The alluring transitions between minor and major keys create a poignant sensibility that plays against the tune’s bouncing, Tin Pan Alley chorus. This is one of the best melodies in a catalog overflowing with them. In King’s hands, the song plays like an aching companion to The Beach Boys’ “In My Room.” This melancholy take from her debut solo album Writer is a lovely contrast to the classic toe-tapping version by The Drifters. In particular, “Up on the Roof” paints an unforgettable, visible setting. Some of King and Goffin’s best lyrics are strongly rooted in a sense of location. But to name her 12 best songs, calls for an emphasis on her golden years of partnership with Gerry Goffin, their work at the Brill Building and her 1971 masterpiece album Tapestry. With dozens of pop standards to her name, it’s a challenge to narrow down even King’s greatest hits much less her deep cuts, overlooked gems and standout tracks from less popular and later albums. In fact, other canonic musicians ranging from Aretha Franklin to The Animals and The Drifters to Dusty Springfield have performed her music, partially to honor the legend and partially to make her work their own hits. Her work, both as a composer and performer, continues to be the gold standard of fine form matched to pop melody. Carole King’s contributions to pop music songwriting and rock ’n’ roll history can’t be overstated.
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