"Rhymes & Reasons" is the fourth album by the American singer-songwriter Carole King. Released in 1972, the album features a single "Bitter with the Sweet" that topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It also includes "Been to Canaan", which topped the Billboard Pop Singles chart and was Billboards number-one pop single of 1973.
The album itself peaked at number two on the Billboard Pop Albums chart. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America for more than 500,000 copies sold in the United States. Carole King, known for her soulful and emotive singing, has made a significant contribution to music in the 1970s, and her album "Rhymes & Reasons" is considered one of her most important works.
Many of the songs in this album are an exploration of love and loss, reflecting on personal experiences. Each song on the album authored or co-authored by King, which demonstrates her remarkable skills as a songwriter. The album was produced by Carole King and Lou Adler and features a mix of pop and light rock music styles. Some famous musicians including Danny Kortchmar, Russ Kunkel, and Charles Larkey have also contributed to the album's successful soundscapes.
The album received generally positive reviews from critics for its heartfelt lyrics, King's passionate performance, and its solid production. Today, it is regarded as an essential album in Carole King's discography and a classic of 70s pop music. It has also established King's reputation as a songwriter who can convey depth of emotion through her music.
