Reviews (page 3 of 14)
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
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
Classic!
Albums like these really just make me appreciate this generator. This album has a perfect blend of everything I'd want in a record. The production/wonderful piano playing, vocals, and the influences from soul contribute wonderfully to this album. I have nothing bad to say about this. Exquisite listening experience. Top 5: so far away, its too late, home again, beautiful, and you've got a friend no bad songs 5/5
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.
This still holds up
This album is one of my wife’s favorites so I hear it around the house from time to time, but this is the first time I’ve actually listened from start to finish. From start to finish this is an incredible album, from the music to the lyrics. It’s flawless in my opinion.
Goated
5 out of 5, stone-cold classics all the way.
No. 19 Surpringly amazing album. Love the feeling of the music. Instruments are independent but work well together. Subtle in parts but very balanced. Also as I was listening to her, I recognized her voice but I didn’t know from where. And then when I got to “Where you lead” I realized it’s the intro song of Girlmore Girl, which I adore!!
Lindo
Really excellent. Sounds like an intimate conversation with a close friend on a Sunday afternoon.
Obviously I've heard some of the songs before, but not enough to know they were by Carole King. Stuff like this makes me glad I'm doing this 1001 albums thing. A really nice listen. Carole's voice was great, the music is nice - I liked the bass. Not my usual style but I think this is a definite 5. Plus there's a nice cat on the album cover!
it seems a bit pointless to critique this woman's abilities, or this album's qualities. It's tapestry, and she's Carole King. It's a five from me.
Great singing
Obviously
Ooh, lovely. Like a familiar warm and comforting blanket. Great album.
Lo escuché por pura formalidad. Es de esos discos que me sé de memoria, mis papás lo escuchaban cuando era chica, yo lo escuché obsesivamente en mi primer embarazo. Lo puse mientras cenábamos y me lo canté entero.
Great songs. Plays like a greatest hits record. Voice is not great but she deserves a pass on that.
I loved this one. It could very well make a lifelong fan out of me.
Absolutely fantastic. This album symbolizes all the best about Laurel Canyon Folk. Melodies are beautiful. Lyrics are simple but powerful. Portrait of a place and an era.
What a banger! Really wild how many successful songs she has written, whether for her or others. Such a great album. Simple but timeless.
Bomb
Loved it.
It's one of those pieces of art that's so acclaimed that you think "It can't be that good, can it?" and then you experience it and it's that good. This album is a warm hug. It's freshly baked banana bread. It's a cozy sweater and a cup of tea.
Olihan hieno levy! Useampikin biisi tästä oli entuudestaan tuttu, mutta ei Carole Kingin esittämänä. Piti oikein katsoa, niin hänen kynästään nuo hititkin ovat lähteneet, myös Will You Love Me Tomorrow, jonka toki The Shirelles teki tunnetuksi paljon ennen tätä levyä. Kaunista ja herkkää laulun ja pianon yhteispeliä, bassokin aika kivasti antaa tukea alarekisterissä. Vähän samaa henkeä kun Carly Simonilla, mutta ei ehkä ihan yhtä syvä lauluääni. Toisaalta sitten tuo herkkyyskin kyllä vetoaa minuun. Varma hankinta kyllä, jos joskus tulee vinska sopuhintaan vastaan.
ending it on a frankly pretty flat cover of Natural Woman is.... a strange choice to say the least, but everything before that is wall to wall bangers
10/10 Didn't expect to like it this music
Magistral, fundamental, su mejor trabajo y es mucho decir de una compositora excepcional. Más de 25 millones de copias que se han ido adquiriendo poco poco y de forma constante a lo largo del tiempo, para un clásico con letras mayúsculas por derecho propio, sin una sola nota de relleno o fisuras. Si la lista fuera de 100 álbumes estaría dentro, sin duda. Es una especie de grandes éxitos que condensa sus mejores temas, algunos de ellos populares en otros artistas como el clásico de Will you still love tomorrow. Portada exquisita, que transmite buen rollo y relajación, con su gato Telémaco desenfocado pero adquiriendo igualmente protagonismo. Recién divorciada, en vez de hundirse se fue a Laurel Canyon y sacó de su chistera lo mejor que tenía, y eso era mucho en el caso de Craol Klein. It's Too Late, I Feel the Earth Move, You´ve got a friend (con James Taylor, en realidad tanto él como Joni Mitchell están por tod el disco), esa joya que es Way over yonder, y el cierre absolutamente genial con (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman ... Una figura esencial en la música, no ya po ser mujer en este mundo, sino por su aportación estrictamente musical, que este disco condensa como pocos.
Love this too, one of the all timers for song writing
- um dos melhores álbums que já ouvi com esse estilo meio folk e blues rock da costa oeste dos eua - não tem fillers, a composição e letra é muito bem feita, a perfomance dela também excelente
Enjoyed this. Debated between 4 or 5, but with that many hits on one album I felt like a 5 was warranted. 5/5
Beautiful. So much of what I love about James Taylor appears to come through with her too.
Perfect in every way.
Have this album and have always loved it. So beautiful and inspiring. Joyous and melancholic at the same time.
The title song of this album, though not widely known, is one of my go-to sad songs of all time.
