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

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

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

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

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..

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.

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

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.

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

My mom's favorite album, this one is pure gold

Such a beautiful voice and lyrics 💓

For a songwriter, or really anybody who loves music, there's truly nothing bad you can say about this record. I wish i listened to Carole so much earlier in life - hell I wish I knew who she was. One of the greatest singer-songwriter albums ever created, and you can argue it might honestly be the best. It's book ended by an incredible song with "i feel the earth" and closing with "you make me feel". Absolutely love this record. Fuck it - might give it a spin later!

This is an album I have never sat and listened to in its entirety, but I was familiar with nearly every song. I love her voice as well. Very memorable.

Such a good album

perfect

78/1089 - Great bass player. Cool comping on piano (both acoustic and electric), and a nice amount of variation given the genre constraints.

One of the best of all time. Great songs, great production. Can’t fault it.

Well, it's Carole King. A legendary songwriter and pioneer of the singer/songwriter genre. Of course this album is a five.

Upbeat and chillin

So many bangers on one album!

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would because I’ve never listened to this kind of music. I’m actually surprised how good it was, not a single bad song.

Really enjoyed this. Did not realise that these iconic songs were by her.

This album.... Carole King ... Amaze! Total joy. What? The thing is that maybe just maybe it doesn't have EVERY song a wonder, but it sure has a lot of them! Actually this album made me stop what I was doing, turn it up and just listen. It is that good. I have heard these songs, I "know" them... doesn't matter, this album is great, great! This is more than "worth listening to" this is ... have this, buy the vinyl. You will not be disappointed.

A lot of hits on this album. My favorite is it's too late. Really solid album!

Amazing writing/vocals, great piano work, and great groove from bass/drums

I've been needing more albums from women. I mean, March is literally women's history month, and yet I've only gotten 4 of them in the month so far? Crazy. Anyways, of those 4 albums, Tapestry is without a doubt the most influential of the bunch. This is one of the best selling albums of all time, sitting at over 15 million copies! Does Carole King deserve this honor? Yeah. She totally does. This album is just wonderful. I really have no complaints about it. Tapestry is one of the most finely crafted packages of songs to come out of the 70s, if not any decade. All 12 songs on here succeed in having strong songwriting, pleasant singing, and very effective instrumentation, among other things. Even the weakest songs are still pretty good, and the best songs are practically flawless. "It's Too Late" and "You've Got A Friend" are the highlights for me. The lyrics are nice. This is just a very nice album all throughout. Carole King may not have written all of the lyrics, but the ones she did write are strong, as are all of the others. Her singing is also perfect for the vibe of the album. She's also a really good pianist. Of course, Carole King isn't the only talented musician involved in this album. Some other legends of music appear on this thing as well, including James Taylor and even Joni Mitchell. When will this list start to realize that the presence of Joni Mitchell automatically guarantees at least a 4/5. This album's more than that though. Tapestry is one of those albums that's just so lovable. It's beautiful, but also fun at times. The vibes are incredibly pleasant, and the songs all add something good to the album. What's more to say? It's Tapestry. 5/5.

The best way I can describe this album is inviting, it feels like you’re having a conversation with a close friend over some coffee, you can both air out your woes and then just sit back and relax and pet the cat. Oh yeah, and there’s also the song about the guy with the shotgun

Bangers! Bangers! Bangers!

From my StoryWorth discussion of this, my 2nd favorite album of all time: The greatest pure pop album ever. 12 stunningly beautiful songs, completely fun to sing along to from start to finish, with fabulous production where tasty licks of guitar and keyboards are scattered throughout. Top LA session musicians are used throughout. Joni Mitchell and James Taylor add background vocals. The album had two big hits, “So Far Away”, peaking at #14 on the charts, and “It’s Too Late”, a #1 hit that was also #2 for the entire year of 1971. Side note — at age 16 on New Year Eve, I went to George Pohanka’s house two blocks from mine and we played cards and drank whiskey sours (the only time I was ever in his actual house as opposed to his unfinished basement you could enter in through the back of the house where we played a ton of cards over the years) and listened to the Top 100 of the year (well, maybe just the Top 50) from WGN in Chicago. We were rooting for Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” to be #1 for the year (it was #3). “It’s Too Late” was #2 and #1 was “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night (we kinda knew that would be #1). There was an offical Quadrophonic version of this album, and it has been reissued on CD — it’s fabulous.

"I have often asked myself the reason for the sadness In a world where tears are just a lullaby If there's any answer, maybe love can end the madness Maybe not, oh, but we can only try" Just one of the many lyrics I like from this record. Love her voice and the chill instrumentation on this (especially the piano). This brings up images of a slightly warm and sunny autumn morning, where the city is busy for the first time again as people want to catch some of those sweet rays of sunshine. I feel like this is the perfect way to do folk music, Very beautiful and definitely one worth revisiting.

So many familiar classics which have been covered by bands I love, so I was able to sing along. Absolutely beautiful.

Beautiful pop classic

God Tier album

Love this album. Definitely a desert island disk.

The title of the 5th track says it all.

Legendary album from an absolute legend.

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.

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