About the song
The Carpenters are an American musical duo that consisted of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter. They achieved mainstream success with their soft pop sound, which was characterized by Karen’s distinctive contralto vocals and Richard’s lush arrangements. Their music has been described as “easy listening” and “middle of the road,” but it has also been praised for its beauty, sophistication, and timelessness.
“(They Long to Be) Close to You” is the title track of the Carpenters’ second album, which was released in 1970. The song was written by Richard Carpenter and Roger Nichols, and it was released as the album’s second single. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, and it has become one of the Carpenters’ signature songs.
The song is a beautiful and moving ballad about the power of love. The lyrics express the singer’s longing to be close to the person they love, and they capture the feeling of new love perfectly. The song’s melody is simple but effective, and Karen Carpenter’s vocals are simply stunning.
“(They Long to Be) Close to You” has been covered by many artists, but the Carpenters’ version remains the definitive one. It is a classic song that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was inspired by Richard Carpenter’s relationship with his then-girlfriend, who later became his wife.
- The song’s lyrics were written by Roger Nichols, who was a friend of Richard Carpenter’s.
- The song was recorded in Los Angeles, California.
- The song was produced by Jack Daugherty.
- The song was released as a single in 1970.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Perry Como, Andy Williams, and Elton John.
- The song was used in the 1970 film “The Graduate.”
- The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
“(They Long to Be) Close to You” is a beautiful and timeless song that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. It is a classic example of the Carpenters’ soft pop sound, and it features Karen Carpenter’s stunning vocals. The song is a must-listen for any fan of the Carpenters or soft pop music in general.
