Wrap Around Joy - CAROLE KING***

Nightingale/Change In Mind Change Of Heart/Jazzman/You Go You're Way I'll Go Mine/You're Something New/We Are All In This Together/Wrap Around Joy/You Gentle Me/My Lovin' Eyes/Sweet Adonis/A Night This Side Of Dying/The Best Is Yet To Come

Wrap Around Joy returned singer songwriter Carole King to the top of the US album charts despite the uneven content. Features the US top ten hit singles Jazzman and Nightingale. (US:1)

“The biggest change from previous releases was her use of lyricist Dave Palmer on all of the tracks. It would signal the beginning of her depending on outside lyricists to a larger extent than in the past. While the album had a cohesiveness that was missing from some of her previous releases, it was not as intimate or personal as the words were no longer her own. Still, it was a polished album that remains an enjoyable listen.”

“The album returned her to the musical mainstream as Jazzman and Nightingale both became hit singles and received extensive radio airplay.”

“Wrap Around Joy is often overlooked in her large catalogue of releases. It may not be her most creative or interesting album but when taken on its own merits it emerges as polished and in some places sophisticated pop. It is perfect for a lazy afternoon listen.”

“You really can’t argue with the first three tracks, which are knocked right out of the ballpark in tried and true Carole King fashion. Nightingale and Jazzman were her biggest hits for years and deservedly so. The album fairly unravels after that, littered with inferior songs. Part of the blame must go to the lyricist David Palmer. It’s not that he’s a bad lyricist, it’s just that his florid, poetic style is all wrong for Carole. His words tend to lack the personal touch that previously came so easily to her.”

“Wrap Around Joy is top-notch from start to finish. More instruments are added into the mix giving it a more polished feel, and musically it all sounds great. The production doesn't take away from the songs in any way. Carole has always had a way with a good melody, making the songs easy to remember. The lyrics are meaningful and down to earth.”

“This endeavour was aided tremendously by the huge hit single Jazzman, with a memorable sax performance, but Wrap Around Joy has many other fine songs.”