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22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Karen and Richard could never fail us--BRAVO, CARPENTERS !!!, June 20, 2008
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.
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"A Song For You" is Vintage Quality Carpenters, July 23, 2005
"A Song For You" is the third consecutive smash-hit album (it went to #4 on Billboard) produced by the Carpenters, the others being "Close To You", and "Carpenters". Unbelievably, no less than 6 hit singles were released from this album! - "Top of the World, (#1 for two weeks) " "Hurting Each Other"(went to #2)" "It's Going to Take Some Time,"(#12) "Goodbye to Love,"(#7) "I Won't Last a Day Without You,"(#11) and, "Bless the Beasts and Children." With this many hits singles, it is an album that definitely pleases.
The album is "bookended" with the touching "A Song for You" (in its complete form at the beginning and in a very haunting rendition at the end that will send tingles up your spine). Interestingly, the order of tracks 1 - 5 repesents a cycle of the stages of a love relationship from initial deep love to an eventual breakup. Karen Carpenter's vocals are extraordinary, and exhibit a depth of feeling that indicate she has experienced the deep emotions in each of these songs.
This album has no dull moments, with every track a unique gem of its own. "Bless the Beasts and Children", is a movie theme that is one of my favorites. "Flat Baroque" and "Piano Picker" are two tracks that show off Richard Carpenters' varied talents as both a composer and performer. Finally, the album wraps with "I Won't Last a Day Without You," "Crystal Lullaby" and "Road Ode." All three are individually pleasing.
The album is another well-deserved GOLD album for the Capenters. While many of these songs are included in the Carpenter greatest hits albums, this album deserves a place on your music shelf library for it is a complete package. You will treasure this album as I do.
Jim Konedog Koenig
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Karen had the lovliest voice I've ever heard..., March 6, 2005
How anyone can deny the sweetness and warmth (well, okay, sheer greatness) in Karen Carpenter's voice is a mystery to me. She was a beautiful talent, and her throat could reach phrases and emotions that most singers wish they had the ability to get. This album doesn't stand up as high concept, but it isn't supposed to be that way. Sometimes the seventies coyness and cuteness shows through, but that is more than forgivable. If you want spirit-lifting melodies and charming songs sung by the best female vocalist, then pick this up. If you own a greatest hits album, note that the lead guitars on both "Top of the World" and "Goodbye to Love" are altered and less flamboyant here.
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by Carpenters 
