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.

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

Beautiful but boring

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

Oh wow

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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]

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

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

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..

The King.

Mein siebstes Album von der Liste, das ich schon kannte. Herrlich. Das ist einfach Wohlfühlmusik, angenehme Melodien und gut geschriebene Songs. Einfach, aber es klappt. Beautiful ist underrated.

Carol King - kannte ich bisher nicht, aber das gefällt mir richtig gut

An all time great album. Classic pop writing and so warm and rich. Huge fan of this.

Awesome lp

YES ALL TIME FAVE. I love this album. It’s Too Late is one of the best breakup songs ever written if you ask me.

Classic. Favorite track - You've Got a Friend

1971. Soft rock. 10/10 Feel the Earth Move / So Far Away /It's Too Late / Home Again / Beautiful / Way Over Yonder / You've Got a Friend / Where You Lead / Will You Love Me Tomorrow? / Smackwater Jack / Tapestry / (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

Hit after hit after hit.

Incredible album!

Listened through about two and a half times, really is a masterpiece of an album. Every single track (except Smackwater Jack for me) hits exactly how it should. It’s easy to see the DNA once again in contemporary artists, which I always appreciate. Jazzy interludes (and a saxophone solo!) were fun to hear but the piano and Carole King’s vocals together are enough to make an incredible song. Lyrics are heartbreaking at times but that’s life I suppose.

Когда на фоне у первой песни тихо заиграл какой-то инструмент, у меня аж бабочки в животе появились. Плюс вайб. Слушайте, а мне даже нравится.

This album is GOATED. Favorite Track: Beautiful

The texture of her voice is incredible. Always love a piano ballad.

Absolute classic singer songwriter album. The residuals on this must be filthy.

So many of these songs are standards by now. She can sure write a song. 5 stars, no question.

Great!!

One of mom’s favorites

I was going to rate this 4 stars but there’s really not a bad song on this album. One of those albums that’s always in and out of my rotation that my wife also enjoys.

It's pretty.

So good

Hell yea! I was thinking a solid four at first but then along came songs that I recognised and bam!

Banging

Let’s go

A lot of classics on here!

A wonderfully splendid album.

I love this record - highly deserving of its classic status. As moving and catchy as the day it was released. I could listen to it every single day. In fact, I think I will.

I love this album, and I love Carole King. Fave tracks (all 5/5): - I Feel the Earth Move - It's Too Late - Beautiful - You've Got a Friend - Where You Lead - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

One of the rare perfect albums. Every song is great

Such a mainstay in music history. She has a great vice, terrific song writer, and an album that probably Avery your woman has in the 70s. Worthy and bona fide

Great album. This is why I keep coming back to this list. This is just great songwriting. It's no surprise this was such a wildly successful album. I'd never have picked this album to listen to, but I'm glad this list forced it upon me.

I didn't know this artist... i love the songs, i love the vocal.

10/10 suuuuch a good album endless warmth and soul

fantastic album, every song as good as the last

The female singer-songwriter par excellence. Her voice isn’t manicured but it works so well with her songs and her piano playing is very enjoyable. Absolutely love this album

Classic. A fantastic songwriter and a revelation as a performer

A little too far into the easy listening/ soft rock category to make it into my wheelhouse with any pointedness or regularity. That said, it was an enjoyable listen and I do recognize the songwriting, vocals, and it being a staple album of any 70’s “best of” compilation list. There are 5-6 charting songs out of 12. 4.5/5

Her catalog of hit songs written is truly astounding. And this album chock-full of ‘em is just a small sample. So many quality numbers here. Just a really great example of top notch songwriting, melody and hook. Timeless.

Obviously the song writing is great. Not my favorite collection of tunes but hard to deny the number of “bangers” on this album. Plus, my mom would kill me if I didn’t round up to 5*! 4.25/5

Best Todd Rundgren album, by far

wow. banger after banger after banger. love this whole album. need a sixth star.

She’s a great songwriter, and this is some solid easy listening 70s pop/rock.

