For the record, there’s an interesting story on how Carole King’s second studio album ‘Tapestry’ came to be. Going back into a bit of her biography, we learn that King began playing the piano at the age of four with her mother. She teamed up her music with college mate Gerry Goffin’s lyrics and had her first number one hit in 1961 Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, a song originally recorded by the Shirelles, the first ever song for a black all-girl group to reach number one in the US.

Over time, love blossomed between Carole and Gerry and they were married. The period 1959 to 1969 saw the duo pen over a hundred songs that made famous many stars, among them Aretha Franklin, the Drifters, Herman’s Hermits, the Monkees, the Animals, Bobby Vee, the Chiffons, Little Eva, the Righteous Brothers and the Byrds among many others.

The marriage was shortlived and when they divorced due to Gerry’s womanizing and drug abuse, Carole needed a new lyricist. It was with singer-songwriter James Taylor that Carole emerged into the limelight. He pushed her out of her insecurities onto the stage and gave her the confidence to write lyrics herself, ‘Tapestry’ being the result. Carole has, on occasion, made an oblique reference of penning You’ve Got A Friend as a result of this relationship she had with James.

Released in 1971, ‘Tapestry’ is one of the biggest selling albums of all time. It held the record for most weeks at number one by a female artist for more than 20 years. In 1972 the enduring You've Got A Friend, won Grammy awards for Carole King (Song of the Year) as well as James Taylor (Best Male Pop Vocal Performance). Carole also won Grammys for It’s Too Late (Record of the Year), and the album ‘Tapestry’ won her Album of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Carole was the first solo female artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and the first woman to win the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. The album remained on the Billboard charts for 313 weeks, second only to Pink Floyd's ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’.

‘Tapestry’ was recorded during January 1971. King was supported by Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and other experienced session musicians. The album engaged with a generation in the midst of profound social upheaval, Carole’s soulful, earthy performances connecting emotionally to the ordinary person. The songs are intimately confessional, expressive and consummate in craftsmanship. The album skillfully blends the genres of folk, pop, R & B and jazz.

Side one is a trip through the sexual excitement of being near your lover I Feel The Earth Move, a focus on the physical/emotional distance of two lovers So Far Away, the blameless end of a loving relationship It’s Too Late, a longing to get back into the arms of your lover Home Again, the importance of self-esteem and being positive Beautiful and a journey to the promised land Way Over Yonder.

Side two begins with the perpetually enduring ode to a friendship without boundaries when you are in need You’ve Got A Friend followed by an inspiration from the Book of Ruth Where You Lead, the entreat Will You Love Me Tomorrow, an outlaw’s confrontation with authority Smackwater Jack, a tableau of life’s ups and downs in the title song Tapestry and finally the expression of tender gratitude You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman.

The album cover has her cat Telemachus posed with her on the cover. ‘Tapestry’ remains at the pinnacle of music history to date, generations later.

Carole performed her iconic album Tapestry in its entirety for the first time ever at the critically acclaimed concert ‘Carole King Tapestry: Live in Hyde Park’ in 2016. Sixty-five thousand fans attended her first UK concert in 27 years. The star-studded appearances included producer Lou Adler, James Taylor and Danny ‘Kootch’ Kortchmar from the original LP. Tom Hanks, Elton John, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil also joined in. Her daughter Louise Goffin, joined her on Where You Lead. The show included a rocking performance of I Feel the Earth Move with Cassidy Janson and the London cast of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Carole’s daughter Sherry once stated, “My mother has the secret to the universe; it’s just to look at the bright side and find the bright side of everything, and not dwell on the dark side. It’s not always easy but she manages to do it.”

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Denzil Rego
Denzil is a diehard music aficionado who goes gaga over vinyl. His collection of LP records runs into thousands with EPs and SPs thrown in for good measure. You will find rarities and even autographed copies in his collection. He also has a fair amount of CDs and DVDs. A track and field star in his heyday, Denzil’s other passion is a holistic environment, #ARREGOGREEN –Making Our World A Better Place.
You can connect with Denzil via his Facebook page DenzMusicDen as well as his blog of the same name; else email him on denzilrego@yahoo.com or ping him on +91 7208082112.