1971 Hit Ranked Among Best ‘Soft Rock Songs’ of All Time Became a Heartbreak Anthem
In 2024, Ultimate Classic Rockpulled together a definitive ranking of the best "soft rock" songs ever recorded, offering a unique blend of classic tracks and modern hits.
In pole position was Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams", the timeless single from their formative Rumours album. Following closely behind were "How Deep Is Your Love" by the Bee Gees, "Summer Breeze" by Seals and Crofts, and "Baby, I Love Your Way" by Peter Frampton.
These may have been the most popular entries on the list, but there were several inclusions whose legacy has been just as profound and influential despite being somewhat more underrated. Carole King's "It's Too Late" is a perfect example.
The single was released as an A-side single to her acclaimed album Tapestry, which also featured appearances from singer-songwriter legends James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. The song was an immediate hit, climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining there for five weeks in a row.
With its sharp percussion, subtle guitars, and driving piano chords, "It's Too Late" was King's most successful song to date. The song quickly sold over 500,000 copies in the United States, with a Record of the Year Grammy arriving less than a year later. Tapestry would also win Album of the Year at the same ceremony—another record broken by King.
Despite its release over five decades ago, "It's Too Late" remains a powerful breakup anthem due to its uplifting lyrics and simple musicianship that insists on getting stuck in your head. It's a song that takes the concept of heartbreak and turns it into something more digestible through universal, relatable storytelling.
Though King typically receives all the credit, the track was actually written by Toni Stern and was reportedly inspired by her breakup with fellow musician, James Taylor.
"It's Too Late" remains a massive hit today, with over 300 million streams on Spotify and consistent physical sales.