## In-Depth Review of *Tapestry* by Carole King Carole King’s *Tapestry*, released in 1971, remains one of the most influential and beloved albums in popular music history. Its enduring legacy is built on a foundation of deeply personal lyrics, timeless melodies, understated yet effective production, and themes that resonated with a generation-and continue to do so today. Below, we examine the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, concluding with a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## Lyrics **Intimacy and Universality** King’s lyrics on *Tapestry* are marked by a plainspoken honesty and emotional directness. Unlike the ornate wordplay of some contemporaries, King’s writing is conversational, approachable, and relatable. Songs like “It’s Too Late” and “So Far Away” use simple language to explore complex feelings of loss, longing, and change. The line “Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?” from “So Far Away” encapsulates the loneliness and dislocation of modern life, while “It’s Too Late” captures the quiet heartbreak of a relationship’s end without melodrama or bitterness[5][4]. **Everyday Drama** Rather than grand gestures or hyperbolic declarations, King’s lyrics focus on the drama of everyday life. Her songs treat relationships with realism-there’s no exaggeration in the heartache of “It’s Too Late,” nor in the steadfast support of “You’ve Got a Friend.” This grounded approach, born from King’s personal experiences (including divorce), resonated especially with women navigating new social roles in the early 1970s[5][8]. **Metaphor and Simplicity** King employs metaphor sparingly but effectively-“I Feel the Earth Move” is a sustained metaphor for emotional upheaval, developed throughout the song. Elsewhere, her lyrics are almost prosaic, but her delivery imbues them with warmth and conviction. Even seemingly banal lines (“snow is cold, rain is wet”) are forgiven and made poignant by her heartfelt performance[4][7]. --- ## Music **Melodic Craftsmanship** *Tapestry* is a masterclass in melodic songwriting. Each track is memorable, with hooks that feel both inevitable and fresh. King’s background in the Brill Building tradition is evident in her ability to craft songs that are instantly accessible yet emotionally resonant. The melodies are often wistful, tinged with melancholy, but always inviting[6][2]. **Piano as Centerpiece** The piano is the album’s heartbeat. King’s playing is iconic-not virtuosic in a showy sense, but expressive, rhythmic, and perfectly suited to the material. Her chord progressions are rich yet unpretentious, supporting the songs without overshadowing them. The arrangements are uncluttered, usually featuring just piano, bass, drums, and occasional guitar or horns, allowing the songs and vocals to breathe[2][3][4]. **Vocal Delivery** King’s voice is not technically powerful, but it is deeply expressive. She sings with conviction, warmth, and vulnerability, perfectly matching the emotional tone of her lyrics. There’s a lived-in quality to her vocals that makes every word believable, from the exuberance of “I Feel the Earth Move” to the gentle reassurance of “You’ve Got a Friend”[2][3][6]. --- ## Production **Understated and Intimate** Produced by Lou Adler and engineered by Hank Cicalo, *Tapestry* is notable for its lack of studio gloss. The production is warm, intimate, and unobtrusive. There are many instruments present, but the sound is never crowded-typically, it feels as if there’s little more than piano, bass, and drums in the room. This minimalism gives the album a timeless, lived-in quality, as if King is performing in your living room[4][7]. **Balance and Atmosphere** The mix is expertly balanced, with each instrument serving the song. The use of space and air in the recordings contributes to the album’s cozy, inviting feel. The production choices-such as the gentle reverb on King’s vocals or the subtle horn and flute accents-enhance the songs without drawing attention to themselves[2][7]. **Collaborative Spirit** King is supported by a cadre of skilled musicians, including Danny Kortchmar (guitar), Charles Larkey (bass), and Russ Kunkel (drums). The performances are tight but relaxed, reflecting the camaraderie of the Laurel Canyon scene. Guest appearances by James Taylor and Joni Mitchell add further depth and authenticity[7][8]. --- ## Themes **Personal Liberation and Change** *Tapestry* is, at its core, an album about change-personal, relational, and societal. Many songs wrestle with the end of relationships (“It’s Too Late,” “So Far Away”), the search for connection (“You’ve Got a Friend”), and the process of self-discovery (“Beautiful,” “Where You Lead”). The album’s release coincided with the rise of second-wave feminism, and its themes of independence and self-reliance resonated with women re-evaluating their roles in a changing world[5][8][9]. **Friendship and Support** A recurring motif is the importance of friendship and emotional support. “You’ve Got a Friend” is the most explicit example-a universal anthem of solidarity and compassion. This focus on lasting, trustworthy connections gives the album a sense of warmth and reassurance, even amid heartbreak[1][5]. **Simplicity and Authenticity** King’s songs embrace life’s simplicities and everyday moments. There’s an aesthetic of comfort and warmth, reflecting both the personal struggles of the artist and the broader cultural desire for authenticity and meaning in a turbulent era[8][9]. --- ## Influence **Redefining the Singer-Songwriter Genre** *Tapestry* set a new standard for the singer-songwriter movement. Its commercial and critical success proved that deeply personal, autobiographical songwriting could resonate with a mass audience. The album’s blend of pop, soul, and folk elements influenced countless artists, from Joni Mitchell and James Taylor to more contemporary figures like Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles[6][7]. **Cultural and Commercial Impact** The album was a phenomenon, spending 15 weeks at No. 1 on the charts, winning four Grammy Awards, and selling over 24 million copies worldwide. It became the best-selling solo album of all time until Michael Jackson’s *Thriller* surpassed it. Its songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, and “You’ve Got a Friend” became a No. 1 hit for James Taylor[7][6]. **Enduring Legacy** *Tapestry* is regularly cited as one of the greatest albums ever made, included in numerous “best of” lists and preserved in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. Its influence extends beyond music, shaping attitudes about authenticity, vulnerability, and the role of women in popular culture[7][8]. --- ## Pros and Cons | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Exceptional songwriting-melodic, memorable, emotionally resonant[2][6] | Some lyrics can verge on the simplistic or prosaic[4][6] | | Honest, relatable lyrics that balance intimacy and universality[5][8] | Occasional moments of “hokum” or lightweight material (“Smackwater Jack”)[6] | | Warm, intimate production that enhances the emotional impact[2][4] | Lack of musical variety-some tracks blend into each other due to similar arrangements[4] | | Iconic piano work and expressive, believable vocals[2][3] | King’s vocal range and power are limited compared to some contemporaries[2][6] | | Cohesive album flow, with a carefully considered track sequence[2] | Understated production may feel too subdued for listeners seeking more dynamic arrangements[4] | | Themes of independence and support that resonated with a generation[5][8] | Absence of overt experimentation-album stays within a comfortable stylistic palette[6] | | Massive cultural and commercial impact; enduring relevance[7][8] | Some may find the album’s tone too gentle or lacking in edge[4][6] | --- ## Conclusion *Tapestry* endures because it is both a product of its time and a timeless statement of human experience. Carole King’s gift is her ability to render the personal universal, to find profound meaning in everyday moments, and to do so with humility and grace. The album’s strengths-its songwriting, emotional honesty, and understated production-far outweigh its minor weaknesses, such as occasional lyrical simplicity or lack of stylistic risk. Fifty years after its release, *Tapestry* still “warms a room” and speaks to listeners across generations. It is the gold standard for singer-songwriters, a touchstone for authenticity and emotional truth, and a testament to the power of music to comfort, inspire, and connect.

