The Brilliance of Youth: A collection of the Carpenters’ signature and popular songs

Turn awayCarpenters

The Carpenters – Turn Away [1969]

This song, titled Turn Away, features Richard Carpenter on lead vocals with Karen’s beautiful backing vocals.

It’s a powerfully delivered number, and singing it together with everyone might make for an impressive, dynamic performance.

Top of the WorldCarpenters

Carpenters Top of the World The Carpenters HQ

The Carpenters are a sibling duo consisting of Karen and Richard.

This song was released in 1972 and reached No.

1 on Billboard the following year.

It has been covered by many singers, and in Japan it has been performed by prominent artists such as Mari Amachi, Hiromi Iwasaki, and Agnes Chan.

40/40Carpenters

Yesterday Once More

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.

Top of the WorldCarpenters

Carpenters Top of the World The Carpenters HQ

It’s a nostalgic song by the Carpenters.

It was used in the drama that marked Mimura’s first starring role, and the fresh, innocent atmosphere matched the song perfectly.

With its breezy melody, it’s very easy to listen to.

The lyrics are in English, but they stick in your head, and you can’t help humming along.

I Believe YouCarpenters

The Carpenters-I Believe You

The original title is “I Believe You,” included as the sixth track on the 1981 album Made in America, the last released during Karen’s lifetime.

Issued as a single in 1978, it reached No.

68 on the U.

S.

charts and was the final single before their hiatus.

Amid a period of stagnation, Karen’s pure, crystalline vocals and the strings make this a deeply moving song.

Reason to BelieveCarpenters

The Carpenters – Reason To Believe (1970)

The original title is “Reason to Believe,” included as the fourth track on their second album, “Close to You.” A masterpiece by Tim Hardin, which was also covered by Rod Stewart.

Although it’s an album track, it features a country-style arrangement that makes it quintessentially Carpenters—an excellent classic.

A Small Wish of LoveCarpenters

“It’s Going to Take Some Time” The Carpenters

The original title is “It’s Going to Take Some Time,” included as the fourth track on the 1972 album “A Song for You.

” Written by Carole King in 1971 and included on her 1971 album “Music,” it was released as a single the following year as a cover by the Carpenters.

Carole herself highly praised the result.

It reached No.

12 on the U.

S.

charts.