Tapestry

“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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

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

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

Such a good album but should have ended with Tapestry!

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

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.

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.

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

A cozy and round record. A great voice

KITTY Classic parent jams

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.

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.

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.

No..

God Tier album

Love this album. Definitely a desert island disk.

The title of the 5th track says it all.

Gorgeous record. Beautiful songwriting presented as just that, good songs. No unneeded bells and whistles

Carole King’s album Tapestry is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with emotion and authenticity, thanks to her clinical and intuitive approach to songwriting. The songs, which range from intimate ballads to empowering anthems, not only solidified King’s career, but also opened doors for generations of female singers and songwriters who followed her example, showing that vulnerability and honesty in lyrics can create deep connections with audiences. This landmark album redefined the possibilities of pop music and female expression in the industry.

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

Has 'easy listening' ever been as soulful, as confrontational, as well-put together, as vibrantly thought-out? The only 'easy' thing about Tapestry is that it deserves infinite replays - otherwise, King is as hard as nails and a good kick in the ass. She's wise, she's aspirational, she's realist, and she's genuinely supportive on 'You've Got a Friend,' which I can only imagine has been the source of many saved lives and healed sorrows. It's also a snap shot of an America of another time: 'But if you wanna live in New York City / Honey, you know I will.' Remember when NYC was synonymous w/ urban decay? Finally, this record gets me back listening to The Shirelles, Smokey, Aretha, even James Taylor, which must be any songwriter's dream effect.

I was introduced to this album by a friends parents at a drunken singalong about 30 years ago and have loved it ever since. Someone in the reviews commented they liked the cover versions this album without realising these are the originals! (Probably American!) Not a bad song on here, all thriller no filler! Absolute peach of a record!

Classic album. Am so used to the Natural Woman cover by Aretha Franklin but Carole's original is also lovely.

I have listened to this album dozens of times over the years, and own an old vinyl copy as well as the CD. This is definitely a 5 star album in my book, with not a single disappointing track on the record. Beautiful and Tapestry are among my favorites. My only complaint, is that in my opinion the production has always sounded a little weak and tinny, but maybe that is more about the nature of the songs. But still, this album has aged really well, and never gets old. Also, if this was a list of 100 albums instead of 1,000 albums, this one would easily make the cut. In any case, this album gets 5 big stars!

Always thought “you got a friend” was by James Taylor. Now I know it’s Carole. Thank u. 5/5

One of the greatest singer-songwriter albums of all time. Incredible stuff. She's not the technical musician/singer but that adds a human aspect to it, along with the incredible songwriting. For how many hits she wrote it's nice she got to make an album of her own with so many amazing songs

An absolute classic, not a bad song on the album.

hehe

Gister niet geluisterd omdat ik niet in de mood was deze rustige plaat. Maar ach wat is het een beauty...

Een van mijn favoriete platen. Wat een songwriter is Carole King toch. Heerlijk.

realmente bueno, aunq tmp es mucho mis vibes

From a seat on the windowsill, a bejumpered Carole gazes back at us – we’ve interrupted her reverie, but that’s ok. She’ll tell us what she’s been thinking about. A problem shared is a problem halved, and this record doesn’t scrimp on problems. Nor does it scrimp on quality; what’s here is perhaps the neatest distillation of Carole King’s genius available. The song craft, the choices, the melodies, ideas and lyrics that ought to have existed forever – and in a way did, in so far as they perfectly capture something common through human history. It’s a melancholy affair, and the whole thing – from the palette of the album art, to the slightly dusty feel of the mix – amounts to a thorough exploration of our collective autumnal soul. That bit we have that’s caught; that enjoyed the light and warmth of all before but feels it, inexorably, cooling. Carole takes us there and keeps us there. Her characters are always somehow doubting something – never whole, and careful not to totally let themselves feel so. They’re either busy configuring themselves around another’s affections or intentions, or basking in the edifying glow (albeit temporarily, cautiously) of an other’s unbroken gaze. It is to our eternal lack, the bit that wants to know for sure, that “Tapestry” is addressed. And for the simple fact that none of us is ever fated to fill it, be glad that we have a friend.

