Songs you never knew were by Carole King

Songs by Carole King

Carole King wrote or helped write over a hundred hit songs, and many people don’t know she was the one behind them. A lot of these songs were big hits, even though other singers made them famous.

She worked with lyricists like Gerry Goffin and others to write songs that helped shape pop, R&B, rock, and soul music starting in the 1960s.

This list shows the biggest and most surprising songs that Carole King wrote, even if someone else was the one singing them.

Take Good Care of My Baby – Bobby Vee (1961)

“Take Good Care of My Baby” is a song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. It was sung by Bobby Vee and came out in 1961. The song became a big hit and reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Top 100 in September 1961.

It stayed at the top for three weeks and was on the chart for fifteen weeks in total. The lyrics are about a boy asking his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend to treat her kindly.

Many people have loved this song over the years. Even The Beatles sang it during their Decca Records audition in 1962.

The Loco-Motion – Little Eva (1962)

“The Loco-Motion” is a fun song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. They first wanted singer Dee Dee Sharp to sing it, but she said no.

So, they asked their babysitter, Eva Boyd, who had a great voice, to sing the demo. She became known as Little Eva. The producer, Don Kirshner, loved her version and released it as a single. It became a #1 hit in 1962. Little Eva even made up a dance to go with it.

Up on the Roof – The Drifters (1963)

“Up on the Roof” is a song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin during the Brill Building era. The Drifters recorded it in 1962, and it became a big hit.

It reached number 5 on the U.S. pop chart and number 4 on the U.S. R&B chart. The song was inspired by the rooftop scenes in the 1961 movie West Side Story and talks about the roof as a quiet escape from the busy city.

I’m Into Something Good – Herman’s Hermits (1964)

“I’m Into Something Good” is a fun pop song written by Carole King, who made the music, and Gerry Goffin, who wrote the lyrics. It was first recorded by Earl-Jean of The Cookies in 1964.

Later that year, it became famous when Herman’s Hermits, with lead singer Peter Noone, sang it. The song came out in the UK in August 1964 and in the US in September 1964.

Goin’ Back – Dusty Springfield (1966)

“Goin’ Back” is a song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin in 1966. It was first released by Goldie and the Gingerbreads that same year.

Later, Dusty Springfield made it famous when she released it as a single on July 1st, 1966. The song reached number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and became one of her most iconic hits.

Many other artists have covered the song, like The Byrds, Nils Lofgren, Bruce Springsteen, Marianne Faithfull, Freddie Mercury, Diana Ross, and Richard Thompson.

Will You Love Me Tomorrow – The Shirelles (1960)

“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” is a classic pop song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. It was first sung by The Shirelles in 1960. This song made history as the first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 by an all-black girl group.

The song talks about the feelings of young love and wondering if the love will last. It has a string solo and a beautiful string arrangement. Many artists have covered it over the years.

Chains – The Cookies (1962) / The Beatles (1963)

“Chains” is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. It was first recorded by The Cookies in 1962. The Beatles covered the song in 1963 and added it as the fourth track on their first album, Please Please Me.

The Beatles also sang “Chains” live on BBC radio shows like Side by Side, Here We Go, and Pop Go the Beatles. Carole King later recorded her version in 1980 on her album Pearls: Songs of Goffin and King.

Crying in the Rain – The Everly Brothers (1962)

“Crying in the Rain” is a song written by Carole King and Howard Greenfield. It was first recorded by The Everly Brothers in 1962 and became a big hit, reaching number six on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

This showed how successful and loved the song was. It was a special team-up between King and Greenfield.

Many artists, like the band a-ha, have covered it. The song also shows Carole King’s great talent as a songwriter and hints at how big she would become as a performer later on.

One Fine Day – The Chiffons (1963)

“One Fine Day” is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. It was first sung by The Chiffons in 1963 and became a big hit, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100.

Carole King also sang the song herself in 1980, and her version reached number 12 on the Hot 100. Over the years, many artists have covered the song, including The Carpenters, Natalie Merchant, Bette Midler, and Aaron Neville.

Oh No Not My Baby – Maxine Brown (1964)

“Oh No Not My Baby” is a song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. It was first sung by Maxine Brown in 1964.

The song tells the story of a young woman who refuses to believe that her boyfriend is being unfaithful, even though people warn her about it. She trusts him completely, even if there are rumors. Maxine Brown’s version is a soulful pop song that shows deep emotion.

Pleasant Valley Sunday – The Monkees (1967)

“Pleasant Valley Sunday” is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. It was performed by The Monkees in 1967. The song talks about life in the suburbs and how people feel the need to show off their wealth and keep up with others.

The songwriters were inspired by their move to West Orange, New Jersey, and a street called Pleasant Valley Way.

The lyrics point out how people in the suburbs can feel trapped in a life of trying to be perfect. The song became very popular, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman – Aretha Franklin (1967)

“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” is a 1967 soul song by Aretha Franklin. It was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, with an idea from producer Jerry Wexler.

The song was released by Atlantic Records and was part of Aretha’s album Lady Soul. It reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Aretha Franklin’s most famous songs.

Carole King also recorded the song and included it in her 1971 album Tapestry. The song is still remembered today as one of Aretha Franklin’s best and is loved by many.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss) – The Crystals (1962)

“He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)” is a 1962 song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King for the Crystals. It was produced by Phil Spector, who was known for his “Wall of Sound” style.

The song was inspired by the couple’s babysitter, “Little Eva” Boyd, who told them her boyfriend’s abusive behavior felt like love.

The lyrics show the victim’s point of view, making it seem like the abuse is an act of affection. The song became a hit and is a well-known example of the Brill Building songwriting era.

Just Once in My Life – The Righteous Brothers (1965)

“Just Once in My Life” is a 1965 hit song by The Righteous Brothers, written by Carole King, Gerry Goffin, and Phil Spector. It was released after their huge hit “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” which was also written by the same trio.

The song became very popular and reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also the title track of their 1965 album. Later, in 1976, the Beach Boys covered the song on their album 15 Big Ones.

Much like the songs listed in 15 hit songs Prince wrote for other stars,”Just Once in My Life” is a well-known example of the successful work of these songwriters.

Don’t Bring Me Down – The Animals (1966)

“Don’t Bring Me Down” is a 1966 song written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, and recorded by The Animals. The song is about feeling hurt in a relationship and asking the partner to stop causing pain.

The lyrics show frustration, with lines like, “Don’t bring me down, I can’t take any more.” The Animals, led by Eric Burdon, used their strong blues-rock sound to bring the song to life.

The song became a big hit and helped The Animals stay popular. It was later covered by bands like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers much like some of the 1960s country songs: the golden age of country music, which also saw songs that became hits.

If one of these songs surprised you, tell us which one in the comments!

Read More From This Brand:

• 15 Hated ’70s’ Songs We Secretly Adore
• The Most-Played Bar Country Songs
• Top Country Songs of January 2025

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first to get stories like this one

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.