The Close to You album came about after the Carpenter’s record company put pressure on them to release a whole album around the corny, but endearing hit single, “
Close to You”. The
Carpenters subsequently came up with another chart topper—“We’ve Only Just Begun”—but their lush covers are what give this album its punch. These include, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Baby It’s You” and Karen’s tragic plea for help with John Lennon’s tune of the same name. The Close to You album was the beginning of great things for the Carpenters in the 70s, but stands out on its own with dignity and sincerity.
