What more could you want than Tapestry and White Ladders?

When I think tapestry and white ladders, I think interior decorating gone way wrong. However, Tapestry by Carole King and White Ladder by David Gray are two of my favorite "love" albums. Both albums have the standard "love" ballad, but both ballads are unique in their own way.



Tapestry by Carole King is by far my favorite album of this diva. She is also one of my role models, leading the way for female musicians, while shaking that love-struck "bubblegum pop" image. Granted, she emerged in the 70's where bubblegum pop wasn't exactly an issue quite yet, but she did prove that women musicians deserve to be taken seriously. This woman has quite the set of pipes on her, her strong, bluesy voice can make anyone instantaneously close their eyes, kick their head back and groove. Especially with songs like "I Feel the Earth Move" and "Natural Woman," this album really captures the spirit of a woman. Sorry guys, you may not like this one, but check it out anyways, maybe your girlfriend will like it, if not, at least your mom. "I Feel the Earth Move" is a crooning, bluesy piano tune about being in love. Whats so great about this song is that you don't even have to believe in love to enjoy it; it doesn't make you want to run to the nearest wastebasket. On the other hand, the album is full of fun songs too, such as "Smackwater Jack." This song is about an angry man who goes on a shooting spree, but trust me, it's still a fun song to groove to. But the most surprising song on the album is "Where You Lead," a song about always being there for someone, no matter what. However, this song has gospel roots, which is an odd fact considering the bluesy, rock-ish nature of Carole's voice; but she rocks this song from beginning to end."



White Ladder by David Gray is a different type of "love" album. First of all, it's a guy, secondly, it's even more sappy than Carole King. "This Years Love" is my favorite song off of the album. It's can be considered the standard love song, but since David Gray's voice is so relaxed, almost nasal-y that its a completely different sound than those stupid boy-band ballads, oh and he has talent (unlike the other ones), that kind of helps when you're in the music business. Other songs on the album include "Say Hello and Wave Goodbye" and "Babylon," both of which have a sound that's incredibly relaxed and sad. It is a very sad album, but very chill and is musically well crafted. I would highly recommend this album for those days where you just feel like driving up in the countryside, it might make you a little sad and/or introspective but it will also make your brain produce endorphins that remind you what its like to be in love (whether you believe in love or not!) I myself have not quite figured out whether I believe in love yet, however I can still appreciate these love songs and all they have to offer. As sad as some of these songs seem, David Gray is always able to weave in how sweet he thinks life is as a whole, especially in songs like "White Ladder" and "Silver Lining."

These albums bring some variety to the love song genre, both in their own unique ways. Carole King eases her pain with the blues and David Gray uses his syrup-y sweet voice to capture what it means to be in love. So add these albums to your list and put yourself in a good. loving mood this holiday season.