I suppose listening to and liking Carole King makes you a specific kind of person. If you know and are excited by the fact that she plays a recurring character on Gilmore Girls and think that that in many ways helps define the show, that probably says something about you. If you’re not ashamed to ask Cool Record Store Guy if he has a used copy in stock. I’m 100% that guy.

What a classic! And it's a great album for headphones, the mixing is inspired.

Obviously one of the classic albums. Some absolutely terrific songs on here. Carole King is not the sort of artist I would seek out, but this album is consistently high quality.

Very enjoyable album! Pleasantly surprised to hear tracks I knew like I Feel the Earth Move and It's Too Late. It put me in a positive mood from the start and never looked back.

Classic

Love love love it

Quite good, especially towards the end with Smackwater Jack and You Make Me Feel

Sjukt mange bangers... Gode vibber hele veien gjennom så langt. Noen låter som er gode men flest låter som er dritbra. Altså wow.

Simply iconic and changed the game for female singer songwriter music

What a splendid album. The pitch-perfect production, and the retooling of songs ("Natural Woman," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?") that previous artists had had monster hits with.

One of my favorite albums, certainly my favorite Carole King album. Had a very progressive music teacher in middle school/jr high who'd play this and have us sing all the songs. I appreciate here to this day. I'd struggle to name a favorite song so I'll say they're all my favorites.

Had no idea she wrote a couple of these songs. Loved almost every track. It's as old as me, but sounds like it could have been recorded last week. Going to visit her music shop in Stars Hollow someday.

Telemachus. That’s the cats name. This album was the soundtrack of my very early life and I realize what a blessing that truly was.

Has a warmer album ever been recorded? So many memorable tunes. Such aching.

Beautiful voice, funky mood, nothing else to say, one of the most easygoing and joyful albums

I'm always going to have some bias towards this album as my mum loves this album and I remember her playing it and singing along when I was a kid. So, it's a great album from one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th Century. It's rough around the edges and that's what makes it great - not just the strength of the songs. It's a classic for a reason. Best Tracks: I Feel the Earth Move; It's Too Late; (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

Masterpiece. 5/5

It's fantastic, worthy of all the praise it has showered on it. Favourite tracks being probably I Feel the Earth Move, You've got a Friend and Smackwater Jack, but honestly it's great front to back. The easiest listening easy listening album of all time, potentially. 5 stars. I want that cat.

At the time of writing this review, the global score on here stands at 3.9. Lets get that up to a 4! This is such a delightful album start to finish, like a warm cozy blanket with a fire going nearby, maybe a hot cup of tea, but preferably a hot toddy. People may make the suggestion this is essentially a greatest hits record for Carole King, but I'd argue it's the greatest hits of '71. As a whole, this is a damn near perfect album.

I think its very hard to fault. Well written songs. Half of them are now classic standards. Great voice. Well played. Produced well. 5

Love it, so many classics.

If this album wasn't the soundtrack of my life I don't know how much I would like it. But as it is, the sonorous sounds, beautiful voice, lively melodies and timeless lyrics have been present in so many joyous moments. I love every song on this album.

100/100

One of the best singer-songwriters ever. Several of the songs presented here are so amazing that they have been covered by some of the biggest names in music

Bloody brilliant album. Enjoyed it on the first listen. Loved it on the second.

5/5 To begin an album with a masterpiece of a song like I Feel the Earth Move is a luxury not many artists can enjoy. But Carol King's exceptional writing and performance on this feel-good track are not commonplace. The following track So Far Away is a tender ballad full of feeling, before It's Too Late's danceable groove slaps, the chord progressions working perfectly. Home Again shows off King's vocal chops, and is another song with amazing piano parts, whereas Beautiful is just a well written and structured song which builds and winds around brilliantly. I love the deliberate slowness of Way Over Yonder, and the vocals are just other-worldly. Amazing song. On the second side, You've Got a Friend is so beautiful and instrumentally layered so well, and the catchy, poppy Where You Lead feels fantastic. I love Will You Love Me Tomorrow? so much. The bridge is definitely a highpoint for the album. Smackwater Jack has such a great feel it honestly challenges the opener for my favourite track, and the feel of the title track's trippy electric piano is exceptional also. King's lyricism is possibly at its peak here. Finally, unfortunately, we reach the finish line with A Natural Woman, an iconic soulful tune which works brilliantly as a closer. I Feel the Earth Move 5/5 (FAV) So Far Away 4.5/5 (LEAST FAV) It's Too Late 5/5 Home Again 5/5 Beautiful 5/5 Way Over Yonder 5/5 You've Got a Friend 5/5 Where You Lead 5/5 Will You Love Me Tomorrow? 5/5 Smackwater Jack 5/5 Tapestry 5/5 (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman 5/5

An incredible album that shines lyrically as it does Instrumentally. I would recommend the album especially for those who are fans Elton John's music.

