Carole King – Rhymes & Reasons

Catalog: SP 77016  |  Side One Matrix: SP-77031-2A C2-D 0 | Label: Ode Records  |  Format: Vinyl LP

About the Artist

Carole King is one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in popular music history. A Brooklyn-born prodigy who began writing hits for other artists in the early 1960s — including "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" for The Shirelles and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" for Aretha Franklin — King stepped fully into the spotlight as a solo performer in the early 1970s. Her landmark 1971 album Tapestry spent 15 weeks at #1 and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, reshaping what it meant to be a female artist in rock and pop.

About the Album

Rhymes & Reasons, released in 1972 on Ode Records, arrived in the immediate wake of Tapestry's extraordinary success. Rather than chasing the same commercial formula, King delivered a more introspective and lyrically rich collection — a quiet, confident statement from an artist at the height of her creative powers. Produced by Lou Adler, the album showcases King's gift for melody and her warm, intimate piano-driven arrangements. It reached #2 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum.

Highlights

The album opens with "Come Down Easy", a gentle, reassuring ballad that sets the album's reflective tone. "My My She Cries" and "Stand Behind Me" demonstrate King's ability to blend emotional depth with accessible pop sensibility. The standout "Goodbye Don't Mean I'm Gone" is a soulful, understated gem. Throughout, King's piano playing is expressive and unhurried, and her voice carries the lived-in warmth that made Tapestry a generational touchstone.

Record Condition

The record has been carefully cleaned with a Spin-Clean record washer and placed into a new inner plastic sleeve. The album also includes the original inner sleeve. While the album has minor scuffs, it played flawlessly on a quality turntable with no skips. Minor pops and crackles were noted, consistent with the record's age and grade.

Jacket Condition

The jacket is in Good condition with minor scuffing in the corners, as shown in the photos. Includes original carboard inner sleeve.

Please review all photos carefully before purchasing — they form part of the item description.