Greg
Well-Known Member
I have listened to 'Horizon' a lot this year and the phrase that comes to mind is 'beautifully languid'.
The production is gorgeous and intricate. Karen's tone, vocal control and the intimacy of her readings are almost startling in their clarity and sheer beauty. And the album possesses numerous tracks worthy of the greatness they have since acquired (Only Yesterday and Solitaire especially).
I suppose the only problem is that the sheer sonic quality of the album promises so much, and yet some of the material simply does not feel worthy. While 'Love Me For What I Am' and 'Caught Between Goodbye' are solid tracks they essentially lack the greatness worthy of elevation to classic Carpenters.
However, this does not detract from the sheer brilliance of ‘Horizon’. The duo are at the peak of their musical and technical powers. Richards fatigued melancholia merged with Karen’s burgeoning depression creates possibly their most intimate, fragile and reflective album.
The production is gorgeous and intricate. Karen's tone, vocal control and the intimacy of her readings are almost startling in their clarity and sheer beauty. And the album possesses numerous tracks worthy of the greatness they have since acquired (Only Yesterday and Solitaire especially).
I suppose the only problem is that the sheer sonic quality of the album promises so much, and yet some of the material simply does not feel worthy. While 'Love Me For What I Am' and 'Caught Between Goodbye' are solid tracks they essentially lack the greatness worthy of elevation to classic Carpenters.
However, this does not detract from the sheer brilliance of ‘Horizon’. The duo are at the peak of their musical and technical powers. Richards fatigued melancholia merged with Karen’s burgeoning depression creates possibly their most intimate, fragile and reflective album.