I feel the earth move is a banger, and great overall
One of the easiest 5s for me. Absolutely love this album
Beautiful, cool cover, helped me get thru a bad day. FOUR! Maybe five. :)ok.. FIVE!
So many hits in one place! Amazing soulful album with a classic sound that reminds me of listening to the radio on the highway without a care in the world.
Loved it. Absolutely full of great songs and what else could you ask for from an album? Surprisingly groovy at parts with some great guitar licks as well.
This album is truly incredible. Carole's voice is excellent, but the songwriting is just outstanding. Not only are the version of her songs on this record each great listens, think about all of the people who have covered songs on this album. This list includes a series of massive artists: Michael Jackson, Mary J Blige, Alanis Morisette, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, and Barbra Streisand, just to name a few. Taylor's version of You've Got a Friend won a Grammy, as did King for the songwriting. I've never listened to this record fully before and I am amazed that there is not a bad song on here. It gets off to a great start with three very recognizable songs in I Feel the Earth Move, So Far Away, and It's Too Late. Later on we have other songs we've all heard in some version with You've Got a Friend, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, and A Natural Woman, but even the others I'd not heard before like Beautiful and Where You Lead are great tracks. From beginning to end, this is a masterclass in songwriting. A true classic and clearly one of the best albums ever made. 5 stars.
I mean, it's Carole King! And just hit after hit after hit.
It's a good thing this site doesn't use cookies or I would give some serious shit to the 1-star reviewer who said these were covers. This is some grade-A songwriting, and while many of the songs were the wallpaper of 1970s radio, even the ones that were not huge hits (both for her and for other people) are beautiful.
4.5
Absolutely amazing. I knew almost every song, and it was great start to finish
No words. one of the greatest albums of all time.
5/5 no notes
An amazing song writer. Familiar with many of the songs via cover versions - but really enjoyed Carole's versions.
Tapestry I love this album, and as familiar as I am with it, and as globally popular and lauded as it is, it is genuinely remarkable just how many absolutely classic songs there are on here; I Feel The Earth Move, So Far Away, It’s Too Late, You’ve Got A Friend, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, (You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman. Whether they were new for this album or had previously been released by other artists that's a crazy hit rate, but even the ‘lesser’ known songs outside those are superb. Home Again’s careworn wistfulness and Beautiful’s optimism fit perfectly in the middle of side 1, and Way Over Yonder is yet another superb song, the loping piano and guitar fills are excellent. I’ve always loved Where You Lead, yet again a great song. Smackwater Jack feels a bit of an outlier in its Dylan-esque story telling, rather than the personal more confessional subjects elsewhere. I like it’s shuffly feel, but it’s possibly the only misstep. And Tapestry is another beautiful track, and I love the electric piano hummering under the piano. It’s one of those albums that really lives up to its critical standing. I love its simultaneously West Coast Sunshine and East Coast autumnal ambience, with the warmth of the piano and the overall inviting feel of the songs and lyrics. 🪡🪡🪡🪡🪡 Playlist submission: I Feel The Earth Move
Such is the pedigree here this could easily pass for a Greatest Hits. Ok she throws in 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow' and 'You Make Me Feel' which had previously been recorded by others, but man, what a track list. It's something of a Garbo Talks moment, much like All Things Must Pass released but months before. She cut her teeth as a songwriter ('prolific' doesn't cut it - the list of hits she wrote is almost unparalleled), but my goodness she can sing and sing beautifully. For someone who started out as a songwriter, her voice really is very good indeed, with a clarity and a lovely warmth. The overall sound feels very warm, vintage, vinyl. Even the album cover gives a warm relaxed feel, as she sits completely relaxedly in her casuals, barefoot and with her dark pussy fully exposed in the foreground. So many great songs here but 'Its Too Late' is perfect in construction; light and breezy but a resigned tone, with non-commital maj7 chords everywhere. A no-brainer.
Very nice, will listen again
10 out of 10. Exactly what i needed to hear tonight. I miss my wife.
Ай, больно, сука, сердечку...
Lots of bangers on this one, and I learned some of the history of you make me feel
Phenomenal album. I thought that I never heard a song from Carole King as I never took notice of her name but I recognized many tracks in this album. Great vocals, amazing songs, I mean this album had everything that I wanted and didn't expect for it to be that good. Definitely going to be saving this album for future listening.
I knew so many of these songs and didn't realize that I enjoyed them until I listened to this. Pretty easy 5 star album of recognizable hits.
