Music is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter
Carole King. The album was released in December 1971.
Production
The album was written by the singer and produced by
Lou Adler. The album is a continuation of the style laid down in Tapestry. King plays the piano and
celeste on many tracks.
The front cover photograph was taken by
Jim McCrary of King at 8815 Appian Way, Laurel Canyon, California.[5]
Legacy
Upon release, the album quickly rose to the top of the charts. It features songs such as "
It's Going to Take Some Time" (US No. 12 by
The Carpenters), "
Sweet Seasons", a No. 9 hit for Carole King, and "Brother, Brother".
While not as groundbreaking or as successful as King's Tapestry album, Carole King: Music experienced immediate success and was certified gold on December 9, 1971, days after release. It was certified platinum on July 17, 1995. The album reportedly sold 1,300,000 copies in the United States on the day of its release. However, platinum status for albums (one million units sold), wasn't created by the
RIAA until 1976.[6]
Music entered the top ten at No. 8, becoming the first of many weeks both Tapestry and Carole King: Music would occupy the top ten simultaneously. The album hit No. 1 on New Year's Day 1972 and stayed there for three consecutive weeks.
Track listing
All songs written by Carole King, except where noted.
Carole King – vocals, piano, electric piano, electric
celeste, backing vocals
Ralph Schuckett – organ on "Sweet Seasons" and "Surely", electric piano on "Back to California", electric celeste on "Growing Away from Me"
Danny Kortchmar – acoustic and electric guitars; backing vocals on "Song of Long Ago"
James Taylor – acoustic guitar on "Some Kind of Wonderful", "Song of Long Ago" and "Too Much Rain", backing vocals on "Song of Long Ago", backing vocals refrain on "Some Kind of Wonderful"