The Brilliance of Youth: A collection of the Carpenters’ signature and popular songs
The sibling duo the Carpenters, who have achieved record-breaking sales in music history and continue to be loved around the world.
In Japan in particular, their popularity is exceptional—as evidenced by their first Japan tour in 1976 being held at the Nippon Budokan—and they seem to enjoy periodic revival hits through use in commercials and TV dramas.
It hardly needs saying that the Carpenters’ songs are so well-known that they even appear in music textbooks.
This article brings together and introduces the Carpenters’ popular and signature songs.
It’s also recommended for those who’ve heard the tunes but might not know the song titles—so please take a look!
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[The Brilliance of Youth] A Collection of the Carpenters’ Signature and Popular Songs (31–40)
HappyCarpenters
This song, with the bright title “Happy,” is included on the Carpenters’ sixth album, Horizon, released in 1975.
Karen’s vocals deliver a refreshing take on the games of love and sweet romantic feelings.
Love is surrenderCarpenters
This song, Love Is Surrender, is a track included on the 1970 album Close to You.
The Carpenters sang many songs themed around love.
In this song, a profound message about love is delivered through a catchy melody.
If we tryCarpenters
A track highlighted by the saxophone intro and the singer’s low vocals.
“If We Try” is included on Karen’s solo album, but it can also be heard on Loveliness, an album that compiles previously unreleased Carpenters songs.
(There’s No Place Like) Home For The HolidaysCarpenters
A heartwarming ballad that gently sings of family and hometown during the Christmas season.
The Carpenters’ tender harmonies and Karen’s delicate vocals beautifully capture the holiday atmosphere.
Featured on the 1984 album “An Old-Fashioned Christmas,” this piece was released after Karen’s passing, yet it remains a gem imbued with her spirit.
Its lyrics, depicting the journey back home, evoke a deep sense of nostalgia in listeners and remind us of the preciousness of time spent with family.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to play on Christmas night, cozied up by the fireplace with your loved ones, filling you with warmth.
Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters
The Carpenters’ timeless classic “Yesterday Once More.” This song is also appealing because you can practice it at a slow tempo.
It’s fine to keep the finished performance slow as well, so try to play with a calm, steady tone.
[The Carpenters’ Youthful Brilliance] A Compilation of Signature and Popular Songs (41–50)
40/40Carpenters
This is a two-disc compilation album packed with the charm of the Carpenters, the American pop music group emblematic of the 1970s.
It features 40 tracks woven together by Karen Carpenter’s warm, heartfelt vocals and Richard Carpenter’s masterful arrangements.
Released in Japan in April 2009, it became a major hit, reaching No.
3 on the Oricon chart.
Timeless classics like “(They Long to Be) Close to You” and “Rainy Days and Mondays” gently sing of love, everyday joys, and, at times, tender heartache.
It’s an ideal pick for anyone seeking soothing melodies or looking for a welcoming introduction to Western pop music.
A love where we gaze into each other’s eyesCarpenters
The original title is “There’s a Kind of Hush (All Over the World).” It opens the 1976 seventh album “A Kind of Hush.” The song is a cover of a track originally released as a single in 1967 by the British band Herman’s Hermits, which reached No.
7 in the UK.
Compared to the original, the Carpenters’ version features a more subdued arrangement, giving it a more mature feel.
It reached No.
12 in the U.S.