song4u
Well-Known Member
Well, count me in as one of those fans. I thought the material well beneath someone of her talent. I, as probably everyone at A&M at the time, was expecting something of great "depth," emotion, and timelessness that only she could deliver...and well, honestly, we got sex and disco. I completley understand, and to a point agree with, the "stab at independence" and "growing" as an artist arguement; howver, this seemed more a dated commercial effort (to maker her "relevant" in the late 70's) hardly worthy of one of the greatest voices in the lexicon of American music. Short sighted on Phil's part, in my humble minority opinion.
My feelings toward Karen's solo album are some where in the middle. I was a bit disappointed in the choice of material. I didn't expect it to be a Carpenters album, but I didn't think it would lean as far toward the sex and disco that was prevalent on the radio at the time it was recorded either. Carpenters, as a duo had always done their own thing - they brought a new style to the airwaves, so I didn't expect Karen's album to have the sound that it did. We fans didn't know at the time she recorded it all the turbulence that was going on in Karen's and Richard's lives and family relationships. I just knew that she was "the ultimate vocal talent" and that it would be great to hear from her again. And she really did stretch her comfort zone with the vocal gymnastics and some of the overdubbing is awesome, i.e. If I Had You.
Later on, reading and watching what was happening with Karen all those years, it wasn't surprising to me that she chose to do something totally different and independent. Even if the album had not sold well in 1980, I think that the fans and many in the music business would have heartily encouraged her to keep pursuing her solo efforts as well as recording with Richard. That alone may have gone a long way. But it was what it was. We cherish the music we have from her. I'm grateful to Richard for taking the time and effort to release what he has of Karen's and his recordings. He could have totally fallen apart and never wanted to hear it again. I'm glad he rallied and has had a good life. I only wish Karen could have.