Carpenters Album: “A Song For You [Remaster]”

A Song For You is a strong album from Karen and Richard Carpenter that showcases yet again their singularly beautiful artistry. Karen and Richard performed so very well together that is was practically heavenly; and I am not trying to be effusive-it's just the simple truth. When Karen sang it was as if she was singing to you and only you; and Richard's musical arrangements and backup vocals always enhanced the beauty of their ballads. The artwork is very nicely done and the quality of this sound on this CD is excellent.

The album begins with the title track, "A Song For You." "A Song For You" has a gorgeous melody that fits perfectly with the vocals Karen sings. Karen's voice is not only beautiful; it also conveys a certain innocence and even a touch of vulnerability that made so many people love her singing. Great! "Top Of The World" is a very joyful song that celebrates life, love and everything god. Karen sings this with all her heart and soul; and the sound of Karen and Richard singing together is absolutely wonderful. I rarely enjoy any music that quite so well done. "Top Of The World" is certainly a major highlight of this album; and it was a huge hit for Karen and Richard Carpenter as well.

"Hurting Each Other" is a touching, moving song about a couple who can't seem to stop hurting each other's feelings; their love is in jeopardy and they apparently just don't know how to stop the cycle of abuse. "Hurting Each Other" was another major hit for Karen and Richard and this was very well deserved; the arrangement is lush without being overdone or silly. In addition, there's also "It's Going To Take Some Time;" now Karen sings of a couple who needs time to heal their wounds or decide if they are going to stay together. Karen and Richard sing this with panache and I'm very impressed. "It's Going To Take Some Time" was a huge hit--again!--for Karen and Richard; and just one listen tells you why.

"Goodbye To Love" has a very pretty melody that belies the seriousness of the lyrics; a couple is breaking up and Karen sings this sad song with lots of feeling. Karen really delves into this ballad to flesh it out and give it a true appeal to the listener; and it all holds its own very well. "Flat Baroque" has a great musical arrangement that does indeed have baroque qualities; and there's also the timeless ballad "I Won't Last A Day Without You." Karen sings this flawlessly; and I like the special effect of it sounding as if there were TWO Karen Carpenters singing some of the lyrics! This effect works wonders for this ballad.

"Road Ode" is a number I actually didn't remember from all those years ago; but when I hear it I really do enjoy it. The melody is classic Carpenters--lush without being excessive; and the vocals lack nothing--it's all THAT good. The album also ends nicely with Karen and Richard Carpenter performing a stunning, haunting reprise of "A Song For You." Wowzer!

Karen and Richard Carpenter turned out one of their very best albums with A Song For You. Kudos to the reviewer who so insightfully points out that the first five songs on this album reflect the moods of a cycle of a love affair beginning, lasting and then ending. I highly recommend this as a must-have for Carpenters fans; and anyone who enjoys contemporary pop vocals will love this album, too.

When I first heard this l.p. in the 1970's, I thought and still think it is their best record. The title track will send shivers up your spine and the rest of the album contains some of their biggest hits like Goodbye To Love, Top Of The World, Bless The Beasts And The Children, and Hurting Each Other. It also contains sone other great non hit tracks like Road Ode, and Piano Picker. Unfortunately when I play this on my cd player the recording, even though it has been newly remastered, sounds rough and harsh along the edges and highs. I hope a Dvd audio version will be released in the near future, and I will be the first one to buy a copy. For now I cannot give it a rave review because of the sound quality. I was quite dissapointed about it. However if your fortunate enough to come accross a original vinyl version (and your fortunate enough to still have a record player) you will love the warmth of the original recording. It plays smooth and clean. In short, great lp, all original packaging with lyrics, but rough sound.

Without a doubt, this album was the "gem" of th Carpenters formative years. Not only did it yield several perennial radio hits, the non-released tracks were stunning as well. It was with this album that Karen's lower register was really in full bloom, and is especially wonderful on the opening track, "Hurting Each Other" & the classic, "I Won't Last a Day Without You". It is a real treat to hear this album in its original format, sounding better than ever. I recommend this as well as the other version of "A Song For You", due to the superiority of the remixes on such tracks as "Top of the World" & "Goodbye to Love". If you only opt for one other Carpenters album beyond a "Best Of" collection, consider this! We miss you, Karen!

With this 1972 release, the Carpenters really made it to the "Top of the World". In my opinion, every song on this album could have been a hit single - especially the opener, "A Song for You." Karen's lonesome vocal adds to the "chill." Next comes their #1 hit "Top of the World" and then "Hurting Each Other" (#2), "It's Going to Take Some Time" (#12), "I Won't Last a Day without You" (#11), and then the majestic "Goodbye to Love" (#7) with a rock ending that will knock your socks off! The rest of the album has many beautiful moments, ending with the haunting "Road Ode" and then a reprise of "A Song for You." One could not ask for a better album by this group. Karen and Richard are at their best, and this album proves it!

i bought that orig. master recording. it is vary rare now. the disk is gold and its see through. when you play it on your dvd player, or the upgraded verseions of cd players, then you know that karen is right there w/ you. the songs on here are all very well put together. get this album asap!!