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 Sparkle of Youth] A Collection of the Carpenters’ Signature and Popular Songs (’71–’80)
Little hondaCarpenters
“Little Honda” is included on the Carpenters’ live album released in 1975.
“Little Honda” is known as a song performed by the Beach Boys.
This track is an interesting collaboration between the Beach Boys’ vocalist Brian Wilson and the Carpenters.
LovelinessCarpenters
This song, titled Loveliness, is included on an album released in 1989.
Its lyrics, written around the theme of the power of love, are sung over a light, breezy melody.
It’s a soothing track featuring Karen’s vocals.
Maybe Its youCarpenters
This song, Maybe It’s You, which begins with a quiet intro, is included on the 1970 album Close to You.
Karen’s vocals are a touch wistful and lonely, making for a poignant track.
It’s a song that captivates with its enveloping, expansive melody.
Ordinary foolCarpenters
This song, included on the album “Voice of the Heart,” is one that Karen sings softly.
Although it has a melancholic tone, it is known as a cover of a song released in 1975 by singer-songwriter Paul Williams, who provided many songs to the Carpenters.
Prime time loveCarpenters
A dramatic track included on the Carpenters’ 11th released album, Voice of the Heart.
This album is known for having been released after the death of the vocalist Karen, who passed away at the young age of 32.
Sailing on the tideCarpenters
A track included on the album “Voice of the Heart.” It’s a song that makes you want to head to the sea when you listen to it.
It evokes the image of relaxing near the ocean on vacation, and it’s an encouraging song to hear when you’re feeling a bit rushed in life.
That’s what I believeCarpenters
The album Time, released in 1987, is known for Richard Carpenter of the Carpenters collaborating with other artists.
Among the songs included on the album, there is one that was written as a dedication to Karen, who passed away at a young age.
This song has an upbeat, dance-style rhythm.