What does Speeding Time sound like?

A reflective blend of soft rock and folk, infused with electronic textures and introspective lyrics. Rooted in folk rock and soft rock. Start with "Computer Eyes".

Is Speeding Time a good place to start with Carole King?

Yes, Speeding Time is recommended as a starting point for new Carole King listeners. A reflective blend of soft rock and folk, infused with electronic textures and introspective lyrics. Released in 1983, Speeding Time was Carole King's follow-up to her commercially successful album, Thoroughbred. At this point in her career, King was transitioning into a more contemporary sound, embracing synthesizers while maintaining her signature songwriting style. This shift marked her exploration of new musical landscapes as she adapted to the changing music scene.

Who is Speeding Time for?

Speeding Time works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, poignant melodies for contemplation and warm background for relaxation.

How many songs are on Speeding Time?

Speeding Time has 10 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Speeding Time

Carole King · 1983

38 min · 10 tracks · folk rock

A reflective blend of soft rock and folk, infused with electronic textures and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Computer Eyes Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Crying in the Rain — This track stands out for its emotional depth and classic pop ballad structure, highlighting King's exceptional vocal delivery alongside poignant lyrics about heartache.
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One Small Voice — The song captures a hopeful message of individual impact amidst societal challenges, showcasing King's knack for blending social commentary with accessible melodies.
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Speeding Time — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of life's fleeting moments through a catchy chorus and rich instrumentation, reflecting both urgency and introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album reflects King's transition to a contemporary sound, balancing soft rock with electronic elements.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate layered harmonies and synth arrangements, creating a contemporary sound distinct from her earlier acoustic work.
The album includes moments of tempo variation, particularly in tracks like 'Crying in the Rain', which shifts to a more introspective pace.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
poignant melodies for contemplation
warm background for relaxation
thoughtful tracks for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy excitement
prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The album represents a shift to a more contemporary sound with electronic textures.
Career context: Released in 1983, Speeding Time was Carole King's follow-up to her commercially successful album, Thoroughbred. At this point in her career, King was transitioning into a more contemporary sound, embracing synthesizers while maintaining her signature songwriting style. This shift marked her exploration of new musical landscapes as she adapted to the changing music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: James Taylor· Joni Mitchell· Linda Ronstadt