Karen Carpenter was an immensely talented American singer and drummer who, along with her brother Richard Carpenter, formed the iconic duo The Carpenters. Born on March 2, 1950, in New Haven, Connecticut, Karen’s rich, velvety voice and impeccable timing captivated audiences and earned her a special place in the annals of music history.
The Carpenters achieved extraordinary success throughout the 1970s, becoming one of the best-selling musical acts of all time. Karen’s warm and resonant vocals, coupled with Richard’s intricate arrangements, produced a string of timeless hits such as “Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.” Their music, characterized by lush harmonies and Karen’s distinctive voice, brought a unique blend of pop, soft rock, and adult contemporary genres to the forefront.
Karen Carpenter’s talent extended beyond her remarkable vocal abilities. She was also a skilled drummer, defying gender norms and inspiring many female musicians to pursue their dreams. Her drumming skills added an extra layer of depth and versatility to The Carpenters’ sound, further showcasing her musical prowess.
Unfortunately, Karen’s life was cut tragically short when she succumbed to heart failure caused by complications from an eating disorder on February 4, 1983. Her untimely death shocked the world and shed light on the devastating impact of eating disorders.
Despite her premature passing, Karen Carpenter’s musical legacy lives on. Her voice continues to resonate with audiences, and her contributions to popular music are celebrated to this day. Her expressive and emotive singing style, combined with her undeniable talent, solidified her status as one of the greatest voices in music history.
1. We’ve Only Just Begun
The song that tops Karen Carpenter's best hits list is a timeless classic that has been a go-to choice for weddings and other romantic occasions for decades. With its gentle, heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody, We’ve Only Just Begun continues to be loved by fans of all ages.
Karen's mesmerizing voice carries the song forward perfectly, backed by Richard Carpenter's tender arrangements. The intricate harmonies complement the song's lyrics, which talk about two people starting their journey together while promising to support each other. It leaves listeners sighing wistfully; wishing for a love like that.
What sets We’ve Only Just Begun apart from other classics is its enduring universal appeal. The song connects to every listener's heartstrings with its relatable lyrics, making it an instant favorite upon release in 1970.
Despite being released over fifty years ago, We’ve Only Just Begun remains popular and relevant even today – this attests to Karen Carpenter's illustrious talent as a singer and Richard’s exceptional ability as a musician.
It's recommended to listen to this beautiful classic to experience the magic of Karen Carpenter's voice and feel the warmth of Richard Carpenter’s music. Any sentimental value it holds will astound you – it might make you nostalgic or help you look forward to starting your own journey together with your loved one.
When it's rainy and Monday, Karen Carpenter's voice is the perfect soundtrack to your sadness.
2. Rainy Days And Mondays
This song captures the gloominess of rainy days and depressing Mondays. Karen Carpenter's soothing voice and the melancholic melody strikes a chord with listeners, making it a classic. Its relatable lyrics make it an anthem for those struggling to cope with life's challenges. Fans have praised the finesse in Karen Carpenter’s delivery, which has made this song unforgettable. The track features beautiful instrumentation that adds to its emotive effect and showcases Karen Carpenter's vocal range and artistry.
This 1971 hit is still relevant today, as it resonates with people dealing with seasonal affective disorder or wanting comfort during stressful situations.
"Goodbye to love, hello to tears" – Karen's haunting vocals leave us all feeling heartbroken.
3. Goodbye To Love
Karen Carpenter's heart-wrenching delivery in the powerful and soulful ballad captures the emotions of a broken lover who is unable to bear the pain of parting. The song, which was written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, is an iconic and timeless masterpiece that showcases Karen's vocal range. Its harmonious blend of guitar riffs, strings, horns and other instruments make it a memorable piece in the history of music.
If Karen Carpenter sang this to me, I'd believe her and swear off food for the day.
4. I Won’t Last A Day Without You
Karen Carpenter's heartbreaking yet mesmerizing voice shines in the soulful ballad, expressing sincere feelings of love in 'I Won't Last A Day Without You'. The song, written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, was first released on the album 'A Song For You' in 1972. Its rich instrumentation and Carpenter’s vocal performance make it a classic romantic tune with emotional depth that transcends generations.
Get close to Karen Carpenter's heavenly vocals with this timeless classic that still makes hearts flutter and dental hygienists nervous.
5. (They Long To Be) Close To You
This timeless classic, yearning for proximity and connection, is one of Karen Carpenter's most recognizable songs. Its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics have won audiences' hearts over the years. The song's opening piano chord received massive recognition as it became her signature style and coaxed many to sway along. 'They Long to be Close to You' showcases Carpenter's voice at its smoothest, paired with Richard Carpenter's impeccable production skills. It is a great addition to any playlist, receiving immense radio play even decades after its release.
The song encapsulates the feeling of longing for emotional closeness and touches the heartstrings of countless listeners around the world. Its simplicity yet brilliance make it one of the most loved tunes of all time. Amongst the various covers of this number, Karen Carpenter's rendition stands out like a shining gemstone.
Fans were ecstatic when it reached No.1 on the chart in 1970, making it their first major success as recording artists under A&M records.
Karen Carpenter's brilliant composition can turn every uncanny tune into a musical masterpiece through her undeniable charm and remarkable voice.
Karen Carpenter's voice in 'Superstar' is so hauntingly beautiful, it's like her soul was singing from beyond the grave.
