Carole King

Tapestry (Ode ’71) Rating: A-
This is arguably the definitive female singer-songwriter collection, released in 1971 to critical acclaim while selling millions of records and influencing countless musicians who have since sought to mine a similar soft rock territory. Tapestry consists of twelve songs, most of which were penned individually by Carole for this album, but also including her own interpretations of two golden oldies written back during her days as a highly productive Brill Building writer, when she teamed with husband Gerry Goffin to write many familiar classics. These include a highly effective and slowed down take on “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and a less necessary “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman;” Aretha’s version was definitive. Many of the new songs are highly confessional and intuitive takes on love, loneliness, and longing, and Ms. King’s sparkling piano work and warm voice conveys a richly identifiable intimacy that makes most of these seductive songs almost impossible to dislike. The standout tracks are simple, gorgeous ballads such as “So Far Away,” “It’s Too Late,” (sure to move anyone who’s ever experienced the disintegration of a cherished relationship), “Home Again,” and “You’ve Got A Friend,” which was later covered in a sleepy hit version by James Taylor. The propulsive rocker “I Feel The Earth Move” and the catchy “Where You Lead” also feature memorable and invigorating performances, and this is an album that you can consistently sing along to (in part 'cause the album is so familiar). Guaranteed your parents and significant other will like it, too, as Tapestry is an excellent album within this particular genre, though its second half loses some momentum (“Smackwater Jack,” “Tapestry”) after an almost flawless first few songs.

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