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Horizon (1975) by The Carpenters

  • Papa Merv
  • Oct 15, 2022
  • 2 min read

Released later than most of their well-known tunes, their 6th album contains some of their most lush arrangements and heart-wrenching vocals, and it should not be overlooked.

Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8947472

I enjoyed all of the Carpenters phonographs and cassette tapes that my parents had, helping to convert them to mp3 so that they could have CD copies of them. Most of their hits were from their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th albums, but this album was always one of my favorites. Even though I was most impressed by Richard Carpenter's piano finesse on their earlier works, I think perhaps I've always been drawn more to melancholy tunes.



Why I like this album

  • It has one of my top 5 Carpenters songs, "Only Yesterday." For those wondering, my other 4 in my top 5 are (in no particular order): "Top of the World," "Goodbye to Love," "I Won't Last a Day Without You," and "We've Only Just Begun."

  • Karen Carpenter's one-of-a-kind voice is stunning from their first album in 1969 to their last (Posthumous) in 1983, but it has a particular soulful warmth on this record

  • The orchestral arrangements by Richard reach new heights on this album

Album Highlights

  • Aurora: a short opener (bookends the album nicely with its mirror image album closer Eventide which ties the album up very nicely), it features a gorgeous solo from Karen, dreamy piano work from Richard, and fine orchestration

  • Only Yesterday: As mentioned, this is in my top 5 of their entire catalogue. Catchy layered percussion, wonderful lyrics, fabulous harmonies on a memorable chorus, a smooth sax solo. a slick guitar solo, and beautifully orchestrated oboe.

  • Solitaire: Among Karen's most haunting vocals, this cover of a Neil Sedaka tune was the song that first drew me to this album. The downward chord progressions, and dramatic strings (with some unusual chord changes) add to the appeal.

  • Happy: an interesting follow-up to Solitaire, it continues the card-game metaphor but it is much more optimistic. It has intricate acoustic guitar, fabulous harmonies, a driving beat, unusual (and sometimes blaring) use of an ARP synthesizer, and more of the superb orchestration that graces the whole album.

  • Love Me for What I Am: This is another one of the tear-jerker songs for me, but I always liked the powerful confidence portrayed by the protagonist in the chorus. Very honest lyrics in the verses.


Honorable Mentions:



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