'm only on the first song so far but immediately another GOTG adjacent vibes (cause same era). I like the jazzier feel to this. Better than the previous album. Only the first song fits the GOTG vibe. I like the lyrics/message behind "You've Got a Friend". Very sweet and feels like a perfect song to dedicate to someone you love. I've been paying a little bit more attention to the lyrics and they keep catching my eye (ex: Tapestry and A Natural Woman). Will probably give it a second listen in the future.

Delightful for the most part

Nice voice

Such a vibe. mmmmmMMMMMM Favorite Track: Way Over Yonder

Pleasant

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.

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.

На одном дыхании послушал. Думаю, что это хорошая характеристика и альбом явно заслужил свою оценку.

Love the voice on this woman. A few standout tracks, but the sound was overall a little samey throughout.

chill nice voice

This is probably someone’s favourite album of all time and to me it is the most cloying and saccharine schlock. She has a way with a catchy ear worm I suppose, but oof.

No..

One of the greatest albums ever. The number of classics she wrote and originally recorded is ridiculous.

what a banger album. i had so much fun listening

This was glorious perfection.

Ja helemaal mooi, bangers

Amazing ! The best !

Carole King is an amazing songwriter. This is album is proof of that. It's exquisite and shines through her most well known songs as well as those that are not to popular.

Really enjoyed this. A classic.

Yup, this is an album you need to listen to before you die.

All Timer x3

Great album. Soulful, yet upbeat.

Peak. One of my favorite cover-to-cover albums of all time. I listen to this regularly and would recommend it to anybody.

This album was part of my teenage years. A very welcome reunion when it popped up. This is #1 of #1001Albums.

perfect

1971 was a pretty good year for music, all told, but this album has to stand as one of the biggest selling and most influential of the year. This was Carole King’s first solo album as a singer/songwriter and it’s pretty much flawless. It’s been tagged as ‘easy listening’ but that’s a bit misleading - there are some powerful songs here (Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, it’s Too Late and Natural Woman), but they are all sung with beguiling charm and restrained instrumentation. The only slightly jarring note is the murder ballad Smackwater Jack (which is a breezy take on a mass shooting and a summary hanging - yikes!) but it’s redeemed by the title track Tapestry. This album stands head and shoulders above every other dull snooze fest from white male rockers and gangsta rappers. I just wish more of this list was like this.

Nice

4.67/5 Stars Top Songs: I Feel The Earth Move, It's Too Late, Smackwater Jack

Top shelf

So I actually listened to this album previously because of this project. Saw it was in the list, and decided to listen to it ahead of time (did the same with a few other albums). And holy shit is this an amazing album. It's one of those albums where every song I feel like I had heard before. I Feel The Earth Move, So Far Away, It's Too Late, You've Got A Friend, and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman most prominently. Impossibly smooth, but also with the slightest edge. Easily one of the greatest albums of all time, and for me, prime up north driving/cabin music. Side note: Can't go wrong with an album art featuring a cat, haha.

Great album with classic songs that gs which stand the test of time

I wonder if Carole King and all the musicians that played on ‘Tapestry’ knew they were making one of the greatest records of all time.

really good well composed album. Has a lot of soul and Carole King has an incredible voice. Standout tracks for me were "it's too late", "where you lead" and "(you make me feel like) a natural born woman". The lyrics are evoking and beautifully convey the emotions and themes of the song. The album cover also has a very nice cat. Should be 4.5/5 but you can't do half stars so I'll give it 5 cos I think it's closer to a five then a four

One of my favourite albums of the last few decades. Been at my side for over 50 years

There is the perfect mix of more upbeat songs to sad songs on this album. The lyrics are phenomenal and real. This album really speaks to me. I could actually listen to it on a regular basis.

Did not expect anything great from this and was pleasantly surprised. Each song was an absolute bop of a song in its own right. It was upbeat and lyrically fantastic and mellow and genuinely everything. One of the best albums i’ve heard in a minute. Also had no idea “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” was on this album or by her so that was amazing to learn. going to have to listen to her whole discography at some point.

gilmore girls!

Loved! Definitely more My speed and several classics on this album!

Unparalleled songwriting, just gorgeous. And one of the best album covers of all time!

An absolute gem of an album, beautifully written and expertly played 5 - a near-perfect album

Every song is a damn treasure.

An absolute classic. I love it all. "It's Too Late" is truly great.