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

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

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!

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

Such a good album but should have ended with Tapestry!

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?

Great wedding type music

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Nice tabby.

A cozy and round record. A great voice

KITTY Classic parent jams

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.

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.

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.

chill nice voice

No..

She’s the poster child of responsible white liberal boomer singer-songwriting and frankly kills at it.

Alveg frábær plata sem fer með okkur í gegnum margar tilfinningar en á bakvið öll lögin er von.

One of my favorite albums, and obviously belongs on this list as one of the best albums of all time. Carole King has a great voice and is an amazing songwriter, but it's her piano playing that really draws me in time and time again.

Nice

A timeless classic. No notes

BEAUTIFUL

Always wonderful and soulful. Timeless! 5 stars!

A year into this and this is the first time I'll give five stars to an album I haven't already heard before! While I don't love every song here it's very easy to see why it's well reviewed. The production is absolutely fantastic and the vocals, superb!

10/10

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?

This was such a treat. God I love Carole King. Her voice is so timeless and comforting and just feels the way a Nancy Meyers movie looks. 10/10 no notes

5/5

Enough of the other reviews are novel length so I'll leave it at this: This is one of the greatest albums of all-time. If you don't think it's 5 stars get your fucking ears checked.

Great instrumentals, especially piano.

Soulful and poetic, this album is wonderful. Her solemn vocals bring the lyrics to life.

So great. Every song.

Day714 - i love reading everyone’s reviews and hearing other artists talk about the impact of tapestry. this is a 6 star album.

I used to play my dad’s tape of this on high rotation

This is why I keep doing one album a day, to 'discover' albums like this that I should have always known about.

un verdadero AOTY

Listened to this one on vinyl. I loved it-- Carole King is an icon. Also, gilmore girls

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.

Great no skip album. One of the great songwriters.

Incredible. Epic. So emotional. So thoughtful. Optimistic.

Loved it then and love it still. Each and every song a hit. It could have been any but I added “Natural Woman” to the Generator playlist.

There might be no better named album, ever. The way the near perfect album blends into your day (or does this album have the power to make your day blend into it?!?), that it feels like a tapestry in the background.

It's amazing that there were so many hits on this one album. Of course, she had already written so many hits for others dating back to the 50's. The backing group on this album were a who's who of rising stars and in-demand studio musicians. Carole King is a treasure. This album is a treasure.

This was so beautiful to listen to. It's like eating your favourite snacks and hanging out with close friends. Warm, Inviting and when the time comes for you to leave, you can't wait to see them again.

Always a great listen!

Have heard many of these songs before but never knew they were on the same album. Great voice, great album throughout!

Five star without a doubt

I’d fallen behind on my listening this week, but having only discovered tapestry last month, I know where my head is at so I’m saving a day. It’s an amazing piece of work.

What a spectacular record. Every track here was absolutely stellar. It was great to hear "A Natural Woman" sung by the original writer. Favourite Track(s): I Feel The Earth Move, It's Too Late, A Natural Woman Least Favourite Track(s): Where You Lead

Top pop record. Didnt listen sińce i know it quite well

You can't TALK TO A MAN when he DON'T WANNA UNDERSTAND This album is fantastic, both the original songs and the covers are incredible. Special shoutout to I feel the earth move and smackwater jack.

Lovely stuff. 6/5

A truly great album from one of the great songwriters of all time, finally getting her due here as she stepped out as a performer.

This album has earned its regular inclusion in top albums lists, let alone top 1,000

This was just an amazing collection of standards that almost anyone will recognise. Great listen.

Love it.