Album Review: Tapestry by Carole King

Throwing it back to the 70’s with a rich, heartfelt, and intimate album full of introspection in her lyrics is the legend Carole King.

Carole King’s album “Tapestry” is more than simply an album; it’s an album of iconic melodies, lyrics that inspires listeners, and music that draws people together. This album showcases King’s abilities as a composer, vocalist, and pianist. The album’s genre is rock, and King was a legendary songwriter during this time. King, a well-known composer, would often co-write for other musicians, and her 1971 album reached number one in the United States for fifteen weeks. In addition to her triumphs, King received four Grammy awards for this album in 1972. Regarding the repertoire of this album, the song names are “I 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 Tonight,” “Smackwater Jack,” “Tapestry,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

The opening song “I Feel the Earth Move” truly allows the upbeat and groovy momentum for the listeners. King’s voice always portrays a soulful tone over the piano and electric guitar. King portrays love in different languages through her lyrics. Her song “So Far Away” showcases a theme and feeling of longing. Her emotional delivery is strong to take notice for musicians. The intimacy, authenticity, and honesty from her lyrics is valuable as a musician.

It’s as simple and real when she expresses a vocal range that shows acceptance despite being heartbroken in her song “It’s Too Late.” Listeners are drawn to her realism and her music that brings listeners to feel emotions like no other. I was truly astonished by how beautiful and intimate her lyricism with the instrumentals are. She’s able to create imagery for listeners of a life filled with challenges yet accomplishments through her song “Home Again” and “Beautiful.”

Personally, my favorite track, “You’ve Got a Friend” is a song that captures friendship, commitment, and love. This song is rather simple following a traditional verse-chorus structure and instrumental but with her strong vocals and beautiful lyrics, it is easy to say that listeners of all ages can be swayed by the beauty of this song.

The album “Tapestry” truly leaves listeners feeling a several mix of emotions due to how passionate King’s vocals are and how her songwriting reflects her as an artist to touch our hearts. Throwback to an album that has touched hearts before and today, “Tapestry” is a must heard for a listener who appreciates the meaning of lyrics, storytelling, and instrumentals that would start emotions.