I became a fan of Karen and Richard Carpenter almost exactly 1 year ago when I watched a YouTube video of the Carpenters performing a Bacharach/David medley in 1970. I was blown away and since then I probably haven't gone a single day without listening to at least a few of their songs. Here are my 10 favorite songs featuring Karen and/or Richard Carpenter.
[1] Bacharach/David Medley (from the album "Carpenters" a.k.a the Tan album)
I think the medley format keeps the song fresh and interesting while Karen's vocals are excellent. Richard's short lead vocals in the "Walk On By" portion of the medley are perfect too.
[2] Sweet, Sweet, Smile (from the album "Passages")
The percussion and Karen's vocals really make the song entertaining from beginning to end.
[3] If We Try (from the album "Karen Carpenter")
I love the brass in this song and when Karen resumes singing after a bit of a break, "So, Darling, if you feel lonely tonight and you need someone who can hold you tight," it's just ear candy without any calories. Perfect.
[4] Goodbye To Love (from the album "A Song For You")
Karen's singing is great and I love Tony Peluso's fuzz guitar solo.
[5] We've Only Just Begun (from the album "Close To You")
It's a great tune made even better with Karen's lead vocals and Richard's backing vocals.
[6] Guess I Just Lost My Head (from the album "Karen Carpenter")
Great instrumentation in this song. It's so smooth and goes along with Karen's fantastic delivery. More ear candy.
[7] Please Mr. Postman (from the album "Horizon")
A sharp, upbeat and perfectly arranged song.
[8] Still In Love With You (from the album "Karen Carpenter")
The guitar work on this is awesome. Karen sounds a bit like Pat Benatar here. But this song is lyrically the opposite of Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker." Love this song.
[9] This Masquerade (from the album "Now and Then")
Pitch perfect singing from Karen and a top notch piano solo from Richard.
[10] My Body Keeps Changing My Mind (from the album "Karen Carpenter")
I love the brass in this song. Sharp and sassy. And Karen's lead and backing vocals are so well done. Karen is just amazing.
My bet is that most everyone else on this board will have their disagreements and agreements with my top 10 list. That's okay. But I just figured that I would toss my top 10 out here. Now given how good the Carpenters' catalog of music is, it would be more realistic to have a top 25 list. But I ran out of time.
[1] Bacharach/David Medley (from the album "Carpenters" a.k.a the Tan album)
I think the medley format keeps the song fresh and interesting while Karen's vocals are excellent. Richard's short lead vocals in the "Walk On By" portion of the medley are perfect too.
[2] Sweet, Sweet, Smile (from the album "Passages")
The percussion and Karen's vocals really make the song entertaining from beginning to end.
[3] If We Try (from the album "Karen Carpenter")
I love the brass in this song and when Karen resumes singing after a bit of a break, "So, Darling, if you feel lonely tonight and you need someone who can hold you tight," it's just ear candy without any calories. Perfect.
[4] Goodbye To Love (from the album "A Song For You")
Karen's singing is great and I love Tony Peluso's fuzz guitar solo.
[5] We've Only Just Begun (from the album "Close To You")
It's a great tune made even better with Karen's lead vocals and Richard's backing vocals.
[6] Guess I Just Lost My Head (from the album "Karen Carpenter")
Great instrumentation in this song. It's so smooth and goes along with Karen's fantastic delivery. More ear candy.
[7] Please Mr. Postman (from the album "Horizon")
A sharp, upbeat and perfectly arranged song.
[8] Still In Love With You (from the album "Karen Carpenter")
The guitar work on this is awesome. Karen sounds a bit like Pat Benatar here. But this song is lyrically the opposite of Pat Benatar's "Heartbreaker." Love this song.
[9] This Masquerade (from the album "Now and Then")
Pitch perfect singing from Karen and a top notch piano solo from Richard.
[10] My Body Keeps Changing My Mind (from the album "Karen Carpenter")
I love the brass in this song. Sharp and sassy. And Karen's lead and backing vocals are so well done. Karen is just amazing.
My bet is that most everyone else on this board will have their disagreements and agreements with my top 10 list. That's okay. But I just figured that I would toss my top 10 out here. Now given how good the Carpenters' catalog of music is, it would be more realistic to have a top 25 list. But I ran out of time.