This is a stone cold classic album, the only possible knock on it is its familiarity to me. I've heard to so many times, and 50 years on its songs are still in mainstream culture. But it is just so good. If she didn't record anything she is a HOF songwriter ( the negative review about covers, you did mean others doing her songs didn't you?). But this album is so near on point for everything, the songs, the emotion, the playing and arrangement, the production, the packaging. I could try to go on but I'm not literate to do justice. It’s just a classic, and when played today sound as fresh as ever, and i will happily listen to it again and again. 5 Star
It’s hard to rate this objectively so of course I’m giving it 5 stars. The album just means so much to me so I can’t even pretend I’m assessing this in any real way LOL. Maybe I’ll come back later and write some real thoughts. Okay I’m back. I think what I really noticed on this listen was how much her R&B songwriting roots shine through. She knows how to use syncopation in a way that makes a lot of the tracks really catchy and satisfying even when they’re mellow (”Way Over Yonder”), and there’s something about the way she writes melodies that feels like it would lend itself well to a more sprawling, powerhouse style vocal performance. Carole has said she doesn’t think of herself as much of a singer; she’s primarily a songwriter, who has a good enough voice to function as a vehicle for the writing. I don’t entirely disagree with her (hence why I will never reach for this album’s version of “Natural Woman” despite how beautiful it is, because ultimately the song soars if there’s a voice like Aretha’s to deliver it and there’s just no returning to the original after hearing a version like that). However, there’s something about her voice that I do like for this album, and I think gives these smooth and easy songs a bit more texture, elevating it beyond the “easy listening” category it so often gets assigned. The stories in the songs feel so colorful too; I feel like she paints such a vivid picture and I can see it playing out in my mind in a way I don’t experience with a lot of music. Songs like ”Tapestry” and “Smackwater Jack” feel far out in their folktale nature, while “So Far Away” and “Home Again” evoke the opposite, a feeling of home and comfort. I think this is just one of those albums that will always have something new for me to discover no matter how many times I listen. Fav tracks: It’s Too Late; So Far Away; Way Over Yonder; Home Again
Song after song after song...
Como buena sucker for a cantautora que soy, me escuche este album hace un año y no pare de tenerlo on repeat hasta ahora. Otro mas que me hizo super feliz de ver en el challenge, empiezo: Carole King expresa sus sentimientos de una manera preciosa, luciéndose por su manera de describir sobre una base de instrumental orgánico que sabe ser lo justamente movido o melancólico cuando la anécdota lo requiere. Se nota como de ella surgieron varias de las mas conocidas, como Joni. En mi opinión, los cambios de mood en el álbum están bien equilibrados (ya que suelen venir de a par de canciones) y no tiene skips. Entiendo que no sea everybody's cup of tea pero yo siempre me siento más conectada con la música hecha por una mujer que trata de expresarse. Además esta mujer actúa en Gilmore Girls (y la intro esta en el álbum)!!!! Mejor imposible Las que mas suelo escuchar: It's Too Late, So Far Away, Where You Lead, Tapestry Las que redescubrí con esta listen: Smackwater Jack y el cover de Aretha.
Carole King inventó las letras de canciones. No entiendo cómo hace que cada track suene tan importante. Larga vida a las singer-songwriters. Este álbum me recuerda a ir en transporte público por una ciudad al amanecer y sentirme bien con mi vida, tengo que escuchar más Carole King. Favs: Beautiful, Where You Lead, Tapestry
Uno de los grandes álbumes de singer / songwriter que me faltaban por escuchar. Como era de esperar, consistencia total con vocales muy potentes de principio a fin. Su voz transmite muchas cosas a la vez: cariño, urgencia, liberación; en definitiva, sentimiento. El abanico de emociones que despliega no desatina en ningún momento, las melodías de piano son agradables y fáciles de escuchar, siempre al servicio de su voz. Me pareció que tenía dejes de Stevie Nicks en muchas canciones, así que me gustó el doble 🫢🫢 Entiendo perfectamente que sea un imprescindible. Favs: I Feel the Earth Move, So Far Away, It's Too Late, Where You Lead
Qué discazo por favor. Desde la primera canción hasta el cover de Aretha mantiene la energía y literalmente no te permite dejar de escucharlo hasta que lo terminas. Letras increíbles acompañadas de melodías que entran tan fácil (pero sin ser genéricas ni inofensivas) conforman canciones literalmente perfectas. No he visto Gilmore Girls pero estoy convencido de que Rory y Lorelai le darían 5 estrellas a este disco, como yo. Me siento una chica Gilmore. Gracias por la masterpiece Carole King. A la playlist: honestamente casi todo el disco. Todas me gustaron en cierta medida. Mi favorita creo que sería So Far Away o I Feel the Earth Move.
no skips!
This is one the great music albums of all time. Just fulled with great songs.
I discovered this one recently and have listened to it a ton so it's an easy 5 star for me. It's close, but it's not as good as Madvillainy.
Amazing. She belongs with the greats.
Obviously brilliant. No question it should be on the list. Craftswoman at work.
Classic Carole King. Loved this one years ago when I had the vinyl, and it stands the tests of time and makes an A+++. So soulful and poppy and Listened before? Y Saved to library? Y Favorite track(s): I Feel the Earth Move, It's Too Late, Where You Lead, Smackwater Jack, A Natural Woman, My ratings are kind of based on general vibes and how many tracks I save to my Deezer profile -- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it! Saved most or all of the tracks.
8.5/10
Funnily enough I think Tapestry is the weakest track here easily. Smackwater Jack is another weak one, but as a whole this is incredible. There's rarely a day I can't listen to this. Highlight: (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Chill, simple and recognized melodies. I enjoyed "Its too late", might play it on piano. Lyrics of Tapestry reminds me of magic tales
Magical!
Yeah this is great. Fantastic songs, great performances, a warm cosy feel to the whole thing. Interesting that Joni Mitchell and James Taylor show up. After enduring an album each by them earlier, it seems like a shame they didn't learn more from the experience.
