Carole King and her partner Gerry Goffin already had an incredible series of pop hits for other artists to her name when she made her definitive breakthrough as a performing artist with Tapestry ('tapestry'). For a long time after its release in 1971, this record would be considered the best-selling of all time, she performed songs that were best known in the versions of The Shirelles (Will You Love
… Me Tomorrow) and Aretha Franklin (A Natural Woman). ). Another song, You've Got A Friend, would later become at least as famous in James Taylor's version, who plays guitar on this original. But most of Tapestry consists of newly written material with a decidedly personal character, heralding in a sense the self-reflective singer / songwriter movement. Yet it is the strong melodies that are the true strength of Tapestry, vocal lines in which Carole combines the best elements of both catchy girl pop and more distinguished jazz. And while King might not be a great singer technically speaking, the frayed edge on her voice gives the music exactly that vulnerability that makes it irresistible. This deluxe reissue contains an extra CD with live recordings. (MS)more
