In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez discuss and award their gold, silver and bronze medals for Tapestry by Carole King.

Tapestry released February 1971 is widely regarded as a landmark album of the singer/songwriter era, blending introspective lyrics with rich, melodic piano-driven pop and soft rock. It spent 4 months (!) at #1 and stayed on the album charts for 6 ½ years.

The album marked King’s breakthrough as a solo artist after years of writing hits for others, showcasing her distinctive voice and emotionally resonant songwriting. With understated production by Lou Adler, Tapestry featured Danny Kortchmar on guitar, Russ Kunkel and Joel O’Brien drums and Charlie Larkey on bass. The band provided a warm, intimate foundation for King’s piano and vocals.

“It’s Too Late” backed with “I Feel the Earth Move” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and “So Far Away” reached #14. The album included Carole’s versions of hits she wrote for others including Aretha’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” the Shirelles’ “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and James Taylor’s only #1 song “You’ve Got A Friend.”

The album earned four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Tapestry’s combination of personal lyrics, melodic sophistication, and subtle production helped define early 1970s pop. Importantly, it was a breakthrough for female singer/songwriters the world over.

Medal Winners

Bonus Tracks

Kicks – Paul Revere & Raiders

Porpoise Song – Monkees

Pleasant Valley Sunday – Monkees

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin

You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor

Will You Love Me Tomorrow – Shirelles

For No One – Beatles

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do – Neil Sedaka (1970s Version)

Tapestry – Carole King

Way Over Yonder – Carole King

Smackwater Jack – Carole King

One Fine Day – Carole King

Jazzman – Carole King

CIA Man – Fugs

Track Listing

Side One

I Feel The Earth move

It’s Too Late

So Far Away

Home Again

Beautiful

Way Over Yonder

Side Two

You’ve Got A Friend

Where You Lead

Will You Love Me Tomorrow

Smackwater Jack

Tapestry

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

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