Best Song: So Far Away I'm not the world's biggest Carole Kane fan but this album is basically her greatest hits and she has plenty. I was surprisingly impressed with this and enjoyed it. 5/5.
This is literally my favorite album of all time. I once got so lost in the sauce listening to it while driving, that I missed every possible exit to where I needed to go. I didn’t realize until I was close to the US Border. I’ve banned myself from listening to this while driving ever since. So Far Away has always been a stand out to me personally, but it feels weird to have a favorite on this album. I’ve got a big smile from beat one of this album with I Feel The Earth Move. I mean, Carole King is literally one of the most prolific songwriters of ALL TIME. If there’s a song you love by an artist in the 60s, she probably wrote that.
I have two copies of this on vinyl. I have a deep love for Carol King. This plays like a greatest hits because you know all of these songs. I enjoyed the hippie dippy melodies and The soft sounds. This is definitely an album I’ve listened to many times and will listen many more. Also, extra points for the kitten on the cover.
Classic album. Top tier for its time and still timeless.
Ugh what an icon. How does something so simple have so much power? Full of heart and life, and a lasting impact over 50 years later. Beautiful
Surprised how many of these I knew
great album from a great songwriter.
Wow. Deserves every one of the four Grammys it got. King's voice is so timeless and the songwriting on this is so diverse and easy to listen to. Loved listening to this, saving to listen to again.
This album feels like it perfectly encapsulates the late 60s/early 70s pop genre. No notes
Timeless! So many good songs on here, you can see why she is lauded as one of the best songwriters. I love the strength of just her voice with her playing piano and the build as more instrumentation is added.
This is the second day in a row of albums every female I knew back in the 70’s owned and played all of the time. Yesterday it was Pearl, and today is this gem. From the amazing album cover (I love cats) to the fantastic songs, this deserved (and still deserves) all of the praise it gets. A fantastic songwriter and a good singer, with impeccable performances that allow everyone to shine when it’s their moment. I almost forgot how awesome this album is. Almost.
So — this is one of the all-time greats, huh? And I mean, right up there in the upper echelon kinda greats. Last I checked, it's number 25 on the Rolling Stone 500, and you best believe that's a list I put a lot of stock in, for better and for worse. Certainly, if nothing else, it's the only Carole King album I've ever heard. That's gotta be worth something, right? Starting this album, then, I was focused on one thing and one thing solely: "Why?" Y'know, "Why exactly **is** this album as well-regarded as it is?" And I mean that as an honest question; I was legit tryna figure this thing out. I had the lyrics up, and I was following along as best I could... Because from the onset this felt to me like one of those albums where it'd feel... Y'know, wrong if I didn't understand it? This is one of the all-timers, and if I don't like this album and I don't get it right — I mean, I'm not expecting Carole King stans to descend on me like I was worried Swifties would, but it just wouldn't sit 100% with me. And for a good chunk of side one... Well, yeah, it was sitting pretty awkwardly alright. I just wasn't feeling the album for whatever reason. The lyrics I was picking up were kind of whatever, and I wasn't really feeling her voice or the instrumentals... It was such a strange sensation. This is an all-timer! It has at least two songs on here I'm very familiar with, "(You Make Me Feel Like ) A Natural Woman" (thanks to Aretha Franklin) and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" (thanks to, of all things, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes). I'm no stranger to not getting albums that're critical darlings, and it's not like I **have** to like an album just because the consensus says it's great, but... I'unno, something was off. Something about the way I was trying to view this album was causing my perception to distort. What was it...? Somewhere into "Way Over Yonder", it quickly occurred to me. I stopped trying to figure out why this was an all-timer. I took a breath — relaxed. And let the music hit me as it is instead of forcing myself to understand its greatness. Big surprise, the album started sounding a lot better. Suddenly, I was able to hear how wonderful of a voice Carol had. I was able to better appreciate how good the arrangements were, and how nicely they were played. I even begun to pick up more lyrics and think to myself, "Dang, that **is** some pretty neat stuff." Big surprise that once I shed expectations, I started liking this thing more. I thought this was something I learned to do back with KID A, but I guess not. But seriously: I wouldn't tell you that my mind was suddenly blown by this album. It didn't reach the levels of "touches my soul" that I usually try to save 5's for. Like, I don't wanna go **that** far out. But as a soft rock kind-of album with a good smattering of notable lyrics... Yeah, it's a really dang good time. Like, the only nudge I'd really wanna give it is that "Smackwater Jack" **does** sound a little out of place... Though that's just because of how much it sounded to me like Elton John, and I love Elton, so I'm hardly complaining. I mean, heck, even the songs I know primarily for being other artists' songs held their own. I wouldn't tell you Carole tops Aretha, not by any means, but she did a dang good job. (And really, I wanna give props again to "Way Over Yonder". Besides being the song where I let my expectations go, it really is just, like, dang good, y'know? Like, if I were to pick one song and one song only as my highlight, it'd be that one. Love that little sax solo in there, goodness.) So — is this album one of **my** all-time greats? Not really. Stiff competition among SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE, ABBEY ROAD and ALPOCALYPSE. I don't even think it'd be in my top 25. But do I think it deserves to be one of the all-time greats, generally? Oh, yeah, absolutely. It's not up there on the mount for nothing. And certainly, of all of the albums my group's gotten that've been labelled "singer songwriter," this has been one of the best. So, my hat's off to you, Carole. I really liked your album today, and I might just love it tomorrow. 6/5 cat, by the way. I mean, I'd give all and any cats a 6/5, but still. Very good kitty.
