![[The Sparkle of Youth] Trivia Quiz About the Carpenters](https://media.ragnet.co.jp/img/1200__png__https://www.studiorag.com/files/2025/05/dee00088aaeefcaae4aa49c92fd3cad4.webp)
[The Sparkle of Youth] Trivia Quiz About the Carpenters
When asked which Western music artists are most beloved in Japan, many people would probably name the Carpenters.
The Carpenters—siblings Karen Carpenter, who possessed an overwhelmingly beautiful singing voice, and Richard Carpenter, an outstanding composer, arranger, and pianist—were a legendary group that scored record-breaking hits in the 1970s and left numerous timeless classics in music history.
In this feature, we present fun facts, trivia, and fascinating episodes about the Carpenters in a quiz format!
They’re so famous they appear in textbooks, yet some people may know the songs but not much about the group itself.
If that’s you, be sure to check this out!
[The Sparkle of Youth] Trivia Quiz about the Carpenters (1–10)
In “Goodbye to Love,” also known in Japan by the title “Ai ni Sayonara o,” an innovative arrangement was used: a prominent, fuzz-toned electric guitar solo. This rock-style guitar lead—unusual for a soft pop ballad at the time—was groundbreaking for the Carpenters’ sound.
- Heavy use of strings
- Add a fuzz guitar solo
- Introduction of electronic beats
See the answer
Add a fuzz guitar solo
In “Goodbye to Love,” a fuzz guitar solo—rare for a soft rock song—was introduced. It was Richard’s idea, showcasing his exceptional talent as an arranger, and it was so innovative for the time that some fans reportedly couldn’t quite understand it.
Who came up with the title of the album “Now & Then”?
- Richard Carpenter
- Karen Carpenter
- Mother of Richard and Karen
See the answer
Mother of Richard and Karen
The title of the Carpenters’ album “Now & Then” was actually suggested by Richard and Karen’s mother. Thanks to her suggestion, the title was adopted for the album.
What was the first song by the Carpenters to win a Grammy Award?
- Yesterday Once More
- (They Long to Be) Close to You
- Top of the World
See the answer
(They Long to Be) Close to You
The Carpenters won their first Grammy with “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” receiving the 1971 Grammy Award for Best Vocal Group.
The Carpenters made many cover songs into their own hits, but there is a song they covered after rewriting part of the lyrics. Which song is it?
- Yesterday Once More
- Superstar
- Top of the World
See the answer
Superstar
The original “Superstar” is a song released in 1969 by Delaney & Bonnie, but some of the lyrics were changed when it was covered because certain parts were considered not a good fit for Karen.
Which of the following was the name of the first group the siblings formed before the Carpenters were formed?
- Richard Carpenter Trio
- Spectrum
- Harmonics
See the answer
Richard Carpenter Trio
The first group the Carpenter siblings formed was called the Richard Carpenter Trio. Their friend Wes Jacobs played upright bass and tuba, and they performed as a jazz trio.
The debut album 'Ticket to Ride' originally had a different title. What was its original title?
- Your Wonderful Parade
- All of My Life
- Offering
See the answer
Offering
The Carpenters’ debut album was originally titled “Offering” and released in 1969. Later, their cover of The Beatles’ song “Ticket to Ride” gained attention, and the album’s title was changed to the same name.
Karen, who is in fact a first-rate drummer as well—on which of the following tracks did she participate as the drummer in the recording?
- (They Long to Be) Close to You
- Rainydays and Mondays
- Yesterday Once More
See the answer
Yesterday Once More
Karen has recorded a variety of songs as a drummer in the Carpenters’ work, and her performance on “Yesterday Once More” in particular is known for showcasing an impeccably precise sense of rhythm.