6. Superstar
One of Karen Carpenter's most beloved songs, this piece exudes heartbreak and sorrow with its poignant lyrics and soulful melody. With a mix of melancholic piano chords and soft harmonies, it takes listeners on an emotional journey through the troubles of fame and love. The track is elevated by Carpenter's raw yet elegant voice, which captures the vulnerability and desperation of the lyrics perfectly. It remains one of her defining works that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
In Superstar, Karen Carpenter croons about longing for a lost lover who has moved onto bigger things while she remains left behind, consumed by envy and regret. The song is a bittersweet reminder that success always comes at a cost, highlighting the painful sacrifices that one must make to achieve their dreams. Despite its somber tone, however, Superstar manages to capture the spirit of perseverance in face of adversity that ultimately defines the human experience.
What sets Superstar apart is how it humanizes the glamorous world of celebrity culture while also showcasing Carpenter's musical prowess like never before. Her emotive delivery effortlessly conveys the complexities within each verse, making it impossible not to feel swept up in every word. In essence, this is precisely what makes Superstar one of her greatest hits: it offers us a glimpse into her soul while simultaneously speaking to our own.
According to Rolling Stone Magazine, "Superstar" was actually initially recorded by Delaney & Bonnie in 1970 before being covered by numerous artists such as Bette Midler and Luther Vandross – but Karen Carpenter's version remains definitive.
When Karen and Richard sing about hurting each other, it's almost like they're competing for who can make the audience feel the most emotional pain.
7. Hurting Each Other
This track blends melancholic lyrics with the mellow tone of Karen Carpenter's voice. Its success is a testament to her vocal prowess and Richard Carpenter's songwriting skills. "Hurting Each Other" features strategic use of harmony and instrumental layering.
Karen Carpenter captures the emotional essence of lost love perfectly in the song. It talks about how even though two people who are in love hurt each other from time to time, they still need each other. Through its slow tempo and heartfelt vocals, "Hurting Each Other" brings out all the bittersweet feelings associated with broken romance.
Interestingly, "Hurting Each Other" was not as big a hit in charts as some other tracks on this list. But its enduring popularity proves that it is a fan favorite among Karen Carpenter's songs.
With such timeless hits, it's not surprising why Karen Carpenter still has an active base of fans decades after her passing away. If you haven't listened to the American singer's mellifluous voice yet, then there is no better time than now. You wouldn't want to miss out on experiencing musical magic!
Listening to 'Yesterday Once More' is like taking a trip down memory lane, but without all the awkward family photos.
8. Yesterday Once More
This particular song by Karen Carpenter, recognized as 'Yesterday Once More', has touched the hearts of millions of listeners. The lyrics capture the essence of nostalgia and remembrance, reminding us of days we have lost. The gentle orchestration is superbly complemented by Karen's mellifluous voice, making it a timeless classic worth revisiting.
'Yesterday Once More' speaks to the power of longing for past times brought back to life through music. It captures the desire to return to a simpler era that feels so distant yet still close enough to touch with memories and melodies.
Karen's voice was perfectly suited for this kind of song and her usual strong delivery lent an emotional heft to the already beautiful tune.
Undoubtedly one of her best works, this piece stands out even amongst her numerous other hits.
According to Best Classic Bands, "Yesterday Once More" was written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis in 1973.
Karen Carpenter's smooth voice could calm even the most chaotic of karaoke bars during her song 'Sing' – but her rendition of 'I Will Survive' would give any Karen a run for her money.
9. Sing
Karen Carpenter's voice was one of the most iconic in music history. 'Sing', one of her underrated tracks, showcases her soaring vocals and impressive range. The song, written by Joe Raposo, invites listeners to find joy in singing as a way to unite people.
Throughout the track, Karen's unique ability to communicate emotions through her voice is on display. The song's message is simple yet powerful – singing can be a source of happiness and connection. Karen Carpenter's rendition captures this sentiment perfectly.
What sets 'Sing' apart from other tracks on this list is its focus on community-building through music. It encourages listeners to come together and celebrate the sheer joy of singing. This song deserves recognition for its uplifting lyrics and unforgettable melody.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of Karen Carpenter's voice through 'Sing'. Give it a listen today and feel inspired to sing your heart out with loved ones.
Karen Carpenter's voice could make even the most jaded person believe in love, and 'I Need To Be In Love' is a prime example of that.
10. I Need To Be In Love
This heartfelt ballad captures the longing for love with its haunting melody and melancholic lyrics. The vocals by Karen Carpenter are delicate and bittersweet, conveying the emotions of loneliness and yearning effortlessly. The instrumentation is minimalistic, yet effective, creating a sense of space and vulnerability that adds to the song's overall appeal. It's one of the most memorable numbers from Karen Carpenter's discography and is likely to resonate with anyone who has experienced unrequited love or longed for companionship.
In 'I Need To Be In Love,' Karen Carpenter sings about a deep feeling of emptiness and how she longs for someone to fill it. She expresses her vulnerability through emotive lines like "I need to be in love, I need to be in love / I wanna see the sun come up each morning." Her voice ebbs and flows, rising to a crescendo as she sings about how much she desires genuine affection. It's an emotionally charged performance that showcases her vocal range perfectly.
What sets 'I Need To Be In Love' apart is its ability to capture both joy and sadness simultaneously. While the lyrics may seem despondent initially, there is an underlying sense of optimism in them. The final verse where Karen sings "The night can't last forever / I need someone now and then" speaks volumes about how even in our loneliest moments we can find solace in knowing that things will get better eventually.
Interestingly enough, this song wasn't originally written for Carpenter but was pitched to her by Richard Carpenter after he saw a demo version by composer Albert Hammond. It went on to become a significant hit, charting at number 25 on Billboard Hot 100 charts. Over time, 'I Need To Be In Love' has become one of the most beloved tracks from the iconic duo's discography – a timeless masterpiece that continues to evoke strong emotions years after its release.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
