Customer Reviews

Love Songs

5 star:		(70)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am almost willing to bet the house that this album has brought a hefty percentage of its listeners to tears. It's almost impossible not to cry when you hear Karen Carpenter sing. It's near heart-wrenching to imagine this lovely, attractive woman whose vocal chords emitted perhaps the sweetest, purest sound of her day -- and, perhaps of today -- starving herself to death. In each track on this album, one can't help but hear the agony in Karen's voice. Her misery was our gift, for her ability to emote through music can stir the emotions of even the most cynical among us. In Karen's music, she's often expressing the emotions that so many feel but never admit: longing, lonliness, love, desperation, hurt, and the list goes on. Much like the illness anorexia nervosa which claimed her life, the depth of this particular musical compilation can be overwhelming. One cannot help but wish, "If only someone could have done somethingt to help her." While that's a moot point, her talent should serve as motivation enough to be understanding and supportive of those who battle with eating disorders. When Karen Carpenter died, the world lost a musical wonder. Yet, her genius lives on in the form of her music, and this album in particular, showcases her gifts to tremendous effect.

I have loved listening to Karen Carpenter's voice since I was a little girl. However, from my teen years until I was about 30, I had forgotten about the Carpenters & just how great their music was.

Then, about 5 years ago, my husband had this CD playing in our car - and I fell in love with this music all over again! This particular CD has ALL of my favorite Carpenter's songs on it, so I play it quite often.

If you ever loved the Carpenter's, or just adore love songs, then this CD is for you. I only wish Karen was still around to create more great music with her brother - they made an amazing team!

...listen to the music, listen to the songs, listen to Karen's voice. And then try to say that they ain't great performances. ...this is a primo collection of some of the best music ever made by the duo...or by anyone else, for that matter. I always loved thier rendition of Sedaka's "Solitaire"...and "Goodbye to Love" is one of the greatest tunes ever recorded, in my humble opinion. This is chocked full of tunes you know all the words to and that you already love. It is truly deserving of an Amazon.com double five star rating...and that is no lie. Get it, now.

Love Songs by Karen and Richard Carpenter is an amazing CD collection of many of their greatest love songs and ballads. The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is very nicely done. This is a wonderful CD for Carpenters fans; and people who appreciate classic love songs everywhere will want this CD.

"I Need To Be In Love" is a tender ballad that Karen Carpenter sings with great sensitivity; and this moves me very much. Richard plays this so well and "I Need To Be In Love" is an excellent start for this album. "Solitaire" shines just as brightly as Karen sings this to perfection--and beyond! Karen's voice is showcased on "Solitaire" and that impresses me greatly. I especially enjoy "We've Only Just Begun;" this touching optimistic love song sounds beautiful to me and I could never tire of hearing this Carpenters song! The chorus is very well done and this `70s love song stands the test of time effortlessly. "You're The One" is another major highlight of this album; Karen sings this in such a way that you believe she's truly singing just to you and the vulnerability in her voice enhances her performance, too.

"Superstar" is one of the most moving, heartbreaking torch songs I've heard--ever; and I highly recommend this ballad for torch song lovers out there. "Rainy Days And Mondays" is another sad song; but it's beautifully done that I will always enjoy this stunningly beautiful love song. Karen delivers this with all her heart and soul; and just one listen proves it! "Rainy Days And Mondays" is an awesome love song about a woman in pain after her lover has gone. "(They Long To Be) Close To You)" is a wonderful Burt Bacharach tune that is yet again timeless; the passion in this song resonates from Karen's voice and the exceptional musical accompaniment.

"For All We Know" is an optimistic love song even though it hints at the uncertainty and insecurities we all sooner or later feel when we're in love; and this number flows magnificently. "Only Yesterday" celebrates the joys of a new love blossoming; and this is anything but elevator music! "When I Fall In Love" gets the royal treatment from Karen and Richard Carpenter; they handle this cover song with grace and style. In addition, "Hurting Each Other" is a poignant song about the pain lovers can feel when they don't always get along; and listen for "I Won't Last A Day Without You." "I Won't Last A Day Without You" explores the need for companionship and soul mates that we all want from our one true love--and that's terrific! The CD ends well with Karen and Richard Carpenter performing "Goodbye To Love." "Goodbye To Love" is a sad but very beautiful song about a love that has faded.

Karen and Richard Carpenter turned out many superlative tunes in their day; and this CD of love songs easily contains many of their best efforts. We are all better off for their sharing their wonderful talents with us.

Thank you, Karen and Richard Carpenter!

"Love Songs" is the definitive Carpenters' collection. Kudos to the wonderful selection of material. Most of the huge classic hits are here, and I like the fact that atypical greatest hits compilation titles were included, such as "You're the One" (this song has become one of my favorites), "A Song for You" (which would have excelled as a single release), the underappreciated but beautiful "Solitaire," and "I Need to Be in Love" (one of Karen's personal favorites). Love songs were the Carpenters' stock in trade, and this compliation highlights this fact to beautiful, polished heights. Richard's songwriting and arranging skills are unmistakably astute. AND KAREN'S ANGELIC, CLEAR, HAUNTING, AND MESMERIZING VOICE SIMPLY HAS NO PEER! As reflected in the 1983 album title, Karen's was a "voice of the heart," and that album is represented here with the inspiring "Make Believe It's Your First Time." This fantastic collection should become a must for even the most casual Carpenters' fan and for anyone who appreciates beautiful music served with an unforgettable voice.

I am only 13 years old, but I love Karen's beautiful voice. I first heard her when I was listening to a Christmas station. She came on singing "Merry Christmas Darling" and it almost made me cry. Her voice was deep and unique and unlike anyone I had ever heard before. My mom told me about her life and how she died in the 80s. It's a shame that there is no one in this day that can sing like her. Britney, Christina, ect., can only wish they had Karen's voice. Karen's music and beautiful talent is timeless.

I bought this CD for my 10 year old daughter's birthday to give her something more pure to listen to in this rap trash mouth world. I listened to these songs in the 70's as a teen and fell in love with Karen and her music. One recent rainy Saturday, I sat mesmorized on my deck listening to this CD. It was a trance-like state. It brought back many memories of falling in and out of love over the years. When I was done, my kids kept playing Top of the World over and over again. Yesterday, I heard her trying to play this on the keyboard. She sounded great. Let your children have a chance to experience this music.

This collection has some of their best hits, and some that could have and should have been hits, such as "You're the One," and "Where Do I Go From Here?". As always, Karen's voice and Richard's great arrangements deliver the goods! And that last note she sings on the song, "Solitaire," mmm-hmm! It's sad to think of how much more Karen would have done if she were still with us. Even if you have all of The Carpenters' other albums, this is a good one to get! A definitive collection of timeless music.

Anything that Karen Carpenter sings is gorgeous! Many of the same favorites, but just a beautiful collection of love songs specifically. How can you do any better? I know we will run out of cuts that this amazing lady made, but it is just a joy to hear her clear voice, always right on the pitch, the timbre of her voice appropriate to the song, and seemly reaching right through the speakers and grabbing your attention and your heart. Way to go, Karen!!

I have this cd, and I have always loved to hear her beautiful voice. this is a great compilation of their love songs.But I am just partial to anything KAREN CARPENTER sang anyway.