Writer is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Carole King, released in May 1970. King already had a successful career as a songwriter and been a part of The City, a short-lived group she formed after moving to Los Angeles in 1968. Tracks on the album include "Up on the Roof", which was a number 4 hit for the Drifters in 1962, and "Child of Mine", which has been recorded by Billy Joe Royal,Billy Joe Royal, The Very Best of Billy Joe Royal: The Columbia Years (1965-1972) Retrieved September 23, 2012. among others. The album did not receive much attention upon its release, though it entered the chart following the success of King's next album, Tapestry, in 1971. It was produced by John Fischbach, the co-founder of Crystal Sound studio, in Hollywood, California, where the album was recorded.
The album received positive reviews from critics, with AllMusic noting that it was the "most underrated of all [her] original albums". In a review that also covered Tapestry in Rolling Stone, Jon Landau wrote, "Writer was a blessing despite its faults" and that though the "production was poor", King herself made the album "very worthwhile".
Track listing All songs written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King; lyrics for "Raspberry Jam" and "What Have You Got to Lose" by Toni Stern.
Personnel Carole Kingpiano, vocals, backing vocals, arrangements Ralph Schuckettorgan John FischbachMoog synthesizer James Tayloracoustic guitar; backing vocals on "Goin' Back" Danny Kortchmaracoustic guitar, electric guitar, conga Charles LarkeyFender bass Joel O'Briendrums, percussion, vibes Abigale Haness, Delores Hallbacking vocals
Production John Fischbachproducer Andrew Berlinerengineer Gerry Goffinmixing Guy Webstercover photograph Tom Neuwirthliner photographs Rod Dyer, Paul Bruhwilerlayout, design
Charts Chart (1971)PositionCanadian RPM Albums ChartLibrary and Archives Canada. Retrieved 2011-02-0262Japanese Oricon Albums Chart67US Billboard Top LPs[ Allmusic - Carole King > Writer > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums]84
References