Leading up to the release, BroadwayBox gave away 10 copies of the cast recording to readers, and in exchange we just asked you to tell us about your favorite Carole King songs. Below, we compiled some of our favorite answers.
“Gotta be ‘Jazzman.’ It's just the kind of song that makes you stop whatever else you're doing and belt it out along with Carole!”—Beth G.
“My favorites are the ones she had written for The Monkees. From ‘As We Go Along’ to ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday,’ each song is more lovely than the next and I’m glad that she wrote such great tunes for The Monkees.” —Valerie B. “Without a doubt, it's ‘So Far Away.’ When my best friend served in the first Gulf War, I would hear it and cry. But now, it's a beautiful reminder that he came home safe-even though he's still too far away! :) —Pam M.
“I've loved Carole King since I was a little girl growing up and listening to all of her big hits in my parents' car. Listening to her songs in the car were some of my favorite first memories as a child. It really is hard for me to pick a favorite just because I do literally love them all and I have become obsessed with the musical. The arrangements along with Jessie Mueller's voice brings brand new life to these classics. My favorite song I'd have to say would probably be ‘Beautiful.’ It's one of my morning jams I listen to as I get ready in the morning. It puts me in the best of moods and really brightens my whole morning. I have been and still to this day have been very insecure about my looks, my appearance (etc). As cliche as this sounds the song puts me in a good enough of a mood where I don't care as much and I feel good about myself again. It's one of my feel good songs. Ever since I was little I have wanted to perform on a Broadway stage. I'd love to perform in a show like this. I would love to see this show!” —Emma L. “My favorite song by Carole King would have to be ‘Natural Woman.’ I remember going on road trips and me and my mother would always sing that song. It was really a light in the dark for me.” —Shannon S.
“‘Has to be ‘It's Too Late.’ Every time I hear it I'm transported back to my teenage bedroom, the Tapestry album spinning on my orange record player, a junior high graduation gift. Of course I had heard ‘One Fine Day,’ ‘You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)’ and Carole's earlier hits, but ‘It's Too Late’ was the song that launched my 40+ year fandom for all things Carole." —Linda B. “‘Tapestry’ would be my favorite Carole King song because it was the first time I remember hearing a song that told a story. It came out not long after the death of my father and I felt my tapestry, my life, was unraveling. It has been a part of the soundtrack of my life ever since.” —Kathleen J.
“It would probably have to be ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow,’ because I think it's a song that anyone who has been in a relationship can relate to. You are so appreciate and grateful for the love you are giving and receiving today, but so scared that it might not exist tomorrow.” —Alex H. “‘Home Again.’ It's a short song, but packs so much feeling into those 2 and a half minutes. It touches my heart, because I think we've all felt that kind of loneliness and love at different times in our lives." —Gillian S.
“‘An Uncommon Love’ is my favorite Carole King song, the first time I heard it, it resonated through me, and brought me to tears. It so perfectly described how I felt about the women in my life, my best friends.” —Dahila H. “‘I Feel the Earth Move’ is one of my favorite Carole King songs. It always makes me move! No matter where I am or what I'm doing when I hear that song I stop and sing/ dance to it. It makes me happy when I hear this song.” :) —Kathy R. “‘Where You Lead I Will Follow’ - my father is my rock and after I lost my mother, my father showed amazing strength. He didn't tell me hometown live- he allowed me watch and follow in his amazing footsteps.” —Jill S.
“‘Where You Lead’ is one of my favorites. I first heard it on the opening song to the show Gilmore Girls, and I automatically fell in love with it especially now. Back in Oct. my stepmom and dad went through a nasty divorce and still are. My stepmom kicked me out of my home as well as my father. So, as of right now we live separately. My stepsister is still living at home and is constantly getting yelled at by her mother (my step mom). So, when she went off to college I made her a care-package with the lyrics to ‘Where you Lead’ in the letter. It's the perfect song for us because whenever we need each-other no matter what happens with our family ‘I will go to the ends of the earth cause darling to me that's what you're worth.’” —Crystal S. “‘You've Got a Friend.’ Absolutely beautiful message. Such a great reminder that no matter what you're going through, there are people that will be your friends and help you through hard times.” —Will S. “‘You've got a friend.’ I had a close friend in high school, and we carried that friendship a total of 44 years, until she passed away last month.Hurts my heart! :( Lots of great memories with Carole’s songs.” —Toni E.
“‘Beautiful.’ It's the way I live every day. Also ‘You've Got a Friend.’ I recently graduated from college and played this song while packing. It reminds me of the incredible friendships I have made during the last four years. Some of the most powerful friendships of my life so far.” —Catie W.
“It's hard to pick just one, but currently my favorite song is ‘Beautiful.’ It's exactly what I need to hear. The world around you might be cold, and you might be in a bad mood, but the only person that can change the way you feel is you. It's got one of the most beautiful (no pun intended) lyrics I've ever heard – ‘I have often asked myself the reason for sadness In a world where tears are just a lullaby If there's any answer, maybe love can end the madness.’ It's so sweet, simple and pure, and then Ms. King just throws caution to the wind and rocks out at the end with that fantastic piano lick. How can you not have a smile on your face after that!?!” —Lauren RCheck out ‘Beautiful’ on Broadway at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
