Customer Reviews

Writer

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I couldn't agree more with the previous reviewer. Writer is a terrific album, full of the creativity and lyricism that would come full bloom on Tapestry. I want someone to tell me who has written a more eloquent song about the hopes -- and fears -- of the 60s generation than "Eventually."

By the way, I'm also a James Taylor fan, and I hate his version of "Up On the Roof." I MUCH PREFER Carole's version on this album.

Buy it, you won't regre it!

At 16 years old, my musical tastes are finally starting to be refined and I'm breaking away from the wasteland of today's popular music and finding interest in the music of the early founders of rock and roll. My favorite is Carole King. I don't think I have to discuss the brilliance of all the songs on "Tapestry" instead I'll share my thoughts on "Writer." This album is, by far, Ms. King's most underrated album. It includes classic ballads such as "No Easy Way Down", in which Carole finds confidnece in her voice and delivers a song that deals beautifully with the ups and downs of life and relationships. The slower version is much more evocative then Dusty Sprinfield's cover on "Dusty in Memphis." "Child of Mine" is a simple yet beautifully delivered song written for Carole's daughter, Louise. "Goin Back" is another classic which expresses a deep yearning for the simpler things in life. Much like her songs, the simpler things in life are usually the best. The standout on this album is "Up on the Roof" Never has a song captured a longing to get away from it all. Carole's delivery and superb piano playing put you on top of a New York City apt. buidling, gazing at the stars wishing all your cares away. The only drawback on this album is the almost amateurish production of John Fischbach, especially on "Spaceship Races". It sounds as if a cheap punk band were playing it in a high school gym. Now that I'm running out of space, let me close by saying that the mediocre production can't diminish the power in each of Carole's songs and the understated, yet captivating way with which she delivers each song.

I first purchased this album in 1970, at age 13, and loved it. If I'd had the power to review it then, I would have praised the heartfelt performances of Ms. King, but I would have criticized the imperfections in the quality of the record's sound. The vocals were not done justice by my less than perfect record player. They often sounded fuzzy and not loud and robust, like I know our Carole is capable of. Well, in 1991, I purchased the cd. The vocals stood out more and the orchestration was clearer, but alas, some songs were faded too soon, most notably Goin' Back, with that lovely harmonious duet between Carole and James Taylor almost non existent. Well, I am happy to report that I have the new digipak and all vocals and orchestration sound pristine, and all songs appear in their entirety. I am enjoying the recording as much as I did 40 years ago. It is worth replacing if you are questioning the quality of any prior un-remastered cd's or the original lp. A comforting purchase indeed!!!

What I like about 'Writer' is that it's a more raw recording, you can hear Carole leaving the 60's and moving into the 70's...and what i like about this record that wasn't done on 'Tapestry' are the different musical styles..folk, pop\rock & jazz, something she would do more of with some of later lp's.. as with alot of Carole's music there other great versions of some of the songs on this Lp('Goin'Back', 'I Can't Hear You No More' by Dusty Springfield)& ('No easy way down' by Streisand & Springfield) and one of my favorites songs ('Up on the roof' The Drifters). And I hope others who haven't heard this will seek this one out!

While Tapestry rightfully looms as a true classic, the rest of Carole's catalog is mostly ignored. This album deserves much better. The songwriting is wonderful, almost as good as Tapestry, and the performances are great. Buy this, then "Music" and "Rhymes and Reasons," too. They make a great set.

Tapestry's predecessor is a mixed bag of Carole King tunes, written by King either with ex-husband Gerry Goffin or with new collaborator Toni Stern (who later wrote "It's Too Late" with King). This was actually Carole King's second album (the first being "Now That Everything's Been Said" released under the band name "The City.") The only complaint with "Writer" is in the production. The mix here sounds a little muddy and a bit sloppy at times. Also, King's usually predominant piano is (most of the time) way in the background somewhere, while drums, bass, rhythm guitars and some overproduced background vocals drown out the mix.

Her versions of "Eventually", "Child of Mine", and Goffin/King classic "Up On The Roof" however, foreshadow the greatness which was soon to come for King's career. These three tracks are simple, heartfelt, confessional moments. Most of the other material is very listenable with an unusual mix of pop, folk and country tunes. There is even a jazz waltz called "Rasperry Jam". If you love Carole King, "Writer" needs to be in your collection.

This is my all time favorite CK album. Every cut on it is a gem. My only criticism is that her piano track is mixed in too softly, it should be just as pronounced as the guitar. There are songs such as Child of Mine and Eventually that were written for events of another era which are incredibly just as topical now. No Easy Way Down, Can't You Be Real, deal with mature themes of growing up; Going Back too and a much better version than the Byrds'. CD includes James Taylor plus other top session musicians of the time and here is where you start to hear King's voice develop its distinctive style that she took further on Tapestry.

I've been in love with Carole King's "Writer" since the 70's. I can listen to it again and again, and the songs hold up as fresh today as from the start. I'm always amazed that these wonderful tunes haven't been covered more as singles by other artists: "To Love," "What Have You Got to Lose," "Raspberry Jam" are hits just waiting to happen on any radio station. The takes are somewhat loose and free spirited, and like many debut albums of the 70's this one has an echoing, hollow sounding quality to it (best compared, I guess, to Roberta Flack's "First Take"). Unlike the albums "Rhymes and Reasons" and "Music" which have a strong cohesiveness of style, this album has numerous song styles ranging from jazz to country -- all of which are tied together nicely by this hollow sound. The lyrics here are first rate and as memorable as any King has written. You won't be disappointed.

This is a fine album, my friend, and anybody who knows music would agree.

This is Carole King's first bona fide solo LP, released on Ode records in 1970. Featured are her versions of some songs covered by other artists, like "No Easy Way Down" (Covered by Barbra Streisand on her excellent STONEY END album) and "Up on The Roof", a classic 60s song by The Drifters.

All of the songs have something to offer: "Child of Mine" and "What Have You Got to Lose" have sweet melodies. "Raspberry Jam" has a neat tempo and psychedelic feel to it, it's a personal favorite of this writer. "Spaceship Races" is a good rockin' start to the album, and "Up on the Roof" is a nice, mellow end.

Of course, King would hit it big the following year with TAPESTRY, but this is pretty darn good as well. In fact, both albums compliment each other quite nicely. This has more of an "electric" tone, while TAPESTRY is a little more sparse.

So check this album out, especially "when this old world starts getting you down...."

I borrowed this on 8 track in the 70s and I havent heard it since then. I heared "Spaceship Races" on XM radio and woah, that took me back and I had to search out for the cd. I had forgotten how good this album was.When I First heard it then I thought it was way better than"Tapestry"Carol's most commercial album.Yes hearing this cd is like bumping into an old friend and getting reaquainted all over again!!