About the song
“Close to You,” the second studio album by the American music duo The Carpenters, was released on August 19, 1970. This album holds a special place in music history, not only for its timeless melodies but also for the significant impact it had on the music industry at the time.
The Carpenters, consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter, captured the hearts of listeners with their distinctive sound, which blended soft pop and easy listening. The album’s title track, “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” became an international hit, earning The Carpenters widespread acclaim and establishing them as a major musical force. The song’s gentle rhythm and Karen Carpenter’s soothing vocals brought a fresh and emotional quality to the pop music landscape.
“Close to You” also features another major hit, “We’ve Only Just Begun,” which further showcased the duo’s ability to craft memorable and heartfelt music. This track, along with the album itself, contributed to The Carpenters’ rising popularity and cemented their reputation as influential artists of the early 1970s.
The success of “Close to You” was reflected in its chart performance. The album reached number one on the Canadian Albums Chart and peaked at number two on the U.S. Billboard albums chart. It also enjoyed considerable success in the United Kingdom, where it remained in the top 50 of the official chart for 76 weeks during the early 1970s.
The album’s impact was further recognized at the Grammy Awards, where The Carpenters received eight nominations, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. They won two Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus. “Close to You” was nominated for both Record of the Year and Album of the Year at the 13th Annual Grammy Awards, with “Close to You” earning additional accolades for Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus.
AllMusic’s retrospective review praised “Close to You” as a “surprisingly strong album,” highlighting Richard Carpenter’s skillful arrangements and Karen Carpenter’s exceptional vocal performance. Songs like “Maybe It’s You,” “Crescent Noon,” and “Mr. Guder” were particularly noted for their artistic quality, showcasing the duo’s musical talent and creative vision.
“Close to You” remains a celebrated work, revered for its beautiful arrangements and the heartfelt performances of The Carpenters. The album continues to resonate with audiences, reflecting the enduring appeal of their music and the timeless charm of their sound.
Video
Lyrics
Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Why do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Wa, close to you
Wa, close to you
Ha, close to you
La, close to you