Succinctly stated, it is difficult for me to believe that any true fan of The Carpenters' music could fail to appreciate this offering. While this collection contains several slow ballads, they are offset by a couple of uptempo numbers that bop a bit harder than one is accustomed to hearing on a Carpenters record, and I feel that the album strikes a nice balance with its sequencing.
Four of the songs on this 1989 release were culled from Karen's (then unreleased) solo project produced by Phil Ramone, and they have occasionally been unfairly criticized as being a foray into "disco." Nothing here can be called disco in its basest sense (meaning rhythmically monotonous, banal dance music) but rather, it is finely polished, primarily horn-propelled, bouncy pop; all of it heightened in quality by some rather intricate arrangements and of course, that slightly smoky-edged, melancholy-tinged voice that was Karen Carpenter's art. Yes, the Ramone produced cuts stretched Karen into previously unexplored territory and the same "purists" who called out the dogs when Richard Carpenter released 'Goodbye To Love' with its electric guitar solo will likely balk at this "danceable sin" as well. But the fan who doesn't feel the need to keep this gifted artist in a creative straitjacket will simply smile and tap their toes!
The album bogs down a little with the too draggy standard, 'When I Fall In Love' and 'You're The One', but most of the ballads are comprised of beautifully lilting melodies that infiltrate the listener's mind only after multiple playings. The ears don't always "get it" all at once, but given enough time, you'll find yourself humming these tunes just as you would some of those fabulous radio hits that The Carpenters produced in the 1970's. A perfect example is 'SLOW DANCE', which initially struck me as being not much more than filler, but with multiple spinnings emerged as my favorite track - a wonderful showcase for the huskier timbre of Karen's uniquely sultry voice.
Nothing on this album is going to make you forget about 'We've Only Just Begun' and 'Superstar' any time too soon. Nevertheless, LOVELINES is a stylish affair (indicated by the classy black & white portrait on the cover) with 12 songs that - in terms of vocal arrangement, lyric content, and instrumentation - surpass in sophistication some of their earlier hits such as 'Sing' and 'Close To You.' I feel confident in saying that purchasing LOVELINES and then exercising a little patience with it will pay off nicely for most fans of this great pop duo. I really love the album, and with the exception of their greatest hits collection, SINGLES 1969-1981, this is the Carpenters' cd that I most frequently listen to. Need I say more?
This album is a "must" for anyone who appreciates the growing lovliness of Karen's voice. The new songs, unheard until now, are just gorgeous -- full of musical inventiveness and well orchestrated in ways that enhance the words and spirit of each song. But seldom has anyone heard the "old" standards so well sung. For those of us who are considered "senior" we appreciate more than most the beauty of "Little Girl Blue" more, perhaps, than persons to whom this song is new. Also, most people are used to hearing either Manilow or Nate King Cole sing their respective hits, but Karen gives each her own unique delivery and makes them both come alive once more. Add this one to your collection. You'll be glad you did!
Without a doubt this CD contains some of Karen's finest work, the best being Where Do I Go From Here. Also of high quality is her solo, If I Had You (which has top 20 hit written all over it), You're the One and The Uninvited Guest.
Amazing to think that by 1979 there were more than a dozen un released gems which could have made up an album in 1979 while Richard was ill.
I really did not care for the other "outtake" album, Voice of the Heart, so with Lovelines I was expecting something similar and equally disappointing. I am glad to have been proven wrong for the most part.
The title track, taken from Karen's solo album, is an interesting remix and a fun song overall, but I still prefer the solo album version. This mix sounds strangely echoey to me, and Karen's great background vocal work is downplayed some, which is a shame. But I do like what Richard did with the bassline in the intro.
Where Do I Go From Here is nothing short of amazing. I remember it for its use in the 1989 TV biopic, and it has become one of my favorite Carpenters tracks. Everything about it is right on the mark-- the instrumentation, Karen's vocal, the lyrics. It's haunting, and chillingly beautiful, and a real tearjerker if you think about Karen's life while you listen to it.
The Uninvited Guest isn't a bad song in and of itself, but Karen sounds frail here to me, and it's one of the weaker tracks.
If We Try is another track from the solo album. If it was remixed at all for this CD, I can't hear any major differences.
I have mixed feelings about When I Fall In Love. I love Karen's reading of it, she sounds like she's enjoying the song, but the instrumentation seems a wee bit syrupy to me. To me, it sounds similar to the style used on their Christmas albums. It works beautifully there, but I don't think it fits quite as well here.
Kiss Me the Way You Did Last Night is a pleasant track, but something about it doesn't quite grab me. Karen's voice is drowned in echo again here, which bothers me. But there's some really nice backing vocal work in it, and as always, Tony Peluso's guitar work is outstanding.
Next is another Karen track, Remember When Lovin' Took All Night. I like this song; it's upbeat and fun. As with If We Try, if this was remixed, I can't tell. It sounds the same as it does on the solo album.
You're the One was also featured in the TV movie, and it's a really good song. Karen's vocal sounds strong and clear here, and it's a great arrangement. I wish this song would've made it onto Passage; I feel it's more than worthy. It's one of my new favorites.
Honolulu City Lights is nice, if a little sleepy. Slow Dance is also, well, slow, but it has a certain sparkle to it that endears it to me.
If I Had You is possibly the most disappointing track on this album, and let me explain why. I am 100% certain that this is a different lead vocal than the one used on Karen's solo album. If you ask me, this one pales in comparison to the original. Listen closely to the two versions-- the vocal is markedly different, especially in the first verse, and frankly it doesn't have the same spark. The original lead vocal was perfect as it was. Why did it need to be re-recorded? Much like the remix of Make Believe It's Your First Time on Voice of the Heart, Richard really missed the mark here. He "softened" it up, drowned out the breathtaking backing vocals in a lot of places, and in my opinion, really robbed the song of its original energy. The sole improvement was the dramatic ending he created, which I did like. The solo album version is one of my favorite songs, but this version just doesn't sit right with me at all.
The closing track, Little Girl Blue, is stunning and a perfect showcase for Karen's voice. I, like many others, wish that Karen had recorded a whole album of standards, because it suited her so well.
Overall, I do think this album is very much worth purchasing, but PLEASE get the solo album and enjoy Lovelines and If I Had You as they were originally meant to be heard.
All of the songs are well-mixed and produced, as only Richard Carpenter could do it. However, this collection of songs is sleepy, even for the Carpenters. Four of the tracks are from Karen's solo CD, which is much more interesting and upbeat. I suggest buying KAREN CARPENTER instead.