Iconic for a damn good reason (plus a cat on the cover is always nice). Solid 5 Stars.
It’s a 5. Maybe just a little higher. The only thing I knew of Carole King before listening to this is that she originally wrote “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” for Aretha Franklin. That was already enough trust to make me believe she’s a great songwriter, but color me more surprised to find she also wrote “You’ve Got a Friend”. I knew James Taylor’s version was a cover, but I never bothered to check who wrote it, and his version is one of my favorite songs of all time. I suppose Carole King’s songwriting has been a bit more prolific than I’ve realized. This album has some monstrous, monstrous acclaim, and while I can’t say I hear it to the extent of “top 25 album of all time”, I hear it to the extent that it might be the most digestible, easy-listening album I’ve ever heard. Yes, something like a “Thriller” or a “Nevermind” is a better album, but in terms of simplicity & being able to distill songs down to a pure form, Carole King approaches these tracks like a surgeon to a knife. There’s not a piano or vocal note misplaced, not a stray bass hit, nor a lingering percussive moment. These are crafted, both in their words & their instruments, like a piece of marble that’s been chiseled to the finest detail. Much like a sculpture, it’s very easy to take it all in without realizing just how intimately the connection is between the artist & the art, and how much time it really took to make. Even now, when I’m writing all this, I’m not sure I’ve really grasped just how intimate that connection truly is, but it does seem like a lot of these tracks are based around her own life. Channeling all of that into these songs is an achievement, especially with just how poppy this album comes across. For as sad as the subject matter tends to be, and how intimate the piano-driven instrumentation is, a lot of these tracks still find a super easy rhythm to get into, evoking a sort of Elton John meets Fleetwood Mac vibe (with much more of a late 60s Motown lean) that really makes the album work. Carole King’s voice certainly helps it a lot; she’s got a good power in her voice when she wants to belt out (“Home Again” is certainly proof of that), it’s very jazzy when she’s riding on a track with a good groove (just listen to “It’s Too Late” or “Smackwater Jack”), and she knows when to hold it back to let the mood sort of linger in the air a bit longer. Take a track like “So Far Away”, where she’s able to portray frustration through a somber tone really nicely, but the flute at the end of the track really sells the mood. I think her best vocal performance, surprisingly, is on her version of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”; Carole King’s not trying to be Aretha Franklin here, and I think her take on the song she wrote matches the sort of personal frustrations portrayed throughout the album to that point, but with more of an emotional release. Her vocals are slightly shakier compared to other tracks, as if she’s scared to admit a freedom she hasn’t felt in a long time. There’s a more focused intimacy to this version that makes it work really nicely. When Aretha belts out that title line, and the instrumentation is swirling around her, it’s such a grandiose ball of energy that you forget it’s meant to be a song praising the performance of her partner for making her feel so comfortable. Carole’s approach here focuses far more on the “you” as opposed to the “natural woman”, and that shift really frames the song in a way that makes it fit on this album, especially as a closing track. In all, I’m just glad this was as good as I hoped it would be, given the acclaim. I think with a few more listens, a lot of this album will come even more naturally to me, and it’s certainly worth a few more plays. If you’re not as inclined to care, then I guess it’s possible to find this as a boring piano odyssey of some lady who felt sad once & then got happier again, but if you treat it that way, I just don’t know what to say. I liked it a lot, and while it’s not an all-time super duper 10 to me, it’s a very easy 5 that aligns to a lot of my sensibilities, and I can easily hear how this would’ve influenced so many of the 70s singer-songwriters we’ve heard on the list. It’s worth listening to before you die, for sure. Good stuff, Carole.
I often rate a lot of albums if they have bomber hits that almost anyone would recognize. So...this one has a bunch of those. It is a little too soft rock for my personal tastes, but I can't deny that this is influential. It also holds up pretty well and doesn't sound dated like many of the albums that we receive from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. I'll go 5 stars on this one. Probably around a 90/100.
i wasn't really aware of carole king or this album and had no idea it was such a well-known classic! but through listening, i realized that i already sort of knew you've got a friend and you make me feel like a natural woman, i guess just from being alive on this earth for 30+ years. neat! this album is great. beautiful vocals, lyrics, and piano. love the cat on the cover too. just good music all around. there are a few odd inclusions like smackwater jack (is this just bad, bad leroy brown with the serial number filed off?) but overall, one of the best albums i've gotten from this list recently. favorites: i feel the earth move, so far away, it's too late, you've got a friend, where you lead, will you love me tomorrow?, tapestry, you make me feel like a natural woman
Not sure I’ve listened to this album in its entirety, though I’ve heard (almost) all of the songs. It’s on every record shelf for a reason, just pst the bra when women artists for the leftovers and/or sang backup to the fellas. A groundbreaker for the woman dominated pop world of today.
