One of the biggest musical acts of the '70s, their list of hits reads like a soundtrack for the boomer generation: "(They Long To Be) Close To You" (1969, their first #1), "We've Only Just Begun" (#2), "For All We Know" (#3), "Sing" (#3), "Hurting Each Other" (#2), "Rainy Days And Mondays" (#2), "Superstar" (#2), "Top Of The World" (#1) and "Yesterday Once More" (#2), all gold, all timeless pop treasures.
Expanding on their previous hits collection, Singles 1969-1973, released in 1974 and certified seven times platinum, Singles 1969-1981 adds their 1975 gold #1 cover of "Please Mr. Postman," as well as 1972's Top 20 "I Won't Last A Day Without You," 1975's #4 hit "Only Yesterday" and the most recent selection, 1981's "Touch Me When I'm Dancing," their final Top 20 hit. As a special treat for fans, a reprise version of "For All We Know" from a British television special also is included.
The other tracks on Singles 1969-1981 range from the Carpenters' first single, their 1969 cover of the Beatles' "Ticket To Ride" and the Top 20 hit "It's Going To Take Some Time" to "I Believe You," "Those Good Old Dreams," "All You Get From Love Is A Love Song" and "I Need To Be In Love."
Three-time Grammy Award winners, including Best New Artist in 1970, the Carpenters helped usher in the adult contemporary genre. Though they were considered too light for the era's rock cognoscenti, their international fandom fell in love with their gentle pop and the music world everywhere mourned Karen's passing on February 4, 1983.
Today, the songs of the Carpenters, heard on Singles 1969-1981 and continually rediscovered, remain among the most beloved of their time.
