Strange combination
James Peyton | columbia, sc United States | 10/11/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This collection of Carole King's two albums shows her true diversity as a songwriter and performer. "Wrap Around Joy" is perhaps her most successful album commercially after "Tapestry." However, "Wrap Around Joy" presents slick production with its use of strings, chorus, horns, and multi keyboards, and rhythm section on almost all tracks. The effect is that one feels King has decided to retreat behind the production and not reveal too much of what she really feels about the songs. One can also point out that none of the songs has the intimacy of her earlier albums for Ode. Nevertheless, King's work is impressive here because of her singing which is assured in pitch and color, the keyboard work, and her flair for melody and harmony. "Jazzman" and "Nightingale" are the singles producer Lou Adler released, and they show all these attributes and ironically the more distant effect. "Thoroughbred" is King's most sparsely produced album, and Alder said that this was also his most uncomfortable work with the singer songwriter. Regardless of Adler's ambivalence about the album, the collection is her most inspired album after "Tapestry" because of its immediate emotional appeal. Perhaps "Thoroughbred" addresses fewer topics or issues than "Wrap Around Joy," but it does examine its themes of love and love lost much more thoroughly (sorry about the pun) and honestly than the former album. Musically, King is most impressive with perhaps her best vocal work of any album and a rougher edged sound thanks to guitarists Waddy Watchel and Danny Kortchmar. One should note that Charles Larkey,King's second husband, who did superlative work is replaced by Lee Sklar who is excellent as well. Finally, Tom Scott contributes to some of the tracks with some truly memorable sax work,but Carole's own piano playing, poignant voice, and incredible sense of phrasing make the album musically what it is, honest, moving, and straightforward. Songs such as "Only Love is Real," "I'd Like to Know You Better," and "Still Here" are among the best of King's catalogue. Together, they make one feel the joy of love found, the confusion of a breakup, or the remorse. There are no hestitations in recommending this combination of these two albums, and it is remarkable to hear two sides of this legendary singer-songwriter"
Track Listings (22) - Disc #1