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!
- Carpenters Popular Songs Ranking [2025]
- Singable Songs by The Carpenters | Famous Western hits that are easy to sing despite being in a foreign language
- The Carpenters’ Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2025]
- [The Sparkle of Youth] Trivia Quiz About the Carpenters
- Beginner’s Guide to the Beach Boys: Best and Most Popular Songs
- Beautiful, lovely Western music. A roundup of recommended classic songs.
- Carole King Popular Songs Ranking [2025]
- The Beatles’ famous and popular songs
- Simon & Garfunkel Popular Songs Ranking [2025]
- Youth-themed Western music. World classics and recommended popular songs.
- [2025] Western Music You’ve Heard at Least Once — From Trending New Tracks to Timeless Classics
- Foreign songs about flowers: world classics and popular hits
- Spring, hearts racing! Classics of Western music
“The Carpenters’ Signature and Popular Songs: ‘The Good Times’ Collection (1–10)”
Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters
It’s a masterpiece that feels packed with the radiance of youth.
It gently delivers a sense of nostalgia for past memories on a warm, tender melody.
It’s no exaggeration to say that “Yesterday Once More” is one of the Carpenters’ best-known songs in Japan.
Released in May 1973, the track appears on the album Now & Then and caused a worldwide sensation, reaching No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It’s the perfect song for when you want to bask in nostalgia or look back on memories with someone special.
Savor the unforgettable vocals and heartwarming harmonies.
Top of the WorldCarpenters
This song is characterized by a bright, hopeful atmosphere that evokes the radiance of youth.
Known in Japan as “Top of the World,” it expresses the supreme joy of being with a loved one.
As one of the Carpenters’ signature songs, it was released in 1972 and reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year.
The beautiful harmonies and heartwarming melody of the American sibling duo captivate listeners and never let go.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to feel the wonder of love or spend special time with someone important.
Goodbye to LoveCarpenters
“Goodbye to Love” is a classic by the Carpenters that sets the pain of heartbreak to a beautiful melody.
Karen’s translucent voice poignantly conveys the sorrow of lost love.
Released in June 1972, the song reached No.
7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Notably, it features a bold arrangement that incorporates a fuzz-guitar solo into a ballad—a forward-leaning choice that was divisive at the time.
It has continued to be cherished by many as a song that comforts those trying to recover from the wounds of a broken heart.
I Need to Be in LoveCarpenters
Known in Japan by the title “Seishun no Kagayaki” (The Brilliance of Youth), this is a beloved Carpenters classic with especially strong popularity in Japan.
Karen’s clear, pure vocals beautifully convey a woman’s poignant longing for love.
Released in June 1976 and included on the album A Kind of Hush, the song earned high acclaim worldwide, reaching No.
1 on the U.
S.
Billboard Easy Listening chart.
It gained renewed attention in 1995 when it was used as the theme song for the Japanese TV drama ‘Miseinen’ (Underage).
A heartwarming piece that offers comfort to those struggling with love or life.
I Won’t Last a Day Without YouCarpenters
Carpenters’ “I Won’t Last a Day Without You” is a heartwarming ballad that expresses deep feelings for a loved one.
Karen’s clear, pure voice beautifully conveys the earnest emotion of not being able to live without the one you love.
Released in 1972 and included on the album “A Song For You,” the song was issued as a single in 1974 and reached No.
11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It’s a recommended track not only for pop music fans but also for anyone who wants to convey their feelings for someone special through music.
(They Long to Be) Close to YouCarpenters
Known in Japan under the title “Harukanaru Kage,” this song is a classic that expresses a heartfelt longing for a loved one.
Released in July 1970 as one of the Carpenters’ signature works, it reached No.
1 in the United States.
Karen’s translucent vocals and Richard’s sophisticated arrangements blend beautifully, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s a track you’ll want to hear in moments when you feel love or think of someone dear, and it’s recommended for those who want to savor a romantic atmosphere.
Brimming with the charm of the American brother-sister duo, this work has lost none of its luster more than 50 years later and continues to be cherished by many.
This MasqueradeCarpenters
The Carpenters’ song “Masquerade” is a moving piece themed around the falsehoods and masks in human relationships.
Karen’s soul-stirring vocals and Richard’s poignant arrangement brilliantly convey the depth of the lyrics.
Released in May 1973, the song is a cover of a work by American singer-songwriter Leon Russell.
Richard is said to have drawn inspiration from a masquerade ball during his college days.
This work, which prompts reflection on relationships and personal authenticity, carries a message that resonates deeply with those of us living in modern society.