One of the best albums ever- I’ve been listening to this regularly for over 25 years and enjoyed it just as much. Hearing James and Joni singing harmony on will you still love me still gives me chills. So glad that Carole stepped out of the writers shadows. This and Blue are blueprints for singer song writers that followed.
So many hits. Great performance
This is such a solid pop album, feels like it’s just hit after head. All of the songs are amazing, I feel like I have too many five star ratings, but this has to be on there.
First off, I'm obviously giving bonus points for the cat on the cover. Additional bonus points because I love Gilmore Girls. But this doesn't even need any bonus points because it's such a fantastic album already. The piano. Her voice. Wow. I immediately listened to the whole thing again. Listened before? N Saved to library? Y Favorite track(s): I Feel the Earth Move, It's Too Late, Where You Lead, Smackwater Jack My ratings are kind of based on general vibes and how many tracks I save to my Deezer profile -- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it! Saved most or all of the tracks.
Crazy that all these songs come from one woman. I already knew this one well and I enjoyed relistening to it. Some of the songs here are cheesier than others and I don't think I'll revisit them in the same way as the hits. I feel bad giving it less than a 5 because of what it represents, and the hits are good enough to bring it there. 4.5
Brilliant song-writing and singing. Perfect to throw on for a quiet morning.
Iconic album. Her lyrics and music are timeless
I feel this album in my soul. The relatable lyrics, well-paired melodies, heart-felt vocals. The subject matters are timeless.
I too enjoy Tapestry by Carole King A Lot
Absolutely loved this holy shit
One of the great singer/songwriters of the 70's. This album can be listened to time and time again with every song making an impact. Not a weak song in the album. One of the best albums of the 70's and still sounds great today.
Pretty good! Wasn’t the best for the gym where I listened but nice
Unexpected 5! I know Carole King, but I had never listened to this album from start to finish. Lovely voice, lovely album. Loved it so much.
The cat makes it a 5 But seriously this is soooooo gooooood
I Feel the Earth Move So Far Away It's Too Late Home Again You've Got a Friend Will You Love Me Tomorrow (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Banger after banger after timeless classic. Magnum opus and one of the best albums ever made.
This definitely belongs on the list. So many good songs, even though some of them sound dated. Classics that everyone has heard. I'm not a big fan of the disco in some of the songs, but it's good all the way around. My Rating: 5/5
This is incredible. If the title track wasn't on there it'd be an oops all bangers album. The first three really are something special, probably one of the best three track run ever in my opinion. The theme to me is relationships, the way others can make you feel, wether romantically mr friendship wise and thebwriting is killer, very personnal. That with melodies that are incredible (how versatile can a piano be ??) makes tapestry absolutely great
Surprisingly amazing
beautiful melody, love the pianos
If you don't recognize at least a handful of tracks from this album, either through King herself, or some artist you love covering one of them, I don't know if you can really call yourself a fan of music. Tapestry has cemented itself as one of, if not, the best singer-songwriter album of all time. King's approach to each song here is perfectly crafted. It's almost unfair the level of skill on display. It's Too Late can go toe-to-toe with some of the best tracks of the 20th century. Also, I've always wanted to snuggle the kitty cat on the cover.
King's confessional songwriting and warm vocal intimacy create a definitive singer-songwriter statement through transcendent melodies and deeply personal yet universal storytelling.
10/10 This album is a songwriting masterclass from Carole King. She dances her way between folk, soul, rock and r&b, never letting it sound out of place and without ever sounding like anyone other than herself. Just the way that her songwriting moves and modulates through the songs is an absolute joy and I couldn’t help but admire the construction when she landed on certain chords, it was almost magical. Her voice is great, but with that little edge of vulnerability about it that makes it connect so much more than a technically perfect vocalist would. She, seemingly effortlessly, dances between sadness and joy with wilful abandon, which only enhances the beauty of the work. And all of this is just framed with a quite exceptional production. Every instrument has its place, and the focus pulls so deftly between different lines that it always keeps your ears in the right place to pick up on little licks and nuances. It’s not often that music can really grab me in a such a visceral way, but I did find myself welling up as I sang along to You’ve Got A Friend. It’s such an exceptional song and performance. But what’s quite remarkable about this album is that You’ve Got A Friend doesn’t just sit there head and shoulders over the rest. It sits happily there at the opening of side 2, in the midst of a collection of other fantastic pieces of songwriting and recording. Bravo. I Feel the Earth Move - This is such a great song, equal parts soul, rock and folk. It’s got excellent pace, there are some really lovely bits of instrumental flair here and there, particularly the little interplay in the middle between the guitar and piano. I really like the way the focus pulls to different parts through the track, which is mixed so well. Quality all round. So Far Away - It’s a change of pace. A song of longing and desire. It’s a really pretty little song that just wanders around in the verses and then lands on a great vocal in the chorus. Somehow it’s got a lot going on, but is also incredibly sparse. The instruments get their little moments, but each are fleeting. It’s Too Late - She’s such a good songwriter. The transitions between the sections are so smooth and effortless despite the change of tone. The playing on this is so great too. The harmonies are picked for the perfect spots, and her vocal has such a laid-back ease to it on this