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 roundup of the Carpenters’ signature and popular songs (81–90)
Close To YouCarpenters
Among the Carpenters’ catalog, the classic “(They Long to Be) Close to You” stands out as one of their most beloved hits.
Released in the 1970s, this love song portrays a woman pining for someone she adores.
Musically, it sits squarely in the realm of classic pop, with a brisk yet gentle melody.
The English lyrics flow smoothly, and the vocal range isn’t particularly wide, making it an easy song to sing.
You can certainly perform it in the style of the original, but a downbeat, whispery approach—like Billie Eilish’s—also sounds compelling.
Give it a try for inspiration.
Hurting Each OtherCarpenters
While primarily focused on pop music, the Carpenters have created songs with a variety of distinctive qualities.
Among their works, “Hurting Each Other” is particularly dynamic in its contrasts.
The chorus, in particular, features pronounced shifts, dropping suddenly into a quiet arrangement and vocal line at the end.
Although some parts can be a bit tricky to pitch, the overall range is narrow, making it a song that’s relatively easy to sing.
Be sure to check it out.
SolitaireCarpenters
I’d like to introduce a slightly unusual song here.
The Carpenters produced many pop songs known for their orthodox development, but there are also pieces that differ from typical pop music.
One such song is “Solitaire.
” While the chorus is a conventional pop ballad, the verses and pre-chorus have a dreamy, ethereal quality.
This kind of melody is rare for the Carpenters, so many listeners may find it refreshing.
As for the vocal line, the range is a bit wider than usual, but not to the point of requiring falsetto, so even those who aren’t confident in their vocals can feel at ease.
The First SnowfallCarpenters
The American pop music duo the Carpenters continues to be popular in Japan even today.
I think many younger people are familiar with them as well.
Their song “The First Snowfall” is one of their classic winter-themed tracks, released in 1978.
Karen’s vocals, sung in an alto voice—which was very rare in the music scene at the time—are particularly striking.
The melody evokes Christmas and has a bright feel, but combined with Karen’s timbre, it also conveys a calm, soothing atmosphere alongside that brightness.
We’ve Only Just BegunCarpenters
A wedding song classic, “We’ve Only Just Begun.
” Its Japanese title is “Ai no Prelude” (Prelude of Love).
As the title suggests, a prelude is an introductory piece, and the song portrays lovers embarking on a new beginning through marriage.
The melody is generally calm, but when it reaches the chorus the voltage rises a bit and an expansive, grand tune unfolds.
Hearing “grand,” many might assume it demands powerful vocals, but the impact actually comes from layering multiple chorus tracks, so even those who aren’t confident in their vocal power can sing it without worry.
The Glow of Youth (I Need to Be in Love)Carpenters
It’s a song included on the Carpenters’ 1976 album “A Kind of Hush.” It is said to have been Karen Carpenter’s favorite among their own works during her lifetime.
In Japan, it became well-known when it was used as the ending theme for the 1995 TV drama “Miseinen” (Minors).
Just as its Japanese title suggests, it’s a beautiful piece that will likely never lose its luster.
[The Sparkle of Youth] A Collection of the Carpenters’ Signature and Popular Songs (91–100)
The Splendor of YouthCarpenters
Released in 1976, The Carpenters’ “I Need to Be in Love” is said to have been the favorite song of Karen Carpenter, the sister in the Carpenter siblings and a member of the duo.
In Japan, it drew major attention when it was used as the ending theme for the 1995 TV drama “Miseinen,” starring Issei Ishida.
While the lyrics convey a kind of resignation toward love that can feel a little bittersweet, the overall mood of the song is filled with warmth.
When performing it as a vocal-and-piano piece, play gently so that the piano softly complements the vocal and enhances that warm atmosphere.