Recordings in other languages

[Simon KC1950]

The Carpenters recorded the song "Sing" in Spanish for it's release in Spain. Other than that and the Japanese version of sing, did they record any other songs in any language other than English?

If not, why did they only record Sing? Did any fans, around when it was released, know anything about it before it was released on "From The Top"?

 

[tomswift2002]

Karen did sing Ave Maria which is in Latin.

 

[Jamesj75]

I believe that "B'wana" is Swahili.
But "Canta" and "Ave Maria" may be about it...

 

[newvillefan]

There's always the dreadful Stille Nacht, which although wasn't included on an album, Karen still had the misfortune to be associated with.

 

[Murray]

There's always the dreadful Stille Nacht, which although wasn't included on an album, Karen still had the misfortune to be associated with.

I didn't think her attempt at German was that bad.

 

[newvillefan]

I didn't think her attempt at German was that bad.

Her German was ok, it was the whole arrangement and Georgia Engel's contribution and bizarre facial gestures that ruined it for me.

 

[tomswift2002]

Karen also sang Sing in Japanese on the Live In Japan album.

 

[ars nova]

The Carpenters recorded the song "Sing" in Spanish for it's release in Spain. Other than that and the Japanese version of sing, did they record any other songs in any language other than English?

If not, why did they only record Sing? Did any fans, around when it was released, know anything about it before it was released on "From The Top"?

canta was recorded because the foreign distributors asked for it. when CANTA was recorded, as with captain and Tennille's LOVE WILL KEEP US TOGETHER album. the lead vocals were replaced. sing had a fairly juvenal lyric and kids don't have that sophisticated ear for the entire scope of the song, I doubt that Richard would have been satisfied with just replacing the lead track, and it also meant more time in the studio.