If you haven’t cried to this album, what are you doing?

Lovely. A voice of calm serenity that evokes melancholy and contentedness in equal measure.

A masterpiece. Not dated at all. Holds up well 54 years later. Worthy of owning on vinyl. Listen to it with headphones - they don’t seem to do stereo like this anymore.

Carols from Kings.

How the hell have I never heard this album before? I've heard of the name Carole King but have somehow never once had this album recommended for me. That's a shame because this is incredible. It's so smooth.

Fina flor do piano da década de 70

I know this is a 5-star for Deb and it is for me too. I can’t believe Carole spent so long making hits for other people when she had this voice and playing in her pocket. Fantastic writing, fantastic piano, I can sing along to every song.

There’s two kinds of people: those who love this album, and those who are wrong

An absolute all timer. Anything less than 5/5 is lame

Really really good. Many songs I already knew but wouldn’t have known the artist. I think her voice is fantastic, the composition is great, and the melodies are very memorable.

Amazing! What an amazing songwriter

What a delight to listen to Tapestry on a gray and chilly Friday morning. Love Carole, will always love Carole.

Tapestry, aka Carole Kings Greatest Hits. Perfect record, great Christmas gift for Mother’s Day, spin it when the family is around, or anytime really. Sunday morning, sipping coffee, petting a cat, feeling the morning sun. Keep an eye out for this at your local thrift store or see if you can sneak it out of your Mom’s collection if it’s not already totally worn out.

This is a masterpiece from an accomplished singer/songwriter. Any other evaluation is just plain wrong.

An album that feels like your soul is reverberating through it. Instrumentation, lyrics, atmosphere, all top notch and life-changing. Standout tracks: So Far Away, It's Too Late

This was extremely nice to listen to.

This is exactly the kind of album I got into this 1001 album generator for in the first place. I had heard of Carole King, and I definitely knew the hits on this album. But I've certainly never sat and listened to this start to finish. I was surprised how many songs I recognized, and not usually because of King's version but often because someone had covered her. This 100% qualifies as a perfect album in my book. Great opening tune that really grabs you, a consistent sound that's easily identifyable but not so repetitive that all the songs sound the same, and not an auto-skip song on the whole thing. Not only is this album one I know I will return to frequently, it's one I'd love to have on vinyl to throw on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Grew up listening to this album and it's almost perfect. Smackeater Jack would've been better on another album and I felt Way Over Yonder was the weakest song on the album.

I love Carole King