Wybitny album. Nie ma złych utworów. Otula i uspakaja. Głos Carol jest piękny, teksty są wnikliwe, melodie zostają w sercu na długo. Więcej takich płyt poproszę. 10/10

a classic

Stunning, raw, contemporary, a true gem. Foundational songwriter turned expressive singer of her own stories.

I recognize so many of these songs and have no idea from where - definitely some by other artists. So much beauty in this album, but also catchiness. Really good all the way through. I would definitely listen to this again, and did not realize how influential Carole King was.

Wow! I knew a handful of the songs but had no idea that I would before going into it. I never associated any of the songs with the others, which is crazy because in the context of the album they fit so well together. There are so many songs that can stand on their own, but the album itself is awesome all together. Surprise 5! Great job Carole!

Snow day album! One of the best three-song intros to an album we’ve had so far. This album is always in the conversation for best album ever and for very good reason. So many hits and something that can be played at any moment and still be a crowd pleaser. Easy five stars.

Wow! I was not expecting that! A really powerful album that somehow feels big and intimate at the same time. It's produced beautifully. The limited use of backing instruments and vocals makes you finding yourself slipping back and forth from feeling like you're in a massive auditorium to sitting right next to Carole King at the piano. Her voice is powerful, but also feels warming and cozy. I feel like I'm sitting in the same room as a woman, her piano, and her cat. I've heard a bunch of these songs before, but I never knew they were all by the same person, much less on the same album. "I Felt The Earth Move" feels like one of those songs that has always existed, and it's not even the biggest song on here. Awesome album that I'll be keeping an eye out to grab on vinyl. Shout out to Gilmore Girls!

Love the piano singer songwriter presentation. This album greats you with hit after hit. And doesn’t let up. Even the b sides are amazing.

Traditionally speaking, Carole King isn't a vocal prowess. She isn't like Aretha Franklin or other women artists from the late sixties and early seventies. What she lacks, she makes up for in spades with how emotive her voice is. Two of her biggest songs, "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?", are more famous sung by Franklin and the Shirelles. But she sings these songs in her own way, perhaps how she initially thought they would sound, and damn does it pack a punch. She brings more emotion to both of these songs--and the slower tempo of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" absolutely destroys me. That's what makes her music so unique. King's career trajectory is fascinating to me, and I just love how she's first and foremost a songwriter. That title is what allows her songs to be so personal and resonate. Like, who else could have come up with "Beautiful" or "You've Got A Friend"? Her songs have the capacity to become iconic, personal anthems. None of these songs are skippable, and King has the ability to make each one hit everybody's heart if they're listening. Carole King's Tapestry is one in a million and one of the most deserving albums on this entire list.

I somehow have never heard this one. I get the hype. This is a really great album. Her voice is restrained, but effort is placed exactly where it needs to be. The songwriting is great. The piano and guitar work are particular standouts. This album is cozy and warm.

Incredible album.

Wow. This album opens with a bang and just continues to keep you in a trance. The vocal performance is carefully crafted, down to the backing vocals. The musicianship surrounding it are second to none, all the choices seem so intentional and important. The production is excellent, thank you Lou, this many years later it still sounds incredible on sub par headphones. A new classic in my house.

now THIS is an influential album!

Wonderful voice and lovely music.

This is nice

Calm music, I really love it. It's like something to listen to while you are staring out at the sunset. Her lyrics are really nice too.

Talented song writer ❤️

Every song is amazing

one of my favorite albums of all time by one of the greatest singer songwriters of all time. every song is perfect.

Iconic. Classic. Perfection. Could listen to this every day.