song. She’s not afraid to drift off into fairly lengthy instrumental sections too, which are great. Home Again - The cadences of the musical movement on this song are just beautiful. The way it builds and shrinks and how that aligns with the musical movement is just lovely. It’s short, but ever so sweet, and her vocal has something to it that just cuts through the skin. Beautiful - There are bits of this song that are really great, but as a whole it doesn’t quite connect with me as much as the rest of the album. I think it’s the more staccato nature of it. The rhythm section just plods a little bit too much for my taste, and the fairly relentless snare drum is just a bit too much. Way Over Yonder - Now this is more like it. That swing. The way the bass and the lead vocal tend to move in opposing directions throughout. Her vocal that just soars and sways. It’s incredibly satisfying and beautiful, but it’s also got a real fire in its belly. And that sax solo is like a perfect cheese accompaniment to this glass of wine of a song. You’ve Got A Friend - This is such a gorgeous song. It weaves its way between a bereft sadness and beautiful optimism in such a perfect way. It is an absolute songwriting masterclass. The way it modulates between keys is absolutely stunning. The restraint of the arrangement allows for everything to live in its own place, and it still seems so full when it needs to. It all just combines into something exceptional. Where You Lead - This leads perfectly on from You’ve Got A Friend, both lyrically and musically, even borrowing some of the progressions, but throwing a far more upbeat twist. There’s some really solid playing one this track, and some of those backing vocals are superb too. It’s almost a Motown song with a folky twist. Great stuff. Will You Love Me Tomorrow? - This is perhaps a little more on the nose than some of the other songs, which have a bit more subtlety to them. It’s still really gorgeous though. The interaction between the piano and guitar parts are really, really nice, and the vocal harmonisations with James Taylor and Joni Mitchell really move things around well. Smackwater Jack - From the a subject matter point of view, this does stick out a bit from the rest of the album. It’s a great little bluesy R&B number though. It’s a nice bit of fun, and as always, it’s a very well written song. Tapestry - This is a beautiful, wandering piece. It floats around without ever landing on anything to concrete in quite an ethereal way, slowly moving up keys through each verse and then stepping back down to start again. This is a really great album track, with no real centre to it, but as a wash of music between songs, it works so well. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - Another songwriting masterclass. Again, the dynamic and tonal variation between verse and chorus is genius, and the way it builds to the chorus is exceptional. It drifts back down to the verse so smoothly too. The dynamic variation in this song is so fantastic. It goes from soft, almost whispered to full on balls-out passion and I’m here for it every time.
timeless and perfect
I’ve always loved this album
Masterpiece
I’ve put off reviewing this album for a while because I don’t even know what to say about it. There’s nothing I feel I can say that can accurately portray quite how good this album is. So I won’t even try to. Go listen to it yourself and have it blow your mind.
Tapestry is a great album, plain and simple. The songwriting is outstanding, it's heartfelt, relatable, and timeless. Each track flows naturally into the next, giving the album a real sense of cohesion and emotional continuity. It’s one of those records where everything just clicks: the melodies, the lyrics, the performances.
Bonus point for cat on cover.
5 stars, no notes
It may feel a little dated these days, but the sheer concentration of zeitgeist-penetrating bangers on this album is incredible
Such a fantastic album
Wow, what a fantastic album. A materclass on songwriting.
I didn't realize how much Carole King I knew already. A lot of bangers on here. Cool baselines. Memorable vocal melodies without it being too generic.
4.5 - Super solid song writing, vocals and band.
Tapestry just is one of the best albums ever. One of the most important albums by a woman too. This album is packed with brilliant written songs and even some well-known hits. I just love this.
Tapestry is mogelijks het mooiste album ooit gemaakt. Prachtige stem, herkenbare songteksten en geweldige sound. 5.0
Excellent
My mom liked this album.
I absolutely adored this album. It was absolutely gorgeous lyrically, musically, and vocally. It's truly timeless, and there isn't a bad song on the album. This is THE Carole King album you should listen to if you want to get to know her as an artist. It's a masterpiece that touches on so many different emotions and experiences with such eloquence and raw emotion. One of the best listens I have had so far on this generator.
As much a triumph of songwriting as of singing, Tapestry is everything I love about music: simple, yet stirring, lyrics, timeless classics by the original songwriter, and a Bluesy, soulful, folksy, and, at times, downright spiritual composition. I feel embarrassed I had never heard this album all the way through, and how I was more familiar with the popular covers of King by other epic musicians: Franklin, James Taylor, and others. King's voice, so powerful, projects her words in a way that make you feel like you're right next to her, sharing her emotions. I understand why so much critical success has been heaped on this album now. Favorite tracks: "Way Over Yonder" and "Smackwater Jack," beyond the requisite well-loved classics.
I liked his much more than I expected to, the songwriting is top tier pop/soul and it the playing is super smooth, not normally what I would listen to but sometimes you can't deny greatness when you some across it. One of those 70s blockbuster albums like Rumours where One listen is enough to confirm it's right to seemingly exist in every record collection on the planet.
Just stunning! A beautiful and brilliant album.
LOVED THIS
Iconic. What a talent. Everyone should listen to this album
A soulful and warm benchmark for this kind of singer-songwriter album. Quietly brilliant. King doesn’t have a big voice, but she really goes for it.
Such a gem! Lovely and brilliant. The lyrics , her voice , everything here creates a solid album. I love it from the beginning . No fillers, it just keeps getting better on every song.
Amazing album
5/5. A classic front to back, just a greatest hits album in the form of a studio album. A calming album of hits and mostly ballads. These songs are simple but still feel full and complete. Carole effortlessly provides beautiful vocals while still keeping it raw and authentic, giving the illusion of a new singer songwriter and not someone who has been writing songs for years for other artists already, and the cover art is intentional as well to keep up the illusion. And honestly, it works, and is well done all around. Best Song: I Feel The Earth Move, So Far Away, You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman)
Beautiful album. Great work here from CK with some timeless classics on here as well. I could let this play all day.
Masterpiece
Beautiful album, really fantastic songwriting. I was torn between 4 and 5 starts, because it didn't quite have that wow factor that captures you for the entirety of the album. I ultimately decided it was a 5 star album because every song is really fantastic even if they don't wow you. I love a good piano driven album. You can really hear how talented of a songwriter Carole is.
All I can say is I'm very happy this album is so beloved. Carole King is a songwriting queen and it's a pleasure to hear her sing every note and word of these songs she wrote. Highly recommend lounging outside on a lightly breezy, sunny day with some headphones and cold drink of choice. 10/10 listening experience for a 10/10 album.
This gets a five from me just for "Will you still love me tomorrow" by itself. It's a perfect song. Classic album. Five stars.
I bought a copy of this LP from Discos Impacto in Barcelona about 10 years ago having never heard it, but was aware of the regard it was held in. For the 4€ it cost, I thought it was worth the risk, and so I proved to be right. I say 'never heard' but in fact I'd heard several of these songs before, either these versions or ones made popular by others. But the whole album is just a series of uncomplicated yet captivating, beautifully written and performed songs with Carole's soulful voice as the storyteller
Perfect voice, brilliant lyrics. Very nice album.
Her voice
5 stars
Beautiful, just beautiful. The second album in 600+ albums so far that ive never conciously listened to all the way through before that gets a 5 star review. There are so many songs here that are about as good as a song could be. He voice carries emotion, the piano and guitar are beautiful, but most of all the songwriting and accessibility are of the highest order. This should be held in the highest esteem.
9/10
Powerhouse. One of the all time great songwriters.
Bangers all
Awesome
Went back and forth a lot trying to decide 4 or 5.
One of my favorite albums of my youth, each song is a master piece on it's own.
If you were born in 1980 or later, you might not recognize this title. This was like Alanis Morrisette's "Jagged Little Pill" in that it's a singing songwriter bringing her A game. The album won 4 Grammys, and delivered "I Feel the Earth Move", "So Far Away", "It's Too Late", "You've Got A Friend", "Where You Lead", "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?", and my favorite "Smackwater Jack". I will recommend this to my granddaughters, hoping they will appreciate it as much as I have.
# Album Name: Tapestry # Artist: Carol King # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: What a banger! absolutely loved this album. Tune after tune after tune. Great voice as well. I listened to it multiple times. WHY have i never listened to this before?! # Top Tunes: All of em # Would I listen to it again? Yes
Another example of not previously realizing how much by this artist I knew. This album was so beautiful to me. Gorgeous, heartfelt songs. When I was done, I immediately wanted to listen again.
Very beautiful. Great lyrics and piano.
Nice cat, Carole.
I love this album so much I even have a copy on vinyl. Best four bucks I ever spent. From start to finish Tapestry is all about great songwriting and.this is one album I simply can't live without. Doesn't matter what other people say about this record. I love it and it had certainly aged well.
A masterpiece in every sense of the word. So much soul, heart, and passion.
10/10 Favorite: Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
Loved it!!!
Pretty much perfect.
This is one of my mum's favourite records, so I heard it a lot when growing up. I don't listen to it often anymore, but each time I go back to it, I absolutely love it. King's soulful vocals, impressive melodies and memorable lyrics all add up to a great album. Some of these songs should be in conversations with the best of all time.
Groovy and moody and just all around a good vibe. I could see myself rocking out to this on the regular.
Incredible
This album is absolute top level songwriting. So many amazing songs. That's a five for me and I make a note to check out her other albums too.
Recognized about half the songs on this album, but just didn't know where they came from!
this album is like when you're in a shitty abandoned parking lot watching the most beautiful sunset you've ever seen 10/10
One of the greatest song writers in history? Yes please.
every single track = BANGER
One of the best albums ever-with brilliant song craft and top production, albeit stripped down to emphasize the purity of this masterpiece. Each song is superb, and I especially enjoy “It’s Too Late” the finest break-up song ever.
For my mama, always and forever
Loving the instrumentation on this one. The piano and guitar is so fun. It sounds like there is some serious chemistry between the band members. I did find myself not being captivated during this album a few times but overall I thought it was a solid folk-pop record from the time period. I had also listened to this one before.
Ahh, such a lovely album. What a talented lady. An all time classic
Beautiful had natural woman at my wedding
Amazing songwriting, strong performance. Definitely deserves to be here.
🖤😌
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.
Lots of big tunes on here, even the Gilmore Girls theme. Excellent stuff. Simpsons: Yes
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.
Wow!!!!
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
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.